Outer Banks Annual Events - Music: Concerts & Musicals

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.

Attention jazz lovers! Grab a chair and your family, friends or dog and come to Duck Town Park for a day devoted solely to jazz. One of the most anticipated music events of the year is the Duck Jazz Festival, held in October over Columbus Day weekend. Every year talented artists from all over the country come together to wow concertgoers with their pianos, trumpets, saxophones, voices and more. You might even want to pack a picnic and make a day event of it, but don’t forget that vendors from local restaurants will be present. Bring your own chair, settle in and prepare to be entertained. Best of all, this event is free!

The annual Festival of Trees is an ideal way to spread holiday cheer while benefiting the nonprofit Outer Banks Hotline. It includes several days of events, including a bazaar, live music, children's activities and more. At the gala on Saturday night you can browse through all of the business-sponsored and decorated trees while you enjoy delectable hors d’oeuvres and coffee and live holiday tunes filling the air. The holiday bazaar and the Bid and Buy It Now Auction are the most anticipated parts of this Outer Banks annual event. Place your bids at the silent auction then check out the new and gently used assortment of decorations, accessories and clothes at the holiday bazaar. All of the proceeds from the event benefit Outer Banks Hotline, so you’re shopping for a worthy cause.

This event is happily anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Rock, funk and blues (and some music in between) blast out from the double main stage at Mike Dianna's Grill Room for this two-day event. The bands start the event in the mornings and make sure it lasts into the wee hours of the night. And while you’re listening to the music, be sure you check out the artisan market there — it’s a great place to find artwork, jewelry, clothes and other goodies. Food has been added as a major draw for 2018 – an oyster roast on Saturday and a BBQ Cook Off on Sunday. The best part about this Outer Banks event is that it benefits the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, so you’re having a fine time while helping a major cause. Beer, wine and food are sold on site. The event is held in mid-October. For more information, get in touch with the event via their website.

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.