|
January
Dare
County Schools Annual Art Show
Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery
210 E. Driftwood St., Gallery Row
(252) 441-6584
Children's art from seven schools, grades K-12, goes on display for
a week in mid-January at the Ghost Fleet Gallery. The work is an innocent
and inspiring mix of two- and three-dimensional art. We have some great
art teachers here and a host of budding artists to match. The reception
usually is on a Sunday, and admission is free.
back
to top
February
Frank
Stick Memorial Art Show
Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery
210 E. Driftwood St., Gallery Row
(252) 473-5558
The Dare County Arts Council sponsors this show that's been running
for almost 30 years. Area artists show a wide mix of work including
paintings, drawings, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art and
mixed media. Entrants who are arts council members or residents may
enter one piece. The exhibition is open to amateurs and professionals
alike. The reception is usually held the last week in January, and more
than 140 pieces fill the gallery. There is no admission fee.
A
Literary Evening
Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery
210 E. Driftwood St., Gallery Row
(252) 441-6584
Local writers and guests read recent works including poetry and essays that range from lighthearted and humorous to serious and philosophical. The event is free and operates as part of the Frank Stick Memorial Art Show. It is scheduled mid-month.
The Vagina Monologues
(252) 475-0187
Presented annually as part of the worldwide efforts to end violence against women and girls, this production of Eve Ensler’s work features local women in the play and local men and women behind the scenes. Look for location and times several weeks before the event in local media. A separate play is held each year on Roanoke Island as well.
back
to top
March
Polar
Plunge
(252) 449-8897
Have you ever taken a dip in the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of winter? Here's your chance. This event takes place in Kill Devil Hills at the Ramada Plaza at milepost 9.5, and sponsored participants support the YMCA's "We Build People" scholarship fund.
St.
Patrick’s Day Parade
The Beach Road
(252) 441-4116
Heralded as the largest St. Patty's parade in North Carolina, this green
gala trails along the Beach Road for miles and features floats, service
vehicles, lots of candy tossing, clowns and more. Head to Kelly's Restaurant
after the parade for free hot dogs, soda and an evening of entertainment.
It's all free and held the Sunday before March 17. The parade starts
at Nags Head Fishing Pier and runs to about MP 10.
back
to top
April
Artist’s
Self-Portrait Exhibition and Competition
Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery
210 E. Driftwood St., Gallery Row
(252) 441-6584
This art show opens April 1 and features an all-media exhibition ranging from the serious to the lighthearted as artists depict how they view themselves. The artwork is on display until early May, and there is a cash prize for the first place winner.
Kitty
Hawk Kites Annual Easter Eggstravaganza
The Bypass, MP 12.5
(252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS
Kitty Hawk Kites hosts this event scheduled around the Easter holiday. Kiddy activities include an egg hunt and a variety of games. It's all free and fun!
Kelly’s
Midnight Easter Egg Hunt
Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant
The Bypass, MP 10.5
441-4116
Grab a flashlight and join in the search for the eggs filled with surprises such as gift certificates and coupons. You have to be 21 to participate. The date coincides with Easter.
Outer Banks Bike Week
Various Outer Banks locations
(252) 255-5922
What better way to see the Outer Banks than from a motorcycle? Outer Banks Bike Week includes gatherings up and down the beach at local restaurants for live music, great food and drinks and even a bikini contest.
back
to top
May
Mother
Daughter Paint-In
Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery
210 Driftwood St., Gallery Row
(252) 441-6584
Held the Saturday before Mother's Day, this is a fun event designed for mothers and daughters, but everyone is welcome to attend. All materials are provided, and work is auctioned off, with all proceeds devoted to the Glenn Eure Endowment for Arts scholarships. The event usually begins mid-morning.
Annual
Hang Gliding Spectacular
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
The Bypass, MP 12.5
(252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS
This is a hot hang gliding competition featuring pilots from all over the world. Witness amazing feats, a fun-filled street dance, awards ceremony and annual inductions into the Rogallo Hall of Fame.
