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Outer Banks Events Calendar
February '12 | March '12 | April '12 | May '12 | June '12 | July '12 | August '12 | September '12 | October '12 | November '12 | December '12 | January '13
| February '12Return to Top | |
| Navigating the Stars | |
| 02/24/2012 to 02/24/2012 Call 252-473-3494 x 232 | |
| Navigating the Stars
Join us at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island for an investigation of those celestial bodies that enthrall us all. The evening will begin by viewing constellations from the comfort of the indoors on the Science on a Sphere®, a 68-inch diameter globe with projected images of the sun, stars, and planets. We will also discuss celestial navigation, the technique mariner's have practiced for centuries to travel the globe. Learn about the tools used and try your hand at measuring with a cross-staff and sextant. Come nightfall, we will go outside to observe the stars in all their glory, picking out constellations, planets, and galaxies. Afterwards, we will gather around a fire and listen to stories inspired by the stars, all while roasting marshmallows. The program is free to the public, ages 6 and up. Pre-registration is required by February 23 and space is limited. | |
| March '12Return to Top | |
| Workboats and Watermen in the Civil War | |
| 03/01/2012 to 09/01/2012 Call (252) 475-1500 | |
| In recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Roanoke Island, an exhibit will feature flat bottom boats that were used during the battle. roanokeisland.com | |
| 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Roanoke Island | |
| 03/03/2012 to 03/03/2012 Call (252) 473-6500 | |
| Daily life for Roanoke Islanders was abruptly turned upside down on February 7, 1862. Union gunboats and troop transports navigated into the Croatan Sound and bombarded Confederate forts along the Island’s western shore. The following morning nearly 10,000 Federal troops subdued Confederate defenses and forced the fleeing soldiers to surrender at the Island’s North End. Join us as the history from that time is brought to life. Young visitors will enjoy marching with the soldiers, musket demonstrations, hearth cooking demonstrations and visiting with the farm animals. Other activities will include Civil War era wet-plate photography demonstrations (for a fee, you may have your photo taken) and an original Civil War artifacts display. Dr. Patricia Click, historian and author, will speak about the Roanoke Island Freedmen’s Colony. There will be military camps and a field hospital and also a battle re-enactment.
Event Price $10 *Admission $10; children ages 5 and under free. | |
| OBX Taste of the Beach | |
| 03/15/2012 to 03/18/2012 | |
| Four days of food, drinks and fun. Presented by the Dare County Restaurant Association. This grand food festival will feature wine tastings, cooking classes, special menu presentations, celebrity guest chef appearances, brewery tours, tapas crawls and many more events with an exciting array of creative combinations and culinary delights. obxtasteofthebeach.com | |
| First Flight Cruisers 5th Annual Shamrock Car Show and Poker Run | |
| 03/15/2012 to 03/18/2012 | |
| All events are 'rain or shine'! Start the show off right with a Welcome Reception, Thursday, March 15th at Mako Mikes. The following day enjoy the Poker Run, Friday, March 16th. The Shamrock Car, Truck and Bike Show is Saturday, March 17th at First Flight High School. Visit our website for more information.
