Ask almost anyone who lives on the Outer Banks what their preferred time of the year is, and they’ll say, “Fall.” The temperatures have backed off just a bit, the water is still warm, and there is so much to do.
We’ve put together a list of events through the beginning of November that highlights a few of our top picks. Some are new, but we think they’ll be fun, and some are old favorites.
The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival
Sept. 29–30
We’re really excited about this one. History, theater, food and wine, blended together over two days.
Day one features a culinary dream come true as the wines of Virginia Dare Winery are paired with Chef Thomas Finn’s creations. Held at Duck Woods Country Club, this should be an outstanding event.
Day two is an afternoon happening at the Soundstage Theatre overlooking Roanoke Sound. Some of the finest Outer Banks chefs will be on hand, pairing culinary masterpieces with fine wines.
Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival
Oct. 3–7
Five days of some of the best bluegrass musicians in the picture book setting of the outdoor Pavilion Stage at Roanoke Island Festival Park.
Some of the highlights include Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Flatt Lonesome and Jimmy Fortune.
Bring an instrument; there’s always a jam happening out in the parking lot.
Duck Jazz Festival
Oct. 7–8
Things kick off Saturday late afternoon with the Mint Julep Jazz band giving a lesson in swing music. Then Sunday it’s an all-day affair highlighted by the amazing vocals of Davina and the Vagabonds.
Bring a picnic lunch, favorite beverage and a lawn chair … it’s all part of what makes the day so special.
Outer Banks Marathon Weekend
Nov. 10–12
The Outer Banks Marathon weekend celebrates fitness, family and the Outer Banks.
The two big races are the Marathon and the Southern Fried Half Marathon, but there are a number of shorter runs for everyone.
The Marathon course winds through some of the most beautiful scenery on the Outer Banks, beginning under the thick canopy of Kitty Hawk Woods and ending in downtown Manteo.
Day At The Docks
Hatteras Village
Sept. 15–16
Kitty Hawk Surf Co. Kayak Fishing Tournament
3933 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head
Sept. 16
252-441-6800
Outer Banks Triathlon
410 Airport Rd., Manteo
Sept. 16–17
252-255-6273
ESA Eastern Surfing Championships
Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head
Sept. 17–23
Pridefest
6714 South Croatan Hwy., Nags Head
Sept. 22–24
The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival
Duck Woods Country Club, Southern Shores
Sept. 29–30
252-473-6000
Get Pumped For Pink 5K/10K
3712 Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk
Sept. 30
252-489-8239
Fish Like A Girl
Avon Fishing Pier, Avon
Sept. 30
Bryan Cultural Series Invitational Art Show
210 E Driftwood St., Nags Head
Oct. 3–7
Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival
1 Festival Park, Manteo
Oct. 4–7
252-423-3039
Outer Banks Parade of Homes
Oct. 5–8
252-449-8232
Kill Devil Hills Historic Landmarks Open House
102 Town Hall Dr., Kill Devil Hills
Oct. 6
Duck Jazz Festival
1200 Duck Rd., Duck
Oct. 7–8
The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde
Silent Movie with Organ accompaniment
All Saints Episcopal Church, Southern Shores
Oct. 15
Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival
Oct. 17–22
Island Art Show
23186 Myrna Peters Rd., Rodanthe
Oct. 19
Outer Banks Seafood Festival
Soundside Event Site, Nags Head
Oct. 21
Halloween International Film Festival
1803 N Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills
Oct. 26–28
OBX History Weekend
US Fish & Wildlife Visitor Center
100 Conservation Way, Manteo
Oct. 27–29
Outer Banks Brewtag
Soundside Event Site, Nags Head
Oct. 28
Roanoke Island Maritime Museum Wooden Boat Show
104 Fernando St., Manteo
Oct. 28
Outer Banks Halloween Parade Of Costumes
Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern, Nags Head
Oct. 29
Outer Banks Marathon
Outer Banks Sporting Events, Multiple Locations
Nov. 10–12
