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  • OBX Jeep Mutiny

    OBX Jeep Mutiny
    The Soundside Event Site 6800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC, United States

    Dates: Thursday, September 17 – Saturday, September 19, 2026
    Main Event: Friday & Saturday, September 18–19
    Location: The Soundside Event Site, 6800 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head, NC; additional activities take place throughout the Outer Banks.

    Description:
    The 6th Annual OBX Jeep Mutiny brings Jeep enthusiasts together for a weekend of coastal adventure, competitions, live entertainment and community fun. The event includes beach crawls, an Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge guided trail ride, Vendor Village, Blackbeard’s Run, off-road demonstrations, Show & Shine and sound competitions, live music, raffles and more.

    The weekend begins Thursday evening with a pirate-themed kickoff party and costume contest at Jolly Roger Restaurant & Bar in Kill Devil Hills. The main event site at The Soundside opens at 10:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Saturday concludes with the Sunset Lighthouse-to-Lighthouse Toy Run & Ride beginning at Bodie Island Lighthouse.

    Event Schedule:
    Thursday, Sept. 17: Kickoff Party, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
    Friday, Sept. 18: Main event site, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; after-party 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Saturday, Sept. 19: Main event site, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Lighthouse-to-Lighthouse Toy Run begins at 5:00 p.m.

    $65
  • Autumn Ale Faire: Cheers to 75 Years

    Elizabethan Gardens 1411 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC, United States

    Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
    Time: 12:00–4:00 p.m.
    Location: The Elizabethan Gardens, 1411 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC

    Description:
    The Elizabethan Gardens celebrates its 75th anniversary with the second annual Autumn Ale Faire, a family-friendly fall festival set throughout the Gardens’ 10-acre waterfront property. This year’s “Restoration” theme celebrates the Gardens’ history while raising funds for restoration of the Gatehouse and conservation of the historic statuary in the Sunken Garden.

    The afternoon includes regional craft beer, wine, cider and non-alcoholic beverages, food catered by Red Sky, live music by Face 2 Face, garden access and a Kids Zone with crafts, lawn games, a bounce house and slide.

    Admission:
    Adults ages 13+: $49
    Youth ages 6–12: $19
    Children 5 and under: Free
    Well-behaved dogs: $6

    Good to Know:
    Food is included with admission. Alcoholic beverages are sold separately and valid photo ID is required to purchase alcohol. The event is rain or shine. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome with a dog admission ticket. Guests may bring blankets and lawn chairs. Outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted.

    $19
  • Oktoberfest Weekend at Outer Banks Brewing Station

    Outer Banks Brewing Station 600 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil hills, NC, United States

    Dates: Saturday & Sunday, September 19–20, 2026
    Location: Outer Banks Brewing Station, 600 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills, NC

    Description:
    Outer Banks Brewing Station puts a coastal spin on Oktoberfest with two days of German-inspired food, beer, live music and festival activities.

    Saturday – Oktoberfest by the Sea
    September 19, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
    Saturday features $5 house drafts, an oyster roast, an Oktoberfest-inspired seafood menu, local vendors at the Brew and Arts Market and live music from We Jam Band from 1:00–4:00 p.m. No ticket is required for Saturday’s event.

    Sunday – Oktoberfest
    September 20, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Sunday’s ticketed celebration includes a traditional German buffet, live oompah music and Oktoberfest games. The buffet and beer portion runs from noon–1:30 p.m., followed by a stein-holding competition, keg relay, cornhole tournament and best lederhosen contest from 1:30–3:00 p.m.

    Admission:
    Saturday: Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase.
    Sunday: $25 general admission, plus applicable gratuity/service fee.

    Good to Know:
    Bring a valid ID if purchasing alcoholic beverages. House drafts are $5 throughout the weekend.

    $25
  • Happy Birthday, Wanda June at Theatre of Dare

    Happy Birthday, Wanda June at Theatre of Dare
    Theater of Dare 3848 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC, United States

    Dates: September 18–27, 2026
    Location: Theatre of Dare, 3848 N. Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk, NC

    Description:
    Theatre of Dare opens its 36th season with Happy Birthday, Wanda June, Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s darkly comedic and unconventional satire exploring war, heroism, masculinity and what happens when the past unexpectedly returns.