International
Miniature Art Show
Seaside Art Gallery
The Beach Road, MP 11
(252) 441-5418
Early May sees the opening of this international show that features mini-works packed with talent. The more than 500-plus mix includes two- and three-dimensional work ranging from realism to abstraction. The reception occurs later in the month. There's no fee to view the work, and if you aren't visiting then, don't worry – you can view the entire show on their website.
Spring
Wings Over Water
Various Outer Banks locations
(252) 441-8144
This is the springtime version of the popular fall event Wings Over Water. The program includes birding trips and kayaking with an emphasis on butterflies, migratory shorebirds and wildflowers. This event is both fun and educational.
Nags Head Woods 5K and One Mile Family Fun Run
Nags Head Woods Preserve
Ocean Acres Dr., Kill Devil Hills
Run through this gorgeous maritime forest and celebrate at the finish. The 5K in Nags Head Woods is a tradition that's more than 20 years old and is usually held the second Saturday in May. Proceeds benefit the Outer Banks Kiwanis and several other local charities. Pre-registration for this run is a must.
back
to top
June
Rogallo
Kite Festival
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
The Bypass, MP 12
(252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS
Honor the father of hang gliding, NASA scientist and inventor of the Flexible Wing, Francis Rogallo, and the majesty of kite flying at this two-day event. Kiters of all ages fly what suits their fancy, build kites and compete.
Youth
Fishing Tournament
Outer Banks piers from Kitty Hawk to Nags Head
(252) 441-4862
Kids ages 4 to 16 compete in this June fishing tournament. Entrants
sign up at the piers and fish from 8 a.m. to noon. An awards ceremony
follows. The entry fee usually is 50 cents. The North Carolina Sea Hags,
Nags Head Surf Fishing Club and the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association
sponsor the annual event.
back
to top
July
Fourth
of July Fireworks
Various Outer Banks locations
Fireworks are launched off the local piers in honor of the fourth. The
show usually starts a little after 9 p.m. Get to the beach early and
stake out your spot on the sand. Each town has its own celebration,
so you'll likely see fireworks fill the sky up and down the beach.
Art Demonstration
Seaside Art Gallery
The Beach Road, MP 11
(252) 441-5418
Each year in July, Seaside Art Gallery hosts a live art demonstration
show by a professional artist.
back
to top
August
National
Underwear Day
Luxury
Outer Banks Mall
The Bypass, MP 14
(252) 449-2474
Come celebrate undergarments with Luxury on National Underwear Day.
Chances are you don’t give much thought to the most important
thing you wear all day! Held annually, Luxury’s celebration is
the second Wednesday in August and includes giveaways and other festivities.
back
to top
October
North
Carolina Big Sweep
North Carolina beaches and waterways
(800) 27-SWEEP
Big Sweep is an organized day of cleanup of North Carolina waterways. To participate, find a Big Sweep volunteer at a local beach access. They provide trash bags, and it's a good idea to wear gloves and avoid any potentially hazardous materials. There is usually an after party at a local restaurant where the cost of admission is the bag of trash you've cleared off the beach. This is a great way to help keep our beaches beautiful. To learn more, call the number.
Nags
Head Surf Fishing Club Invitational Tournament
Area beaches
(252) 441-1670
For 55 years fishing enthusiasts have gathered to compete in this annual event. The tournament is usually held on a Thursday and Friday in early October. An individual tournament is held on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The fishing on Thursday and Friday is by invitation only, but Saturday's event is open to the public.
Outer
Banks Homebuilders Association’s Parade of Homes
Corolla to South Nags Head and Manteo
449-8232
New and remodeled homes are open for public viewing in this event, usually held over the Columbus Day weekend. The fee is usually $10 to tour about 20 homes with proceeds benefiting local charities.
