Outer Banks Annual Events - 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-19^th 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.

First Friday is a family-oriented festival held in downtown Manteo on the first Friday of every month from April through December. From 6 to 8 p.m. downtown Manteo’s sidewalks come alive with a wide variety of musical performances and festive activities for all ages. Individual shops and restaurants frequently do their own celebratory activity such as live music, special sales, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Dare County Arts Council always hosts an opening reception for exhibits in its gallery, and Downtown Books frequently hosts a book signing. It’s a great time to explore all that downtown Manteo has to offer.

Watch – and taste – as the top chefs on the Outer Banks battle it out to turn canned food into culinary masterpieces. The Annual Holiday Chefs' Challenge is a fundraiser for the Beach Food Pantry that brings all of the excitement and energy from cooking show competitions right to Manteo. Participating chefs have 60 minutes to prepare a dish that uses items the Food Pantry usually keeps in stock, always including at least one canned good item. Attendees are invited to judge the chefs’ work and vote for their favorite dishes, and the only way they can determine this is by sampling everything. Standard tickets include event entrance, Chefs' Creations and two drink tickets. Those who opt for the VIP tickets also receive an open bar in addition to a glimpse behind the scenes at the special reception. This event usually occurs in mid-November to early December. 

When it comes to promoting the health and wellness of infants and new mothers, sometimes it’s as easy as walking. The annual March for Babies, presented by the March of Dimes, is a fundraiser that strives to provide resources and programs to mothers and infants living in the Outer Banks. The March meets in a popular Outer Banks location each year, where the team of locals walks around three miles, raising awareness and donations. All donations to this event and to the individual team members goes toward funding research exploring the causes of premature birth, finding ways to prevent it and efforts to support new families with premature babies. This Outer Banks event usually occurs during the fall and the day and location usually vary each year. Visit the local March of Dimes website to learn more about their upcoming events and programs. 

Forget decking the halls – Ocracokers prefer decking the hulls. Get into the holiday spirit the island way with the Ocracoke Parade of Boats. This annual event welcomes aquatic vessels of all shapes and sizes to Silver Lake where they show off their holiday finery. Fishing boats, yachts, sailboats, skiffs, kayaks, Jet skis and more form a procession along the banks of the harbor at Silver Lake, and eager spectators gather along the docks at the waterfront to watch the boats float by. The Ocracoke Parade of Boats is a celebration of both the holiday season and the island’s maritime heritage. This annual event usually happens on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.