Outer Banks Annual Events - Food

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 Carolina. Ocrafolk Festival’s music is live and features regional and national bands and solo musicians. As you’re walking around the village during the festival, you can always hear banjos, fiddles, guitars or voices filling the air. Proceeds from Ocrafolk Festival ticket sales support critical student and community programs.

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 in Nags Head. Learn about the fish that are indigenous as well as the importance between the seafood industry and the Outer Banks community. You’ll leave with a full belly and brain. This Outer Banks Event will be held on October 20 in 2018 and includes live music, beer and wine, kids' activities and more.

Foodies unite for this week of fixed price lunch or dinner offerings at a selection of restaurants throughout the Outer Banks. For one week you can travel to any participating restaurant and order off their special menus. Restaurants from Duck through Hatteras participate in this event, and all the chefs want to do is give you seven days of good eating. For a fixed price you get a three-course meal off of lunch or dinner menus. No registration or advanced ticket purchases are required to enjoy this Outer Banks event – just pick out a participating restaurant, go there and eat! There are so many great restaurants on the Outer Banks, and now’s your chance to visit new places and discover new tastes. This event is usually held the first week of May. Visit outerbanksrestaurantweek.com for dates.

Do you ever wonder who's got the best chili recipe on the beach? Ever think it may be you? Put your skills to the test and judge others' at the Striper's Bar and Grille Annual Chili Cook-Off. Participants can register in advance at  Striper's Bar and Grille, and then they compete to win over the judges with gallons of their signature chili recipe. If you just want to eat chili, that's cool too. Tickets are available for purchase at the door, and admission gives you access to the festivities, fun and, of course, all-you-can-eat chili. Proceeds from the ticket sales benefit a different charity or local organization each year, so you're doing good and eating good. What better way to ward off a chilly winter day than with a bowl (or bowls) of spicy chili? 

When counting your blessings around Thanksgiving, remember to give thanks for oyster season on the Outer Banks. The Big Curri-Shuck Oyster Roast at Sanctuary Vineyards is an all-you-can-eat oyster roast, featuring oysters from I Got Your Crabs in Kitty Hawk and local wines and beer. Barbecue and steamed crabs will be served in addition to oysters. Sample and savor the brews with the food in the tranquil setting in Currituck as live music fills the background. All attendees will receive a signature Sanctuary Vineyards wine glass to take home. This annual event is usually held on the Friday or Saturday following Thanksgiving. It’s a classy and down-home activity to entertain visiting friends and family after the turkey’s been finished and the table’s been cleared. The Big Curri-Shuck sells out most years, so be sure to reserve your tickets in advance on Sanctuary Vineyards’ website or at the shop.