There’s a lot Happening on the Outer Banks

There was a time, not really all that long ago, when Labor Day came, and the Outer Banks rolled up its sidewalks. Businesses cut way back on hours or simply closed with owners taking a long vacation, and the pace of life became somewhere between languid and sleepy.

That is not the case anymore. We don’t want to make the off-season seem as busy as the summertime because it’s not. But the fact is that the fall shoulder season of October into November and even December which is traditionally thought of as an offseason month has lots to do.

October has become Fall Festival Month, especially with the Duck Jazz Festival back on track with two days of music over the second weekend of the month. That’s followed by the Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival at Roanoke Festival Park two weeks later.

In between, there’s the Outer Banks Seafood Festival at the Nags Head Event Site, which is a wonderful time to try fresh North Carolina seafood prepared by some of the best chefs on the Outer Banks.

And two weeks later BrewTag, the Kitty Hawk Kites gathering at the Event Site that attempts to answer the universal burning question, “If humans can fly, why can’t beer?” Or at least beer kegs. It’s fun, funny, and a great time.

November and December seem to be where there is more happening than we have seen in the past.

Dare Arts—which used to be the Dare County Arts Council—has hosted a Veteran’s Week for the past ten years, but this year they seem to have expanded what they are doing quite a bit. It’s still during Veteran’s Week, but actually, the schedule calls for 10 days of events November 5 – November 14. The highlight of the event is always the Veteran’s Writing Workshop which has helped so many veterans give voice to their experiences.

The Outer Banks Marathon is back as well, as it has always been, held over Veteran’s Day Weekend. Last year a howling nor’easter threw a real monkey wrench in plans. Hopefully this year, the weather will be a little more cooperative. A little wind and a little rain are ok; 40-50mph winds are not.

Thanksgiving Weekend has always been a huge weekend on the Outer Banks. That’s really when so many of our homeowners stop by with their families, so there’s a lot happening at that time.

Runners, this is your weekend for fun, shorter runs with 5Ks from Hatteras to Corolla.

Among all the events, it’s hard to pick out a favorite. There’s Kites with Lights at Jockey’s Ridge on Friday evening. The kids will love Hangin’ with Santa at Kitty Hawk Kites. Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island kicks off its annual festival of Winter Lights.

But for sheer fun, great food, fantastic music, and a little wine, the Big Curri-Shuck at Sanctuary Vineyards up in Jarvisburg is hard to beat. Always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Even in December, there’s a lot happening.

The Theater of Dare has really upped its game with a new production every month October through May. December features “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” beginning December 2.

And then there are the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. Manteo on Friday, December 2 is about as perfectly small town America as it gets. For something wonderfully different, check out the Village of Duck’s Crabtree Lighting on Saturday, December 3.

There’s a lot more than this happening everywhere on the Outer Banks, so be sure to plan a trip even when the Outer Banks is not at its busiest.

Event Schedule

Saturday, October 8, 2022

14th Annual Duck Jazz Festival

Duck Town Park Duck

The Town of Duck brings jazz to the Duck Town Park annually on Columbus Day weekend. This event is non-ticketed and free to the public.Jazz Festival Duck First Flight High School

Begins at 11:00 a.m.

Crabdaddy Festival

Sanctuary Vineyards Jarvisburg

The Daniel Jordan Band kicks off the festival featuring wine, beer and great food. Additional music will be playing after DJB’s set.

12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Sunday, October 9, 2022

14th Annual Duck Jazz Festiv…

Duck Town Park Duck

11:00 am

Sundays at the Overlook

Elizabethan Gardens Roanoke Island

Bring a chair and come relax at the Gardens’ sound Overlook! Join us for music, refreshing spirits, and light bites.

12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The Mousetrap

Theatre of Dare, Kitty Hawk

See the worlds longest running play! This record-breaking murder mystery features a brilliant surprise finish from Dame Agatha Christie, the foremost mystery writer of her time.

2:00 p.m.

Friday, October 14, 2022

2022 Fall Golf Classic

Sandtrap Tavern Kitty Hawk

Join the Kitty Hawk Rotary Club for our Fall Golf Classic at Sea Scape! A great afternoon of golf, followed by a tasty dinner. Proceeds from this fundraising event benefit Outer Banks community organizations.

12:00 pm

The Mousetrap

Theatre of Dare Kitty Hawk

See October 9 for details.

7:30 pm

Saturday, October 15

Outer Banks Seafood Festival

OBX Seafood Festival

Outer Banks Seafood Festival, Nags Head

All-day event takes place at the waterfront Event Site in Nags Head, and is a family-friendly outing that will make anyone fall in love with this staple of the Outer Banks culinary cuisine.

10:30 am to 6:00 pm

Backyard Bash – Community Foundation’s 40th Birthday

Outer Banks Brewing Station, Kill Devil Hills

Celebrating 40 years of Charitable Giving from the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

The Mousetrap

Theatre of Dare Kitty Hawk

See October 9 for details.

