Outer Banks Annual Events - Child & Family Friendly

1

4th of July Celebration in Ocracoke

Island-wide
Ocracoke
(252) 928-6711
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Ocracoke Village celebrates Independence Day with a family-oriented, fun-filled annual event offering many activities for all ages. July Fourth kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony at the school circle followed by the annual Sand Sculpture Contest. Other activities include lighthouse tours, a vintage car show, live music and the annual Classic Old-Time Parade in which visitors and locals build floats, decorate bikes and...read more

Ocracoke Village celebrates Independence Day with a family-oriented, fun-filled annual event offering...read more

2

4th of July in Duck

1200 Duck Road
Duck Town Park
(252) 255-1234
Outer Banks 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...read more

Join the Town of Duck as it celebrates this nation’s birth with a...read more

3

4th of July in Manteo

Downtown Manteo
Manteo
(252) 473-2133
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

The community of Manteo comes together every year to celebrate this nation’s birth with day-long festivities, and you’re invited to this family-friendly event. You can begin your day with a trip to Island Farm to experience an 1850s-style Independence Day. Interact with the farm’s animals, listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, play games and eat some watermelon. In the afternoon...read more

The community of Manteo comes together every year to celebrate this nation’s birth...read more

4

Brewtag

6800 S. Croatan Highway
Soundside Event Site
Nags Head
(877) 359-8447
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Wait ... kegs can fly?! Who knew? Kitty Hawk Kites knows because they sponsor this...read more

5

British Cemetery Ceremony

British Cemetery
British Cemetery Road
Ocracoke
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

On May 11, 1942, the H.M.T. Bedfordshire sank off of Ocracoke Island’s coast. Four of the sailors found their final resting place at the British Cemetery. Each Friday in April, an annual ceremony and reception remembers those sailors and celebrates the small plot of land that’s come to be known as “forever England.” This annual event brings together people from the Ocracoke community, representatives from...read more

On May 11, 1942, the H.M.T. Bedfordshire sank off of Ocracoke Island’s coast. Four of...read more

6

Creepy in Corolla Trunk or Treat

1100 Club Road
Corolla
(252) 453-9040
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Is it true that old buildings really are spookier? Find out for yourself at Creepy...read more

7

Currituck Heritage Bulls & BBQ

Currituck County Rural Center
184 Milburn Sawyer Road
Powells Point
(252) 453-9040
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Celebrate Currituck’s down-home, country culture with barbecue and a rodeo. The Currituck Heritage Bulls & BBQ is an annual fall event that brings excitement and family friendly fun to Currituck residents and visitors of all ages – no native ties required. The People’s Choice BBQ and Kansas City BBQ Competition are the cornerstones of this event. Local restaurants and barbecue experts battle it out for...read more

Celebrate Currituck’s down-home, country culture with barbecue and a rodeo. The Currituck Heritage Bulls &...read more

8

Dare Days

Downtown Manteo
Manteo
(252) 473-2133
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Dare Days celebrates its 48th year in 2023. The festival, always held in downtown Manteo on the first Saturday of June, is a mix of live music, craft and food vendors, dance and activities for all ages. The morning starts with a Blessing of the Day and ends with a big-name music group with people dancing in the streets. In between you can also watch...read more

Dare Days celebrates its 48th year in 2023. The festival, always held in downtown Manteo...read more

9

Dare to Scare 5K and Sweet Treat Fun Run

950 Marshall C. Collins Drive
Manteo
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Swap out your witch’s broomstick for running shoes for this Halloween activity. The Dare to Scare 5K and Sweet Treat Fun Run is an annual event held on the last Saturday of October. The 5K course takes runners from the Roanoke Island’s Coastal Studies Institute to the Dare County Center on the scenic trail full of woodland and marsh views. Prizes are awarded to the...read more

Swap out your witch’s broomstick for running shoes for this Halloween activity. The Dare to...read more

10

Day at the Docks

N.C. Highway 12
Hatteras Docks
Hatteras
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Here at the Outer Banks we love our seafood – the tuna, mussels,...read more

11

Duck Jazz Festival

1200 Duck Road, Duck Town Park
Duck
(252) 255-1234
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Attention jazz lovers! Grab a chair and your family, friends or dog and come to Duck Town Park for a day devoted solely to jazz. One of the most anticipated music events of the year is the Duck Jazz Festival, held in October over Columbus Day weekend. Every year talented artists from all over the country come together to wow concertgoers with their...read more

