Outer Banks Annual Events - June

This week-long fishing tournament seeks to bring families to Hatteras Island for a week of fishing, socializing, fun and more. A cookout kicks off the week, and participants spend their first day enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and each others’ company. The following days are fish-filled, and crews can spend anywhere from three to five days on the water. While the teams are out on the water, there are a variety of activities kids and family members can enjoy if they’d prefer to stay on land. Each day ends with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live music at the Marlin Club, and the event is concluded with an awards banquet and farewell breakfast. This event is one that the whole family can enjoy, so check it out ... before you know it, everyone will be looking forward to next year’s too! Interested? Go to hatterasmarlinclub.com/tournaments.

Come out to Pirate’s Cove Marina and spend a pleasant summer day engaged in a family-friendly fishing tournament. The Small Fry Tournament is one of the Outer Banks' only annual fishing tournaments that’s just for kids. There are two age groups: 3 to 8 and 9 to 15. The participants spend the day putting their fishing skills to the test, and the event concludes with awards being presented for the biggest catches from each age group. It’s a great chance to expose children to competitive fishing as well as meet others their own age. This Outer Banks event is usually held in late June. For information check the website.

Enjoy an upscale summer art festival in Corolla with the annual Under the Oaks Art Festival. More than 50 artists present their work to include a fine mix of photography, paintings, ceramics, woodwork and jewelry. You can participate in the art auction, and kids can partake in children’s activities while basking in the shade of the live oaks. Vendors from local restaurants provide food that you can munch on while viewing all the artwork. This event is held in mid- to late June (June 19 and 20 in 2018).

Up for a sophisticated evening activity? Check out Whalehead Wednesdays Wine and Beer Festivals happening from June through the end of September. Every Wednesday evening during the summer months you can sample a variety of wines and beer along with fruit and cheese while you watch the sun set over the Currituck Sound. Different solo artists and bands provide live music every week, so you’ll get a taste of local talent in addition to the wine and beer. Wine is provided by Sanctuary Vineyards, Whalehead Gallery, Vineyards on the Scuppernong and Corolla Wine, Cigar and Gourmet. There'll also be a beer tasting, featuring samples from the Weeping Radish Brewery and Northern Outer Banks Brewing Company. This Outer Banks event is family friendly with activities that children can enjoy too. Admission includes a tasting glass, and nondrinkers are admitted free.