Nags Head Events - 2026 Schedule

Put your running, jogging and even hiking abilities to the ultimate test via this race that may be short, but which features one of the highest climbs that the Outer Banks has to offer. The Killer Dunes 2-Miler & Fun Run features one of the most unique courses on the coastline, and includes a unique challenge of climbing the dunes that are located within the Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Kick off your summer vacation in style by popping by one of the most entertaining events of the season which also benefits a fantastic cause – the 4th Annual Soundside FunFair. This multi-day event creates a good old fashioned carnival atmosphere along the waterfront in Nags Head with a wealth of activities and attractions that are sure to leave everyone smiling.

Share a love of fishing with the youngest members in your vacationing party with this special fishing tournament that’s designed with youth anglers in mind. The Fritz Boyden Memorial Youth Tournament is an annual fishing tournament that takes place on the famous Jennette’s Pier, as well as Avalon pier, Outer Banks Fishing Pier, and Nags Head Fishing Pier. It is open to all anglers ages 16 and under. The age groups for competitors are 4-9 years old and 10-16 years old, and trophies as well as rod and reel combos are awarded to the largest fish caught by a girl and boy angler for the day. Participants in the “catch and release” tournament can enjoy a full morning of fishing before going to a celebratory and awards lunch close to the pier.

Community members and visitors are invited to join the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, the Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee for the Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP), and local partners for a volunteer beach cleanup focused on protecting and preserving the natural beauty of the Outer Banks coastline.

The Rogallo Kite Festival is a free and family-orientated event that features multiple days of kite flying to honor Francis Rogallo, NASA scientist and inventor of the flexible wing. His initial inventions started the sport of hang gliding, and his designs have carried over into the stunt kites, power kites and hang gliders that are flown today. To celebrate this innovator, visitors will be treated to a full day of kite-flying fun in one of the best destinations on the East Coast for high flyers, Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Families, volunteers, and community members are invited to celebrate connection, inclusion, and the joy of the ocean during Ohana Surf Day at Jennette's Pier. Designed specifically for individuals with special needs, the event creates a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can experience the excitement of surfing and spending time in the water alongside trained volunteers and community supporters.

Head to the heart of Nags head for this special 4th of July fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean that will leave all beach-goers breathless. The Town Of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular will be held on the evening of Independence Day, and is sure to be a show-stopping aspect of any Outer Banks vacation.

Kitty Hawk Kites is partnering with Surfrider Foundation Outer Banks Chapter to host a series of beach cleanups this season. Participants will meet at the Soundside Rd. public sound access. Once volunteers have checked in, they will receive gloves and cleanup bags and will be free to clean up a stretch of beaches of their own choosing.

Spectators and active watersports fans alike are welcome to head out to the beach near Jennette’s Pier to catch a spectacular on-the-water show by some of the best skimboarders on the East Coast.

Surfing For Autism is an Autism Spectrum Disorder awareness event that uses the beauty of the Outer Banks to provide children with an amazing experience and an opportunity to ride the waves.

Celebrate summer with Kitty Hawk Kites and support the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition at the annual OBX Watermelon Festival. This beloved local celebration that’s held at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head features a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages, and is the perfect way to toast the peak of the summer season on the Outer Banks.

Get ready for a pirate invasion on the Outer Banks, courtesy of the two-day Outer Banks Pirate Festival. This festival that will be held next to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in the central Outer Banks town of Nags Head promises plenty of swashbuckling good times and activities, and will be a memorable event for young and old salty visitors alike.

The event is always wide open to the public, and attendees need only to find a good spot along the Nags Head beach to enjoy the show. With some of the most skilled surfers in the world competing head to head, it's one of the best displays of surfing on the Outer Banks, and definitely worth a stop for any late September OBX vacationer. Be sure and bring a camera along, as the aerial tricks performed by the sport's best are sure to be awe-inspiring, and provide some of the best action shots of your OBX vacation.

Spectators are welcome to hit the sand and watch some of the top surfers in the region and the world compete in this late summer competition that promises to be one of the best live shows on the beach.

Soundside Market in Nags Head celebrates the creativity and community spirit of the Outer Banks by bringing together local artisans, makers, and small businesses in a vibrant waterfront setting. Held at the Soundside Event Site overlooking the Roanoke Sound, the market offers visitors a chance to shop for a wide variety of handmade and locally crafted goods, including artwork, jewelry, home décor, baked goods, apparel, beauty products, and other unique treasures inspired by coastal life on the OBX.

Enjoy a thrilling scene along the towering sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park as giant kites and stunt kite pilots wow the crowd at the engaging and family-friendly Outer Banks Kite Festival. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites, this festival features both live demonstrations and interactive activities to ensure that everyone can have a ball enjoying the high flying lifestyle on the Outer Banks.

The Community Care Clinic of Dare is gearing up for its 5th Annual Billfish Tournament at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, inviting anglers, visitors, and community supporters to enjoy a memorable weekend of offshore fishing, waterfront fun, and giving back to a meaningful local cause. Now in its fifth year, the popular tournament has become a favorite Outer Banks tradition that combines the excitement of sportfishing with the laid-back coastal atmosphere that makes the OBX so special. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy the energy of tournament day while taking in the sights of the fleet returning to the docks, celebrating big catches, and connecting with fellow fishing enthusiasts from across the region.