Event Price $5 *Prices Vary. Address & Phone 100 Veterans Drive Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 | |
| Kelly’s 4th Annual Running of the Leprechauns 8K | |
| 03/17/2012 to 03/17/2012 | |
| Nags Head. 9 a.m. Runners and walkers embark on a 8K/5 mile point to point course including road and trail (through part of the Nags Head Woods Conservancy) for a share of Kelly’s “pot of gold”, Green Glory and fun! Awards and post race celebration and hospitality is held immediately following the race at Kelly’s Tavern. kellysrestaurant.com | |
| Kelly’s 23rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade | |
| 03/18/2012 to 03/18/2012 | |
| Virginia Dare Trail/Beach Road, MP 11.5 - 10.5, Nags Head. 1 p.m. Rain or shine. The largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NC travels the greenest mile in the Tarheel state. Over 1,500 participants and approximately 10,000 spectators enjoy an afternoon filled with floats, live music, marching bands and creative marching/walking/motorized units. kellysrestaurant.com | |
| The Outer Banks Wedding Show | |
| 03/24/2012 to 03/24/2012 Call (252) 255-4925 | |
| The Sanderling Resort and Spa, Duck. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. You’re invited to an event like no other. The finest wedding professionals on the Outer Banks come together to make your wedding planning feel like a vacation. Imagine tasting great foods from qualified caterers like The Good Life Gourmet, The Red Sky Café, Ocean Boulevard and The Black Pelican. Then, you can sample the best tasting wedding cakes from Just Desserts and Great Cakes! of the Outer Banks. You’ll also find other Outer Banks wedding professionals exhibiting all they have to offer, including photographers and videographers, hair salons and spas, ceremony and reception venues, florists, wedding planners, officiants and Dj’s. The list just keeps on going. You’ll practically be able to put together a complete destination wedding package for the Outer Banks! obxbrides.com | |
| April '12Return to Top | |
| First Fridays | |
| 04/06/2012 to 12/07/2012 Call (252) 473-2133 | |
| Held on the first Friday of every month on the Manteo Waterfront. 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Historic Inn Tour from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (tour maps at Dare County Arts Council), Live music from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. (Blue grass to Jazz to Classic Rock 'n Roll), Boutiques and Restaurants open late, Enjoy family friendly activities, Famous rock climbing wall, Historical interpreters in period costumes and more. | |
| Flying Pirate Half Marathon | |
| 04/14/2012 to 04/15/2012 | |
| Outer Banks Half Marathoners, here's your chance to see the first half of the Outer Banks Marathon course! obxmarathon.com | |
| 10th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week | |
| 04/19/2012 to 04/29/2012 | |
| Packed full with entertainment, great food, events and special attractions. Bike Shows, Poker Runs, Guided Tours, Party Nights, Tattoo and Bikini Contests, Over 100 Vendors, Live Music, Outdoor Concerts, Pig Pickin & more! outerbanksbikeweek.com | |
| Appalachian State University Beans Talk Children’s Show | |
| 04/28/2012 to 04/28/2012 Call (252) 475-1500 | |
| 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Indoor Theatre. BEANS TALK: A Cow, Some Beans, and a Boy Named Jack by Derek Davidson is an original adaptation of a beloved folk tale. In this lively re-telling of Jack and the Beanstalk, the Cow is here to set the record straight. It appears that our “hero,” Jack, has greatly exaggerated the truth. How did poor Jack and his mother really turn their dried up farmland into thriving pastures and fields? The audience gets in on the action to discover there is more to the giant, Mr. Bigg, than we’ve been told! Through this charming tale, audiences will learn that sometimes being a real hero means simply telling the truth and that working together pays off for everyone in the end. The Appalachian Young People's Theatre uses song, dance, audience participation, simple sets, props and costumes to bring this timeless story to life. BEANS TALK is appropriate for the entire family.
