Outer Banks Annual Events - Child & Family Friendly

Join the Town of Duck as it celebrates this nation’s birth with a parade, live music and more. Visitors and locals from all over the Outer Banks come to Duck to check out and enjoy the parade and other festivities. The parade includes floats, decorated cars, dog walkers and people showcasing their talents to delight the crowd. After the parade, head over to Duck Town Park to watch the awards ceremony for members of the parade, listen to live music and indulge in some refreshments. Named by ABC News as one of the country’s Top 10 best small-town celebrations, this Outer Banks event brings members of the community together for a day of patriotic fun.

Wait ... kegs can fly?! Who knew? Kitty Hawk Kites knows because they sponsor this fun (and funny) festival every October. Various groups around the Outer Banks create "flying" machines out of 1/6 kegs (empty ones) and whatever contraption they can come up with that might – emphasis on the word might – fly off a platform. It's a ton of fun to watch. When you combine that with a craft beer garden, local food vendors, live music, a kids' zone and more, you're in line for a pretty fun experience. For more information or questions, visit the event's website. 

Is it true that old buildings really are spookier? Find out for yourself at Creepy in Corolla. This annual event is organized each year by Whalehead and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. The two attractions, Currituck beach businesses and residents come together to create a family friendly Halloween experience in Historic Corolla. Children sporting their Halloween attire begin the night at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, which is decorated for the event. Climb the haunted lighthouse as darkness falls over Corolla, and see if the lighthouse keepers of yesteryear are giving out tricks or treats. From there, make your way towards Whalehead Park among the rows of Trunk or Treaters, provided by local businesses and townspeople. Upon arriving at Whalehead, enter if you dare to find even more treats inside of the Halloween-ready house. This annual event is on Halloween night from 6 to 8 p.m., and is festive fun for Halloween lovers of young, old and anywhere in between.

Here at the Outer Banks we love our seafood – the tuna, mussels, oysters, grouper, scallops, mmmm, we could go on and on about it. Have you ever thought about the source of seafood that you buy or eat? Hatteras Island’s Day at the Docks is an event to celebrate seafood and answer all of your questions about it. Learn how seafood affects the Outer Banks community and economy. Discuss marketplace choices and sustainability within local communities. You can participate in the Fishy K Fun Run, put your cooking skills to the test in a chowder cook off, enjoy competitions, demonstrations and much more. The Taste of North Carolina, Hatteras Style event is also held during Day at the Docks, so spend your evening sampling regional food and beverages while listening to live music. For more information, questions or concerns, reach out to Day at the Docks through their Facebook page or by emailing the event's website.

Meet at the Town Green on the first Saturday in December for an afternoon of caroling, live holiday music, hot cocoa and a visit from the jolly ol' elf himself. The Town of Duck kicks off its celebration of the holiday season with live music, carolers, the lighting of the town’s Crab Pot Tree and delicious treats. Santa delights spectators as he shows up in the fire engine. Businesses extend their hours for the celebration so you’ll have plenty of time to drift around the shops and participate in the Great Elf Hunt. The Outer Banks SPCA and Food for Thought also accept donations at this event. Rally up your family and friends and come out to Duck for a wholesome day of holiday cheer.

Produced by Ocracoke's Latino residents in partnership with Ocracoke Alive, the annual Latino Festival de Ocracoke is held in early November. This celebration features music, dance, games, arts and food from the many regions of Mexico and Latin America. 

Dare County’s longest-running art show has been attracting visitors and artists, new and returning ones, for more than 30 years. Held at the Dare County Arts Council on Roanoke Island in February, this art show of fine art ranging from conceptual to realistic has become a local tradition. You’ll have the chance to display or view work from a variety of different mediums including oils, acrylics, sketches, woodworking, metal, clay and more. There is also the opportunity for artists to win cash prizes for their work with Best in Show, Excellence, Honorable Mention and People’s Choice awards presented. Whether you’re an artist or art appreciator, Frank Stick Memorial Art Show is an Outer Banks event that you won’t want to miss.

