Outer Banks Annual Events - Fundraisers & Benefits

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.

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.

Fresh local fish fillings, zesty salsa, the flavorful crunch of veggies, a handmade masa tortilla holding it all together – who does it best on the beach? Decide for yourself at the OBX Taco Cook Off. Chefs from popular Outer Banks eateries gather at Ortega’z Southwestern Grill and Wine Bar and compete to craft the top taco creation. Admission to the event includes a taco from each competing restaurant so that you can give everyone a fair chance before voting for your favorite. The event also has live music, raffle prizes and family-friendly activities. Proceeds from this event help send children the summer camps at Jennette’s Pier and the N.C. Aquarium. This annual Outer Banks event usually occurs in late April.

You don’t have to be a top tier athlete to enjoy the Outer Banks Marathon weekend. The shorter distances of the 8K, 5K and Fun Run offer walkers and runners of any ability a chance to take part in this popular event. Run, jog or walk your way through one of the most picturesque areas on the East Coast. The trail is lined with enthusiastic volunteers and supporters ready to cheer you on as you make your way toward the finish line. After crossing the finish line, celebrate your achievements at the after parties, then by visiting the delicious nearby restaurants or heading out to the beach. These races are held the second Saturday in November.

It’s time to put your physical prowess to the test with one of Outer Banks athletes’ most anticipated events – the Outer Banks Triathlon. Whether you’re an individual athlete, part of a relay team or even a cheering spectator, this two-day event on Roanoke Island brings excitement and fitness inspiration to everyone involved. If you’re participating, get ready to swim in the Old Swimming Hole, bike through scenic Mashoes and run around the north end of Roanoke Island. It’s fun for people of all athletic abilities. Spectators and volunteers are always welcome – after all, where would these participants be without the much-needed cheers and encouragement? Get training and join in the Sprint, Olympic or Half distances. The Triathlon is held in mid-September. For information go to Outer Banks Sporting Events website.

The annual Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament, based out of Pirate's Cove Marina in Manteo, is one of the most anticipated fishing tournaments on the Outer Banks. It’s a week of fishing, friends and fun – in fact, it’s like a festival and fishing tournament combined. There will be food, beverages, live music and plenty of fishing, everything that you could possibly need. You’ll start the week with a party to meet the competitors and socialize, spend the next several days on the water and come back at the end of each day for a party. It’s pure fun, and it helps fund charitable organizations. For more information or to register, go to www.pcbgt.com.

Every June the carnival comes to town! Join in the fun of rides, fair food and midway games at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. This event is extra special fun for families because it benefits the Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County, an organization that advocates for kids from birth through adolescents. This event is held mid-June. 2018 dates are June 14 to 20 from 5 to 11 p.m. each night.

Forget “the world is your oyster!” At the Stumpy Point Oyster Fest, the oyster is your world. For more than 30 years, this all-you-can-eat oyster festival has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Celebrate a chilly February day with friends, family, homemade desserts and your favorite bivalves. Whether you want your oysters steamed or fried is entirely up to you, and once you’ve had your fill of them – if that’s even possible – chow down on some fresh fish that’s fried up right in front of you. And you’ll be doing some good eating for a cause too; proceeds from the Oyster Feast benefit Stumpy Point families in need.