Event Price $0 *Tickets are $5 for adults and those 6-12. 5 and under are free. | |
| May '12Return to Top | |
| Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show | |
| 05/04/2012 to 05/30/2012 Call (252) 475-1500 | |
| Art Gallery. Meet-the Artist Reception May 4 from 6-8 p.m. The annual exhibit features and eclectic mix of local art and will hang until May 30. It is free and open to the public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri and Saturdays-10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual event is sponsored by the Dare County Arts council and was created to honor the show’s namesake, Mollie Fearing, who was a prominent figure in the Manteo community. Fearing helped form the Sea and Sounds Arts Council that evolved into the current Dare County Arts Council. Today, the non-profit plays a leading role in the community. | |
| 29th Annual Yuengling Nags Head 5K Run | |
| 05/12/2012 to 05/12/2012 | |
| Not your typical walk down the beach, the dirt trails of the preserve weave through one of the best remaining examples of mid-Atlantic maritime forest and deciduous hardwoods. active.com | |
| 40th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular | |
| 05/18/2012 to 05/21/2012 Call (877) FLY-THIS | |
| Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, Nags Head. This is the world’s oldest, continuous hang gliding competition. Hang gliding professionals from all over the world come to the Outer Banks to compete and have fun on Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Demonstrations, street dances and awards ceremonies are all features of this spectacular event. Families can enjoy a rock climbing wall, hang gliding simulator, kite making and face painting. A portion of the events proceeds will go to benefit Friends of Jockey’s Ridge, a non-profit organization which supports the development of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. kittyhawkkites.com | |
| Coastal Gardening Festival | |
| 05/19/2012 to 05/19/2012 Call (252) 473-4290 | |
| The Coastal Gardening Festival is an annual event sponsored by the Dare County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in association with the Dare County Center of the N.C. Cooperative Extension. The festival offers everything from plants to home decor and yard art. Children's activities focused on gardening and tours of the Outer Banks Arboretum are also offered. There is no admission fee. | |
| Historic Trades Day | |
| 05/19/2012 to 05/19/2012 Call (252) 473-6500 | |
| Area farmers relied on the skilled tradesmen and women of their communities in the 1850s. Join us as accomplished demonstrators from around the Southeast, highlight the various professions practiced by historic residents of the Outer Banks. Trades may include: blacksmiths, shoemakers, joiners, wheelwrights, shipwrights, spinners and tailors.
Event Price $6 *Admission $6; children ages 5 and under free. Email: islandfarm252@gmail.com | |
| June '12Return to Top | |
| OBX Paddle Palooza | |
| 06/01/2012 to 06/03/2012 | |
| Three day Festival of Fun, so gather up the entire family and come try out Stand Up Paddleboarding, join in some fun races, and don’t forget your appetite for the Pig Pickin’ on Saturday night!
Address 53124 Nc Highway 12 S Frisco, NC 27936 | |
| 75th Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony | |
| 06/01/2012 to 08/23/2012 Call (252) 473-6000 | |
| Waterside Theatre, Roanoke Island. Monday - Friday, 8:30 p.m. 2012 marks the 75th anniversary season of the nation’s longest running symphonic drama, The Lost Colony. Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Green’s The Lost Colony recounts the historical events leading to the disappearance of the first English colonists who settled on Roanoke Island over 400 years ago. Come see live theatre under the stars performed by a professional company of more than 100 actors, dancers, singers and technicians. From epic battles and Indian dances to the pageantry of the Queen and her court, The Lost Colony educates, enriches and entertains! Inquire about weekend performances and special rates. Children 12 and under free on Monday nights when accompanied by a paying adult. Backstage tours at 7:30 p.m. Admission. thelostcolony.org | |
| Triple-S Invitational | |
| 06/02/2012 to 06/08/2012 | |
| Cape Hatteras. Held every year in Cape Hatteras, widely acclaimed as one of the top 3 kiteboarding destinations in the world, the Triple-S crown is the most sought after victory on the professional kiteboarding circuit. This professional event attracts the top 24 men and women kiteboarders from around the world to compete in surf, slicks and slider disciplines. The schedule also hosts 7 parties and 7 bands to provide a very social atmosphere to go along with the competition. This allows spectators a unique opportunity to meet the pros and learn more about the sport of kiteboarding. REALwatersports.com/triple-s | |
| 30th Annual Rogallo Kite Festival | |
| 06/09/2012 to 06/10/2012 Call (252) 441-4124 | |
| Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head. This two day festival will feature our signature kite flying on the dunes of Jockey's Ridge. Throughout the festival, exhibitions and demonstrations, including stunt and power kite lessons, are provided. (877) FLY-THIS | |
| Duck Summer Music Series | |
| 06/21/2012 to 08/09/2012 Call (252) 255-1286 | |
| Duck Town Stage. 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings. For eight weeks, local musical groups will take the stage. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, a picnic dinner and enjoy an early evening concert on the town green. The concerts are free. townofduck.com | |
| Small Fry Fishing Tournament | |
| 06/28/2012 to 06/29/2012 Call (800) 367-4728 | |
| The Small Fry Tournament is family fun time! Held annually around the 4th of July. Two categories of fishing for children 3-8 and 9-15. The entry fee is nominal and includes a t-shirt and lunch! Trophies are presented in each category for the largest fish caught. Target species are spot, bluefish, trout and flounder.
