Celebrate the Outer Banks through its best annual events — from kite festivals and seafood feasts to jazz concerts and small-town parades. Plan your trip around the season's highlights and experience the coastal charm that makes the OBX unforgettable year-round.
The Outer Banks doesn't just draw travelers for its windswept dunes and endless beaches; it's the rhythm of its local events that really captures the spirit of these barrier islands. From colorful spring kite festivals to seafood feasts under crisp autumn skies, every season brings its own reason to celebrate.
If you time your trip right, you'll find yourself swept up in parades, concerts, and community gatherings that blend small-town charm with coastal adventure. Here's our guide to the best annual events on the Outer Banks — each one a perfect excuse to plan your next seaside getaway.
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Today, we're bringing you a list of the very best annual events on the Outer Banks.
TLDR: Top Events by Season
- Spring: Fly Into Spring Kite Festival & Easter Eggstravaganza, Elizabethan Gardens Eastertide, Kelly's St. Patrick's Parade, Taste of the Beach, Outer Banks Bike Week
- Summer: Dare Days, Wright Kite Festival
- Fall: Duck Jazz Festival, Oink & Oyster Roast, Outer Banks Seafood Festival
Spring Events
1. Fly Into Spring Kite Festival & Easter Eggstravaganza (Nags Head)
Few sights rival a sky full of kites fluttering above the dunes. At the Fly Into Spring Kite Festival, the Outer Banks skyline turns into a moving canvas of color and creativity. Pair that with the Easter Eggstravaganza and you've got a weekend packed with family energy — think egg hunts, games, and a surprise appearance from the Easter Bunny himself.
Pro Tip: Bring a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the view — the Atlantic breeze and spring sunlight do most of the magic.
Highlights
- Stunning kite displays by seasoned flyers
- Easter egg hunts and family activities
- Meet-and-greets with the Easter Bunny
- Free admission with a few ticketed extras
2. Eastertide in the Gardens (Manteo)
Spring feels right at home in the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. Eastertide in the Gardens blends history, nature, and Easter cheer. Between blooming azaleas and sculpted hedges, families gather for egg hunts, crafts, and photo ops amid the floral splendor.
Highlights
- Easter egg hunts set among lush gardens
- Kids' craft workshops and music
- Manicured lawns and historic sculptures
- A relaxed, picture-perfect Easter outing
3. Kelly's Annual St. Patrick's Parade (Nags Head)
March in Nags Head means green galore. Kelly's St. Patrick's Parade has become an OBX icon — a rolling burst of floats, bands, and locals in shamrock shades. It's coastal Carolina meets Irish cheer, and it's impossible not to smile.
Highlights
- Creative floats and live bands
- Irish dancers and parade-day costumes
- Family-friendly, community-led atmosphere
- The official kickoff to spring on the Outer Banks
4. Taste of the Beach (Various Locations)
When foodies talk about Outer Banks flavor, this is what they mean. Taste of the Beach is a moveable feast that stretches across the islands, with top chefs, local breweries, and pop-up tastings turning the coast into one big dining room.
Pro Tip: Book early — some of the chef-led dinners and mixology events sell out fast.
Highlights
- Fresh seafood and creative coastal cuisine
- Cooking classes and tasting tours
- Wine, craft beer, and cocktail pairings
- A weekend dedicated to good food and great company
5. Outer Banks Bike Week (Various Locations)
Each April, the rumble of engines signals Outer Banks Bike Weekk. Riders cruise across the long bridges and scenic stretches between towns, soaking up ocean views and camaraderie. Even if you're not on two wheels, it's worth catching the live music, bike shows, and festivities.
Highlights
- Scenic rides along OBX coastal routes
- Bike expos and live concerts
- Laid-back gatherings and local vendors
- Celebrating freedom, friendship, and the open road
Summer Events
6. Dare Days (Manteo)
June in Manteo starts with a smile. Dare Days is small-town celebration at its best — live music, crafts, parades, and local food stalls lining the waterfront. It's the kind of event that makes you slow down, grab an ice cream, and chat with friendly strangers.
Highlights
- Family games, vendors, and live bands
- Classic parade through the historic town center
- Homemade treats and local art
- True community spirit under summer skies
7. Wright Kite Festival (Kill Devil Hills)
There's something poetic about a kite festival held where human flight began. The Wright Kite Festival, at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, celebrates both innovation and imagination. Expect hundreds of kites painting the sky, hands-on workshops, and music floating through the summer air.
Highlights
- Colorful kites at the birthplace of flight
- Kite-making workshops for kids
- Food trucks and outdoor picnics
- Relaxed, family-friendly energy
Fall Events
8. Duck Jazz Festival (Duck)
When October arrives, the Duck Jazz Festival fills the Town Green with music, picnics, and that signature OBX ease. Families settle into the grass with beach chairs while saxophones and trumpets float across the sound. It's an easygoing Sunday soundtrack you'll want on repeat.
Highlights
- Live jazz acts from across the East Coast
- Picnic-friendly, open-air setting
- Local food and drink vendors
- A free community celebration of music and fall
9. Oink & Oyster Roast (Kitty Hawk)
Good food, good people, and a good cause — the Oink & Oyster Roast delivers all three. Hosted by the First Flight Rotary Club, this autumn feast serves up roasted pork, shucked oysters, and live tunes, all to support local charities.
Highlights
- Fresh local oysters and barbecue plates
- Fundraising for community programs
- Live music and coastal camaraderie
- A heart-warming fall tradition
10. Outer Banks Seafood Festival (Nags Head)
Fall's crown jewel is the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, a full-day celebration of the area's coastal heritage. Fishermen, chefs, and artists come together to share their craft — from crab cakes and shrimp boils to maritime storytelling and beachside tunes.
Pro Tip: Arrive hungry and early — parking and the best bites go fast.
Highlights
- Fresh, locally caught seafood dishes
- Educational exhibits on sustainable fishing
- Live bands and artisan markets
- Family activities and waterfront views
Why You'll Love Outer Banks Festivals
OBX events aren't just fun — they're part of what makes the islands feel alive year-round.
- Meet locals: Festivals are full of community spirit and open smiles.
- Try something new: From shucking oysters to flying a kite, each event offers its own adventure.
- Support small businesses: Many events champion local chefs, farmers, and artisans.
- Create memories: You'll leave with photos, stories, and maybe a few grains of sand in your pockets.
Experience the best of the Outer Banks
The secret to a great OBX getaway? Finding the perfect place to stay. With Village Realty OBX, you'll have your pick of vacation rentals that keep you close to the beach, the fun, and everything in between.
Our rentals range from oceanfront homes with stunning views to cozy cottages perfect for families or couples. Many properties include amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring your stay is as relaxing as it is adventurous.
Booking with Village Realty means you can focus on enjoying everything this North Carolina treasure has to offer while resting easy in a home tailored to your needs. Start your journey by choosing the perfect rental for your outdoor getaway today!