Summer on the Outer Banks is bustling with activity. Folks from out of town come to enjoy hot temps and vacation time with friends and family. There is no doubt that summer on the Outer Banks is full of fun, but what about celebrating spring?
We’re sharing our favorite spring events that take place annually on the OBX between the months of March and June each year. Spoiler alert: there is something for everyone.
Spring Events on the OBX
March Events
Outer Banks Taste of the Beach
Attention Foodies! The Annual Food and Wine Festival on the Outer Banks presented by the Outer Banks Restaurant Association, is four days of food, drink, and fun. The festival has everything from wine, BBQ, oysters, brunch, live music, and so much more. You will love experiencing all the culinary goodness that the Outer Banks has to offer. If you’re interested, sign up sooner than later – this event is a popular one!
Blackbeard’s Revenge 100
This is an annual race that allows runners to travel 100 miles of the Outer Banks. Runners will start in Corolla and finish in Hatteras. This is a fun event, but it will challenge you as an athlete. You will travel on paved roads, be surrounded by the beautiful views the Outer Banks has to offer, and be able to make memories that you can always treasure. Sign up if you’re ready for the challenge!
April Events
Butterfly Festival
Celebrate the magic of butterflies in April at the John White Butterfly Center at the Elizabethan Gardens. This is a family event with tons of activities and games for children of all ages (including children at heart). This event flutters with excitement and we recommend you check it out!
Easter Eggstravaganza
Hop over to The Elizabethan Gardens for beautiful spring blooms, the largest Easter egg hunt on the OBX, photo opportunities, contests, games, crafts and more! Easter Eggstravaganza is the perfect event for every-bunny in your family. Your kids will have the best time celebrating spring with all the activities. Did we mention that it’s completely free, too?
WOOFstock
We all love a good event, but let’s be honest we love it MORE when our furry friends can join us! One purchase of an adult ticket means one dog (and one child) can tag along for free! All money raised at WOOFstock will support the Elizabethan Gardens and the Outer Banks SPCA! The event is packed with fun activities all day long. There will be music, a silent auction, competitions for pups, games and so much more!
Outer Banks Bike Week
Calling all motorcyclists! Get ready for a week full of entertainment, great food, awesome contests, live music, bike shows, and other bike events! There is no better place in the world than the Outer Banks to feel the ocean breeze and fresh air on your face as you cruise around.
May Events
Nags Head Woods 5K Run
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at the Nags Head Rotary Club’s 37th Nags Head Woods 5K Run. Ocean Atlantic Rentals is a proud sponsor of this event, supporting it annually since it began. Net proceeds go to local Outer Banks charities, youth programs, and military relief. There are different options for registration available for runners of all skill levels. Take it easy on the fun run or run the 5K once (or twice!) and end the day with a post-5K celebration at the Nags Head Woods Conservancy.
ESA Mid Atlantic Surfing Competition
The Eastern Surfing Association, ESA, is the largest amateur surfing competition in the world! Enjoy watching the best surfers on the east coast compete right here on the Outer Banks next to Jennette’s Pier. Bring towels and chairs on the sand to spectate the talent and cheer on your favorite surfer. This event is a great go-see when vacationing in spring!
KidsFest
Dare County’s annual KidsFest is held at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo, and is great family fun! It’s a day filled with hands-on crafts and activities for your little ones. There will be fire trucks, EMS and police vehicles, arts and crafts, face painting, ice cream, music, and so much more. Make the kiddos happy by bringing them to an event made just for them!
Bluegrass Island Festival
The Bluegrass Island Festival festival will be held at the Bluegrass Island Trading Co. in Manteo. Music lovers from all over the world come to the Outer Banks to hear well acclaimed bands in one of the most beautiful venues overlooking amazing sound waters. We recommend you book tickets in advance. Although it is off-season, it’s a highly anticipated event that sells out year after year!
OBX Paddle Palooza
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the sport or a champion at it, the OBX Paddle Palooza welcomes all! Every spring is a celebration of the fun, healthy, and family oriented activity. The shores of Avon on Hatteras Island make the perfect place to paddle. It is a great way to explore the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks with your family and friends. All Paddlers will love this event!
OBX Food Truck Showdown
This family event will make you “forget” about your diet. You’ll be tempted to taste a little of everything from local and regional food trucks; enjoy great music while munching on gourmet food. At the end, you can vote on your favorite food truck and see who gets to be the Showdown champion!
June
Dare Day Festival
Join us for the 44th annual Dare Day celebration. Bring your family to the downtown Manteo waterfront for live entertainment and food. Many vendors will showcase their unique furniture, toys, clothing, jewelry, paintings, and more. This fun-filled family event has something for everyone.
Soundside FunFair
Who doesn’t love good, old-fashioned carnival fun? Join us for the annual SoundSide FunFair in Nags Head. It’s a Summer kick-off to benefit Children and Youth Partnership for Dare County. Bring family and friends to enjoy their fantastic rides, games and food such as cotton candy, funnel cake and more! You don’t want to miss out on the sights and sounds of the carnival.
You’ll truly enjoy all the the Outer Banks has to offer in the springtime months. We promise they will get you excited about the long days of summer ahead! Here is more help for you to plan the perfect Spring vacation. Browse around these vacation realty companies to find the best price, style and amenities suited for your stay! You’ll be able to choose from 1 bedroom condos to luxury vacation homes fit for your whole crew.
So plan away, and remember, Ocean Atlantic Rentals has got you covered for those extra items to help make your springtime getaway special. We can help you get anything from the linens on your bed, a grill for the house, to bike and watersports rentals to help you explore the beautiful Outer Banks.
If you plan to attend an event in Corolla, Duck or the northern beaches, check out…
- Twiddy OBX Vacation Rentals
- Carolina Designs Realty
- Corolla Classic Vacations
- Brindley Beach Vacation Rentals
If you plan to attend an event on the main beaches such as Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head, check out…
If you plan to attend an event on Hatteras Island, check out…