Address 2000 Sailfish Dr Manteo, NC 27954 Event Price $0 | |
| July '12Return to Top | |
| Duck's 8th Annual Fourth of July Parade | |
| 07/04/2012 to 07/04/2012 | |
| 9 a.m. The one-mile parade route begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane going eastward, continues down Ocean Way, and then turns onto Christopher Drive. No part of the parade is on Duck Road (SR 12). Please plan to arrive at least 1/2 hour early to get the best parade viewing spot! A community social following at the Duck Town Park featuring music by Ruth Wyand & Friends, refreshments and the awarding of parade trophies. townofduck.com/4thofjuly.htm | |
| OBX Killer Dunes 2 mile run/walk | |
| 07/04/2012 to 07/04/2012 | |
| Come join us on Wednesday, July 4th at 8:30 AM at Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head for the 7th Annual OBX Killer Dunes 2 mile run / walk & kids fun run. The event is a benefit for Easter Seals UCP of North Carolina & Virginia, a non-profit that helps people with disabilities lead fuller lives. All skill levels are welcome. Advanced runners can challenge themselves to complete the sand dune course without stopping. Or simply stroll through the course and take in the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Roanoke Sound, and the rest of the Outer Banks. There is even a kids fun run where 12 and under can run up a dune and back.
Address Jockey's Ridge State Park Nags Head, NC 27959 Event Price $0 | |
| August '12Return to Top | |
| 11th Annual OBX Sandbar 5K | |
| 08/05/2012 to 08/05/2012 | |
| Set on the wide flat sands in front of the historic ‘Old Station’ public bath house in Kitty Hawk. outerbanksrelieffoundation.com | |
| 23nd Annual Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament | |
| 08/11/2012 to 08/12/2012 | |
| Registration - August 11, Fishing - August 12. fishpiratescove.com | |
| 29th Annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament | |
| 08/13/2012 to 08/17/2012 | |
| Registration – August 13, Fishing – August 14-17. fishpiratescove.com | |
| New World Festival of the Arts | |
| 08/15/2012 to 08/16/2012 | |
| A juried exhibition featuring 80 selected artists from Vermont to Florida exhibiting and selling their works on the Manteo Waterfront. This two-day outdoor art show has been held since 1981. outerbankschristmas.com | |
| September '12Return to Top | |
| Outer Banks Triathlon | |
| 09/14/2012 to 09/16/2012 | |
| Don't miss out on a great weekend of fun on the Outer Banks! September is one of the best times of year to visit our area...the kids are in school, the temps have dropped a bit and the hussle-and-bustle of summertime vacationing has eased up. Event features half, olympic and sprint distance races through a unique coastal setting. obxmarathon.com | |
| Day at the Docks - A Celebration of Hatteras Island Watermen | |
| 09/15/2012 to 09/15/2012 | |
| Hatteras Village. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The commercial and charter fishing fleets will display their boats, skills, products and gear in a variety of competitions and demonstrations. Maritime-inspired games for children and fresh local seafood will be featured in a chowder cook-off and cooking demos. Traditional wooden boats will be on site. Musical entertainment throughout the day. Blessing of the Fleet begins at 5:30 p.m. dayatthedocks.org | |
| October '12Return to Top | |
| The Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival | |
| 10/05/2012 to 10/06/2012 Call (252) 564-4456 | |
| Downtown Manteo / Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Outer Banks and the whole Northeast region of North Carolina has waited a long time for this music festival. Well folks, the wait is OVER! The first annual Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival is just around the corner! Come hear that old familiar twang, in the tradition of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and so many other legendary performers. Come hear today's Bluegrass stars, such as Rhonda Vincent and Doyle Lawson picking their strings outside, under crisp October skies. We're bringing 'em in from all over the country for two days of down home cookin' and good ole Southern pickin'. Join us next October for a fun filled family weekend with the music of our roots, the music of our grandfathers, the music of America.......Bluegrass! OBXBluegrassFestival.com | |
