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
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
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
For a dose of holiday charm, nothing beats the Manteo Christmas Parade. The whole town comes out to see local school bands, vintage cars, the famous Shriners funny cars, SPCA dogs, kids on horseback, dance troupes, floats of all sorts, Queen Elizabeth I and her court (from The Lost Colony) and Santa arriving on the fire truck. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on the first Saturday in December, the parade runs from Manteo High School down Wingina Street, along John Borden Street to Croatan Avenue to Queen Elizabeth Street to Fernando Street. Find a spot anywhere along that route to enjoy the sights and sounds of a small-town holiday celebration. Downtown on Queen Elizabeth Avenue, close to the official parade stage and emcee at the historic courthouse, is probably the most popular spot for spectators. Be sure to get to town early because you'll probably have to park a ways back on a side street and walk to your viewing area. After the parade you can get photos with Santa at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum on Fernando Street.
For a dose of holiday charm, nothing beats the Manteo Christmas Parade. The whole town comes out to see local school bands, vintage cars, the famous Shriners funny cars, SPCA dogs, kids on horseback, dance troupes, floats of all sorts, Queen Elizabeth I and her court (from The Lost Colony) and Santa arriving on the fire truck. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on the first Saturday in...read more
For a dose of holiday charm, nothing beats the Manteo Christmas Parade. The whole town...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Manteo Preservation Trust is a group dedicated to bringing awareness to the public of the cultural, architectural and historic heritage of Roanoke Island. Every year its central fundraiser is the Holiday Tour of Homes, during which homes and other structures on the island are beautifully decorated and open to tour. The tour route is easily walkable, and a local bike shop donates bikes for those who might want to go from place to place on wheels. The tour begins at the Outer Banks Distillery on Budleigh Street. This is a ticketed event, and the price is $25. People come from far afield for this popular event that's always held the first Saturday in December.
Manteo Preservation Trust is a group dedicated to bringing awareness to the public of the cultural, architectural and historic heritage of Roanoke Island. Every year its central fundraiser is the Holiday Tour of Homes, during which homes and other structures on the island are beautifully decorated and open to tour. The tour route is easily walkable, and a local bike shop donates bikes for those...read more
Manteo Preservation Trust is a group dedicated to bringing awareness to the public of the...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
104 Fernando Street, Roanoke Island Maritime Museum, Manteo
Previously the Rockfish Rodeo, the Manteo Rotary Club has reformatted this fishing tournament due to the decline in the striper population. But don’t worry, a little change doesn’t take away any of the fun. There are now four categories that participants compete in: stripers, flounder, puppy drum and speckled trout. Prizes and awards are presented in adult, women’s and youth divisions for the heaviest fish from each category. It’s a great way to spend time with your family and friends while also enjoying the sport you love. And no fishing tournament is complete without entertainment. The day ends with a pig picking, live music and a silent auction. Proceeds from this Outer Banks annual event go to scholarships for young members of the Outer Banks community, so you’re fishing for a worthy cause. To register, go to www.rockfishrodeo.org.
Previously the Rockfish Rodeo, the Manteo Rotary Club has reformatted this fishing tournament due to the decline in the striper population. But don’t worry, a little change doesn’t take away any of the fun. There are now four categories that participants compete in: stripers, flounder, puppy drum and speckled trout. Prizes and awards are presented in adult, women’s and youth divisions for the...read more
Previously the Rockfish Rodeo, the Manteo Rotary Club has reformatted this fishing tournament...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
The lovely little Town of Manteo kicks off the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony and other festivities on the first Friday night in December. Hundreds of people gather on Queen Elizabeth Avenue in front of the historic Dare County Courthouse to enjoy performances of holiday music, to sip hot cocoa and to watch the lighting of the waterfront Christmas tree. The event coincides with downtown Manteo's monthly First Friday event, which means that after the lighting you can stick around for live music around town, art exhibits and receptions, a book signing, dining in the restaurants and shopping in the shops. Try to arrive downtown by 5:30 p.m., and keep in mind that traffic will be heavy coming into town and that you may have to park a ways back on a Manteo side street and walk to the downtown area.
The lovely little Town of Manteo kicks off the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony and other festivities on the first Friday night in December. Hundreds of people gather on Queen Elizabeth Avenue in front of the historic Dare County Courthouse to enjoy performances of holiday music, to sip hot cocoa and to watch the lighting of the waterfront Christmas tree. The event coincides with...read more
The lovely little Town of Manteo kicks off the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Ocracoke Preservation Society and, Berkley Barn, Ocracoke
Ocracoke celebrates its sweetest tradition in early August with the annual Ocracoke Fig Festival sponsored by Ocracoke Preservation Society. Local vendors provide fresh figs, fig preserves, local cookbooks and other fig-tastic items. Learn about Ocracoke’s fig history and culture and bring the kids for old-fashioned crafts and games. The showpiece of the Fig Festival is the Fig Cake Bake-Off on Saturday, but look for events all weekend long.
