Our Favorite Outer Banks Events and Festivals
The Outer Banks is home to a great variety of events to suit every taste, literally! Foodies will enjoy Taste of the Beach during the spring or the Outer Banks Seafood Festival in the fall. There are music festivals that range from rock to jazz and bluegrass, if you prefer. Art festivals are great places for family-friendly activities or wine-tastings for adults to sample offerings from area vineyards. Active-minded vacationers can find competitive challenges and marathons that occur throughout the year to stay in shape and have lots of fun in the process. If riding a motorcycle is more your style, Outer Banks Bike Week is planned every April for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts!
Explore our favorite annual events and festivals by month below! Then, request a copy of our complimentary Vacation Guide for even more local recommendations on how you can make the best of your trip the Outer Banks.
January
Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo, Manteo, NC – Plan your dream wedding at the 2025 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo, featuring local vendors, exclusive promotions, venue tours, cuisine tastings, and a $1,000 giveaway!
February
Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show, Manteo, NC – The Frank Stick Memorial Art Show, honoring Outer Banks preservationist Frank Stick, is Dare County’s longest-running visual arts exhibit, held each winter at Dare Arts and open to innovative works by Dare County residents and Dare Arts members, with the chance to win the Eure Best in Show Award.
The Cajun Occasion at Sanctuary Vineyards, Jarvisburg, NC – Enjoy live Mardi Gras music and authentic Cajun cuisine by Coinjock Catering, featuring jambalaya, gumbo, and cornbread, alongside tastings of Sanctuary Vineyards wines.
March
Running of the Leprechauns 5K-10K Race, Nags Head, NC – Join the festive fun at the Outer Banks Running of the Leprechaun race, where participants dress in green and dash through a scenic course celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
Blackbeard’s Revenge 100 Race, Corolla to Hatteras, NC – Take on the challenge of the Blackbeard’s Revenge 100 in the Outer Banks, an intense ultra-marathon honoring the legendary pirate with 100 miles of stunning coastal scenery and rugged endurance.
April
Annual Taste of the Beach, various restaurant & pop-up eatery locations – The annual OBX Taste of The Beach, hosted by the Outer Banks Restaurant Association, invites locals and visitors to enjoy diverse culinary experiences that celebrate and uplift the Outer Banks’ vibrant food and hospitality community.
The Lost Colony Wine, Beer and Culinary Festival/Grand Tasting, Manteo, NC – The annual Lost Colony Wine, Beer, and Culinary Festival takes place at the SoundStage Theatre on Roanoke Sound, featuring tastings from ten top Outer Banks restaurants, local wines, craft beers, live music, a silent auction, and breathtaking views—all supporting The Lost Colony production.
Flying Pirate Half Marathon, Kill Devil Hills, NC – The Flying Pirate Half Marathon in the Outer Banks offers runners a unique blend of adventure and challenge, complete with pirate-themed fun and high-energy race-day atmosphere.
Outer Banks Bike Week South, Nags Head, NC – Outer Banks Bike Week South revs up with live music, local vendors, scenic coastal rides, and gatherings for motorcycle enthusiasts to connect and celebrate the biking community.
Wright Brother National Memorial FREE ADMISSION Day – Enjoy free admission to the museum to celebrate the beginning of National Park Week!
May
OBX Rod & Custom Festival, Nags Head, NC – Check out an impressive array of classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles for a weekend of exhibitions, cruise-ins, and community fun.
34th Annual ARTrageous Kids Art Festival, Nags Head, NC—This free annual event brings families together to explore creativity through hands-on art activities. Proceeds support Dare Arts programs and scholarships for aspiring local artists.
Couture by the Shore, Kitty Hawk, NC – Couture by the Shore is an annual luncheon, fashion show, and silent auction supporting the Outer Banks Relief Foundation’s mission to aid local families in crisis, raising over $900,000 since 2011.
Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular, Nags Head, NC – Join hang gliding enthusiasts at the annual Hang Gliding Spectacular, the world’s longest-running hang gliding competition, featuring four days of thrilling flights, demos, and family-friendly activities at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC, and the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg. Free for public viewing!
June
Whalehead Wednesdays Wine Tastings, Corolla, NC – For a relaxed summer evening, visit Whalehead Wednesdays Wine and Beer Festivals from June through September, where you can enjoy tastings from local vineyards and breweries, live music, and sunset views over Currituck Sound. This family-friendly event offers activities for all ages, with free admission for nondrinkers and a tasting glass included for those sampling wine and beer.
Rock the Cape Festival, Rodanthe, NC – Rock the Cape in Kitty Hawk combines a vibrant art show with live music, celebrating the creative spirit of the Outer Banks with local artists, musicians, and a lively community atmosphere.
The Lost Colony Season Begins, Manteo, NC—Watch as history is brought to life with an outdoor drama that recounts the mysterious story of America’s first English settlers.