Attention jazz lovers! Grab a chair and your family, friends or dog and...read more

12

Duck Yuletide Celebration

1200 Duck Road
Duck Town Park
Duck
(252) 255-1286
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Meet at the Town Green on the first Saturday in December for an...read more

13

Eastertide in the Gardens

1411 National Park Drive
Manteo
(252) 473-3234
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

This event has become an Outer Banks spring tradition, and there could be no more beautiful setting than The Elizabethan Gardens in full bloom. The event features an egg scavenger hunt, photo ops, a homemade bake sale, an egg roll on the Great Lawn, visits from Sir Walter “Peter” Wabbit, make and take crafts, gift certificates, stuffed animals, bake sales and more. All...read more

This event has become an Outer Banks spring tradition, and there could be...read more

14

Festival Latino de Ocracoke: Unidad y Celebración

120 Schoolhouse Road, Ocracoke School
Ocracoke
(252) 921-0260
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly
(252) 588-2242

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. read more

Produced by Ocracoke's Latino residents in partnership with Ocracoke Alive, the annual Latino Festival de...read more

15

First Fridays in Manteo

Downtown Manteo
Manteo
(252) 473-5558
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

First Friday is a family-oriented festival held in downtown Manteo on the first Friday of every month from April through December. From 6 to 8 p.m. downtown Manteo’s sidewalks come alive with a wide variety of musical performances and festive activities for all ages. Individual shops and restaurants frequently do their own celebratory activity such as live music, special sales, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Dare County...read more

First Friday is a family-oriented festival held in downtown Manteo on the first Friday of...read more

16

Frank Stick Memorial Art Show

300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo
(252) 473-5558
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Dare County’s longest-running art show has been attracting visitors and artists, new and...read more

17

From Garden to Hearth at Island Farm

1140 U.S. Highway 64
Manteo
(252) 473-6500
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Take a step back in time to a Roanoke Island winter in the 1850s. Island Farm invites you to celebrate fall food traditions as they share with visitors how coastal families prepared for winter two centuries ago. Learn about and try your hand at hearth cooking, food preservation and candle making. You can shuck some corn and do a little shelling too. In...read more

Take a step back in time to a Roanoke Island winter in the...read more

18

Hang Gliding Spectacular

300 W. Carolista Drive, Jockeys Ridge State Park
Nags Head
(252) 441-4124
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

For more than 40 years, professional hang gliders have met up at Jockey’s...read more

19

Harvest HayDay at The Elizabethan Gardens

1411 National Park Drive
Manteo
(252) 473-3234
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

This is one of the most fun fall traditions on the Outer Banks. Stroll around The Elizabethan Gardens, which are beautiful at any time of the year. Take a hayride through the gardens, twist and turn through the hay bale maze, stuff a scarecrow, make an educational craft, get your face painted, listen to music and stories and more. And when the chilly...read more

This is one of the most fun fall traditions on the Outer Banks....read more

20

Hatteras Island Marlin Club Blue Marlin Release Tournament

57174 Saxon Cut Drive
Hatteras Marlin Club
Hatteras
(252) 986-2454
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

This week-long fishing tournament seeks to bring families to Hatteras Island for a week of...read more

21

Hatteras Village Christmas Parade

N.C. Highway 12
Hatteras Village
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Every small town needs a quintessential holiday celebration, and Hatteras Island is no exception. During one of the first Saturdays in December, Hatteras’s businesses, residents, the fire department, U.S. Coast Guard and nonprofit organizations come together for an all-inclusive Christmas parade experience. As twilight falls spectators line the streets and watch the procession of decorated vehicles and floats roll from Teach’s Lair Marina and through...read more

Every small town needs a quintessential holiday celebration, and Hatteras Island is no exception. During...read more

22

Hotline Festival of Trees

600 S. Croatan Highway
Outer Banks Brewing Station
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 473-5212
Outer Banks 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...read more

The annual Festival of Trees is an ideal way to spread holiday cheer...read more

23

International Windsurfing Tour

39450 N.C. Highway 12
OceanAir Sports
Avon
(252) 995-5000
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

If you’re a windsurfing fiend or have a serious appreciation for the sport, the annual Hatteras Wave Jam is an Outer Banks event that shouldn’t be missed. The Wave Jam is part of the U.S. East Coast Windsurfing Competition and Tour featuring the top national and international windsurfers. There are all different levels of competition to add variety to the event. Hatteras is...read more