    The story centers on famed hunter and adventurer Harold Ryan, who returns home after being presumed dead for eight years and expects to resume his former life—only to discover that his wife, family and the world around him have changed. Vonnegut’s trademark absurdity and dark humor mix with scenes from the afterlife and a sharp look at the conflict between violence and peace. The production is directed by Kim Plyler.

    Performance Times:
    Sept. 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 – 7:30 p.m.
    Sept. 19 – Special 1:00 p.m. matinee
    Sept. 20 & 27 – 2:00 p.m. matinees

    Good to Know:
    Individual performance tickets are on sale through Theatre of Dare. Because of the play’s dark satire and adult themes, parents may want to review the production information when considering it for younger children.

    $16.50 – $21.50
  • 3rd Annual Ocracoke Clam Chowder Cook-Off

    Ocracoke Community Center 999 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC

    Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
    Cook-off Event Time: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
    Tasting: 4:00–5:30 p.m. (Cost: $10)
    Location: Ocracoke Community Center, Ocracoke, NC

    Description:
    Taste your way through one of Ocracoke’s favorite island traditions at the Ocracoke Community Pool Association’s 3rd Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off. Approximately a dozen chowders are expected, with entries competing in two categories: traditional Ocracoke-style chowder and innovative chowder.

    Traditional Ocracoke chowder is made with clams, potatoes, onions and salt meat or bacon, while entries in the innovative category can take a more creative approach as long as clams remain a prominent ingredient. Guests sample the chowders and cast People’s Choice ballots to select the winners.

    Admission: $10 per person for chowder tasting.

    Good to Know:
    The event also includes a raffle and Ocracoke Community Pool Association T-shirts for sale. Proceeds support the organization’s efforts to establish a community swimming pool on Ocracoke.

    $10
  • Dune Days Concert with Mojo Collins & Special Guests at Jockey’s Ridge State Park

    Jockey's Ridge State Park 300 W Carolista Dr, Nags Head, NC, United States

    Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
    Time: 5:00 p.m. (Tickets required.)
    Location: Jockey’s Ridge State Park Visitor Center, 300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head, NC

    Description:
    Celebrate the history and preservation of Jockey’s Ridge during a special Dune Days evening concert featuring Outer Banks musician Mojo Collins and special guests.

    Dune Days commemorates the courage and determination of Carolista Baum, whose efforts helped save Jockey’s Ridge from development and preserve the landmark for future generations. A portion of ticket proceeds supports Friends of Jockey’s Ridge and its work to protect and promote the state park.

    Admission: $40 per person. Tickets required to attend.

    Good to Know:
    Tickets are required and seating is limited, so advance ticket purchase is recommended. Purchase tickets on the event website.

    $40
  • Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum After Hours

    Graveyard of The Atlantic Museum 59200 Museum Dr, Hatteras, NC, United States

    Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
    Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
    Location: Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, 59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras, NC

    Description:
    Keep the Day at the Docks celebration going into the evening with Graveyard After Hours at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Guests can enjoy the museum after hours along with live music by Jackie Burns, beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres.

    Admission: $5 suggested donation.

    Good to Know:
    Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, the nonprofit organization that supports the museum and its programs.

    $5
  • Happy Birthday, Wanda June at Theatre of Dare

    Happy Birthday, Wanda June at Theatre of Dare
    Theater of Dare 3848 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC, United States

    Dates: September 18–27, 2026
    Location: Theatre of Dare, 3848 N. Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk, NC

    Description:
    Theatre of Dare opens its 36th season with Happy Birthday, Wanda June, Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s darkly comedic and unconventional satire exploring war, heroism, masculinity and what happens when the past unexpectedly returns.

    The story centers on famed hunter and adventurer Harold Ryan, who returns home after being presumed dead for eight years and expects to resume his former life—only to discover that his wife, family and the world around him have changed. Vonnegut’s trademark absurdity and dark humor mix with scenes from the afterlife and a sharp look at the conflict between violence and peace. The production is directed by Kim Plyler.