Jeep lovers are welcome to attend this annual festival that takes advantage of the beautiful fall weather of the Outer Banks, as well as the off-roading opportunities that are abundant along the miles of coastal North Carolina shoreline. The OBX Jeep Invasion is a fun and adventure-filled event that gives Jeep lovers an opportunity to get together and have a blast at one of the East Coat’s favorite destinations for four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Enjoy a rare opportunity to see the best surfers on the East Coast go head to head at this “grand finale” event that is renowned as one of the best surfing competitions on the Eastern Seaboard.

Enjoy a rare opportunity to see the best surfers on the East Coast go head to head at this “grand finale” event that is renowned as one of the best surfing competitions on the Eastern Seaboard.

Car lovers, collectors, and families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day on the Outer Banks at the OBX Rod and Custom Toy Festival, a community event that combines classic cars, custom rides, good food, and holiday giving in one festive gathering. Held in the heart of the OBX, the festival welcomes visitors of all ages to spend the day exploring an impressive lineup of unique vehicles while supporting local children and families during the holiday season. The event features a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where attendees can stroll among vintage cars, hot rods, custom builds, and specialty vehicles while connecting with fellow automotive enthusiasts and enjoying the laid-back coastal charm of the Outer Banks. Organizers encourage participants to bring a new unwrapped toy as part of the event’s mission to help local kids and spread a little extra joy throughout the community. In addition to the impressive vehicles on display, guests can enjoy food, music, and plenty of opportunities to socialize with friends old and new. The festival reflects the welcoming spirit of the OBX automotive community while giving visitors a chance to experience one of the area’s more unique seasonal events. Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast or simply looking for a fun Outer Banks outing with a meaningful purpose, the OBX Rod and Custom Toy Festival offers a memorable day of horsepower, hometown hospitality, and holiday cheer.

Top junior surfers from across the East Coast and beyond are set to return to the Outer Banks for the USA Surfing Prime Series, bringing high-level competition and exciting wave action to Jennette's Pier. Widely recognized as one of the premier junior surfing competitions in the country, the event showcases many of the nation’s top up-and-coming surfers as they compete in the next stage of elite amateur surfing.

Top junior surfers from across the East Coast and beyond are set to return to the Outer Banks for the USA Surfing Prime Series, bringing high-level competition and exciting wave action to Jennette's Pier. Widely recognized as one of the premier junior surfing competitions in the country, the event showcases many of the nation’s top up-and-coming surfers as they compete in the next stage of elite amateur surfing.

October is renowned as prime time for fishing on the Outer Banks, and Nags Head anglers don’t have to venture too far to enjoy a surf fishing tournament that is wonderfully close to home. The Nags Head Surf Fishing Club Tournament is open to skilled and amateur anglers alike, and takes place all along the sunny Nags Head beaches, with plenty of room to cast a line in the hopes of reeling in some big catches, and some big prizes.

At the NC VIP Fishing Tournament, the VIP stands for Very Important People as well as Visually Impaired Persons, and this tournament is a truly unique fishing event that ensures everyone can join in the fun of fall fishing on the Outer Banks. Held at Jennette’s Pier, which is well known as one of the best spots along the Outer Banks to drop a line, this tournament is the largest service project of its kind in the world, and is a great opportunity for VIPs everywhere to reel in some amazing catches, and some great times.

Get ready for one of the Outer Banks’ most unique and entertaining traditions as the 10th Annual OBX Brewtag returns for a high-flying celebration of creativity, community, and craft beer. Held at the scenic Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, the popular event challenges teams to design homemade flying machines capable of launching an empty 1/6 keg barrel — with bragging rights going to the team whose keg soars the farthest.

The OBX Truck Fest is rolling back into the Outer Banks for another exciting weekend celebrating lifted trucks, off-road culture, live entertainment, and coastal fun. Bringing together truck enthusiasts from across the region, the popular event showcases an impressive lineup of customized vehicles ranging from classic pickups and show trucks to massive lifted builds and off-road machines, all set against the laid-back beach atmosphere of the OBX.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the Soundside Holiday Market in Nags Head, where festive coastal charm meets local creativity along the beautiful Roanoke Sound. Held at the popular Soundside Event Site, the seasonal market invites visitors and locals alike to shop, stroll, and soak in the cheerful atmosphere while supporting Outer Banks artisans, makers, and small businesses.

Start your Thanksgiving Day with a little action before you start digging into the turkey feast with this annual run that features a family-friendly course, and plenty of ways to explore the local Outer Banks communities. The Outer Banks Running Club OBX Gobbler 5K & Fun Run is an engaging and scenic trek through the Village of Nags Head which is open to runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages, and which is sure to be a great kick-off to Turkey Day for everyone in the crew.

Get a head start on the holiday season with this post-Thanksgiving event that offers a world of fun for visitors of all ages. Held at the flagship Kitty Hawk Kites store in Nags Head, this two-day event features amazing shopping, activities, demos and displays, and - of course - a visit by old St. Nick himself to allow kids to get a jump start on their Christmas lists.  

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

Ignite your holiday spirit with this special annual event that combines the natural beauty of the Outer Banks with twinkling Christmas lights for an unforgettable display and seasonal experience. The Kites With Lights event is hosted by the flagship Kitty Hawk Kites store that’s just across the street from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and the beautiful landscape of twinkling kites with the iconic massive sand dunes of the park in the background will be a sight that spectators won’t soon forget.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.

The 12 Bars of Christmas transforms the Outer Banks into a month-long holiday celebration filled with festive cocktails, over-the-top décor, themed pop-up bars, and plenty of coastal Christmas cheer. Stretching from Manteo to Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, the popular seasonal event invites locals and visitors alike to experience the OBX in a whole new way as 12 participating restaurants and bars are transformed into immersive holiday wonderlands.