Ocracoke celebrates its sweetest tradition in early August with the annual Ocracoke Fig Festival sponsored by Ocracoke Preservation Society. Local vendors provide fresh figs, fig preserves, local cookbooks and other fig-tastic items. Learn about Ocracoke’s fig history and culture and bring the kids for old-fashioned crafts and games. The showpiece of the Fig Festival is the Fig Cake Bake-Off on Saturday, but look for events all weekend...read more
Ocracoke celebrates its sweetest tradition in early August with the annual Ocracoke Fig Festival sponsored...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Experience historic Ocracoke as it basks in the magic of the holiday season. The Ocracoke Historic Home Tour gives you an up-close glimpse of the beautifully maintained old homes in Ocracoke Village. Tour properties around Ocracoke – many with generations of history and stories – and feel inspired with the holiday spirit as you admire their festive lights, decorations and more. The Ocracoke Historic Home Tour is presented by the Ocracoke Preservation Society, so you’ll also gain a sense of appreciation for many of these homes’ significance while you visit them. This annual event is usually held during the first weekend in December.
Experience historic Ocracoke as it basks in the magic of the holiday season. The Ocracoke Historic Home Tour gives you an up-close glimpse of the beautifully maintained old homes in Ocracoke Village. Tour properties around Ocracoke – many with generations of history and stories – and feel inspired with the holiday spirit as you admire their festive lights, decorations and more. The Ocracoke Historic Home...read more
Experience historic Ocracoke as it basks in the magic of the holiday season. The Ocracoke...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Berkley Barn, 58 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke
Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival, held in April, draws hundreds of decoy carvers and collectors from Ocracoke Island and around the region. The event is sponsored by the nonprofit Ocracoke Island Decoy Carvers Guild, which was formed in 2018 to preserve this art form and piece of Ocracoke Island history. It's a one-day event and usually features a barbecue dinner and bake sale.
Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival, held in April, draws hundreds of decoy carvers and collectors from Ocracoke Island and around the region. The event is sponsored by the nonprofit Ocracoke Island Decoy Carvers Guild, which was formed in 2018 to preserve this art form and piece of Ocracoke Island history. It's a one-day event and usually features a barbecue dinner and bake sale.read more
Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival, held in April, draws hundreds of decoy carvers and collectors from Ocracoke...read more
Celebrate the bounty of the local waters while feasting on fish, crabs, shrimp and more. This fall festival also features live music and fundraising auctions and raffles, with proceeds benefitting Ocracoke Health Center.
Celebrate the bounty of the local waters while feasting on fish, crabs, shrimp and more. This fall festival also features live music and fundraising auctions and raffles, with proceeds benefitting Ocracoke Health Center.
read more
Celebrate the bounty of the local waters while feasting on fish, crabs, shrimp and more....read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Ocracoke Community Square, Ocracoke
If you’re on Ocracoke Island in December, you won’t want to miss the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association Oyster Roast and Shrimp Boil. One of the most popular winter events, this community meal celebrates seafood and the people who make enjoying it possible. For the afternoon, the Community Square turns into a fish-fest where makeshift tables offer gathering grounds for shucking oysters, peeling and eating shrimp and rubbing elbows with your neighbors. There is also fish stew to slurp and cold beverages to sip. Come enjoy the taste of Ocracoke’s heritage, community and fresh-catch seafood at this Outer Banks annual event, which occurs during the last weekend in December.
If you’re on Ocracoke Island in December, you won’t want to miss the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association Oyster Roast and Shrimp Boil. One of the most popular winter events, this community meal celebrates seafood and the people who make enjoying it possible. For the afternoon, the Community Square turns into a fish-fest where makeshift tables offer gathering grounds for shucking oysters, peeling and eating shrimp...read more
If you’re on Ocracoke Island in December, you won’t want to miss the Ocracoke Working...read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
Berkley Manor, 58 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke
The Ocrafolk Festival is one of the most beloved Outer Banks annual events and traditions. On the first weekend in June, storytellers, musicians and artists bring themselves and their trades to Ocracoke Island for a three-day festival. You can shop directly from artisans and crafters, watch art demonstrations, listen to established and up-and-coming musicians and be absorbed by thrilling tales about Ocracoke Island and North Carolina. Ocrafolk Festival’s music is live and features regional and national bands and solo musicians. As you’re walking around the village during the festival, you can always hear banjos, fiddles, guitars or voices filling the air. Proceeds from Ocrafolk Festival ticket sales support critical student and community programs.
The Ocrafolk Festival is one of the most beloved Outer Banks annual events and traditions. On the first weekend in June, storytellers, musicians and artists bring themselves and their trades to Ocracoke Island for a three-day festival. You can shop directly from artisans and crafters, watch art demonstrations, listen to established and up-and-coming musicians and be absorbed by thrilling tales about Ocracoke Island and North...read more
The Ocrafolk Festival is one of the most beloved Outer Banks annual events and traditions....read more
Outer Banks Local Culture & History
3933 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 11, Jockey's Ridge Crossing, Nags Head
Every year families of buccaneers and scallywags journey to Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head for several days of pirate fun. The Outer Banks Pirate Festival usually takes place in mid-August, so your young mateys can embrace their inner pirates right before going back to school. For three days a group of local pirates bring alive their games, traditions, lore and mischief. Get your face painted, learn the rules of the pirate code, explore the history of pirates on the Outer Banks and attend Scallywag School to prepare yourselves for the treasure hunt. Finish your day the right way by having dinner with the pirates. The hearty grub and camaraderie will keep your pirate spirit alive until the next year’s festival.
Every year families of buccaneers and scallywags journey to Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head for several days of pirate fun. The Outer Banks Pirate Festival usually takes place in mid-August, so your young mateys can embrace their inner pirates right before going back to school. For three days a group of local pirates bring alive their games, traditions, lore and mischief. Get...read more
Every year families of buccaneers and scallywags journey to Kitty Hawk Kites in...read more