On this page you will find the annual local culture and history events on the Outer Banks.
Outer Banks Annual Events by Category or Month
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Ocracoke Village celebrates Independence Day with a family-oriented, fun-filled annual event offering many activities for all ages. July Fourth kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony at the school circle followed by the annual Sand Sculpture Contest. Other activities include lighthouse tours, a vintage car show, live music and the annual Classic Old-Time Parade in which visitors and locals build floats, decorate bikes and golf carts, or sing, dance and juggle to amuse the crowds. More details can be found at visitocracokenc.com.
Ocracoke Village celebrates Independence Day with a family-oriented, fun-filled annual event offering many activities for all ages. July Fourth kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony at the school circle followed by the annual Sand Sculpture Contest. Other activities include lighthouse tours, a vintage car show, live music and the annual Classic Old-Time Parade in which visitors and locals build floats, decorate bikes and...read more
Ocracoke Village celebrates Independence Day with a family-oriented, fun-filled annual event offering...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
The community of Manteo comes together every year to celebrate this nation’s birth with day-long festivities, and you’re invited to this family-friendly event. You can begin your day with a trip to Island Farm to experience an 1850s-style Independence Day. Interact with the farm’s animals, listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, play games and eat some watermelon. In the afternoon check out the downtown Manteo waterfront, where you’ll be entertained by musicians, a patriotic parade and all-American contests. After those festivities, head over to Roanoke Island Festival Park, where there's a patriotic concert starting at 8 p.m. Of course, no Fourth of July event is complete without fireworks. The Town of Manteo's fireworks display is launched from Roanoke Island Festival Park at dusk. If you want to take a different approach to the fireworks display, paddle or boat into the sound for a secluded view.
The community of Manteo comes together every year to celebrate this nation’s birth with day-long festivities, and you’re invited to this family-friendly event. You can begin your day with a trip to Island Farm to experience an 1850s-style Independence Day. Interact with the farm’s animals, listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, play games and eat some watermelon. In the afternoon...read more
The community of Manteo comes together every year to celebrate this nation’s birth...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
1000 North Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills
One of the Outer Banks’s biggest claims to fame is the 12 seconds in 1903 that revolutionized the world. The Wright Brothers’ first flight in Kill Devil Hills broke barriers in technology and paved the way for aviation developments. Join the First Flight Society for their annual celebration of Orville and Wilbur Wrights’ achievements on the anniversary of the first flight. Admission to the Wright Brothers National Memorial Park is free on December 17, and there is a special anniversary program. Each year a different aviation honoree is recognized, and guest speakers include notable icons. Join the National Park Service and the First Flight Society as they celebrate aviation and local history.
One of the Outer Banks’s biggest claims to fame is the 12 seconds in 1903 that revolutionized the world. The Wright Brothers’ first flight in Kill Devil Hills broke barriers in technology and paved the way for aviation developments. Join the First Flight Society for their annual celebration of Orville and Wilbur Wrights’ achievements on the anniversary of the first flight. Admission to the Wright...read more
One of the Outer Banks’s biggest claims to fame is the 12 seconds in 1903...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
6800 S. Croatan Highway, Soundside Event Site, Nags Head
Wait ... kegs can fly?! Who knew? Kitty Hawk Kites knows because they sponsor this fun (and funny) festival every October. Various groups around the Outer Banks create "flying" machines out of 1/6 kegs (empty ones) and whatever contraption they can come up with that might – emphasis on the word might – fly off a platform. It's a ton of fun to watch. When you combine that with a craft beer garden, local food vendors, live music, a kids' zone and more, you're in line for a pretty fun experience. For more information or questions, visit the event's website.
Wait ... kegs can fly?! Who knew? Kitty Hawk Kites knows because they sponsor this fun (and funny) festival every October. Various groups around the Outer Banks create "flying" machines out of 1/6 kegs (empty ones) and whatever contraption they can come up with that might – emphasis on the word might – fly off a platform. It's a ton of fun to watch. When...read more
Wait ... kegs can fly?! Who knew? Kitty Hawk Kites knows because they sponsor this...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Is it true that old buildings really are spookier? Find out for yourself at Creepy in Corolla. This annual event is organized each year by Whalehead and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. The two attractions, Currituck beach businesses and residents come together to create a family friendly Halloween experience in Historic Corolla. Children sporting their Halloween attire begin the night at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, which is decorated for the event. Climb the haunted lighthouse as darkness falls over Corolla, and see if the lighthouse keepers of yesteryear are giving out tricks or treats. From there, make your way towards Whalehead Park among the rows of Trunk or Treaters, provided by local businesses and townspeople. Upon arriving at Whalehead, enter if you dare to find even more treats inside of the Halloween-ready house. This annual event is on Halloween night from 6 to 8 p.m., and is festive fun for Halloween lovers of young, old and anywhere in between.