If you’re a windsurfing fiend or have a serious appreciation for the sport,...read more

24

Island Farm Pumpkin Patch Saturdays

1140 U.S. Highway 64
Manteo
(252) 473-6500
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Every Saturday in October finds kids and families at Island Farm on Roanoke...read more

25

Kites with Lights and Hangin' with Santa

3933 S. Croatan Highway
Jockeys Ridge Crossing Shopping Center
Nags Head
(242) 441-4124
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, so start celebrating immediately by visiting Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head on the weekend after Thanksgiving. Santa Claus will be there on Friday and Saturday, excited to meet all of the children coming to visit. On Saturday evening, after a meaningful conversation with the jolly ol' elf, head over to Jockey’s Ridge to see the giant...read more

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, so start celebrating immediately by visiting Kitty...read more

26

Manteo Christmas Parade

Downtown Manteo
Manteo
(252) 473-2133
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

For a dose of holiday charm, nothing beats the Manteo Christmas Parade. The whole town...read more

27

Manteo Tree Lighting

300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo
(252) 473-5888
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

The lovely little Town of Manteo kicks off the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony and other festivities on the first Friday night in December. Hundreds of people gather on Queen Elizabeth Avenue in front of the historic Dare County Courthouse to enjoy performances of holiday music, to sip hot cocoa and to watch the lighting of the waterfront Christmas tree. The event coincides with...read more

The lovely little Town of Manteo kicks off the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony...read more

28

Mustang Spring Jam

777 Sunset Boulevard
Timbuck II Shopping Village
Corolla
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

An eclectic mix of bands hailing from the region and nearby Southern cities...read more

29

New World Festival of the Arts

Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Downtown Manteo Waterfront
Manteo
(252) 473-5558
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Dare County Arts Council's two-day festival on downtown Manteo’s waterfront features artists from all over the country. While some are new to the festival each year, many are returning. You can find exhibitions of all sorts of media ranging from watercolors, drawings, acrylics, photography, jewelry and pottery. While the festival is a juried show, you still have the opportunity to buy directly from...read more

Dare County Arts Council's two-day festival on downtown Manteo’s waterfront features artists from...read more

30

New Year in the New World

Downtown Manteo
Manteo
(252) 473-2133
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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....read more

Say farewell to the old year and ring in the new alongside local businesses, neighbors...read more

31

New Year's Eve Beach Road 5K

3016 S. Virginia Dare Trail
Tortuga's Lie
Nags Head
(252) 441-7299
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Bring in the New Year a different way by joining locals and visitors for a 5K along the Beach Road. The start gun goes off at about 10:45 p.m., and you can run, walk or bike your way into the New Year. Just show up at Tortugas' Lie on the Beach Road in Nags Head at 10:45 a.m.; no registration or entry fee...read more

Bring in the New Year a different way by joining locals and visitors...read more

32

OBX Rod & Custom Festival

The Soundside Event Site
6800 S. Croatan Highway
Nags Head
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Listen to the engines’ rich purr – and the older, the better – at the...read more

33

OBX Shred Fest

Soundside Event Site
6800 S. Croatan Highway
Nags Head
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

The OBX Shred Fest embraces music, skateboarding and community. This family-friendly event features live performances from Outer Banks music groups and professional bands on its two stage, and there will be demos done by skateboarders, BMX riders, roller derby skaters and more. Watch them shred it – either on the guitar or on the skate ramps – while also enjoying the food and beverage vendors,...read more

The OBX Shred Fest embraces music, skateboarding and community. This family-friendly event features live performances...read more

34

OBX Taco Cook-Off

Ortega'z Southwestern Grill & Wine Bar
201 Sir Walter Raleigh Street
Manteo
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Fresh local fish fillings, zesty salsa, the flavorful crunch of veggies, a handmade masa tortilla...read more

35

OBX Veterans Week

Various Locations
Outer Banks
(252) 202-3007
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly
Dare County Arts Council
(252) 473-5558

Every year near Veteran’s Day, the Outer Banks recognizes the nation’s veterans and their families with a week of events, ceremonies and special offers. OBX Veterans Week takes an artistic approach to honoring veterans and their loved ones. Events offered throughout the week may include, but aren’t limited to, writing workshops, live music concerts, readings and more. The programs and activities held each OBX Veterans...read more

Every year near Veteran’s Day, the Outer Banks recognizes the nation’s veterans and their families...read more

