Events in Outer Banks, NC

This free bird walk explores Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts nearly 400 bird species that live in or migrate through the area. The relaxed stroll follows North Pond and is suitable for beginners and experienced birders. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you can, along with sunscreen and insect repellent. A limited supply of binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow. Walks run throughout the year, except during the Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival in October and December. Participants meet at the refuge visitor center.

SeaScape Golf and Turf's Up OBX have partnered on a youth golf program led by certified PGA instructor Dan O'Boyle, Director of Golf at SeaScape. Children learn the basics of the game while building coordination and motor skills that support long-term development. Opportunities are available through December at both SeaScape and Turf's Up OBX. To reserve a spot or register, contact the Pro Shop at 252-261-2158.

Atlantic Street Movement brings a beachside edition of Get Low: OBX to the Outer Banks, featuring standout builds, rolling photo moments by the water, sunset ambiance, vendors, and music. Set in Nags Head, NC, it promises one of ASM’s most energetic coastal atmospheres. Registration is open.

This event features free entry. Promos are available for participants.

Spend time learning and playing the Disney trading card game Lorcana. New players can pick up the basics, and those with some experience can sit down for matches. The focus is on teaching the rules and getting in some hands-on gameplay.

At Avalon Pier, OBX Soundbites combines music bingo and trivia for an interactive game night. Bingo cards list song titles and artists across themes such as 70s disco, 80s movie soundtracks, and old school hip hop. A DJ plays short clips, players mark matches, and the first to complete a line earns bragging rights and prizes. Presented by HeadTripp Events, this free event focuses on quick recognition, music knowledge, and a lively mix of genres.

At Jennette's Pier, the 2026 U.S. Open Waveski Championships brings together waveski and surf kayak athletes for a multi-division competition. Participants may pursue a U.S. Open crown, compete in age-based categories, or take part for the challenge and enjoyment of the surf. The event features multiple Waveski divisions alongside a dedicated Surf Kayak Open. With the Challenger Series format that keeps competitors in the water even after elimination, it offers more time on waves and less waiting on the beach. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

A relaxed, alcohol-free coffee and conversation gathering at Gallery Row. It brings together people who are sober, those who have experienced addiction, individuals supporting family members who struggle, and anyone who simply prefers a substance-free night from time to time. Casual conversation happens over coffee, and on some weeks the group may decide to go out for dinner if there is interest.

Now in its 34th year, the Outer Banks Parade of Homes highlights coastal living and design with a curated tour of residences across the Outer Banks. Guests can explore a wide selection of properties, from 1,700 square foot townhomes to 5,000 square foot investment homes, each reflecting the creativity, craftsmanship, and forward thinking of local builders. The lineup brings together fresh new talent and seasoned favorites, all showcasing their finest work. It is an opportunity to gather design ideas, consider investment possibilities, and see current trends in Outer Banks style, with offerings that range from cozy retreats to coastal luxury.

Enjoy the annual Croptoberfest scrapbook event in Nags Head, North Carolina. A $20 reservation secures a spot. For any questions, contact the organizer.

This annual 5K Run & Walk in the Outer Banks brings the community together to honor first responders and military service members while raising funds for Tunnel to Towers programs. The Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk Series commemorates FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who carried his gear through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 and gave his life in the effort. Participants take part in remembrance of all who were lost on 9/11 and in support of those who continue to make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty.

Set out for a full day on the Outer Banks filled with fresh seafood, coastal scenery, enjoyable wine, and an easygoing vibe. This annual Brooks Adventures coastal outing is designed for seafood enthusiasts and adventure seekers who want a carefree escape. Two ticket options are available. VIP admission at $189 per person includes comfortable reserved seating, wine by the bottle, a charcuterie board, and priority perks throughout the day. General admission at $169 per person provides the ability to choose a seating area, with the option to bring personal seating for added convenience. All packages include roundtrip transportation aboard a professional motorcoach, a tasting of two to three wines determined by the winery, and an exclusive Brooks Adventures group T-shirt. A $75 per person deposit secures a spot, with the remaining balance paid over time.

Returning to Duck Town Park, the Duck Jazz Festival brings an amplified celebration of live jazz with grooves that hit hard and stir the soul. The lineup includes Adam Hawley, Brass Queens, Tito Puente Jr., Shayna Steele, The Hot Lanes, Gerald Veasley, and David Esleck. This edition leans into a renewed momentum for the music, creating a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere for festivalgoers. PNC serves as the presenting sponsor, and Shoreline OBX Vacation Rentals is noted for those arranging accommodations.