Is it true that old buildings really are spookier? Find out for yourself at Creepy in Corolla. This annual event is organized each year by Whalehead and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. The two attractions, Currituck beach businesses and residents come together to create a family friendly Halloween experience in Historic Corolla. Children sporting their Halloween attire begin the night at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, which...read more
Is it true that old buildings really are spookier? Find out for yourself at Creepy...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Currituck County Rural Center, 184 Milburn Sawyer Road, Powells Point
Celebrate Currituck’s down-home, country culture with barbecue and a rodeo. The Currituck Heritage Bulls & BBQ is an annual fall event that brings excitement and family friendly fun to Currituck residents and visitors of all ages – no native ties required. The People’s Choice BBQ and Kansas City BBQ Competition are the cornerstones of this event. Local restaurants and barbecue experts battle it out for title of the best barbecue, and attendees sample the creations, ranging from tangy to sweet and smoky to succulent. After everyone has voted for their favorite barbecue, the competition concludes with an awards ceremony. Following the barbecue competition, the attention turns from pigs to cows as the festival’s evening rodeo opens, presenting the talents of professional bull riders. Other activities during the event include corn hole tournaments, children’s games and browsing the wares from local vendors, including food and funky crafts, products and more. It’s a delicious, engaging but low-key event that shines a little extra love on this interior area of the Outer Banks.
Celebrate Currituck’s down-home, country culture with barbecue and a rodeo. The Currituck Heritage Bulls & BBQ is an annual fall event that brings excitement and family friendly fun to Currituck residents and visitors of all ages – no native ties required. The People’s Choice BBQ and Kansas City BBQ Competition are the cornerstones of this event. Local restaurants and barbecue experts battle it out for...read more
Celebrate Currituck’s down-home, country culture with barbecue and a rodeo. The Currituck Heritage Bulls &...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Dare Days celebrates its 44th year in 2019. The festival, always held in downtown Manteo on the first Saturday of June, is a mix of live music, craft and food vendors, dance and activities for all ages. The morning starts with a Blessing of the Day and ends with a big-name music group with people dancing in the streets. In between you can also watch — or join in — competitions for the best homemade jellies, breads, preserves, pickles, cakes and cookies. There are two stages set up, one at the old Courthouse and the other at the Maritime Museum, with various musical groups appearing all day. This is free family fun that will keep you entertained and happily involved in Roanoke Island's waterfront scene.
Dare Days celebrates its 44th year in 2019. The festival, always held in downtown Manteo on the first Saturday of June, is a mix of live music, craft and food vendors, dance and activities for all ages. The morning starts with a Blessing of the Day and ends with a big-name music group with people dancing in the streets. In between you can also watch...read more
Dare Days celebrates its 44th year in 2019. The festival, always held in downtown Manteo...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Docks, Hatteras
Here at the Outer Banks we love our seafood – the tuna, mussels, oysters, grouper, scallops, mmmm, we could go on and on about it. Have you ever thought about the source of seafood that you buy or eat? Hatteras Island’s Day at the Docks is an event to celebrate seafood and answer all of your questions about it. Learn how seafood affects the Outer Banks community and economy. Discuss marketplace choices and sustainability within local communities. You can participate in the Fishy K Fun Run, put your cooking skills to the test in a chowder cook off, enjoy competitions, demonstrations and much more. The Taste of North Carolina, Hatteras Style event is also held during Day at the Docks, so spend your evening sampling regional food and beverages while listening to live music. For more information, questions or concerns, reach out to Day at the Docks through their Facebook page or by emailing the event's website.
