Outer Banks Annual Events - Fundraisers & Benefits

Give thanks for the enthusiastic and supportive local running community that’s made possible by the Outer Banks Running Club. The Outer Banks Running Club’s main fundraiser, the OBX Gobble 5K and Fun Run, is an annual Thanksgiving event that the entire family is invited to enjoy. The courses take participants through Nags Head, making it hard not to feel thankful for the environment’s natural beauty. This family friendly event is open to all runners, joggers and walkers. Runners who want to include younger participants with them are encouraged to bring baby strollers, jogging strollers and wagons. Runners who aren’t enticed by the length of the 5K can opt for the Fun Run, which has a 9/10 mile course. All who finish the race receive a finisher’s award. This annual event is held on Thanksgiving morning with the 5K first, followed by the Fun Run. Go to the Outer Banks Running Club’s website to register in advance.

Support the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department at the annual OVFD Firemen’s Ball. Because this is island style, this ball isn't the sort to require fancy dress and uncomfortable shoes. What you can expect, however, is a pig-picking, rib-tickling good time. Dig into eastern-style barbecue complete with all the fixings. Peruse the items available for bids at the silent option, and pay attention at the goodies up for grabs at the live auction. And because this is technically a ball, you can still enjoy dancing the night away to the music of bands performing live at the event. This Outer Banks annual event usually occurs during Memorial Day weekend. 

Rock the Cape is an arts and music festival that brings musicians, artists and art enthusiasts to Hatteras Island. Live music, an art show, art exhibits, live art demonstrations and crafts and activities for children are part of the fun. The whole family can enjoy this event.This festival benefits the Dare County Arts Council and helps enrich the art community at the Outer Banks.

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? 

Whether you identify as a dog person or a cat person, everyone can agree the Wags and Whiskers Gala is an essential fundraiser on the Outer Banks – not to mention a whole lot of fun! This annual event is the collaboration of the Coastal Humane Society, Feline Hope, Friends of Felines – Cape Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks SPCA, and all funds raised during the event protect the wellness of dogs and cats on the Outer Banks. Money raised during the Gala provides a variety of services that make the Outer Banks safer for your furry friends, including spay and neutering services, rabies vaccinations clinics, medical care, shelter and rehabilitation for homeless cats and dogs, investigations into cases of animal cruelty/neglect and more. All of this is made possible by you going to the Wags and Whiskers Gala, dining on delicious food from local vendors, imbibing at the full service bar and dancing the night away to musical entertainment. All easy and doable tasks if you ask us. This annual event happens on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Visit the Feline Hope website for more details on each year’s event.