Not only is the Outer Banks home to some pretty great beaches, historical sites, playgrounds and activities, there are also tons of kid-friendly events and festivals happening all year long! Many of these events are long-standing annual traditions, not to be missed. From quirky to artsy, food-forward or music-heavy, there’s sure to be an OBX event that your whole family will enjoy! Check out our guide below.
The Annual Kelly’s St Patrick’s Day Parade
This crazy, quirky parade has been happening in Nags Head since 1990. It draws 100+ entrants a year, from floats to roller derby girls to horses to marching bands and everything in between, including the crowd favorite “shark car”. Add in up to 10,000 spectators from all over the country and you have a one of a kind Outer Banks tradition!
Hot tips- bring a bag to collect candy, expect the unexpected (flying bananas!? foam cannon anyone!?), and be prepared for any and all types of weather, possibly at the same time!
The Sunday before St. Paddy’s Day
The Beach Road in Nags Head, starting at Bladen St. (MP 11.5) and running 1 mile north to Driftwood St.
Artrageous Kids Art Festival
Since 1989, Artrageous has been a favorite family-friendly event. This free festival includes art and craft activities for the whole family, live music, dance performances, an artists’ market (including the Young Artist Village, where kids can sell their handmade wares), and food vendors. It’s a super fun day where kids and adults alike can exercise their creativity!
Usually the second Saturday in May
OBX KidsFest
This annual event, geared toward preschool-age kids (birth-5) is totally free, and chock full of hands-on activities, stations and more. With nearly 70 different activities, there is sure to be plenty to keep young kids busy, whether they’re into fire trucks and police cars, arts and craft activities, bubbles, music, or games. This event is put on every year by the Children and Youth Partnership of Dare County, a fantastic organization that does a ton to assist local families. A couple tips: there will be tons of free swag, so a heads up that you’ll want to bring a tote bag. Also, there isn’t any food served at this event, so bring snacks or a picnic lunch!
Usually the second Friday in May from 9:30-12:30
OBX Rods & Customs Festival
Rogallo Kite Festival
This annual kite festival takes place on Jockeys Ridge, and celebrates the legacy of aviation pioneer Francis Rogallo. This free 2-day event features up to 30 colorful kites, 100 feet long, taking to the sky over the dunes. Take a stunt kite lesson, fly a kite of your own, or just relax and enjoy the spectacular site.
Over a weekend in early June
Soundside Fun Fair
The Soundside Fun Fair is a MUCH anticipated annual event on the Outer Banks that signals the official end of school and start of summer! This event features rides geared mainly for young kids, including plenty for even the youngest set. Grab a bite on-site from a local food truck or enjoy classic carnival food, ice cream, sno-cones, cotton candy and more. Admission is free, and you purchase tickets for rides. I highly recommend buying the all-you-can-ride wristband ahead of time, to save money and hassle of repeatedly hitting up the ticket booth! The bonus of this event is it’s a big fundraiser for the Children and Youth Partnership of Dare County, a really amazing local organization.
Thursday-Sunday in early June, coincides with the last day of school in Dare County
Wright Kite Festival
The Wright Kite Festival takes place where flight truly began- at the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Visit and see giant, colorful kites; take a stunt kite lesson; fly your own kite; or check out some of the other family-friendly activities! Cost of the festival is free WITH your regular admission to the park. It’s a great chance to visit the monument AND enjoy the festival!
Mid-July
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Watermelon Festival
This annual event has tons of family fun and celebrates all things watermelon! Admission is free, but tickets must be purchased for activities and food. Try tie dying, get your face painted, enter one of the many watermelon-themed contests such as seed spitting or watermelon bowling, or grab a bite from a food truck. All proceeds benefit The Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition.
Early August
WRV OBX Pro Surf Contest
Outer Banks Seafood Festival
The Annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival is a popular fall event with food and fun for the whole family! Listen to a great lineup of live music, shop with local vendors, and of course, sample seafood from a variety of local restaurants. Tickets required, but this event is free for kids 12 and under.
Mid-October
Duck Jazz Festival
The Duck Jazz Festival takes place on the Duck Town Green on Columbus Weekend in October. It’s a completely free, unticketed event, and is perfect for a laid-back family outing. Stay for the whole day, or stop by to hear a band or 2- whatever your group is up for! Blankets, chairs, dogs, coolers, food and drinks are all welcome- including alcoholic beverages if you so desire. Come check out some great regional and national jazz acts and enjoy the (usually) beautiful fall weather on the Outer Banks!
Columbus weekend in October
Stay busy all year long with these favorite OBX festivals and events, perfect for the whole family!