Outer Banks Triathlon, Manteo, NC – The Outer Banks Triathlon offers a dynamic race experience with Sprint, Olympic, and Half distances, challenging athletes across swim, bike, and run segments in an exciting, high-energy setting.
Corolla Cornhole Tournament, Corolla, NC – The Corolla Corn Hole Tournaments invite all ages to enjoy friendly competition, fun prizes, and community spirit with weekly summer matches, June – September, by the beach.
Corolla Cork & Craft, Corolla, NC – Join Currituck County Tourism every Wednesday for local wine, beer, live music, and artisan crafts at Historic Corolla Park, with food and drinks available for purchase.
Under the Oaks Arts Festival, Corolla, NC – The Under the Oaks Arts Festival showcases vibrant artworks from talented artists, featuring paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking pieces, and more at Whalehead in Historic Corolla. This free event also includes local food concessions, a public silent art auction, and a Kid’s Art Tent, offering a unique chance to discover one-of-a-kind pieces.
July
Avon Pier 4th of July Fireworks Show, Avon, NC – Fireworks over the water. The show typically begins around 9:15 pm and is weather-dependent.
Town of Duck 4th of July Celebration, Duck, NC – Enjoy a community celebration complete with parade and fireworks.
Town of Kill Devil Hills Fireworks Show, Kill Devil Hills, NC – Music and fireworks over the water from Avalon Pier.
Town of Manteo 4th of July Celebration, Manteo, NC – Held at George Washington Creef Park, the event features kid’s games and activities, a decorated bike contest, parade, apple pie contest, food vendors, and more. End the night with a stunning fireworks display.
Town of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular, Nags Head, NC – Visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park for an excellent viewing spot of the Nags Head fireworks show.
Independence Day Celebration, Corolla, NC – The celebration begins with a watermelon-eating contest and continues with live music, kid’s games and activities, and, of course, an incredible fireworks show starting once the sun goes down.
Run Hatteras Summer 5K Series, Avon, NC – Summer races begin at 8 AM on Fridays at Kinnakeet Shores. All races are walker, family, stroller and child-friendly.
Smokin’ Grass BBQ & Bluegrass Festival, Manteo, NC – Indulge in delicious BBQ while listening to lively bluegrass music at this new(er) OBX festival. Multiple bands, family-friendly events, and great company await.
Corolla Cornhole Tournament, Corolla, NC
Corolla Cork & Craft, Corolla, NC
The Lost Colony Season, Manteo, NC
August
Wright Brother National Memorial FREE ADMISSION Day
Corolla Cornhole Tournament, Corolla, NC
Corolla Cork & Craft, Corolla, NC
The Lost Colony Season, Manteo, NC
Outer Banks Pirate Festival, Nags Head, NC – The Outer Banks Pirate Festival invites families and pirate enthusiasts to enjoy swashbuckling fun with live reenactments, treasure hunts, pirate lore, and interactive activities for all ages.
September
Corolla Cornhole Tournament, Corolla, NC
Corolla Cork & Craft, Corolla, NC
Wright Brother National Memorial FREE ADMISSION Day
OBX Jeep Invasion, Nags Head, NC – The OBX Jeep Invasion brings Jeep enthusiasts together for a weekend of beach cruising, off-road adventures, and community activities, showcasing impressive vehicles and raising funds for local charities.
October
Bluegrass Island Music Festival, Manteo, NC – Held at the scenic Roanoke Island Festival Park, this festival draws music lovers worldwide for a weekend of top-tier bluegrass performances from renowned regional and international bands. Tickets and lodging sell out quickly for this highly anticipated Outer Banks festival, so be sure to book your Paramount Destinations vacation rental as soon as possible if you plan to attend.
Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival, Hatteras, NC – The Wings Over Water Festival in the Outer Banks offers nature enthusiasts a chance to explore and celebrate coastal wildlife through guided birding, paddling, and photography adventures.
Outer Banks Seafood Festival, Nags Head, NC – The Outer Banks Seafood Festival serves up a delicious celebration of coastal culture, featuring fresh local seafood, live music, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities honoring the area’s rich fishing heritage.
OBX Wind, Cape Hatteras, NC – OBX-WIND is North America’s largest windsurfing event, held annually on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, featuring races, clinics, and community gatherings for windsurfing enthusiasts worldwide.
November
Outer Banks Marathon, Kitty Hawk, NC – The Outer Banks Marathon is ideal for first-time marathon runners, featuring a flat, beginner-friendly course through coastal communities with enthusiastic local support along the route.
Wright Brother National Memorial FREE ADMISSION Day
December
Wright Brother National Memorial FREE ADMISSION Day
Wings Over Water Wildlife Encore Festival, Hatteras, NC
If you would like to find a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat before or after enjoying one of our Outer Banks events, the check out this list of some of our favorite Outer Banks restaurants. Our list is organized by town to make it easy to find the perfect dining location.
You may also enjoy these bakeries, farmer’s markets, or breweries.