Nags Head Events - 2019 Schedule

The Running of the Leprechauns was the original idea of Mike Kelly and hosted at Kelly's Restaurant & Tavern, every St. Paddy's Day weekend since 2008. This fun, green and grand race Started and Finished on site at Kelly's Restaurant, and this years' 5K & 10K courses are virtually the same as in the past, just altered slightly to start and finish at nearby Satterfield Soccer Complex in Nags Head. All Finishers earned medals and enjoyed Irish Stew and Guinness beer at Mike's restaurant while sharing their running triumphs with their friends.

For an Outer Banks celebration that revolves around family fun, and encompasses the best of the Outer Banks' spirit, make plans to catch a good glimpse of the Outer Banks St. Patrick's Day Parade. With moderate temperatures and plenty of southern hospitality, this event can kick-off a fantastic week-long vacation or spring break on the Outer Banks.

Come enjoy the spirit of the Easter holiday on the Outer Banks while taking advantage of National Kite Month at this fun and family-friendly event that joyfully combines these two celebrations. The Flying Into Spring And Easter EGGstravaganza festival is a great way to take in the fresh spring air along the coastline, while participating in a myriad of games, displays, and a little kite action at one of the best spots on the East Coast for high flying.

Head to the beach to catch an incredible live show that’s unlike any other on the Outer Banks with the ESA Mid-Atlantic Regional Surfing Championship. Known as a qualifier for the big USA Surfing’s Prime events and USA Surfing Championships that are held in California in June, this event attracts talented surfers from all across the region and well beyond to the heart of the Outer Banks for a truly spectacular competition.

At the annual Artrageous Art Extravaganza, everyone can enjoy a little hands-on creativity with lots of interactive displays, live demos, and fun artistic activities for the young and the young at heart. This full day affair which combines art, music, and the friendly spirit of the Outer Banks, is an annual tradition that began in 1989, and which has become a favorite event for visitors of all ages.

The 47^th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show is landing on the Outer Banks, and visitors are welcome to take flight on a new adventure and join in the fun. Renowned as the longest running hang gliding competition in the world, the Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show is a multiple day event that combines a wealth of activities for professional hang gliders and spectators alike. The incredible air show is the cornerstone of the event, and visitors can head to the sky high dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park to check out the action. Throughout the day, an incredible display of colorful gliders will fly overhead, and lots of fun will be had at ground level as well thanks to a host of activities for competitors and everyday sightseers alike.

Now celebrating its third year, this family-friendly event is a collection of music, sports, and OBX fun, and features a full roster of activities and entertainment to keep everyone in the party smiling. Special events within the Dare2Care OBX Shred Fest line-up include multiple bands and musicians throughout the day, live demos performed by professional skateboarders and BMX riders, a special appearance by roller derby women, appearances by Special Olympics athletes, and much, much more. In addition, the festivities will have a host of games for patrons of all ages, food, and local art vendors for unique and one-of-a-kind OBX treasures. 2019's events will also include some brand new activities, such as a cool Community Pop Up Shop, a  special “Ladies Only SK8” session, and an invite-only Grom Grind showcasing some of the region's most talented 12 and under "Shredders." 

Back by popular demand, WOOFstock 2019 is a great opportunity to explore one of the Outer Banks’ most stunning venues with your favorite furry family members. This full-day event that is held at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head has a world of dog-friendly activities and exhibits that are sure to make canines and their human companions smile from ear to ear.

The 47^th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show is landing on the Outer Banks, and visitors are welcome to take flight on a new adventure and join in the fun. Renowned as the longest running hang gliding competition in the world, the Hang Gliding Spectacular and Air Show is a multiple day event that combines a wealth of activities for professional hang gliders and spectators alike. The incredible air show is the cornerstone of the event, and visitors can head to the sky high dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park to check out the action. Throughout the day, an incredible display of colorful gliders will fly overhead, and lots of fun will be had at ground level as well thanks to a host of activities for competitors and everyday sightseers alike.

Hungry visitors will want to make sure they attend the Outer Banks Annual Food Truck Showdown – a new-in-2018 event on the OBX that is already garnering plenty of attention and anticipation. Featuring a wide array of food trucks, area eateries, breweries, entertainment, and so much more, this filling festival is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with any visitors who have an appetite for fresh, local, and ultimately delicious Outer Banks fare.

Let the youngest members in the vacationing party have a ball while enjoying a morning or afternoon break off the beach with this fun-filled day that’s designed just for them. The Kitty Hawk Kites Kids Days in Nags Head features a wealth of activities to keep young explorers entertained, and is a great opportunity to discover all the many ways to have fun on the Outer Banks – both on and off the sand.

Start your Outer Banks vacation with a burst of energy and a little sunshine on the sand with this family-friendly racing event that highlights the best views on the beach. The Sunrise 5k & Little Crab Crawl takes place along the oceanfront shores of Nags Head, and is a great way for walkers, joggers and runners to enjoy a little friendly competition and comradery with fellow active visitors and locals while taking in a scenic OBX sunrise over the Atlantic.

The Rogallo Kite Festival is a free and family-orientated event that features two 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.

