Outer Banks Annual Events - Fundraisers & Benefits

Ocracoke's fun-filled race weekend, held the last weekend of April, draws runners of all skill levels for a half-marathon, 10K and 5K. If you're looking to set a PR, the courses are flat (there's hardly even a hill on this island) and therefore very fast. The 10K and 5K are held on Saturday morning, beginning at Gaffer's Sports Pub and winding through the village. The half-marathon is held on Sunday morning; the course begins at Gaffer's and heads out to the Ocracoke NPS campground then comes back to the village and ends at Gaffer's. Post-run parties are held at Gaffer's both days. All runners receive a t-shirt and finishing medal. These races are fundraisers for Ocracoke Community Radio (WOVV), Ocracoke School Athletic Booster Club and the Ocracoke Community Park. Sign up at runocracoke.com.

Watch – and taste – as the top chefs on the Outer Banks battle it out to turn canned food into culinary masterpieces. The Annual Holiday Chefs' Challenge is a fundraiser for the Beach Food Pantry that brings all of the excitement and energy from cooking show competitions right to Manteo. Participating chefs have 60 minutes to prepare a dish that uses items the Food Pantry usually keeps in stock, always including at least one canned good item. Attendees are invited to judge the chefs’ work and vote for their favorite dishes, and the only way they can determine this is by sampling everything. Standard tickets include event entrance, Chefs' Creations and two drink tickets. Those who opt for the VIP tickets also receive an open bar in addition to a glimpse behind the scenes at the special reception. This event usually occurs in mid-November to early December. 

Kitty Hawk Surf Company's annual Outer Banks Kayak Fishing Tournament is held in mid-September. This is a great way to explore the scenic waterways of the Outer Banks. Where else can you gently float near a heron while also reeling in a fish? After garnering your bounty of fish, head back to land to enjoy a cookout and awards ceremony. The $40 registration fee can be paid online or at any of the four Kitty Hawk Surf Company shop locations along the Outer Banks.

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.