For more than 40 years, professional hang gliders have met up at Jockey’s Ridge and the Currituck County Airport in May for four days of hang gliding competitions and socializing with friends. It’s also an event just to watch, even if you’re not soaring on wind drafts. More than 60 competitors travel from all over the country to the annual Hang Gliding Spectacular – some are new and many are old friends. Previous Kitty Hawk Kites instructors have their own reunion too, and they definitely have memorable stories to share. The Woody Jones Memorial Street Dance brings everyone comes together for a fun night of dancing to live music with friends. In between the competitions there are also seminars and hang gliding demonstrations. This Outer Banks event is usually held in mid-May.

This week-long fishing tournament seeks to bring families to Hatteras Island for a week of fishing, socializing, fun and more. A cookout kicks off the week, and participants spend their first day enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and each others’ company. The following days are fish-filled, and crews can spend anywhere from three to five days on the water. While the teams are out on the water, there are a variety of activities kids and family members can enjoy if they’d prefer to stay on land. Each day ends with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live music at the Marlin Club, and the event is concluded with an awards banquet and farewell breakfast. This event is one that the whole family can enjoy, so check it out ... before you know it, everyone will be looking forward to next year’s too! Interested? Go to hatterasmarlinclub.com/tournaments.

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.  

Listen to the engines’ rich purr – and the older, the better – at the OBX Rod and Custom Festival. This Outer Banks annual event celebrates antique and vintage models of cars brought in from not just the Outer Banks but from around the North Carolina and Virginia area. As you drive, park and admire all the cars, check out the family-friendly activities at the event, including food specials, cruise ins, demos, displays and more. The event is based in Nags Head and additional festivities happen in nearby towns too. But of course, what would a trip to the beautiful Outer Banks be without a (N.C. 12) highway breeze ride to see the northern beaches in Corolla or the southern ones in Hatteras?

Fresh local fish fillings, zesty salsa, the flavorful crunch of veggies, a handmade masa tortilla holding it all together – who does it best on the beach? Decide for yourself at the OBX Taco Cook Off. Chefs from popular Outer Banks eateries gather at Ortega’z Southwestern Grill and Wine Bar and compete to craft the top taco creation. Admission to the event includes a taco from each competing restaurant so that you can give everyone a fair chance before voting for your favorite. The event also has live music, raffle prizes and family-friendly activities. Proceeds from this event help send children the summer camps at Jennette’s Pier and the N.C. Aquarium. This annual Outer Banks event usually occurs in late April.

Ocracoke celebrates its sweetest tradition in early August with the annual Ocracoke Fig Festival sponsored by Ocracoke Preservation Society. Local vendors provide fresh figs, fig preserves, local cookbooks and other fig-tastic items. Learn about Ocracoke’s fig history and culture and bring the kids for old-fashioned crafts and games. The showpiece of the Fig Festival is the Fig Cake Bake-Off on Saturday, but look for events all weekend long.

The Ocrafolk Festival is one of the most beloved Outer Banks annual events and traditions. On the first weekend in June, storytellers, musicians and artists bring themselves and their trades to Ocracoke Island for a three-day festival. You can shop directly from artisans and crafters, watch art demonstrations, listen to established and up-and-coming musicians and be absorbed by thrilling tales about Ocracoke Island and North Carolina. Ocrafolk Festival’s music is live and features regional and national bands and solo musicians. As you’re walking around the village during the festival, you can always hear banjos, fiddles, guitars or voices filling the air. Proceeds from Ocrafolk Festival ticket sales support critical student and community programs.

You don’t have to be a top tier athlete to enjoy the Outer Banks Marathon weekend. The shorter distances of the 8K, 5K and Fun Run offer walkers and runners of any ability a chance to take part in this popular event. Run, jog or walk your way through one of the most picturesque areas on the East Coast. The trail is lined with enthusiastic volunteers and supporters ready to cheer you on as you make your way toward the finish line. After crossing the finish line, celebrate your achievements at the after parties, then by visiting the delicious nearby restaurants or heading out to the beach. These races are held the second Saturday in November.