Let the youngest members in the vacationing party have a ball while enjoying a morning or afternoon break off the beach with this fun-filled day that’s designed just for them. The Kitty Hawk Kites Kids Days in Nags Head features a wealth of activities to keep young explorers entertained, and is a great opportunity to discover all the many ways to have fun on the Outer Banks – both on and off the sand.

Take advantage of an opportunity to enjoy two of the things coastal North Carolina is known for - fantastic beaches and barbecue – with this racing event that combines a wealth of OBX activities in a single and fun-filled evening. The Sunset 5k & Carolina Pig Pickin is held at the stunning Jennette’s Pier in the heart of Nags Head, and is a fun and lightly competitive race that cruises by the beaches and soundside regions where the sunset is at its natural best. Walkers, joggers, and runners are all welcome to attend, and to enjoy the scene while engaging on a fast-paced tour of the central Outer Banks.

Explore the famed fishing scene of the Outer Banks at this area-wide tournament with plenty of potential big catches – and big prizes – to go around. The Summer Slam Kayak Fishing Tournament is celebrating its inaugural year in 2019, and the Kitty Hawk Surf Co. event is sure to be a hit with new and seasoned kayak fishermen alike.

Let the youngest members in the vacationing party have a ball while enjoying a morning or afternoon break off the beach with this fun-filled day that’s designed just for them. The Kitty Hawk Kites Kids Days in Nags Head features a wealth of activities to keep young explorers entertained, and is a great opportunity to discover all the many ways to have fun on the Outer Banks – both on and off the sand.

Let the youngest members in the vacationing party have a ball while enjoying a morning or afternoon break off the beach with this fun-filled day that’s designed just for them. The Kitty Hawk Kites Kids Days in Nags Head features a wealth of activities to keep young explorers entertained, and is a great opportunity to discover all the many ways to have fun on the Outer Banks – both on and off the sand.

Let the youngest members in the vacationing party have a ball while enjoying a morning or afternoon break off the beach with this fun-filled day that’s designed just for them. The Kitty Hawk Kites Kids Days in Nags Head features a wealth of activities to keep young explorers entertained, and is a great opportunity to discover all the many ways to have fun on the Outer Banks – both on and off the sand.

Let the youngest members in the vacationing party have a ball while enjoying a morning or afternoon break off the beach with this fun-filled day that’s designed just for them. The Kitty Hawk Kites Kids Days in Nags Head features a wealth of activities to keep young explorers entertained, and is a great opportunity to discover all the many ways to have fun on the Outer Banks – both on and off the sand.

Let the youngest members in the vacationing party have a ball while enjoying a morning or afternoon break off the beach with this fun-filled day that’s designed just for them. The Kitty Hawk Kites Kids Days in Nags Head features a wealth of activities to keep young explorers entertained, and is a great opportunity to discover all the many ways to have fun on the Outer Banks – both on and off the sand.

Let the youngest members in the vacationing party have a ball while enjoying a morning or afternoon break off the beach with this fun-filled day that’s designed just for them. The Kitty Hawk Kites Kids Days in Nags Head features a wealth of activities to keep young explorers entertained, and is a great opportunity to discover all the many ways to have fun on the Outer Banks – both on and off the sand.

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 OBX 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.

Hungry visitors will want to make sure they attend the Outer Banks Annual Food Truck Showdown – a new-in-2018 event on the OBX that is already garnering plenty of attention and anticipation. Featuring a wide array of food trucks, area eateries, breweries, entertainment, and so much more, this filling festival is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with any visitors who have an appetite for fresh, local, and ultimately delicious Outer Banks fare.

Head to the cool and relaxed Outer Banks in late September to join in the fun of one of the region’s most distinctive and popular area festivals. Pridefest is a three-day gay pride festival that is full of activities, food, music, and ample beach time, and which is open to all LGBTQ folks and their supporters and friends.

Get a taste of the exceptional fall fishing on the Outer Banks from a new and on-the-water perspective at this September event that will appeal to experienced anglers and kayaking newcomers alike. The annual Outer Banks Kayak Fishing Tournament shines a spotlight on the sport of kayak fishing through a host of great prizes, exceptional fishing conditions, and plenty of fun enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and cool weather of autumn in the Outer Banks.

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.

Jeep fans can head to the Outer Banks for one of the biggest regional events of the year for Jeep lovers – the Outer Banks Jeep Jam. Taking place over the course of a cool September weekend, this grand event features live music, kids activities, raffles and giveaways, food and drink, and an endless number of ways to meet and greet with fellow Jeep lovers.

The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is rapidly becoming one of the highlights of the fall season, with plenty of fresh seafood, storytelling, and activities to keep everyone fully entertained. This 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.

A celebration of flight and beer, OBX Brewtag is modeled after the whimsical and entertaining Red Bull Flutag, translated to “flying day” in German. With OBX Brewtag, the general premise is the same, although rather than human-powered flying machines, Brewtag contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest.

The cost to compete at OBX Brewtag in 2019 is only $50 and the sky is the limit as to how creative your homemade flying contraption can be! Individuals and teams are welcome.

Admission to the event is FREE to the general public. A rather crafty selection of local and regional beer and food will be available for purchase that day. This family-friendly event will also feature plenty of activities for the kiddos!

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 Hangin' With Santa & 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.