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  • 12th Annual OBX Tourism Summit

    Jennette's Pier 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, United States

    Join fellow Dare County tourism partners for the 12th Annual OBX Tourism Summit. The day features tourism industry updates, a panel on local and regional infrastructure, and practical sessions on how artificial intelligence is changing travel planning and how businesses can work with content creators. Attendees will also hear updates on Outer Banks Visitors Bureau marketing efforts and have opportunities to ask questions, exchange ideas and connect with colleagues.

    $70
  • Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival 2026

    Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival 2026
    Roanoke Island Festival Park 1 Festival Park, Manteo, United States

    Discover stories of wildlife, conservation and the connections between people and the natural world at the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. Presented by the Peace Garden Project, this three-day event brings environmental filmmaking to Manteo through documentaries, short films and discussions.

    The lineup explores subjects ranging from right whales and American bison to coastal ecosystems and community conservation. Saturday’s schedule includes a red wolf panel at 6 p.m. and awards at 8 p.m.

    Dates: Thursday–Saturday, November 5–7, 2026
    Start time: Thursday screenings begin at 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday start times are not specified
    End time: Festival concludes Saturday at 10 p.m.; daily screening end times vary
    Location: Film screenings at Roanoke Island Festival Park’s theater, 1 Festival Park, Manteo. Awards at Dare Arts, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo.

    Festival website: https://www.obxeff.com/
    Tickets and schedule: https://filmfreeway.com/OuterBanksEnvironmentalFilmFestival/tickets

    Admissions:
    Adult: $15
    Youth (3 - 12): $13
    Children 2 & Under: Free
    Last tickets sold at 4:30 pm 

  • Pea Island Guided Bird Walk

    Pea Island Guided Bird Walk
    Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center 14500 NC Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC, United States

    Discover the quieter side of the Outer Banks during a guided morning stroll beside North Pond. Whether you’re a first-time birdwatcher or already know your ducks from your shorebirds, these relaxed walks offer a chance to spot coastal wildlife and learn about the birds that live at—or migrate through—Pea Island.

    Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them; a limited selection is available to borrow. Sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and clothing suited to the weather are recommended.

    The refuge website lists Friday walks from 8–9:30 a.m.; confirm the current start time before attending. The road often closes due to flooding and tide damage.

  • OBX Truck Fest

    OBX Truck Fest
    The Soundside Event Site 6800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC, United States

    Dates: Friday–Saturday, November 6–7, 2026
    Time: Main show 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. both days
    Location: Soundside Event Site, 6800 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head
    Cost: Spectator admission price not confirmed; show-vehicle registration is separate.

    Explore an assortment of classic trucks, mini trucks, and lifted and lowered vehicles during this two-day gathering for truck enthusiasts. The show features vehicle judging, a DJ, food vendors and opportunities to meet fellow owners and admire customized rides.

    Saturday’s schedule includes the national anthem at noon, followed by the charity raffle and awards from 3:30–4:30 p.m. An open cruise to Bodie Island Lighthouse follows the show. Additional gatherings take place at Shipwrecks Taphouse & Grill in Kitty Hawk beginning at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

    For a full schedule of events, see the event website link.

  • Outer Banks Marathon Weekend

    Outer Banks Marathon Weekend
    Multiple Locations

    Dates: Friday–Sunday, November 6–8, 2026
    Locations: Race expo at Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront; Saturday races at Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills; Sunday races at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo
    Cost: Race registration fees vary by event.

    Celebrate a weekend of running and community spirit with events for a range of ages and abilities. Saturday features the Surf Pediatrics Surf & Soar 8K, 5K and Color Fun Run. Sunday brings the TowneBank Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon, followed by an after-party at The Lost Colony.

    Weekend schedule:

    Friday: Packet pickup, late registration and expo, 1–7 p.m.

    Saturday: 8K at 7:30 a.m.; 5K at 7:45 a.m.; Color Fun Run at 8 a.m. Packet pickup and expo continue from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Sunday: Marathon at 7 a.m.; half marathon at 7:15 a.m.; after-party begins at 9:30 a.m.

    Runners must collect their packets before race day; race-day packet pickup is not available. Spectators are welcome to cheer on participants.

    $75
  • Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival 2026

    Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival 2026
    Roanoke Island Festival Park 1 Festival Park, Manteo, United States

    Discover stories of wildlife, conservation and the connections between people and the natural world at the Outer Banks Environmental Film Festival. Presented by the Peace Garden Project, this three-day event brings environmental filmmaking to Manteo through documentaries, short films and discussions.

    The lineup explores subjects ranging from right whales and American bison to coastal ecosystems and community conservation. Saturday’s schedule includes a red wolf panel at 6 p.m. and awards at 8 p.m.

    Dates: Thursday–Saturday, November 5–7, 2026
    Start time: Thursday screenings begin at 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday start times are not specified
    End time: Festival concludes Saturday at 10 p.m.; daily screening end times vary
    Location: Film screenings at Roanoke Island Festival Park’s theater, 1 Festival Park, Manteo. Awards at Dare Arts, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo.

