OBX Events 2023
2023 Rock the Cape Festival
June 1st & 2nd from 2pm – 7pm
On Thursday, June 1 there will be a full afternoon of art and live music at Kitty Hawk Kites’ Waves Village Watersports Resort at Milepost 40 in Rodanthe from 2pm to 7pm. The free, family-friendly event will include an art show, a Hatteras musician family jam, plus live music by two other bands.
On Friday, June 2 Rock The Cape will host Friday Arts on the Island, which is a First Friday tour of the galleries on Hatteras Island. A full schedule of participating galleries and their events will be released soon.
First Flight Market
Every Tuesday
June 20th – August 15th
10am – 2pm
Located at Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills. Over 65 vendors planning to participate (and different ones at each market) – including food trucks – and a wide variety of goods from sweet and savory treats, woodworking, photography, paintings, jewelry, candles, bath and body items and so much more. You’re sure to find tons of one-of-a-kind items for yourself and others!
Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market
Every Thursday
June 15th – August 17th
9am – 1pm
Located in Dowdy Park. From jewelry and crafts to baked goods and clothing, the Outer Banks is full of talented, local creators who hand make incredible products. This summer community event is open to both locals and visitors alike and is a fun experience for the whole family. Plus, this is a great opportunity to find exclusive products while supporting local, hardworking farmers, crafters, bakers, jewelers, artists, and more!
41st Annual Rogallo Kite Festival
June 16th & 17th from 10am – 4pm
Enjoy a thrilling scene along the towering sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park as giant kites and stunt kite pilots wow the crowd at the engaging and family-friendly Outer Banks Kite Festival. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites, this festival features both live demonstrations and interactive activities to ensure that everyone can have a ball enjoying the high-flying lifestyle on the Outer Banks.
Town of Manteo Independence Day Fireworks
July 4th – 9:30pm
It’s always an exciting time in the Town of Manteo, and the Fourth of July is no different! The streets downtown are full of children and their families, neighbors and visitors alike joining in the festivities celebrating independence day. Kid’s games and activities, music, contests and summer treats are more than enough reason to gather with your community. Enjoy summer skies and apple pies, decorated bikes and little tikes and wacky hats made to laugh at! Evening fireworks, complete with lots of twinkle and sparkle, will round out the day’s festivities illuminating the night sky with vibrant colors and explosive entertainment!
Town of Kill Devil Hills Firework Show
July 4th – 8-9:30pm
Visitors can keep the Independence Day celebration going strong with this special fireworks display in the heart of the central Outer Banks that’s sponsored by the Town of Kill Devil Hills, and which is held at the scenic Avalon Pier.
The Avalon Pier is located at milepost 7, and while visitors won’t be able to watch the show from the pier itself, the wide and surrounding beaches are ideal for pulling up a chair and enjoying the show. The public is welcome to bring a chair, blanket, or beach towel and find a spot, and should note that parking may be limited, so an early arrival may be key. A rain date will be set in case of inclement weather, and town parking is free to the public, with multiple beach access points throughout the town, and walking-distance close to the oceanfront. (Visitors will want to arrive early to secure a spot.) A great way to cap off the Independence Day holiday, the Town of Kill Devil Hills fireworks show is sure to be an unforgettable part of any vacation.
The OBX Arts & Crafts Festival
August 30th & 31st from 10am – 5pm
This annual show held at the Hilton Garden Inn features a superb variety of creations from 24 Outer Banks artists whose specialties include painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, glass, fiber arts, collage, wood and more. Admission to the show is free on both days and there is plenty of free parking. In addition to the handcrafted art, you can gather information about two local charities – N.E.S.T. and Beach Food Pantry – that participate in the show. A portion of artists’ entrance fees are donated to the charities.