Outer Banks Annual Events - Fundraisers & Benefits

Calling all swashbucklers, buccaneers and everything in between to lace up your finest running shoes and enjoy a great race through some beautiful scenery. You and the members of your crew can walk, jog or run in this half marathon or 5K that’ll take you through the picturesque maritime forest in Nags Head Woods, along the Albemarle Sound and around the Wright Brothers Memorial. And don’t forget, a respectable pirate always looks his or her best, so make sure you’re dressed for the part. Prizes are awarded to the best-dressed and most enthusiastic participants. After the run, you and fellow scallywags can celebrate with the Pirate Jamboree in Nags Head. There is free beer and food for runners and live music to groove to. This Outer Banks event is held in mid-April. Go to www.flyingpiratehalfmarathon.com to register.

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.

When it comes to promoting the health and wellness of infants and new mothers, sometimes it’s as easy as walking. The annual March for Babies, presented by the March of Dimes, is a fundraiser that strives to provide resources and programs to mothers and infants living in the Outer Banks. The March meets in a popular Outer Banks location each year, where the team of locals walks around three miles, raising awareness and donations. All donations to this event and to the individual team members goes toward funding research exploring the causes of premature birth, finding ways to prevent it and efforts to support new families with premature babies. This Outer Banks event usually occurs during the fall and the day and location usually vary each year. Visit the local March of Dimes website to learn more about their upcoming events and programs. 

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.

There are few better ways to celebrate the start of oyster season than with an oyster roast and North Carolina barbecue. For more than 16 years, First Flight Rotary Club has sponsored the Oink and Oyster Roast as a fundraiser for nonprofit organizations in Dare County. This event is open to everyone with a love of oysters and a hearty appetite. The First Flight marching band provides live music that will have your feet tapping as you’re shucking oysters. Come on out to Longboard’s restaurant in Kitty Hawk for a day of oysters, barbecue, friends and community fun. This event is usually held the second weekend in October.