Outer Banks Annual Events - October

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.

There are few better ways to celebrate the start of oyster season than with an oyster roast and North Carolina barbecue. For more than 16 years, First Flight Rotary Club has sponsored the Oink and Oyster Roast as a fundraiser for nonprofit organizations in Dare County. This event is open to everyone with a love of oysters and a hearty appetite. The First Flight marching band provides live music that will have your feet tapping as you’re shucking oysters. Come on out to Longboard’s restaurant in Kitty Hawk for a day of oysters, barbecue, friends and community fun. This event is usually held the second weekend in October.

Fall in line with one of the fastest growing Halloween celebrations on the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks Parade of Costumes is a family friendly event that encourages all ages to get into the spooky spirit. Brought to you by OBX Entertainment, the annual event begins with a trick-or-treat party for younger attendees to visit the vendors from local nonprofits and businesses and fill their buckets with candy and other goodies. The party is followed by a short, walking parade where everyone shows off their costumes. Afterwards an awards ceremony recognizes the best costumes for different age categories, and the winners receive enviable prizes donated by the area's businesses. The Outer Banks Parade of Costumes is for any and every Hallowee-nthusiasts; everyone involved – even spectators – comes in costume to show their support. Visit OBX Entertainment's website to learn more about the date, time and location of each year's parade. 

Each year on the final Friday and Saturday of October, boat enthusiasts, builders, artists and craftsmen alike convene at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum to show off the talents and admire each others’ handicraft. The museum’s annual Wooden Boat Show is a chance for boat builders and woodworkers to put their best skills on display with their wooden boats. See new constructions, restored projects and original creations. Head to Manteo’s waterfront to see the contenders lined along the lighthouse dock and situated in the Creef Boathouse and Park. Judges and spectators determine select their favorite boats, and awards are presented at an awards dinner on Saturday. Advanced registration for the show is required. 

Think you’re pretty brave? Put it to the ultimate test with the Number 1 haunted attraction on the East Coast. The Wanchese Woods Haunted Trail is 30 minute trek of terror in the depths of the Outer Banks darkest woods. Don’t bother trying to conquer old fears in future visits – each year’s trail embraces a different theme with new monsters, new attractions and new nightmares. After all, not much is scarier than the unknown. This event is for serious fear fans. Many people of lesser mettle often don’t return after their first visit. Are you ready?