Outer Banks Annual Events - 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 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.

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 in North Carolina. Participants run through the village of Kitty Hawk, historic Kill Devil Hills, the maritime forest in Nags Head, over a bridge and into the charming town of Manteo. It’s an up-close way to do a little sightseeing on the Outer Banks. After crossing the finish line, athletes can check out all the hotspots they ran past, including restaurants, attractions and the beach, and enjoy beer, food, live bands, medal ceremonies and fun! These races, held on Veterans Day weekend, benefit Dare Education Foundation and Outer Banks Relief Foundation.

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.