Kelly's-Penguin
Isle Charity Golf Tournament
Charity Golf Tournament
Village of Nags Head
The Bypass, MP 15
(252) 441-4116
Teams of six play 18 holes of golf for charity at both the Village course and at the Currituck Club in Corolla. Proceeds benefit the Outer Banks Community Foundation. Fees for the late October event generally run $400 per team.
back
to top
November
Wings
Over Water Festival
Various Outer Banks locations
(252) 441-8144
Celebrate Outer Banks flora and fauna during this fun and educational week-long event. The program includes nature-oriented field trips, seminars and programs including kayak excursions, red wolf howlings, bear watching and Gulf Stream treks. There is a very full schedule of events in this early November program.
|
OBX® Marathon, Gateway Bank Half-marathon
& Kelly Hospitality Group Fun Run
If you’re a runner or walker, you don’t want to miss this event on a flat course with awesome scenery and the spirited residents of the Outer Banks cheering for you all along the way. On Sunday, November 11, 2007, you can participate in the second annual OBX Marathon, the Gateway Bank Half-Marathon or the Kelly's Hospitality Group Fun Run. The course for the marathon begins in Kitty Hawk, travels on through Kill Devil Hills and around the Wright Memorial, goes through Nags Head and ends on Roanoke Island . The Gateway Bank Half-Marathon begins by Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head and ends on Roanoke Island . Walkers are welcome, so there’s no excuse not to be involved. There is a $25,000 prize purse for the OBX Marathon. For information and to register, go to www.obxmarathon.org, but register early because this event will sell out. |
Kites
with Lites
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
The Bypass, MP 12
441-4124
Lighted kites, carols, hot drinks and cookies mark this festive occasion
on Jockey’s Ridge.
Town
of Nags Head Festival of Thanksgiving
Various sites
(252) 441-5508
Three days of Thanksgiving festivities over the holiday weekend include an opening ceremony at Town Hall, music and open house for the town's artwork collection. The program's events change annually with highlights including Citizen awards, Board of Commissioners open forum, Thanksgiving sunset at Jockey's Ridge, a Junior fishing tournament, art show, youth dance, 5k run and pig pickin'.
back
to top
December
Man
Will Never Fly Memorial Society
International Annual Seminar and Awards Program
Comfort Inn South
The Beach Road, MP 17
(800) 334-4777
This spoof of an organization stands firm in the belief that Birds Fly, Men Drink. A banquet is held annually coinciding with the anniversary of First Flight. It's open to the public.
Unofficial
Beach Road 5K
Tortuga’s
Lie Restaurant
The Beach Road, MP 11
(252) 441- 7299
Held New Years Eve, this fun and very informal race threads through the streets of Nags Head. It begins at 11 p.m. at Tortuga's Lie and ends there as well with a bang! It's a great way to get a head start on your New Year's resolutions. Party afterwards!
back
to top
Back to Nags Head Attractions 
Kill Devil Hills Annual Events
January
Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo
Kill Devil Hills
The Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo, organized by the Outer Banks Wedding Association, is an opportunity to view local wedding businesses and start planning your dream Outer Banks wedding. Register for door prizes and the Outer Banks Dream Wedding Grand Prize, an entire package of wedding goods and services. The show is held at First Flight Middle School. For more information, see the Outer Banks Wedding Association website.
Outer Banks Wedding Show
Kill Devil Hills
Also held in January, the Outer Banks Wedding Show is another opportunity to see the best that local wedding vendors have to offer you. Local publisher Three Dog Ink organizes the wedding show. Book all your wedding services in one weekend! Register to win a honeymoon giveaway and have a great time sampling the best in Outer Banks weddings. For more information, see the Outer Banks Wedding Show website.
Back
February
Artful Fund-raising Gala
(252) 473-5558
This is an annual fundraiser for the Dare County Arts Council. There is always a fun theme and costumes are encouraged. Support the local arts scene and have fun with music, door prizes, food and art.
