Events

Come experience the enthusiasm, inspiration and skill involved in taking on this swim-bike-run course. The Outer Banks Triathlon is two days of multi-sport racing including 3 distances. Be a part of a relay team or join in on the Challenge. The Sprint Triathlon distance is perfect for those beginner triathletes. Move up to the Olympic Triathlon distance or choose the Half Triathlon distance and see if you have what it...

A regional kite festival that brings some of the nation’s best stunt kite pilots right to our backyard. Come out to Jockey's Ridge for two days of kite-flying fun for the whole family. Enjoy massive display kites, including a 100-foot octopus, an 80-foot panda, and a 50-foot fish. Participate in FREE stunt and power kite lessons given by pros. Throughout the event, watch world-class displays of artistry and skill with...

The largest amateur surfing organization in the world hosts the season’s Grand Finale where the best of the best surfers go head to head at Jennette's Pier. Each year the ESA has over 150 competitions along the entire East Coast. From the local district level, top finishers are invited to advance to regional competitions and winners in those regional championship events are invited to the The Easterns. This week-long surf...

OBX Jeep Invasion brings together Jeep-minded people for fun, adventure and giving back to our beach community. The event will include a Fun Run, Vendor Bingo, Show & Shine, raffles, live bands, vendors, food trucks and more!

Outer Banks Parade of Homes features stunning homes and the finest in coastal living on the Outer Banks. From charming coastal retreats to sprawling oceanfront estates, each property represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and innovation. With sizes ranging from 1670 sq. ft. to an impressive 8360 sq. ft., there's bound to be something to capture your imagination and inspire your dreams. Tickets for the Parade of Homes are now available...

Movie on the Green is held in the Town of Duck Town green on select dates May-October. When the sun goes down the silver screen comes to life! Bring the family, lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and picnics for a free family movie night under the stars.

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.

Come out to Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head and try to complete one 5K loop per hour for a total of five 5K loops! There will be a small portion of dune to cross. Go it alone or find a teammate!   How It Works Are you endurance race curious? Or trail running curious? Both? This is a welcoming event for you! Run a 5K on the hour every hour...

Trick or Treat in Duck! Make plans to join us on Saturday, October 18for the first ever Trunk or Treat in the Town of Duck! This FREE event will take place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Town Hall where local businesses will be set up to greet trunk-or-treaters. We will also have games set up on the lawn, meet-and-greets with Town of Duck Public Safety, and lots of bubbles!

Movie on the Green is held in the Town of Duck Town green on select dates May-October. When the sun goes down the silver screen comes to life! Bring the family, lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and picnics for a free family movie night under the stars.

Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile- Drink, Run, Drink, Run, Drink, Run, Drink, Run, Party Join the Brewing Station crew for a Thanksgiving themed beer mile. Backyard party, chip timing and T-shirt included. This is an adult 21 and over only social run. Prizes to the fastest male and female overall. Wear your Holiday finest, costume contest judging for most creative.

A Night of 1587 Pumpkins & Pumpkin Carving 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. Jack-o-lanterns are provided by our community, so come to the Gardens to carve a free pumpkin on October 24 or 25th that will be added to the pumpkin path. Or...

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...

Get ready to enjoy an afternoon among the boats in Wanchese at this new event, brought to you by the team that has hosted The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival for seven years! You'll have the opportunity to sample oysters from NC Growers, BBQ from Pigman's, and other regional food specialties. Shucked, roasted, and fried oysters, plus local shrimp, chowders, biscuits, and desserts will be served. Entertainment will include live music...

Important Marathon Update Dear Participants, We’re deeply sorry to share that the OBX Marathon Weekend (Fun Run, 5k, 8k, Half Marathon, Marathon, and Expo) November 8–9 2025 has been canceled due to the ongoing government shutdown. 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...

A holiday tradition not to be missed! Stroll along illuminated garden walks and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights that transform the ten-acre gardens into an enchanted wonderland. The radiant glow, holiday décor, and a crackling open-air fire, add to the festive atmosphere. Seasonal plants and holiday gifts will be available in the Gift Shop and Nursery. Tours are from 6:00 - 9:00 pm on select nights...

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.

Duck Turkey Trot 5K  - Start your Thanksgiving day off with a fantastic 5k run through Duck!

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...

Kites with Lights is a fantastic light show at Jockey’s Ridge State Park! Spread the holiday cheer with Kitty Hawk Kites and a kite light show on Jockey’s Ridge! Be sure to make it out on Saturday, November 29th from 4 – 7 PM for a light display like no other. Kites with Lights, at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, features large 19-to-30-foot kites decked out in the spirit of the...

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...

An oyster roast for the coast! Join the North Carolina Coastal Federation for a laid-back oyster roast at Oden’s Dock in Hatteras Village from 1-4 p.m. The event will feature fresh oysters, clam chowder, cornbread, and other refreshments. Be sure to save room for homemade dessert from the bake sale. You can also enjoy live music and a silent auction with many unique, regional items.

Scenic run through Sanctuary Vineyards! Start your day with your Sweetheart, or maybe find one on the course, then start your scenic trail run/walk through the vineyard, under the trees, by the sound and back to the winery for the post-race wine, cheese and chocolate tasting party including Sanctuary souvenir swag. Welcome non-wine specialists (and younger ages)!

Join us for 3 days of regional food, drink and fun on the Outer Banks! Each year the Outer Banks Restaurant Association welcomes visitors and locals to the annual OBX Taste of The Beach to connect, share, and enjoy wine and food experiences. The Outer Banks Taste of The Beach Weekend is a fantastic way to sample the fare of many local restaurants in one fun-filled, food-centric weekend! Come indulge...

Suit up in your green gear and try your luck at the Running of the Leprechauns. This fun and festive 5K and 10K race event has kicked off the Outer Banks Sporting Events annual line-up since 2017. Find your pot of gold at the end of the race at the after party with music and awards. Each finisher receives a finisher's medal and an event shirt. Awards are given for...

For foodies, families, and anyone who appreciates a hearty bowl of comfort food, this isn't just a lunch—it’s a showdown. Whether you are a long-time lover of Outer Banks cuisine or a first-time visitor looking to taste the local flavor, this event offers a unique opportunity to sample the best chowder creations from the area's top chefs.

The Kelly’s Annual St. Patrick’s Parade and Celebration starts at 1 pm. The parade route runs from Bladen St. (MP 11.5) north to Driftwood St. on Virginia Dare Trail (Beach Road). What began as a way to break up the winter doldrums and to invigorate the community in preparation for the summer season, the parade has grown to include over one-hundred entrants and is watched by over eight thousand attendees...

Dan Kelly of Fortunate Youth brings his first-ever solo Anthem Tour to the Outer Banks for an unforgettable afternoon inside the beautifully restored Pioneer Theater in downtown Manteo. This special storytelling-style show features an incredible lineup of guests, including Cas Haley, Kevin Kinsella, John Landry, and Ike Kanakanui, creating a rare acoustic-reggae experience in one of the most intimate venues on the East Coast. Set inside the Pioneer’s warm, resonant...