Gone are the days when food trucks only carted around ice cream and hot dogs. The new generation delivers maximum flavor through unlimited creativity. The Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown is your chance to snack your way through not only the beach’s best food trucks but also those from the larger North Carolina and Virginia areas. Vendors include independent trucks as well as the catering trucks from popular Outer Banks restaurants. Sweet, savory and some things downright funky (in a good way), the small snacks or larger meals let you get your fill. Pair your food with a beverage from one of the stands serving beer, wine or water, or check out food trucks with slushies, lemonades and other refreshing beverages. Bands and local musicians perform live during the event, so bring a beach/lawn chair or picnic blanket to relax on while you listen and munch. This Outer Banks annual event is held at the Soundside Events Site in Nags Head.

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.

Where can you enjoy games, friends, music and watermelon all in one place? Try the Outer Banks Watermelon Festival. For several years, locals and visitors have gathered to enjoy summer with this delicious seasonal melon. You can enjoy watermelon-themed games like watermelon bowling, watermelon relays, seed-spitting contests and more. Stir up some friendly competition in a game of corn hole or test your flexibility by trying to beat the limbo stick. This event is held at the Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head and welcomes watermelon lovers of all ages. The festival is free to attend, but you have to purchase tickets if you want to play some games. The best part is that all proceeds go to the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition, so you’ll be helping out something meaningful while having a blast. This event will be held on August 1 in 2018.

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.

Come out to Pirate’s Cove Marina and spend a pleasant summer day engaged in a family-friendly fishing tournament. The Small Fry Tournament is one of the Outer Banks' only annual fishing tournaments that’s just for kids. There are two age groups: 3 to 8 and 9 to 15. The participants spend the day putting their fishing skills to the test, and the event concludes with awards being presented for the biggest catches from each age group. It’s a great chance to expose children to competitive fishing as well as meet others their own age. This Outer Banks event is usually held in late June. For information check the website.

St. Patrick’s Day is a fine holiday, bringing people together to celebrate all things Irish. A huge parade takes place in Nags Head on the Beach Road on the Sunday closest to St. Patrick's Day (some say it's the biggest in North Carolina). So don your green and head out for a day of community fun. People on stilts or riding unicycles, waving flags or walking festively dressed dogs meander through the procession of floats, delighting onlookers and other participants in the parade. Adults love the green beer and parties; kids love the showers of candy and the fun of the parade floats. The parade runs from Bladen Street to Driftwood Street and always starts at 1 p.m.

Before gathering around the Thanksgiving table, gather your crew for a morning run. The Surfin’ Turkey 5K and Puppy Drum Run is an annual Thanksgiving event in Hatteras that lets you and your family participate in a shared activity while working up an appetite for some real turkey later in the day. The runs start at the Hatteras Village Civic Center and wind through the historic fishing village. If you don’t want to commit to the 5K, the Puppy Drum is a half-mile long and open to walkers and runners. Upon finishing the race, enjoy the post-race pancake party, including Carolina Brewery drinks for racers ages 21 and older. The registration fee for the event includes sign up, a goody bag, t-shirt and access to the after party. Children ages 10 and under can register for free. All proceeds from this event go to the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund, which promotes education opportunities in the local schools. This event is held on Thanksgiving morning.

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.

The Elizabethan Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Walk outside along the whimsical path lit by Christmas lights and cheery holiday characters, and you’ll pull your coat a little tighter around you because there’s no way you’re going inside yet. This is your chance to revel in the beauty of the holiday season. The gardens are embellished with thousands of twinkling lights, topiaries, displays and more. Decorations in the gardens range from traditional to alternative, and they all work together to create a magical experience. In the center of all the decorations you’ll find a crackling open-air fire on the Great Lawn, perfect for warming your hands and maybe roasting a marshmallow. Special events are held throughout the duration of WinterLights, with offerings such as Dinner with Santa and Thank You Notes to Santa. In late November and early December, WinterLights is held Tuesday through Saturday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. In January it's held on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. See the website for more information.