On this page you will find the annual festivals on the Outer Banks.
Outer Banks Annual Events by Category or Month
Outer Banks Festivals
600 S. Croatan Highway, Outer Banks Brewing Station, Kill Devil Hills
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.
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
Outer Banks Festivals
300 W Carolista Drive, Nags Head
Jockey’s Ridge is all aglow in the month following Thanksgiving. The opening weekend for Jockey’s Ridge State Park Holiday Lights coincides with Kitty Hawk Kites’s annual event, Kites with Lights, on the beloved sand dune and adds even more sparkles to the sky. Outer Banks businesses, organizations and residents congregate in the park’s parking lot for a tailgate-style light display. Come admire the lights and decorations while spreading season’s greetings to your neighbors. Warm fingers and bellies with a cup of hot chocolate from the hot cocoa booth. This event will be held during the evenings starting the first Saturday after Thanksgiving until the last Saturday in December.
Jockey’s Ridge is all aglow in the month following Thanksgiving. The opening weekend for Jockey’s Ridge State Park Holiday Lights coincides with Kitty Hawk Kites’s annual event, Kites with Lights, on the beloved sand dune and adds even more sparkles to the sky. Outer Banks businesses, organizations and residents congregate in the park’s parking lot for a tailgate-style light display. Come admire the lights and...read more
Jockey’s Ridge is all aglow in the month following Thanksgiving. The opening weekend for Jockey’s...read more
Outer Banks Festivals
300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
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 downtown Manteo's monthly First Friday event, which means that after the lighting you can stick around for live music around town, art exhibits and receptions, a book signing, dining in the restaurants and shopping in the shops. Try to arrive downtown by 5:30 p.m., and keep in mind that traffic will be heavy coming into town and that you may have to park a ways back on a Manteo side street and walk to the downtown area.
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
Outer Banks Festivals
This event is happily anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Rock, funk and blues (and some music in between) blast out from the double main stage at Mike Dianna's Grill Room for this two-day event. The bands start the event in the mornings and make sure it lasts into the wee hours of the night. And while you’re listening to the music, be sure you check out the artisan market there — it’s a great place to find artwork, jewelry, clothes and other goodies. Food has been added as a major draw for 2018 – an oyster roast on Saturday and a BBQ Cook Off on Sunday. The best part about this Outer Banks event is that it benefits the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, so you’re having a fine time while helping a major cause. Beer, wine and food are sold on site. The event is held in mid-October. For more information, get in touch with the event via their website.
This event is happily anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Rock, funk and blues (and some music in between) blast out from the double main stage at Mike Dianna's Grill Room for this two-day event. The bands start the event in the mornings and make sure it lasts into the wee hours of the night. And while you’re listening to the music, be...read more
This event is happily anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Rock, funk and...read more
Outer Banks Festivals
777 Sunset Boulevard, Timbuck II Shopping Village, Corolla
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.
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
Outer Banks Festivals
Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Downtown Manteo Waterfront, Manteo
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 the artists. You might find an amazing photograph that you want hanging in your house or a beautifully handcrafted bracelet that will make the perfect present. Admission to this highly anticipated Outer Banks annual event is free, and it’s a family-friendly event. It's held on a Wednesday and Thursday in mid-August.
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
Outer Banks Festivals
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.
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
Outer Banks Festivals
6800 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, Milepost 16, Nags Hed
Come one, come all to OBX Pridefest. This weekend-long annual event, held in September, is an awesome time to celebrate with the LGBTQ community. Starting on Friday and going through Sunday, you can check out a booze cruise, live music, touring productions and comedy shows, a drag brunch, nightly club dancing and the main festival, the Outer Banks Gay Pride Festival. Held at Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, the main festival is free and includes music, food and fun. You might want to attend one or two events, or you can purchase a pass that’ll get you into every event over the weekend. Different restaurants helping to sponsor the event also have vendors at outdoor daytime events and specials throughout the weekend. All daytime events are family friendly; nighttime events are not. Bring your family, friends, a fun-loving attitude and tons of pride – this is one Outer Banks event unlike any other. Contact the event's website for questions and information.
Come one, come all to OBX Pridefest. This weekend-long annual event, held in September, is an awesome time to celebrate with the LGBTQ community. Starting on Friday and going through Sunday, you can check out a booze cruise, live music, touring productions and comedy shows, a drag brunch, nightly club dancing and the main festival, the Outer Banks Gay Pride Festival. Held at...read more
Come one, come all to OBX Pridefest. This weekend-long annual event, held in...read more
Outer Banks Festivals
The Soundside Event Site, 6800 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head
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?
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
Outer Banks Festivals
Soundside Event Site, 6800 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head
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, checking out the raffles, art sale and other festivities. The best part of this event is that it benefits Dare2Care OBX, which raises awareness for veterans and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their main mission is to promote music opportunities for people with special needs by providing free, year-round music lessons. This Outer Banks annual event is held at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head.
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
Outer Banks Festivals
Ocracoke Preservation Society and, Berkley Barn, Ocracoke
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.
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
Celebrate the bounty of the local waters while feasting on fish, crabs, shrimp and more. This fall festival also features live music and fundraising auctions and raffles, with proceeds benefitting Ocracoke Health Center.
Celebrate the bounty of the local waters while feasting on fish, crabs, shrimp and more. This fall festival also features live music and fundraising auctions and raffles, with proceeds benefitting Ocracoke Health Center.
read more
Celebrate the bounty of the local waters while feasting on fish, crabs, shrimp and more....read more