Outer Banks Annual Events - 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 up for grabs at the live auction. And because this is technically a ball, you can still enjoy dancing the night away to the music of bands performing live at the event. This Outer Banks annual event usually occurs during Memorial Day weekend. 

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 of volunteers and spectators cheer you on? It’s for a great cause too – all proceeds from registration and donations go to local charities. This Outer Banks event, now organized by Outer Banks Sporting Events, is held on the Saturday closest to St. Patrick’s Day. There's a fun after party too.

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 to 20 from 5 to 11 p.m. each night.

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).