36

Ocracoke Fig Festival

Ocracoke Preservation Society and
Berkley Barn
Ocracoke
(252) 928-7375
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Ocracoke celebrates its sweetest tradition in early August with the annual Ocracoke Fig Festival sponsored...read more

37

Ocracoke Island Waterfowl Festival

Berkley Barn
58 Water Plant Road
Ocracoke
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival, held in April, draws hundreds of decoy carvers and collectors from Ocracoke Island and around the region. The event is sponsored by the nonprofit Ocracoke Island Decoy Carvers Guild, which was formed in 2018 to preserve this art form and piece of Ocracoke Island history. It's a one-day event and usually features a barbecue dinner and bake sale.read more

Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival, held in April, draws hundreds of decoy carvers and collectors from Ocracoke...read more

38

Ocrafolk Festival

Berkley Manor
58 Water Plant Road
Ocracoke
(252) 921-0260
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

The Ocrafolk Festival is one of the most beloved Outer Banks annual events and traditions....read more

39

Oink 'n' Oyster Roast

3833 N. Croatan Highway
Longboards Island Grill
Kitty Hawk
(252) 489-9198
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

There are few better ways to celebrate the start of oyster season than with an oyster roast and North Carolina barbecue. For more than 16 years, First Flight Rotary Club has sponsored the Oink and Oyster Roast as a fundraiser for nonprofit organizations in Dare County. This event is open to everyone with a love of oysters and a hearty appetite. The First...read more

There are few better ways to celebrate the start of oyster season than...read more

40

Outer Banks 8K, Buccaneer 5K and Family Fun Run

100 Veterans Drive
First Flight High School Stadium
Kill Devil Hills
(252) 255-6273
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

You don’t have to be a top tier athlete to enjoy the Outer...read more

41

Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival

1 Festival Park Drive
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Manteo
(252) 423-3039
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

For four days in May, the waterfront area of Manteo is alive with...read more

42

Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown

Soundside Event Site
6800 S. Croatan Highway
Nags Head
(252) 473-2138
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Gone are the days when food trucks only carted around ice cream and hot dogs....read more

43

Outer Banks KidsFest

1 Festival Park Drive
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Manteo
(252) 441-0614
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Spend a beautiful spring morning at Roanoke Island Festival Park enjoying an Outer Banks event made just for the little kids. KidsFest is geared toward ages 5 and younger, giving them a day of play and exposing them to the Outer Banks community. An array of exhibitors and vendors from all over Dare County convene to provide arts and crafts, face painting, bubbles, vehicle exhibitions,...read more

Spend a beautiful spring morning at Roanoke Island Festival Park enjoying an Outer Banks event...read more

44

Outer Banks Pirate Festival

3933 S. Croatan Highway
The Bypass, MP 11, Jockey's Ridge Crossing
Nags Head
(877) 359-8447
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Every year families of buccaneers and scallywags journey to Kitty Hawk Kites in...read more

45

Outer Banks Seafood Festival

6800 S. Croatan Highway
The Bypass, MP 15.5, Soundside Event Site
Nags Head
(252) 441-8144
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Do you ever wonder about the abundant amounts of seafood caught and consumed on the Outer Banks? Well, wonder no more. The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is an event that will educate, entertain and feed you. What more could you want? The local bounty of the sea and the tradition of fishing that puts it on our tables are celebrated at this festival...read more

Do you ever wonder about the abundant amounts of seafood caught and consumed...read more

46

Outer Banks Watermelon Festival

3933 S. Croatan Highway
Jockey's Ridge Crossing
Nags Head
(252) 441-4124
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Where can you enjoy games, friends, music and watermelon all in one place?...read more

47

OVFD Firemen's Ball

Berkley Barn
58 Water Plant Road
Ocracoke
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Support the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department at the annual OVFD Firemen’s Ball. Because this is island style, this ball isn't the sort to require fancy dress and uncomfortable shoes. What you can expect, however, is a pig-picking, rib-tickling good time. Dig into eastern-style barbecue complete with all the fixings. Peruse the items available for bids at the silent option, and pay attention at the goodies...read more

Support the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department at the annual OVFD Firemen’s Ball. Because this is...read more

48

Rock the Cape Festival

40920 N.C. Highway 12
Avon
(252) 473-5558
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Rock the Cape is an arts and music festival that brings musicians, artists...read more