The 15th Annual Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Music Festival offers a multi day celebration of bluegrass music.

At Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo, North Carolina, the Bluegrass Island Music Festival spotlights The Slocan Ramblers and Pitney Meyer. The program centers on live bluegrass performances from these featured artists as part of the festival lineup.

Music fans gather in the Outer Banks for four days of live performances, featuring main stage sets and jam sessions. Southern Legacy appears on the main stage on Thursday alongside Slocan Ramblers, Pitney Meyer, Appalachian Road Show and Sierra Hull. Friday brings The Steel Wheels, Rhonda Vincent, Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Michael Cleveland with Jason Carter and the Infamous Stringdusters, while Saturday features Della Mae, The Trey Hensley Band, the Kruger Brothers, Brothers Comatose and Punch Brothers. The jam stage spotlights Asher Brinson on Thursday and Podunk Ramblers on Saturday. Festivities begin with a free kickoff at George Washington Creef Park and include an additional ticketed performance in the indoor theater.

Creations from the Heart - Scrapbooking presents a simple, craft-focused retreat in Kill Devil Hills at the Outer Banks Beach Club. The emphasis is on quiet, uninterrupted time to make progress on albums and projects within a friendly, supportive environment. Each participant has a dedicated six foot workspace to spread out papers, tools, and photos. Light snacks are provided each day to keep energy up, and a welcome gift starts the experience on a warm note. The crop fee is $195.

At Roanoke Island Festival Park, the Bluegrass Island Music Festival spotlights live performances by The Steel Wheels and by Rhonda Vincent and The Rage. The event features these two bluegrass bands on the festival stage.

This pro doubles tournament at Tortugas' Lie features a 10-team invitational field. The competition follows a double elimination format, and teams will compete for a $10,000 cash payout.

Part of the Bluegrass Island Music Festival, this concert features the Trey Hensley Band alongside Della Mae at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo, North Carolina, highlighting a dynamic showcase of bluegrass.

An annual coastal celebration showcases a wide variety of seafood, live music, and booths staffed by local artisans and crafters. The event raises funds for the local fishing industry, with contributions directed through the Outer Banks Community Foundation. Visitors can enjoy seafood offerings, take in performances, and browse handmade goods on site.

Now in its seventh year, this celebration of independent cinema returns to North Carolina’s historic, famously haunted Outer Banks, highlighting horror, Halloween themes, and the offbeat spirit of the season. Across two full days and nights, the program showcases independent short and feature films from around the world. Beyond the screenings, there are filmmaker Q&A sessions, evening meet and greets, and photo opportunities on the Orange Carpet, all presented alongside Manteo’s Halloween Island festivities, when local restaurants, bars, and hotels transform into Halloween pop ups. Screenings take place in the indoor theater at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo, a setting where costumed interpreters and hands on exhibits explore the story of the earliest English colonists and the enduring mystery of the Lost Colony, alongside the Elizabeth II, a full size working replica of a 16th century sailing ship. Set along a coastline often called the Graveyard of the Atlantic, the Outer Banks has thousands of shipwrecks offshore and a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the country. Roanoke Island, home to Manteo and the park, was the site of the first English settlement in 1587, where over a hundred colonists disappeared without explanation, a mystery remembered as the Lost Colony. Film submissions are open on FilmFreeway. Presented by Halloween Daily News and OBX Entertainment, with support from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, Weird Darkness, Let's Talk Terror, Haunted Pamlico, and Backwoods Haunt.

Enjoy a seafood-filled evening with live music from the Blue Crab Boys, all in support of cancer care for patients in the local community. Sponsorships and raffle tickets are available, and a limited number of individual tickets will be offered. Every attendee receives food and beverages, including beer and wine, plus a commemorative giveaway. For details, call 252-449-4529 or email Lea.Campbell@theobh.com.

OBX Brewtag blends a love of flight and beer with a playful twist on the Red Bull Flutag concept, which celebrates a whimsical “flying day.” Instead of human-powered flying machines, competitors see who can launch an empty one sixth barrel keg the farthest. General admission is free, and a selection of local and regional beers and food will be available for purchase. The atmosphere is family friendly with activities for kids, lighthearted competition, and plenty of reasons to cheer. Touted as one of the biggest beer gatherings on the Outer Banks, it pairs quirky aviation themed challenges with a festive tasting experience.

