Annual Outer Banks Events

For more than 40 years, professional hang gliders have met up at Jockey’s Ridge and the Currituck County Airport in May for four days of hang gliding competitions and socializing with friends. It’s also an event just to watch, even if you’re not soaring on wind drafts. More than 60 competitors travel from all over the country to the annual Hang Gliding Spectacular – some are new and many are old friends. Previous Kitty Hawk Kites instructors have their own reunion too, and they definitely have memorable stories to share. The Woody Jones Memorial Street Dance brings everyone comes together for a fun night of dancing to live music with friends. In between the competitions there are also seminars and hang gliding demonstrations. This Outer Banks event is usually held in mid-May.

Every small town needs a quintessential holiday celebration, and Hatteras Island is no exception. During one of the first Saturdays in December, Hatteras’s businesses, residents, the fire department, U.S. Coast Guard and nonprofit organizations come together for an all-inclusive Christmas parade experience. As twilight falls spectators line the streets and watch the procession of decorated vehicles and floats roll from Teach’s Lair Marina and through Hatteras Village until it reaches Hatterasman Drive-In. The main feature is Santa’s early arrival in Hatteras, where he’ll come by firetruck instead of sleigh. Afterward parade-goers adjourn to the Civic Center for homemade Christmas cookies and hot chocolate.

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. 

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.

Jockey’s Ridge is all aglow in the month following Thanksgiving. The opening weekend for Jockey’s Ridge State Park Holiday Lights coincides with Kitty Hawk Kites’s annual event, Kites with Lights, on the beloved sand dune and adds even more sparkles to the sky. Outer Banks businesses, organizations and residents congregate in the park’s parking lot for a tailgate-style light display. Come admire the lights and decorations while spreading season’s greetings to your neighbors. Warm fingers and bellies with a cup of hot chocolate from the hot cocoa booth. This event will be held during the evenings starting the first Saturday after Thanksgiving until the last Saturday in December.