7:30 pm

Sunday, October 16

The Mousetrap

Theatre of Dare Kitty Hawk

See October 9 for details.

2:00 pm

Tuesday, October 18

Wings Over Water Festival

Wings Over Water Festival Manteo

Tuesday, October 18 – 5:30 am to 8:30 pm

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Wings Over Water Festival

Wings Over Water Festival, Manteo

This wildlife festival includes art, birding, natural history, paddling, and photography!

5:30 am to 8:30 pm

Friday, October 21

12th Annual Bluegrass Island…

Bluegrass Island Festival Manteo

The Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and this year’s event is no exception, with a number of regionally and nationally famous bands set to take the stage.

2:00 pm

Wings Over Water Festival

Wings Over Water Festival Manteo

This wildlife festival includes art, birding, natural history, paddling and photography!

5:30 am to 8:30 pm

Saturday, October 22

6th Annual OBX Brewtäg

Kitty Hawk Kites Nags Head

Brewtag Outer Banks

Brewtag contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest. A rather crafty selection of local and regional beer and food will be available. This family-friendly event will also feature plenty of activities for the kiddos

 

12:00 pm

12th Annual Bluegrass Island…

Bluegrass Island Festival, Manteo

See October 21 for details.

2:00 pm

Wings Over Water Festival Manteo

This wildlife festival includes art, birding, natural history, paddling, and photography!

5:30 am to 8:30 pm

US Windsurfing Freestyle Nationals

Ocean Air Sports Avon

Held in Avon, North Carolina sponsored by OceanAir Sports during OBX-WIND week the Freestyle Nationals will take place.

8:00 am

Sunday, October 23

Wings Over Water Festival

Wings Over Water Festival, Manteo

This wildlife festival includes art, birding, natural history, paddling, and photography!

5:30 am to 8:30 pm

US Windsurfing Freestyle Nationals

Ocean Air Sports, Avon

See October 22 for details

Sunday, October 23 – 8:00 am

Sundays at the Overlook

Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island

Bring a chair and come relax at the Gardens’ sound Overlook! Join us for music, refreshing spirits, and light bites.

12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Monday, October 24

US Windsurfing Freestyle Nationals

Ocean Air Sports Avon

See October 22 for details

8:00 am

October 25, 2022

US Windsurfing Freestyle Nationals

Ocean Air Sports Avon

See October 22 for details

8:00 am

Stars of the Grand Ole Opry

Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo

If you like country music and good clean family entertainment, you’ll want to bring all of your friends to come out and see the Ozark Jubilee!

11 AM and 3 PM

Thursday, October 27

US Windsurfing Freestyle Nationals

Ocean Air Sports Avon

See October 22 for details

8:00 am

October 28, 2022

US Windsurfing Freestyle Nationals

Ocean Air Sports Avon

See October 22 for details

8:00 am

Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree

Ocracoke

Chart your course to Ocracoke for the annual Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree! The jamboree features a historically accurate pirate encampment and a reenactment of the infamous pirate Blackbeard’s last battle at Ocracoke. Three ships will re-create the last hours of Blackbeard and his crew as Lt. Robert Maynard brings them to battle with cannons blazing.

10:00 am

Saturday, October 29

US Windsurfing Freestyle Nationals Ocean Air Sports Avon

See October 22 for details.

8:00 am

Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree

Ocracoke

See October 28 for details.

10:00 am

Night of 1587 Pumpkins

Elizabethan Gardens Roanoke Island

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

November 4, 2022

Manteo First Friday

Town of Manteo

First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented event held the first Friday of each month in historic downtown Manteo.

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

OBX Veterans Week

Dare County Arts Council,  Manteo

4 – 9:00 am

November 5

OBX Veterans Week

Dare County Arts Council, Manteo

Honor our Veterans and Active Duty Service members with special events from Corolla to Hatteras with the Outer Banks Veterans Writing Project being the centerpiece.

9:00 am

Currituck Bulls & BBQ

Currituck Rural Center

184 Milburn Sawyer Rd., Powells Point

Celebrate Currituck Country heritage and enjoy a day filled with great food, family activities, and excitement! Currituck Bulls & BBQ will include mechanical bull riding, live music from Manteo Murphy, a craft market, cornhole tournament, local food vendors and a rodeo.

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Sunday, November 6

OBX Veterans Week

Dare County Arts Council Manteo

See November 5 for details.

9:00 am

Monday, November 7

OBX Veterans Week

Dare County Arts Council Manteo

See November 5 for details.

9:00 am

Tuesday, November 8

OBX Veterans Week

Dare County Arts Council Manteo

See November 5 for details.

9:00 am

Wednesday, November 9

OBX Veterans Week

Dare County Arts Council Manteo

See November 5 for details.

9:00 am

November 10

OBX Veterans Week

Dare County Arts Council, Manteo

See November 5 for details.