    Festival website: https://www.obxeff.com/
    Tickets and schedule: https://filmfreeway.com/OuterBanksEnvironmentalFilmFestival/tickets

    Admissions:
    Adult: $15
    Youth (3 - 12): $13
    Children 2 & Under: Free
    Last tickets sold at 4:30 pm 

  • First Friday Vendor Market at Pioneer Theater Garden

    The Pioneer Theater 113 Budleigh Street, Manteo, United States

    Enjoy an evening under the string lights during the First Friday Vendor Market at the historic Pioneer Theater Garden in downtown Manteo. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the open-air market features local artisan and craft vendors, food trucks, a beer and wine bar, and live local music in a relaxed garden setting. Held every First Friday from March through December, it’s a lively way to shop local, grab a bite, and enjoy music in the heart of Manteo. Attendance is free and open to the public.

  • Holiday Star Party & Food Drive

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

    Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
    Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
    Location: Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Visitor Center parking area and Community Room, 300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head
    Cost: No admission fee listed; food and hygiene donations encouraged.

    Spend an evening exploring the universe at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Telescopes will be available for public viewing, with knowledgeable astronomy partners helping visitors discover the night sky. Children’s activities will take place inside the Visitor Center Community Room.

    Friends of Jockey’s Ridge will collect food and hygiene products for Beach Food Pantry throughout the evening. Suggested donations include canned vegetables, fruit, soup, tuna or chicken; peanut butter; rice; toothpaste; and feminine hygiene products. Food donations must include ingredient lists and nutrition labels.

  • First Fridays in Downtown Manteo

    First Fridays in Downtown Manteo
    Downtown Manteo Downtown Manteo, Manteo, NC, United States

    Friday, March 6, kicks off the 2026 First Friday season in downtown Manteo. We will have Joe Mapp playing live music on the front porch of the Gallery starting at 6:00 pm.

    There will also be live music by The Conch Shells at Poor Richard's, The Bar Cats Duo at NouVines, and DJ Night at Lost Colony Brewery.

    The First Friday Manteo Stroll, where restaurants and shops in downtown Manteo stay open late with specials, live music, sales, and events at their locations, will also be happening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. 

  • Outer Banks Marathon Weekend

    Outer Banks Marathon Weekend
    Multiple Locations

    Dates: Friday–Sunday, November 6–8, 2026
    Locations: Race expo at Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront; Saturday races at Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills; Sunday races at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Manteo
    Cost: Race registration fees vary by event.

    Celebrate a weekend of running and community spirit with events for a range of ages and abilities. Saturday features the Surf Pediatrics Surf & Soar 8K, 5K and Color Fun Run. Sunday brings the TowneBank Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon, followed by an after-party at The Lost Colony.

    Weekend schedule:

    Friday: Packet pickup, late registration and expo, 1–7 p.m.

    Saturday: 8K at 7:30 a.m.; 5K at 7:45 a.m.; Color Fun Run at 8 a.m. Packet pickup and expo continue from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Sunday: Marathon at 7 a.m.; half marathon at 7:15 a.m.; after-party begins at 9:30 a.m.

    Runners must collect their packets before race day; race-day packet pickup is not available. Spectators are welcome to cheer on participants.

    $75
  • Secotan Fall Markets

    Secotan Fall Markets
    Secotan Market Secotan Market, 2868 NC-345, Wancheese, NC, United States

    Secotan Market shifts into its fall schedule beginning in October.

    The Wanchese producer-only farmers market brings together growers, food producers, makers and artisans from northeastern North Carolina. The people selling the products are the people who grew, raised or crafted them.

    Expect market offerings to vary from week to week, including:

    Fresh produce
    Pasture-raised meat and eggs
    Vegetable ferments
    Kombucha
    Pecans
    Mushroom products
    Baked goods, pies and cakes
    Jams and pickles
    Local honey
    Herbs, spices and teas
    Flowers and potted plants
    Natural skin care
    Rotating local artisans
    Fall Market Schedule

    Beginning in October, Secotan Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m.–Noon through Thanksgiving.

    Upcoming dates include:

    October 3
    October 10
    October 17
    October 24
    October 31
    November 7
    November 14
    November 21

    There is also a special Wednesday-before-Thanksgiving market on November 25 from 9 a.m.–Noon.

  • Corolla Wild Horse Fund Fall Open House

    Betsy Dowdy Equine Center Young Rider Lane, Grandy, NC, United States

    Meet some of the Outer Banks’ most remarkable residents during a special morning at the Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s rescue farm. Take a walking tour to see rescued Banker horses, talk with their caretakers, and learn about the work that goes into protecting this treasured herd.

    Free screenings of The Secret of Corolla, a 32-minute documentary exploring the horses and the island’s culture, begin at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., each followed by a staff question-and-answer session. Browse the farmhouse gift shop for shirts, hats, and gifts supporting the Fund, or learn how to sponsor a horse.

    Before you go: Children must remain with an adult. Wear closed-toe shoes suitable for a working farm. Outside food, horse treats, and pet dogs are not permitted; service dogs are welcome. Entry gates close at 12:45 p.m. Check for updates before traveling, as dangerous weather or horse-care emergencies may affect the event.

    $10