49

Running of the Leprechauns 5K and 10K

Satterfield Landing Road
Nags Head
(252) 255-6273
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Lace up and join hundreds of other runners and walkers as they complete a 5K or 10K course through the Town of Nags Head and Nags Head Woods Nature Conservancy. Get your heart pounding and blood flowing as you take in the scenery of springtime on the Outer Banks. What better way is there to celebrate the Irish than by running as groups...read more

Lace up and join hundreds of other runners and walkers as they complete...read more

50

Small Fry Tournament

2000 Sailfish Drive
Pirate's Cove Marina
Manteo
(800) 367-4728
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Come out to Pirate’s Cove Marina and spend a pleasant summer day engaged...read more

51

Soundside FunFair

6800 S. Croatan Highway
Soundside Event Site
Nags Head
(252) 441-0614
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly
(252) 441-0614

Every June the carnival comes to town! Join in the fun of rides, fair food and midway games at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. This event is extra special fun for families because it benefits the Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County, an organization that advocates for kids from birth through adolescents. This event is held mid-June. 2018 dates are June 14...read more

Every June the carnival comes to town! Join in the fun of rides, fair food...read more

52

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Beach Road, Milepost 11 to 13, Nags Head
Kelly's Restaurant, 2316 S. Croatan Highway
Nags Head
(252) 441-4116
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

St. Patrick’s Day is a fine holiday, bringing people together to celebrate all...read more

53

Stumpy Point Oyster Feast

238 Bayview Drive
Stumpy Point
(252) 473-5869
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Forget “the world is your oyster!” At the Stumpy Point Oyster Fest, the oyster is your world. For more than 30 years, this all-you-can-eat oyster festival has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Celebrate a chilly February day with friends, family, homemade desserts and your favorite bivalves. Whether you want your oysters steamed or fried is entirely up to you, and...read more

Forget “the world is your oyster!” At the Stumpy Point Oyster Fest, the...read more

54

Surfin' Turkey 5K and Puppy Drum Run

56658 NC Highway 12
Hatteras
(252) 986-2810
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Before gathering around the Thanksgiving table, gather your crew for a morning run. The Surfin’...read more

55

TowneBank Outer Banks Marathon and Southern Fried Half Marathon

Ends in Downtown Manteo
Manteo
(252) 255-6273
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

These two races helped put the Outer Banks on the map as an athlete’s paradise! The varying terrain, mild weather and scenic route attract top runners every year. But there’s more to it than just a marathon and half-marathon – the guest speakers, clinics, expo, family activities, surrounding events and more have helped shape this into one of the most popular running events...read more

These two races helped put the Outer Banks on the map as an...read more

56

Under the Oaks Festival

1100 Club Road
Corolla
(252) 453-9040
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Enjoy an upscale summer art festival in Corolla with the annual Under the...read more

57

VusicOBX

1 Festival Park
Manteo
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

VusicOBX is a summer concert series held at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo. The organizers are Outer Banks locals who love bringing people together through live music. They book nationally known touring bands in genres of rock, reggae, country, jam, emo and more so there's something for everyone each summer. With a stunning view of Roanoke Sound and a gorgeous green lawn, Roanoke Island...read more

VusicOBX is a summer concert series held at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo. The...read more

58

Whalehead Wednesdays Wine Festivals

1100 Club Road
Corolla
(252) 453-9040
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

Up for a sophisticated evening activity? Check out Whalehead Wednesdays Wine and Beer Festivals happening...read more

59

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival

Locations throughout the Outer Banks
Manteo
(252) 216-9464
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival is an annual six-day celebration devoted to celebrating the wild side of the Outer Banks and the surrounding region. Held in October, the festival offers almost 100 programs in themes ranging from birding and wildlife photography to paddling, natural history and more. It’s a fun and educational event for the whole family, and since it takes place in the shoulder...read more

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival is an annual six-day celebration devoted to celebrating the wild...read more

60

WinterLights

1411 National Park Drive
Manteo
(252) 473-3234
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

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...read more

The Elizabethan Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Walk...read more

61

Wright Kite Festival

1000 N. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 8
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Kill Devil Hills
(877) 359-8447
Outer Banks Child & Family Friendly

At this annual festival you'll learn about flight where the Wright brothers first took theirs. At the Wright Brothers National Memorial, you’ll learn to fly a stunt or power kite and watch the experts display their skills. This Outer Banks event is held in mid-July at Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills.

At this annual festival you'll learn about flight where the Wright brothers first...read more