Outer Banks Annual Events - Community

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.

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.

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.