Outer Banks Annual Events - Festivals

For four days in May, the waterfront area of Manteo is alive with the sound of banjos, fiddles, guitars and phenomenal bluegrass singers. Music enthusiasts won’t want to miss this event where the tunes of the mountains pay a visit to the coast as regional bands and solo musicians showcase their talent. Depending on your affinity for bluegrass, you may choose to spend all four days at the festival or swing by now and then. The festival offers many of the bands you’ve come to know and love with a mixture of new and exciting bands who are sure to become your new favorites. This year’s lineup features The SteelDrivers, Blue Highway, Mountain Faith Band, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and many others. Visit www.bluegrassisland.com for the entire line-up and tickets. There will be plenty of onsite food options from many local restaurants, plus you can shop among many talented arts and crafts vendors. Roanoke Island Festival Park’s outdoor waterfront amphitheater is the perfect setting for this wildly popular Outer Banks annual event where you can feel a pleasant breeze from the water hit your face as you listen to the best in bluegrass!

Every year families of buccaneers and scallywags journey to Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head for several days of pirate fun. The Outer Banks Pirate Festival usually takes place in mid-August, so your young mateys can embrace their inner pirates right before going back to school. For three days a group of local pirates bring alive their games, traditions, lore and mischief. Get your face painted, learn the rules of the pirate code, explore the history of pirates on the Outer Banks and attend Scallywag School to prepare yourselves for the treasure hunt. Finish your day the right way by having dinner with the pirates. The hearty grub and camaraderie will keep your pirate spirit alive until the next year’s festival.

Rock the Cape is an arts and music festival that brings musicians, artists and art enthusiasts to Hatteras Island. Live music, an art show, art exhibits, live art demonstrations and crafts and activities for children are part of the fun. The whole family can enjoy this event.This festival benefits the Dare County Arts Council and helps enrich the art community at the Outer Banks.

Enjoy an upscale summer art festival in Corolla with the annual Under the Oaks Art Festival. More than 50 artists present their work to include a fine mix of photography, paintings, ceramics, woodwork and jewelry. You can participate in the art auction, and kids can partake in children’s activities while basking in the shade of the live oaks. Vendors from local restaurants provide food that you can munch on while viewing all the artwork. This event is held in mid- to late June (June 19 and 20 in 2018).

Up for a sophisticated evening activity? Check out Whalehead Wednesdays Wine and Beer Festivals happening from June through the end of September. Every Wednesday evening during the summer months you can sample a variety of wines and beer along with fruit and cheese while you watch the sun set over the Currituck Sound. Different solo artists and bands provide live music every week, so you’ll get a taste of local talent in addition to the wine and beer. Wine is provided by Sanctuary Vineyards, Whalehead Gallery, Vineyards on the Scuppernong and Corolla Wine, Cigar and Gourmet. There'll also be a beer tasting, featuring samples from the Weeping Radish Brewery and Northern Outer Banks Brewing Company. This Outer Banks event is family friendly with activities that children can enjoy too. Admission includes a tasting glass, and nondrinkers are admitted free.