Here at the Outer Banks we love our seafood – the tuna, mussels, oysters, grouper, scallops, mmmm, we could go on and on about it. Have you ever thought about the source of seafood that you buy or eat? Hatteras Island’s Day at the Docks is an event to celebrate seafood and answer all of your questions about it. Learn how seafood affects...read more
Here at the Outer Banks we love our seafood – the tuna, mussels,...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Let Island Farm show you a darker side of the Victorian era. Their annual Evening Lantern Tours explore the death rituals and traditions that accompanied loss and mourning during the mid-19th Century. Once night sets in on Roanoke Island, you’re transported back in time to the home of a grieving widow. Learn her story and the bygone ways that families dealt with loved ones’ deaths. Make your way to the farm’s family graveyard as the costumed interpreters share stories around the lantern’s glow. This annual event takes place on Friday and Saturday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. during the first two weekends in November.
Let Island Farm show you a darker side of the Victorian era. Their annual Evening Lantern Tours explore the death rituals and traditions that accompanied loss and mourning during the mid-19th Century. Once night sets in on Roanoke Island, you’re transported back in time to the home of a grieving widow. Learn her story and the bygone ways that families dealt with loved ones’ deaths....read more
Let Island Farm show you a darker side of the Victorian era. Their annual Evening...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
1140 U.S. Highway 64, Manteo
Take a step back in time to a Roanoke Island winter in the 1850s. Island Farm invites you to celebrate fall food traditions as they share with visitors how coastal families prepared for winter two centuries ago. Learn about and try your hand at hearth cooking, food preservation and candle making. You can shuck some corn and do a little shelling too. In between all of these activities, tour the farm with a classic ox-drawn wagon ride. If you bring a nonperishable food item with you, you’ll receive a dollar off admission, and the goods will be donated to the Roanoke Island Food Pantry. You’ll be having fun while helping out a great cause. From Garden to Hearth is held the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving Day.
Take a step back in time to a Roanoke Island winter in the 1850s. Island Farm invites you to celebrate fall food traditions as they share with visitors how coastal families prepared for winter two centuries ago. Learn about and try your hand at hearth cooking, food preservation and candle making. You can shuck some corn and do a little shelling too. In...read more
Take a step back in time to a Roanoke Island winter in the...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
1140 U.S. Highway 64, Manteo
After the Thanksgiving meal’s been finished and the table is clear, Island Farm maintains the spirit of harvest and fall food traditions. Garden to Hearth is an annual event that explores the traditions that surrounded heritage cooking and food preservation during the 1800s. Learn how early settlers in the Outer Banks preserved their food and readied themselves for winter with the help of costumed interpreters who take you behind the scenes. This two-day event is held on the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving. Children on Thanksgiving break and visiting loved ones love the interactive program and activities, which include hearth cooking, food preservation, candle making and ox-drawn wagon rides. Visitors are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for Roanoke Island Food Pantry, and those who do receive a reduced admission fee.
After the Thanksgiving meal’s been finished and the table is clear, Island Farm maintains the spirit of harvest and fall food traditions. Garden to Hearth is an annual event that explores the traditions that surrounded heritage cooking and food preservation during the 1800s. Learn how early settlers in the Outer Banks preserved their food and readied themselves for winter with the help of costumed interpreters...read more
After the Thanksgiving meal’s been finished and the table is clear, Island Farm maintains the...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
1140 U.S. Highway 64, Manteo
Every Saturday in October finds kids and families at Island Farm on Roanoke Island riding in the ox-drawn wagon to the pumpkin patch to find their special one. After picking out the perfect pumpkin, children can make a corn husk doll, dip candles, stuff a scarecrow, play with 19th-century toys and games, check out the farm animals and more. You might even have the chance to go on a wagon hayride. Roam around on the farm for a bit, just enjoying the beautiful atmosphere around you. Feel the subtle nip of mid-fall in the air even though the sunshine is still warm. This family-friendly event is a great way to jump into autumn.
Every Saturday in October finds kids and families at Island Farm on Roanoke Island riding in the ox-drawn wagon to the pumpkin patch to find their special one. After picking out the perfect pumpkin, children can make a corn husk doll, dip candles, stuff a scarecrow, play with 19th-century toys and games, check out the farm animals and more. You might even...read more
Every Saturday in October finds kids and families at Island Farm on Roanoke...read more