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
Theatre of Dare presents “Exit, Pursued by a Bear”, Kitty Hawk, NC
February
45th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show, Manteo, NC
The Cajun Occasion at Sanctuary Vineyards, Jarvisburg, NC
March
Outer Banks Wedding Weekend & Expo, Kitty Hawk, NC
Theatre of Dare presents “Urinetown, The Musical,” Kitty Hawk, NC
Running of the Leprechauns 5K-10K Race, Nags Head, NC
Annual Taste of the Beach, various restaurant & pop-up eatery locations
Blackbeard’s Revenge 100 Race, Corolla to Hatteras, NC
April
The Lost Colony Wine, Beer and Culinary Festival/Grand Tasting, Manteo, NC
Flying Pirate Half Marathon, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Outer Banks Bike Week South, Nags Head, NC
Theatre of Dare presents “Wizard of Wonderland”, Kitty Hawk, NC
Wright Brother National Memorial FREE ADMISSION Day
May
OBX Rod & Custom Festival, Nags Head, NC
34th Annual ARTrageous Kids Art Festival, Nags Head, NC
Couture by the Shore, Kitty Hawk, NC
Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular, Nags Head, NC
Whalehead Wednesdays Wine Tastings, Corolla, NC
June
Rock the Cape Festival, Rodanthe, NC
The Lost Colony, 2023 Season Begins, Manteo, NC
Outer Banks Triathlon, Manteo, NC
Corolla Cornhole Tournament, Corolla, NC
Corolla Cork & Craft, Corolla, NC
Under the Oaks Arts Festival, Corolla, NC
July
Avon Pier 4th of July Fireworks Show, Avon, NC
Town of Duck 4th of July Celebration, Duck, NC
Town of Kill Devil Hills Fireworks Show, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Town of Manteo 4th of July Celebration, Manteo, NC
Town of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular, Nags Head, NC
Independence Day Celebration, Corolla, NC
Run Hatteras Summer 5K Series, Avon, NC
Smokin’ Grass BBQ & Bluegrass Festival, Manteo, NC
Corolla Cornhole Tournament, Corolla, NC
Corolla Cork & Craft, Corolla, NC
The Lost Colony, 2023 Season, Manteo, NC
August
Wright Brother National Memorial FREE ADMISSION Day
Corolla Cornhole Tournament, Corolla, NC
Corolla Cork & Craft, Corolla, NC
The Lost Colony, 2023 Season, Manteo, NC
Outer Banks Pirate Festival, Nags Head, NC
September
Corolla Cornhole Tournament, Corolla, NC
Corolla Cork & Craft, Corolla, NC
Wright Brother National Memorial FREE ADMISSION Day
OBX Jeep Invasion, Nags Head, NC
October
Bluegrass Island Music Festival, Manteo, NC
Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival, Hatteras, NC
Outer Banks Seafood Festival, Nags Head, NC
OBX Wind, Cape Hatteras, NC
November
Outer Banks Marathon, Kitty Hawk, NC
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.
