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Outdoor & Nature Events - 2025 Schedule

 Outdoor & Nature Events - 2025 Schedule
This Week
Saturday, October 25th 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Nags Head

The 9th Annual Outer Banks Brewtag is back on October 25th, 2025, at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, NC! This one-of-a-kind event, inspired by Red Bull Flugtag, invites teams and individuals to compete by launching and flying a 1/6 keg barrel the farthest. Admission is free and there will be plenty of craft beer from eight local breweries, delicious food, and live performances from three local bands throughout the day.

Saturday, October 25th
Newport

Crystal Coast visitors of all ages will want to take a break from the sand and head inland to the small town of Newport for this unique annual festival that puts the flavors of the fall season in the spotlight. The Fall Festival at Camp Albemarle is a family-friendly event that features a wealth of activities that visitors of all ages can enjoy. From outdoor adventures to food trucks and s’mores, everyone can celebrate the cooler and breezy fall season at this event that has tons to offer around every corner.

Saturday, October 25th 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Manteo
Pumpkin Patch Saturdays at Island Farm

Bring your friends and family to celebrate the arrival of fall at Island Farm! Every Saturday in October, Island Farm will host its 14th annual Pumpkin Patch event, taking place on October 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 9 A.M. until 3 P.M. Admission for visitors aged four and older is $11. Children 0-3 years old are admitted for free.

Week of November 3, 2025 - November 9, 2025
Friday, November 7th - Sunday, November 9th
Kure Beach

With fall winds at their peak, the annual Cape Fear Kite Festival is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to be awed by a colorful display of kites of all varieties. Held at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area on the Cape Fear coastline, this impressive event is always a crowd pleaser, with an unforgettable overhead show that will make everyone look to the skies.

Week of November 24, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th
Nags Head

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.  

Friday, November 28th
Ocracoke

Ring in the holidays island-style with this seasonal parade that takes place on the waters that surrounds Ocracoke village. The Ocracoke Parade of Boats is a celebration of life on the water, and this annual procession of ships of all shapes and sizes is sure to make anyone fall in love with the coastal scene and community that calls Ocracoke Island home.

Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Monday, December 1st - Sunday, December 21st 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Wilmington

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Saturday, November 29th 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Nags Head

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.

Saturday, November 29th
Wrightsville Beach

Get a jumpstart to your holiday celebrations with this annual event that is always a crowd pleaser for visitors and local Cape Fear residents like, The NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach is an enchanting evening that combines holiday celebrations with the allure of the coastline, courtesy of a festive boat parade, fireworks, and so much more.

Week of December 1, 2025 - December 7, 2025
Monday, December 1st - Sunday, December 21st 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Wilmington

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Friday, December 5th - Sunday, December 7th
Manteo

Visitors who missed the annual Wings Over Water festival - or who just want a second opportunity to admire the hundreds and thousands of birds that flock to the Outer Banks – won’t want to miss this special weekend where these feathered visitors are once again in the spotlight. The Wings Over Water Encore event is a weekend-long celebration of the many wintering waterfowl that are found at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and beyond, and is a great way for birders to discover the off-season beauty of the OBX.

Friday, December 5th - Friday, December 12th
Southport

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.

Saturday, December 6th 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Beaufort

The historic Beaufort waterfront comes alive during this holiday celebration that combines this community’s love of the water with a literal boatload of holiday lights. The annual Friends of the Maritime Museum Holiday Flotilla is a fun and festive event that will wow spectators throughout the Crystal Coast, and which will put visitors of all ages in a holiday state of mind.

Saturday, December 6th - Sunday, December 7th
Harkers Island

The small community of Harkers Island comes to life at this annual event that puts this community’s rich heritage and history in the spotlight. The annual Core Sound Decoy Festival, which is held the first full weekend in December, is a unique celebration that combines exhibits, demonstrations, vendors, food, and much more, to the delight of local visitors and residents alike.

Saturday, December 6th
Carolina Beach

Pleasure Island is inherently known for celebrating life on the water, and at this holiday event, spectators and participants alike will enjoy a glowing show in one of the prettiest corners of the waterfront Cape Fear region. The Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla is an annual tradition that rings in the holidays with plenty of dazzling style, and which is sure to charm and delight anyone with a front-row seat along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Week of December 8, 2025 - December 14, 2025
Monday, December 1st - Sunday, December 21st 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Wilmington

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Friday, December 5th - Friday, December 12th
Southport

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.

Week of December 15, 2025 - December 21, 2025
Monday, December 1st - Sunday, December 21st 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Wilmington

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.