Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Shucktoberfest is an annual fall food-and-drink celebration hosted by Beaufort Wine & Food that highlights the Crystal Coast’s rich seafood heritage, with a special focus on North Carolina oysters and coastal cuisine. Held in Beaufort during the autumn oyster season, the event brings together seafood lovers, local chefs, oyster growers, beverage vendors, and visitors for a weekend dedicated to great food, live entertainment, and coastal hospitality.
Through arts, music, and miles of fun, the Outer Banks celebrates visiting and local veterans alike through this special event that has a wealth of ways to stay entertained while discovering the heart of the islands’ cultural scene. OBX Veterans Week is an annual event which honors veterans and their families through live concerts, cool activities and arts in downtown Manteo, and so much more.
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.
The Cape Fear region is a unique coastal community that’s known for its variety of global influences, and visitors can get a first-hand look at this worldly flavor by attending the annual Polish Festival. Held in the smaller region of Castle Hayne, this family-oriented and fun festival features a wealth of food, music, arts and crafts, beverages, and more to provide a hefty sampling of everything this distinctive culture and heritage has to offer.
Celebrate the vibrant Latino community on Ocracoke Island which has been growing and thriving in the past 20 years with this special festival that features a wealth of tempting foods, arts and crafts, music, activities for kids, and much more. Held at the Ocracoke School during the day and the Ocracoke Community Center at night, this festival deliciously combines education and effortless fun to present a day that visitors of all tastes will adore.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Through arts, music, and miles of fun, the Outer Banks celebrates visiting and local veterans alike through this special event that has a wealth of ways to stay entertained while discovering the heart of the islands’ cultural scene. OBX Veterans Week is an annual event which honors veterans and their families through live concerts, cool activities and arts in downtown Manteo, and so much more.
Discover how creative the talented chefs of the Outer Banks region and beyond can be with this fundraising event that puts a unique and timely spin on the traditional cook-off challenge. During the Beach Food Pantry Holiday Chefs Challenge, area chefs will compete head-to-head to whip up truly delicious dishes with canned foods that are traditionally found in stock at the local Beach Food Pantry. With lots of new tastes to discover, and a worthy cause at the heart of the event, this wintertime celebration is a great way to give back while enjoying a truly distinctive and tempting meal.
Held just after Halloween, the annual Dirt Nap Fest at Mill Whistle Brewing has become a favorite event for Beaufort locals and visitors alike, thanks to its spooky and surprising atmosphere, wholly unique car show, cool vendors, and plenty of delicious Mill Whistle beer to go around.
Enjoy a full day of live music, coastal scenery, and community spirit at the GrassFed Bluegrass Music Festival, held at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. This outdoor music festival brings together talented bluegrass musicians, local vendors, and music lovers for a celebration of great entertainment in a beautiful waterfront setting along the Roanoke Sound.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The Cucalorus Film Festival has been going strong for 30 years, and this annual film festival is well known as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Cape Fear region and well beyond. Renowned as one of the largest film festivals in the southern United States, this multiple day event features a wealth of films, shorts, live entertainment, music, and many more ways to celebrate Wilmington’s reputation as the Hollywood of the East Coast.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Step back in time and experience the elegance of Christmas past with Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tours, a beloved holiday tradition in Historic Corolla. Held at the beautifully restored Whalehead mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound, these special guided tours offer visitors a glimpse into the holiday customs and traditions of the 1920s, when Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise, enjoyed their magnificent coastal retreat.
Celebrate the holidays Crystal Coast style with this annual event that entices locals and visitors alike to get into the holiday spirit. The Swansboro Christmas Flotilla is a time-honored tradition that combines Swansboro’s love of life on the water with a truly festive atmosphere, and the event is sure to become an annual celebration that Crystal Coast visitors will want to return to again and again.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Step back in time and experience the elegance of Christmas past with Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tours, a beloved holiday tradition in Historic Corolla. Held at the beautifully restored Whalehead mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound, these special guided tours offer visitors a glimpse into the holiday customs and traditions of the 1920s, when Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise, enjoyed their magnificent coastal retreat.
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the annual Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting, a beloved Outer Banks tradition that brings residents and visitors together for an evening of festive entertainment, family-friendly activities, and small-town Christmas charm. Held along the scenic downtown Manteo waterfront, this free community celebration marks the official start of the holiday season in one of the Outer Banks' most picturesque historic towns.
Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.
Celebrate the magic of the Christmas season at the annual Currituck Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting, a beloved community tradition that brings families, friends, and visitors together for an evening of festive entertainment and holiday cheer. Held at Currituck Community Park and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Currituck County Center in Barco, this free event offers a wonderful way to welcome the holidays with seasonal activities, colorful decorations, and small-town charm.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Step back in time and experience the elegance of Christmas past with Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tours, a beloved holiday tradition in Historic Corolla. Held at the beautifully restored Whalehead mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound, these special guided tours offer visitors a glimpse into the holiday customs and traditions of the 1920s, when Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise, enjoyed their magnificent coastal retreat.
Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Step back in time and experience the elegance of Christmas past with Whalehead's Candlelight Christmas Tours, a beloved holiday tradition in Historic Corolla. Held at the beautifully restored Whalehead mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound, these special guided tours offer visitors a glimpse into the holiday customs and traditions of the 1920s, when Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise, enjoyed their magnificent coastal retreat.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Warm up your winter with a festive evening by the ocean at the annual Smoke on the Water Bonfire at the Atlantic Beach Circle. This popular Crystal Coast tradition brings residents and visitors together for a memorable night of live music, warm drinks, and a roaring beach bonfire. Hosted by the Town of Atlantic Beach, the free, family-friendly event offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season and welcome the New Year while enjoying the beautiful coastal surroundings.
Ring in the New Year with a festive waterfront celebration at the annual Meet Me in Manteo New Year's Eve Celebration, a popular Outer Banks tradition that brings residents and visitors together for an evening of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and holiday cheer. Held in the heart of historic downtown Manteo, this free community event offers a memorable way to welcome the new year while enjoying the charm and beauty of Roanoke Island.
The aptly-named Pleasure Island is the place to be in the Cape Fear region to ring in the new year, thanks to a hopping beach boardwalk, music and dancing, plenty of refreshments, and a beautiful backdrop next to the Atlantic Ocean. The Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration lives up to its name with a traditional fireworks show and a grand beachside party that is sure to have everyone in the family ready to ring in the new year with style.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The North Carolina Jazz Festival is one of the nation’s longest-running traditional jazz festivals, bringing world-renowned musicians and jazz enthusiasts to Wilmington each year for a celebration of America’s original musical art form. Founded in 1980, the festival has built a reputation for showcasing premier traditional jazz performers from across the United States and around the world while preserving the rich heritage of classic jazz styles. Held annually in downtown Wilmington, the event attracts visitors from across the country who come to enjoy performances by internationally acclaimed artists in an intimate concert setting.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Visitors of all ages will have a ball at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival, which is an annual celebration that has become one of the most anticipated events of the springtime season. Going strong for more than 25 years, the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival features a wealth of food, arts and craft vendors, rides, and activities for kids, which will all combine to get attendees into a festive holiday spirit.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Feast Wilmington is an annual food and beverage festival that showcases the culinary talent, craft beverages, and vibrant dining culture of the Wilmington area. Held at the scenic Live Oak Bank Pavilion along the Cape Fear River, the festival brings together more than 70 chefs, 20 breweries, wineries, distilleries, and beverage makers for a weekend of tastings, pairings, live entertainment, and waterfront celebrations. Designed for food lovers of all kinds, Feast highlights the flavors, creativity, and hospitality that have helped establish Wilmington as one of North Carolina’s premier culinary destinations.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has reigned supreme as one of the biggest and best festivals along the southeast coastline, and newcomers are welcome to join in the fun to experience full days of vendors, live music, parades, and other events that shine a spotlight on the lively city of Wilmington. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has emerged as one of the most anticipated events in the state, and the celebration attracts visitors from all over the world who want to discover how enchanting the Cape Fear region can be.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
The Beaufort Music Festival has become a beloved event for music lovers everywhere, thanks to its amazing line-up of talented artists, and its home base in the charming coastal town of Beaufort. Featuring two full days of music that are stocked with local, regional, and even nationally recognized artists and performers, the Beaufort Music Festival is an enchanting way for newcomers to discover a range of new sounds and talents without ever leaving the heart of the Crystal Coast.
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.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Experience live music in one of the Outer Banks' most spectacular natural settings at Concert on the Dunes, a special outdoor celebration held at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head. Set against the backdrop of the tallest living sand dune system on the East Coast, this family-friendly event brings together music, community, and the natural beauty of the Outer Banks for an unforgettable evening.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Get your toes tapping with an island celebration of musicians, storytellers, artisans, local food, and so much more by joining in the community-wide fun of the Ocrafolk Festival. This full weekend event is held in the heart of Ocracoke Village, with multiple performances and activities happening around virtually every corner of Silver Lake Harbor.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Head to the tiny coastal village of Ocracoke for a big Independence Day celebration that includes fireworks, a parade, and plenty of family fun. The highlight of the Ocracoke Independence Day Celebration is the annual amazing fireworks display over the Silver Lake Harbor after the sun goes down. Visitors will find plenty of seating all around the harborfront docks, and can bring along beach chairs, towels, blankets, and everything they need to enjoy the show.
The Swansboro Independence Day Celebration is a beloved annual tradition that brings residents and visitors together along the town’s historic waterfront for an evening of patriotic festivities, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Held each year in downtown Swansboro, the event celebrates America’s independence while showcasing the charm and hospitality of one of North Carolina’s most picturesque coastal communities.
Celebrate your Independence Day with a bang at the Avon Pier and Avon Beach Klub on Hatteras Island. The 4th of July celebration will feature a collection of events which includes corresponding radio shows on the island's local station, Radio Hatteras FM 101.5 and 99.9, and an incredible front row view of the fireworks display from the pristine Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches.
Event info is subject to change at any time. Check associated official event websites for latest.
Take a stroll along any shaded street in Ocracoke village and you’ll naturally notice the town’s love of all-things fig. Fig trees are everywhere in this coastal town, and during this annual celebration, visitors and locals alike can celebrate the fig through a myriad of music, dancing, history, activities, and of course, plenty of fig goodies.