Steve Hauser performs at Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar, one of his favorite places, with a set of favorites both old and new.

A cherished celebration of wooden boatbuilding honors the artistry and traditions of the craft in Downtown Manteo. Wooden boats of every kind are welcome, from newly built projects to carefully restored vessels, bringing exceptional workmanship from across the region. Displays span land and water, with boats set up in George Washington Creef Park and afloat around the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse for close viewing of their details. Entries are evaluated in two divisions, owner built or restored and professionally built or restored. Awards are presented during a special dinner, including a People’s Choice recognition and the H. A. Creef Award, a perpetual honor for the top overall boat.

The Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, North Carolina hosts the second annual OBX Truck Fest, a family-friendly nonprofit celebration of custom trucks along the Outer Banks shoreline. Fans from across the country come together to appreciate craftsmanship, connect with the community, and share in the custom truck lifestyle.

Returning for its second year, this truck festival builds on a debut that drew 489 registered trucks, more than 1,000 spectators, and $3,500 raised for charity. Expect an even bigger lineup with legal cruising, raffles, awards, a DJ, cruise-ins, and additional activities. All trucks are welcome, except permanently squatted trucks.

Sons of Serendip, a Billboard-charting quartet and America’s Got Talent finalists, reshapes familiar songs with soulful, classically inspired arrangements. Featuring harp, cello, piano, and a powerful lead vocal, their concerts are known for intimate, emotionally rich moments. This performance is part of the Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts season and is one of seven live shows.

Celebrate the second annual bluegrass gathering on the waterfront with a full day of music and community. The lineup features Shadowgrass, East Nash Grass, Broken Compass, Front Porch, Pickety Split, All She Wrote, Redbud Bluegrass, and Podunk Ramblers. Beyond the stage, explore a curated vendor village with local makers, artists, and small businesses, along with food and drinks, cold beer, and festival merchandise. There is plenty of room to dance, relax on the grass, and enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you have been picking for years or are simply looking for a fun fall outing, this event centers on great music, community, and the shared energy of a day spent together.

Hosted at Duck Woods Country Club, the Annual Chefs' Challenge brings together some of the Outer Banks' most celebrated chefs for a friendly culinary competition that supports hunger relief in Dare County. Each chef prepares a dish using items the Beach Food Pantry regularly distributes to clients. Attendees and a three-judge panel vote for their favorite dishes in both savory and dessert categories. The event includes a silent auction and an opportunity to support the fight against hunger in the community. Participating restaurants will be announced and are subject to change. Tickets are on sale. For more information, contact Elisabeth at 252-261-2756.

At Outer Banks Brewing Station, this Thanksgiving themed beer mile alternates 10 ounce beverages with one quarter mile runs to cover a mile, then wraps up with a backyard party. This adult, 21 and over social run uses chip timing and features a mass start, with a participant T-shirt included. Registration is limited to 100 people and costs $45, with online and walk-up options available. Holiday attire is encouraged, with a costume contest for the most creative look, and prizes will be awarded to the fastest overall male and female. For details, text 252-489-8239 or email obxrunning@gmail.com.

Kitty Hawk Kites and the Jockey’s Ridge Crossing crew bring festive fun to Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head. Guests can enjoy a complimentary visit with Santa and receive a free photo. On the second floor, Santa’s elves feature classic toys for hands-on play. Holiday sales round out the experience for shoppers.

Kites with Lights brings a festive glow to Jockey’s Ridge State Park as Kitty Hawk Kites flies giant creations measuring 19 to 30 feet, each decorated for the holiday season. The celebration also features the lighting of the park’s Solar Christmas tree on the dunes across from Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. Donations benefit the Friends of Jockey’s Ridge. For more information, contact events@kittyhawk.com.

Celebrate the season with a creative getaway in Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks. This five day gathering centers on festive scrapbooking and storytelling, ideal for preserving the year’s memories or getting a head start on handmade gifts. The event fee is $235, and room accommodations are not included in the crop fee. Attendees can crop around the clock and enjoy a personal six foot workspace. A hot cocoa and coffee bar, along with holiday snacks and treats, keeps the inspiration flowing. Friday night brings pizza and salad, with an invitation to relax in favorite holiday pajamas and warm slippers. Throughout the event there are many door prize drawings and a grand prize drawing. Creative Memories, Stampin Up!, and ArtGeek Creations will be on site with demos, classes, and shopping. Lodging options are available with streetside rooms at $59 per night and oceanside rooms at $89 per night, offered as either double or single rooms.