9:00 am

Friday, November 11

Outer Banks Marathon & Southern Fried Half

Outer Banks Sporting Events, Nags Head

Outer Banks Marathon Runners

The Outer Banks Marathon follows its way through the natural beauty that is North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Come run with us and cover some spectacular ground!

7:00 am

OBX Veterans Week

Dare County Arts Council Manteo

See November 5 for details.

11 – 9:00 am

Saturday, November 12

Outer Banks Marathon & Southern Fried Half

Outer Banks Sporting Events Nags Head

See November 11 for details.

7:00 am

Sunday, November 13

Outer Banks Marathon & Southern Fried Half

Outer Banks Sporting Events, Nags Head

See November 11 for details

7:00 am

OBX Veterans Week

Dare County Arts Council Manteo

See November 5 for details.

9:00 am

Monday, November 14

OBX Veterans Week

Dare County Arts Council Manteo

See November 5 for details.

9:00 am

Saturday, November 19

4th Annual Misfits & Rejects Holiday Market

Outer Banks Brewing Station, Kill Devil Hills

Join us for our 4th Annual Misfits & Rejects Holiday Market. Don’t miss out on some wholesome holiday cheer with the Brew Crew!

11:30 am to 4:00 pm

November 23

Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile

Outer Banks Brewing Station, Kill Devil Hills

11:00 am

November 24

Annual SurfinTurkey 5K…

OBX Events Hatteras

8:00 am

Thanksgiving Day 5K

Corolla

6:30 am to 9:30 am

5K Turkey Trot

Ocracoke

8:00 am

Friday, November 25

Hangin’ With Santa

Kitty Hawk Kites Avon, Corolla, Duck, Hatteras, Manteo, Nags Head, Ocracoke, Rodanthe

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Saturday, November 26

Hangin’ With Santa

Kitty Hawk Kites Avon, Corolla, Duck, Hatteras, Manteo, Nags Head, Ocracoke, Rodanthe

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Kites With Lights

Kitty Hawk Kites Avon, Corolla, Duck, Hatteras, Manteo, Nags Head, Ocracoke, Rodanthe

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 holiday season!

4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

The Big Currishuck

Sanctuary Vineyards Jarvisburg

the Big Curri-Shuck at Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg NC

A signature acrylic wineglass is yours to keep, live music, new wine releases, and delicious local oysters? We’ll see you there!

2:00 pm

WinterLights 2022

Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island

Stroll illuminated walks and discover the seasonal joy of lights, sights, and sounds that transform the ten-acre gardens into an enchanted wonderland.

Winter lights will be available for guests Tuesday through Sunday throughout December. Closed Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Friday, December 2,

Christmas Tree Lighting

Town of Manteo Manteo

The tree lighting program in Manteo, set in front of the historic old courthouse, is a musical dramatic celebration of that indefinable spirit of selfless joy

6:00 pm

The Man Who Came to Dinner

Theatre of Dare Kitty Hawk

Join us for the production of  ‘The Man Who Came To Dinner’ (George S. Kaufman & Moss Hart)

7:30 pm

Saturday, December 3

15th Holiday Tour of Homes, Manteo

Manteo Preservation Trust Manteo

Join Manteo Preservation Trust (MPT) for the 15th Holiday Tour of Homes.

1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

50th Annual Christmas Parade

Town of Manteo

Santa Visits the Outer Banks

Welcome Santa Claus to the Outer Banks in the 50th Annual Manteo Christmas Parade.

10:30 am

Duck Yuletide Celebration

Duck Town Park

Santa Visits Duck North Carolina

Join us for live holiday music, treats, an elf scavenger hunt, and wait for our special guest to arrive: Santa Claus will make a special appearance.

3:00 pm

The Man Who Came to Dinner

Theatre of Dare Kitty, Hawk

See December 2 for details.

7:30 pm

Friday, December 9

The Man Who Came to Dinner

Theatre of Dare, Kitty Hawk

See December 2 for details.

7:30 pm

Saturday, December 10

The Man Who Came to Dinner

Theatre of Dare Kitty Hawk

See December 2 for details.

7:30 pm

Outer Banks Jingle Jog

Outer Banks Running Company

Southern Shores

8:00 am

Saturday, December 17

118th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ First Flight

Celebrate the 118th anniversary of the first successful powered, controlled flight. This year we will induct our 2021 Honoree Sally Ride to the Paul E. Garber Shrine.

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

20th Annual Candy Drop

Candy Bomber Manteo Airport

The annual Christmas season Candy Drop in Dare County will continue this year to honor the memory of “Candy Bomber” Gail Halvorsen with a flyover at the Wright Brothers Memorial. The candy drop will be on December 18.

1:00 pm

Sunday, December 18

20th Annual Candy Drop

Dare County Regional Airport, Manteo

The Candy Drop will take place at the airport on Dec. 18. There will be two candy drops, one for children five and under and one for older children.

1:00 pm