| 6th Annual Duck Jazz Festival | |
| 10/07/2012 to 10/07/2012 | |
| Duck Town Park. 11 a.m. Rain or shine. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs, coolers, blankets and pets. The festival is free. duckjazz.com
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| November '12Return to Top | |
| 17th Annual Advice 5K Turkey Trot | |
| 11/22/2012 to 11/22/2012 | |
| Duck. A great warm up for your Thanksgiving Feast! Starting on Scarborough Lane in Duck with a finish line full of post race festivities. Runners and walkers of all abilities and ages are welcome. active.com | |
| Island Foodways | |
| 11/23/2012 to 11/24/2012 Call (252) 473-6500 | |
| Looking for something to do with the family after Thanksgiving? Come to Island Farm as we interpret fall food traditions and share how Roanoke Island families prepared for winter during the 1850s. Some activities will include: hearth cooking, food preservation, candle making and ox-drawn wagon rides from 10am - noon, corn shucking and shelling in the afternoon. Bring a nonperishable food item and receive $1 off the standard admission. Goods will be donated to the Roanoke Island Food Pantry.
Address 1140 US Highway 64 Manteo, NC 27954 Email: islandfarm252@gmail.com Event Price $6 *Admission $6 ($5 if donating nonperishable food item); children ages 5 and under free. | |
| December '12Return to Top | |
| Breakfast with Santa | |
| 12/08/2012 to 12/08/2012 | |
| Come enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa! Each child will have a chance to tell Santa all their Christmas Wishes, have their photos taken with Santa and receive a small gift bag.
Address 2510 South Croatan Hwy Nags Head, NC 27959 Event Price $15 *$15 per child $7 per adult | |
| An Old Christmas Celebration Under the Lights | |
| 12/08/2012 to 12/08/2012 | |
| Join us at the Elizabethan Gardens to celebrate an old fashion Christmas. Come and be the judge on who has the best cuisine on the beach - North Beach vs. South Beach Restaurants. After the delicious dinner buffet, check out our silent auction just before door prize awards. At 6:30 p.m. the fun begins with our live auction. After the auction, enjoy a stroll through the spectacular light display of the Elizabethan Gardens.
Address 1411 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27949 Event Price *$35/adult $20/child | |
| Christmas Past at Island Farm | |
| 12/08/2012 to 12/08/2012 Call (252) 473-6500 | |
| Explore Island Farm on a guided candlelight tour and experience an 1850s Southern Christmas. Discover the origins of some of our favorite Christmas traditions as interpreters bring to life the festivities of the season. Bring the children to visit the farmhouse decorated for the holidays with flickering wax candles illuminating the Christmas tree. Warm yourself by a crackling fire as you sip a cup of hot cider. Join carolers singing Yuletide favorites. Start a new holiday tradition at Island Farm.
Address 1140 US Highway 64 Manteo, NC 27954 Email: islandfarm252@gmail.com Event Price $10 *Admission $10; children ages 5 and under free. | |
| January '13Return to Top | |
| Merry Old Christmas Celebration | |
| 01/06/2013 to 01/06/2013 | |
| This family friendly event is the crown jewel of our festival. Our celebrations include a dinner buffet, free craft corner for the kids, games, raffles, door prizes, and a visit from The Show Queen who will have a few surprises for the children. A showcase of local artist and community attractions will be present.
Event Price $0 *$20/ adult $12.50/ child Address: 50 S Dogwood Trl Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 | |
