Annual Outer Banks Events

Whether you identify as a dog person or a cat person, everyone can agree the Wags and Whiskers Gala is an essential fundraiser on the Outer Banks – not to mention a whole lot of fun! This annual event is the collaboration of the Coastal Humane Society, Feline Hope, Friends of Felines – Cape Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks SPCA, and all funds raised during the event protect the wellness of dogs and cats on the Outer Banks. Money raised during the Gala provides a variety of services that make the Outer Banks safer for your furry friends, including spay and neutering services, rabies vaccinations clinics, medical care, shelter and rehabilitation for homeless cats and dogs, investigations into cases of animal cruelty/neglect and more. All of this is made possible by you going to the Wags and Whiskers Gala, dining on delicious food from local vendors, imbibing at the full service bar and dancing the night away to musical entertainment. All easy and doable tasks if you ask us. This annual event happens on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Visit the Feline Hope website for more details on each year’s event.

Think you’re pretty brave? Put it to the ultimate test with the Number 1 haunted attraction on the Outer Banks. The Wicked Woods Haunted Trail is 20-minute trek of terror in the depths of the Outer Banks darkest woods in remote East Lake. 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.

The Elizabethan Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Walk outside along the whimsical path lit by Christmas lights and cheery holiday characters, and you’ll pull your coat a little tighter around you because there’s no way you’re going inside yet. This is your chance to revel in the beauty of the holiday season. The gardens are embellished with thousands of twinkling lights, topiaries, displays and more. Decorations in the gardens range from traditional to alternative, and they all work together to create a magical experience. In the center of all the decorations you’ll find a crackling open-air fire on the Great Lawn, perfect for warming your hands and maybe roasting a marshmallow. Special events are held throughout the duration of WinterLights, with offerings such as Dinner with Santa and Thank You Notes to Santa. In late November and early December, WinterLights is held Tuesday through Saturday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. In January it's held on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. See the website for more information.

Wave Riding Vehicles supports one of the East Coast’s most popular surfing competitions each year. The event is held at Jennette’s Pier, which makes an excellent vantage point for watching the surfers out in the water. WRV Outer Banks Pro attracts professional surfers from all over the globe, so you’ll get to see a variety of talent. All ages are welcome at this Outer Banks event that’s usually held the last weekend in August and possibly runs into September.