Outer Banks Annual Events - Child & Family Friendly

The annual Festival of Trees is an ideal way to spread holiday cheer while benefiting the nonprofit Outer Banks Hotline. It includes several days of events, including a bazaar, live music, children's activities and more. At the gala on Saturday night you can browse through all of the business-sponsored and decorated trees while you enjoy delectable hors d’oeuvres and coffee and live holiday tunes filling the air. The holiday bazaar and the Bid and Buy It Now Auction are the most anticipated parts of this Outer Banks annual event. Place your bids at the silent auction then check out the new and gently used assortment of decorations, accessories and clothes at the holiday bazaar. All of the proceeds from the event benefit Outer Banks Hotline, so you’re shopping for a worthy cause.

Every Saturday in October finds kids and families at Island Farm on Roanoke Island riding in the ox-drawn wagon to the pumpkin patch to find their special one. After picking out the perfect pumpkin, children can make a corn husk doll, dip candles, stuff a scarecrow, play with 19th-century toys and games, check out the farm animals and more. You might even have the chance to go on a wagon hayride. Roam around on the farm for a bit, just enjoying the beautiful atmosphere around you. Feel the subtle nip of mid-fall in the air even though the sunshine is still warm. This family-friendly event is a great way to jump into autumn.

For a dose of holiday charm, nothing beats the Manteo Christmas Parade. The whole town comes out to see local school bands, vintage cars, the famous Shriners funny cars, SPCA dogs, kids on horseback, dance troupes, floats of all sorts, Queen Elizabeth I and her court (from The Lost Colony) and Santa arriving on the fire truck. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on the first Saturday in December, the parade runs from Manteo High School down Wingina Street, along John Borden Street to Croatan Avenue to Queen Elizabeth Street to Fernando Street. Find a spot anywhere along that route to enjoy the sights and sounds of a small-town holiday celebration. Downtown on Queen Elizabeth Avenue, close to the official parade stage and emcee at the historic courthouse, is probably the most popular spot for spectators. Be sure to get to town early because you'll probably have to park a ways back on a side street and walk to your viewing area. After the parade you can get photos with Santa at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum on Fernando Street. 

An eclectic mix of bands hailing from the region and nearby Southern cities come together in Corolla for an afternoon and night of jamming. It’s a low-key event of good music and good fun. All proceeds from the event go to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund and the Mustang Outreach Program. It’s hard to beat music for a cause. This event is usually held in mid-May. For more information, questions or concerns, get in touch through the event's website.

Say farewell to the old year and ring in the new alongside local businesses, neighbors and visitors at downtown Manteo’s New Year’s celebration. New Year in the New World transforms Manteo’s downtown and waterfront into a street fair celebration. A stage is set in Magnolia Marketplace, and you can dance to the tunes from live musicians and D.J.s. Play the various carnival games and activities. Warm chilled fingers by the bonfire. Lots of local restaurant vendors and food trucks will be located throughout the town to keep you fueled with delicious food and drink. Turn towards the water after the sun sets to watch the largest fireworks display in North Carolina. There’s an early ball drop for children, but the festivities continue until midnight for those who want to celebrate the New Year with the community.