The Vagina Monologues
(252) 267-4125
Presented annually as part of the worldwide efforts to end violence against women and girls, this production of Eve Ensler’s work features local women in the play and local men and women behind the scenes. Look for location and times several weeks before the event in local media.
Back
April
Outer Banks Bike Week
Various Outer Banks locations
(252) 255-5922
What better way to see the Outer Banks than from a motorcycle? Outer Banks Bike Week includes gatherings up and down the beach at local restaurants for live music, great food and drinks and even a bikini contest.
Back
July
Annual Wright Kite Festival
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Bypass, MP 8, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS
This festival takes place in mid-July at the Wright Brothers Memorial. Enjoy stunt kite demos and games. Kids can create and fly their own kites.
Back
August
OBX Boomerang Competition
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Bypass, MP 8, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS
The annual Boomerang Competition is organized by Kitty Hawk Kites and takes place at the Wright Brothers Memorial. Watch as the top boomerang throwers in the nation compete. There are also free boomerang demos and kite making for kids.
National Aviation Day
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Bypass, MP 8, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-7430
National Aviation Day is celebrated on Orville Wright’s birthday, August 19, at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The celebration includes programs on flight, visits by descendants of the Wright Brothers and activities for kids.
Back
September
Annual Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Bypass, MP 8, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS
This stunt kite competition is on the Eastern League Circuit for sport kite flying. Organized by Kitty Hawk Kites, you’ll see kite ballet, team flying competitions and more. There are activities for the kids like kite demos and kite making. The competition takes place at the Wright Brothers Memorial.
Back
Jolly Roger Fall Fishing Tournament
Outer Banks Beaches
(252) 441-6530
Hosted by a popular Kill Devil Hills restaurant, the Jolly Roger tournament is a surf fishing competition. Party down after the tournament at the Jolly Roger restaurant with free food and prizes.
Back
October
North Carolina Big Sweep
North Carolina beaches and waterways
(800) 27-SWEEP
Big Sweep is typically scheduled to take place in early October. Big Sweep is an organized day of cleanup of North Carolina waterways. To participate, find a Big Sweep volunteer at a local beach access. They provide trash bags, and it’s a good idea to wear gloves and avoid any potentially hazardous materials. There is usually an after party at a local restaurant where the cost of admission is the bag of trash you’ve cleared off the beach. This is a great way to help keep our beaches beautiful. To learn more, call the number above or visit www.ncbigsweep.org.
Annual Artrageous Art Extravaganza
Dare County Family Recreational Park
Mustian Street, MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 473-5558
This is a great event for the whole family. Meet artists and see how they work, hear live music and enjoy food from local vendors. There are lots of arts and craft activities for the kids, and the whole event takes place at the County Family Recreational Park. The event always occurs the first full weekend in October. The festival is held on Saturday, and then on Sunday night there is an auction for adults with plenty of art, food, drinks and music. Proceeds benefit arts education in local schools and arts programs in Dare County.
Back
November
OBX Marathon & One-Hill-Only Half-Marathon
Register at active.com
The first ever OBX Marathon starts in Kitty Hawk and travels along the Outer Banks by the Wright Brothers Memorial, Nags Head Woods and Jockey’s Ridge before ending on Roanoke Island. The Half-Marathon begins at Jockey’s Ridge and ends on Roanoke Island. Races are open to walkers and there is also a group fun run. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this first-ever event! For more information visit obxmarathon.org.
Back
December
102 Anniversary of the Wright Brothers First Flight
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Bypass, MP 8, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-7430
Each year on December 17, the anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight is celebrated at the National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Events include guest speakers, parachute jumps and military and civilian fly-bys. All events are free and open to the public.
Outer Banks Hotline's Festival of Trees
(252) 473-5121
The Outer Banks Hotline’s Festival of Trees is an annual fund-raising event for Hotline, a local nonprofit crisis intervention and prevention center. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees and Holiday items are auctioned off and there are several festive events.
Back
Back to top
Back to Kill Devil Attractions |
