Events

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival was established in 1997 to connect the public with wildlife and wildland experiences in regional national wildlife refuges. Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival is hosted across six refuges in northeastern North Carolina. The festival features about 60 programs, including birding, paddling, photography, and natural history, making it one of the premier East Coast wildlife festivals. It also supports refuge conservation and education through the Coastal...

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival was established in 1997 to connect the public with wildlife and wildland experiences in regional national wildlife refuges. Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival is hosted across six refuges in northeastern North Carolina. The festival features about 60 programs, including birding, paddling, photography, and natural history, making it one of the premier East Coast wildlife festivals. It also supports refuge conservation and education through the Coastal...

Music lovers from all over the world flock to the Outer Banks for this tradition that adds a roster of acclaimed bands with one of the most beautiful venues anywhere. The Bluegrass Island Music Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and this year's event is no exception, with a number of regionally and internationally famous bands set to take the stage. If your dream...

The Outer Banks Seafood Festival features delicious food and tasty beverages from the best local restaurants and breweries.

Creep it real this Halloween! Make plans to join us for Trunk or Treat in the Town of Duck! Dress in your best costume and come enjoy a safe and festive atmosphere. This FREE event will take place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Town Hall where we will have games set up on the lawn, exciting giveaways from local businesses, live entertainment. Don’t forget to bring your chairs and blankets...

A celebration of flight and beer, OBX Brewtag contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest. Want to compete? The sky’s the limit as to how creative your homemade flying contraption can be! Individuals and teams are welcome. Admission to the event is FREE for everyone! A rather crafty selection of local and regional beer and food will be available...

In 1587, English colonists came to Roanoke Island. Night of 1587 Pumpkins is an event at which we attempt to light 1,587 jack-o’-lanterns. The evening will consist of trick-or-treating, contests, and, of course, pumpkins! Everyone is encouraged to come in costume to enjoy the festivities. Our community helps us carve the pumpkins! You are invited to come to the Gardens to carve a free jack-o’-lantern on October 28th and/or 29th,...

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is proud to announce the second annual Shellabration and BBQ event will take place November 1, 2026, from 1pm-4pm at the Safe Harbor Marina and Tiki Bar. This event is sponsored, in part, by a grant from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. This year’s event will feature an expanded lineup of North Carolina oyster farmers and additional local barbecue vendors, while keeping the ticket...

The Outer Banks Marathon Weekend features many different options for events to race in. Not only is there the Towne Bank Marathon, but also the Half Marathon and the Surf Pediatrics Surf & Soar 5K, 8K and COLOR Fun Run. Participants will enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the course as it twists and turns across the islands of the Outer Banks. There will also be plenty of family-friendly, exciting...

Lace up your running shoes for this 5k and Youth Fun Run on Thanksgiving Day at The Whalehead Club in Historic Corolla Park. This is a family and community event in the spirit and fellowship of the holiday open to runners, walkers, stroller/jogger and wheel chair participants. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, canned goods/non-perishable food items will be collected for The Sonder Project in support of our ​local Food Bank.

Start your Thanksgiving day off with a fantastic 5k run through Duck! The beloved community race invites vacationers, homeowners, and local participants of all ages and abilities to enjoy a scenic 5K run/walk through Duck’s neighborhoods, followed by post-race festivities, music, and refreshments. Costumes are encouraged, and prizes will be awarded to top finishers as well as the best holiday-themed attire.

Join us for 12 Bars of Christmas, a festive pop-up bonanza featuring 12 of your favorite local bars and restaurants transformed into winter wonderlands for holiday cheer. From Black Friday through New Year’s Eve, explore themed venues across Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo. Enjoy specialty drinks, seasonal menus, family-friendly activities and unique events at each spot. Take part in our Passport Challenge—collect stamps at all 12...

Come to the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head for a one-of-a-kind holiday market experience!  Featuring photos with Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf (1pm-3pm), and the Grinch (3pm-4pm), a live camp fire to keep your hands and toes warm, Christmas tunes to sing along to, food trucks AND 70+ of our favorite Outer Banks local makers and artisans, we will truly have a little something for everybody.  Get all...

Join us for a festive evening concert featuring the award-winning Christmas Carolers! The Bank of Harmony, along with The Sugarplums, will perform on Saturday, December 19th at Roanoke Island Festival Park's indoor theater. Enjoy complimentary hearty hors d’oeuvres during intermission, and a cash bar will also be available. Don’t miss this holiday spectacular! Bar open at 6:00 PMTheater doors open at 6:30 PMShow time at 7:00 PM

Celebrate New Year's Eve family-style on the waterfront in downtown Manteo starting at 6:00 p.m. on December 31st! Live music, kid's zone with great games and activities, fabulous fun giveaways,  and a colorful fireworks display illuminating Manteo's beautiful waterfront will bring cheer to the new year. Yummy food options include local fare provided by downtown restaurants in addition to accompanying local food trucks.  Colorful shaved ice will surely catch the...