Outer Banks Annual Events - Outdoor & Nature

This week-long fishing tournament seeks to bring families to Hatteras Island for a week of fishing, socializing, fun and more. A cookout kicks off the week, and participants spend their first day enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and each others’ company. The following days are fish-filled, and crews can spend anywhere from three to five days on the water. While the teams are out on the water, there are a variety of activities kids and family members can enjoy if they’d prefer to stay on land. Each day ends with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live music at the Marlin Club, and the event is concluded with an awards banquet and farewell breakfast. This event is one that the whole family can enjoy, so check it out ... before you know it, everyone will be looking forward to next year’s too! Interested? Go to hatterasmarlinclub.com/tournaments.

If you’re a windsurfing fiend or have a serious appreciation for the sport, the annual Hatteras Wave Jam is an Outer Banks event that shouldn’t be missed. The Wave Jam is part of the U.S. East Coast Windsurfing Competition and Tour featuring the top national and international windsurfers. There are all different levels of competition to add variety to the event. Hatteras is one of the premiere windsurfing spots on the East Coast thanks to the wind and water conditions on the barrier islands. This advantageous environment makes Hatteras windsurfing an awesome sport for athletes and spectators alike. The Outer Banks is proud to host this week-long annual event where you can watch the pros put their talent to the test. For more information or questions, get in touch through the event's Facebook page.

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, so start celebrating immediately by visiting Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head on the weekend after Thanksgiving. Santa Claus will be there on Friday and Saturday, excited to meet all of the children coming to visit. On Saturday evening, after a meaningful conversation with the jolly ol' elf, head over to Jockey’s Ridge to see the giant delta kites decorated with Christmas lights and flown over the dunes. As the sun starts setting, the lights on the kites will sparkle and fill the night sky. Sip on hot apple cider and munch on cookies as you enjoy this Christmas spectacle.

Dare County Arts Council's two-day festival on downtown Manteo’s waterfront features artists from all over the country. While some are new to the festival each year, many are returning. You can find exhibitions of all sorts of media ranging from watercolors, drawings, acrylics, photography, jewelry and pottery. While the festival is a juried show, you still have the opportunity to buy directly from the artists. You might find an amazing photograph that you want hanging in your house or a beautifully handcrafted bracelet that will make the perfect present. Admission to this highly anticipated Outer Banks annual event is free, and it’s a family-friendly event. It's held on a Wednesday and Thursday in mid-August.

Sell, buy, browse – the Ocracoke Island-Wide Yard Sale invites you to do it all. Maybe you have items that you never use or no longer need. Perhaps you’re in the market for a few knick knacks. Or you could just be looking to earn some cash. Shop an incredible assortment of items and score great bargains at this community yard sale. The Ocracoke Variety Store and the Little Visitors Center distribute maps of yard-sale locations. This Outer Banks annual event occurs in April and again in September.