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.
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
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 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
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 Surfin’ Turkey 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
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
Welcome Santa Claus to the Outer Banks in the 50th Annual Manteo Christmas Parade.
10:30 am
Duck Yuletide Celebration
Duck Town Park
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
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