    Performance Times:
    Sept. 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 – 7:30 p.m.
    Sept. 19 – Special 1:00 p.m. matinee
    Sept. 20 & 27 – 2:00 p.m. matinees

    Good to Know:
    Individual performance tickets are on sale through Theatre of Dare. Because of the play’s dark satire and adult themes, parents may want to review the production information when considering it for younger children.

    $16.50 – $21.50
  • Fresh – A Plein Air Exhibit

    Fresh – A Plein Air Exhibit
    Dare Arts Center 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, United States

    From Sept. 2–4, Artists will take to the outdoors across the Outer Banks during Dare Arts’ Fresh — A Plein Air Event, celebrating the tradition of painting en plein air — or “in the open air.” Participating artists will create works inspired by Outer Banks landscapes, waterways, and coastal scenery.

    The finished pieces will be featured in a September exhibit at the Dare Arts Gallery. A free public opening reception will be held during First Friday on Friday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m., offering visitors a chance to see the freshly created artwork and meet participating artists.

    Location: Dare Arts, 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave., Manteo
    Event dates: Sept. 2–4
    Public opening reception: Friday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m.
    Exhibit: Sept. 5–25, Tues-Fri (10am - 5pm), Sat (10 am - 4 pm), Sun (10 am - 3 pm)
    Opening reception admission: Free

  • ESA Easterns Surfing Championship

    ESA Easterns Surfing Championship
    Jennette's Pier 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, United States

    Dates: Sunday, September 20–Saturday, September 26, 2026
    Time: Competition is scheduled to begin around 8:00 a.m. daily; exact heats and daily schedules depend on surf and weather conditions.
    Location: Jennette’s Pier, 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC

    Description:
    Some of the East Coast’s top amateur surfers return to Nags Head for the Eastern Surfing Association’s Easterns Surfing Championship. The week-long competition at Jennette’s Pier is the season finale for the Eastern Surfing Association and brings qualifying surfers together to compete in youth and adult shortboard and longboard divisions.

    Good to Know:
    Spectating is free and open to the public. The competition schedule is highly dependent on surf and weather conditions. The ESA’s tentative schedule places many adult divisions early in the week and youth divisions throughout the Monday–Friday period, but divisions may be moved to different days as conditions require.

  • Weather the Storm: Dare Arts Summer 2026 Courtyard Installation

    Dare Arts Center 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, United States

    Step into an immersive outdoor art experience at Dare Arts' Courtyard this summer with Weather the Storm, a captivating mixed-media installation by artist Lara E. Parks. Blending light, shadow, sound, movement, and fabric, the installation transforms with changing weather and natural light, inviting visitors to return throughout the season to experience it in new ways.

    Celebrate the opening during First Friday on Friday, July 3, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., where you can meet the artist and enjoy live music by The Blue Crab Boys in the Courtyard. The installation will remain on display through the fall, offering a unique outdoor art experience in the heart of downtown Manteo. Be sure to walk through and enjoy the art!

  • Oktoberfest Weekend at Outer Banks Brewing Station

    Outer Banks Brewing Station 600 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil hills, NC, United States

    Dates: Saturday & Sunday, September 19–20, 2026
    Location: Outer Banks Brewing Station, 600 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills, NC

    Description:
    Outer Banks Brewing Station puts a coastal spin on Oktoberfest with two days of German-inspired food, beer, live music and festival activities.

    Saturday – Oktoberfest by the Sea
    September 19, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
    Saturday features $5 house drafts, an oyster roast, an Oktoberfest-inspired seafood menu, local vendors at the Brew and Arts Market and live music from We Jam Band from 1:00–4:00 p.m. No ticket is required for Saturday’s event.

    Sunday – Oktoberfest
    September 20, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Sunday’s ticketed celebration includes a traditional German buffet, live oompah music and Oktoberfest games. The buffet and beer portion runs from noon–1:30 p.m., followed by a stein-holding competition, keg relay, cornhole tournament and best lederhosen contest from 1:30–3:00 p.m.

    Admission:
    Saturday: Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase.
    Sunday: $25 general admission, plus applicable gratuity/service fee.

    Good to Know:
    Bring a valid ID if purchasing alcoholic beverages. House drafts are $5 throughout the weekend.

    $25