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. 

Every year near Veteran’s Day, the Outer Banks recognizes the nation’s veterans and their families with a week of events, ceremonies and special offers. OBX Veterans Week takes an artistic approach to honoring veterans and their loved ones. Events offered throughout the week may include, but aren’t limited to, writing workshops, live music concerts, readings and more. The programs and activities held each OBX Veterans Week vary from year to year. Call the Dare County Arts Council to learn about specific details.

Support local business owners, encourage entrepreneurship and start your holiday shopping at the annual Outer Banks Entrepreneurs Holiday Bazaar. Usually in the days following Thanksgiving, the Ramada Plaza in Kill Devil Hills turns into an emporium of wares and goods as local vendors set up shop. Booth and tables from artists, craftswomen, salespeople and other small business owners showcase their hard work and talent. Meet and mingle with owners of your favorite Outer Banks business. Admire products like jewelry, pottery, mixed media artwork, textile designs, essential oils, baked goods, decor – including trinkets that will spruce up your home in time for the holidays – and so much more. This free and family friendly event is organized by the Outer Banks Entrepreneurs, a group of female business owners, and is open to all interested applicants.

Give thanks for the enthusiastic and supportive local running community that’s made possible by the Outer Banks Running Club. The Outer Banks Running Club’s main fundraiser, the OBX Gobble 5K and Fun Run, is an annual Thanksgiving event that the entire family is invited to enjoy. The courses take participants through Nags Head, making it hard not to feel thankful for the environment’s natural beauty. This family friendly event is open to all runners, joggers and walkers. Runners who want to include younger participants with them are encouraged to bring baby strollers, jogging strollers and wagons. Runners who aren’t enticed by the length of the 5K can opt for the Fun Run, which has a 9/10 mile course. All who finish the race receive a finisher’s award. This annual event is held on Thanksgiving morning with the 5K first, followed by the Fun Run. Go to the Outer Banks Running Club’s website to register in advance.

Before gathering around the Thanksgiving table, gather your crew for a morning run. The Surfin’ Turkey 5K and Puppy Drum Run is an annual Thanksgiving event in Hatteras that lets you and your family participate in a shared activity while working up an appetite for some real turkey later in the day. The runs start at the Hatteras Village Civic Center and wind through the historic fishing village. If you don’t want to commit to the 5K, the Puppy Drum is a half-mile long and open to walkers and runners. Upon finishing the race, enjoy the post-race pancake party, including Carolina Brewery drinks for racers ages 21 and older. The registration fee for the event includes sign up, a goody bag, t-shirt and access to the after party. Children ages 10 and under can register for free. All proceeds from this event go to the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund, which promotes education opportunities in the local schools. This event is held on Thanksgiving morning.

Give thanks for fleet feet and craft beers by simultaneously enjoying both. The Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile Run is the Outer Banks Brewing Station’s way of welcoming Thanksgiving featuring a bounty of beer and accompanying good spirits. This beer mile is hosted by the OBX Running Company, so participants’ experiences also include chip timing, event swag and possibly prize. Runs are ¼ mile paired with 10-ounce drinks for the length of one mile total. Upon finishing the race, the runners gather at the Brewing Station’s backyard for a party of mixing, mingling and more delicious craft brews. Participants are encouraged to wear their holiday best, and costumes will be judged for the most creative following the race. This annual event usually occurs on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.