2009 Outer Banks Calendar of Events and Happenings
January
January 10 - 11
11th Annual Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo
First Flight High School. outerbanksweddingassoc.org
February
February 1 - February 27
32nd Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show
Glen Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery, Nags Head. Includes a wide variety of local fine art ranging from conceptual to realistic. Sculpture, painting, drawing, fiber, pottery and mixed media. (252) 473-5558 or darearts.org
February 28 - March 1
9th Annual Civil War Living History Weekend
Roanoke Island Festival Park. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Commemorating the 147th Anniversary of the Battle of Roanoke Island, featuring re-enactors of Union and Confederate soldiers and civilians. Other events include period activities such as artillery demonstrations and a speed firing musket demonstration. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
March
March 1 - 25
12th Annual Priceless Pieces Quilt Show
Art Gallery, Roanoke Island Festival Park. The Teacup Quilters’ theme revolves around using idioms such as “bad hair day,” “raining cats and dogs” and “til the cows come home,” to create mini quilts expressing this theme. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
March 15
20th Annual Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Nags Head. 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. The largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in NC! Hometown Americana and Outer Banks Living takes to the "Beach Road" via homemade floats, marching bands, marching units, car clubs, equestrian units, clowns, professional and amateur entertainers and more. Everyone is invited to Kelly's post parade party for musical entertainment, free hot dogs and more! (252) 441-4116 or kellysrestaurant.com
March 27 - April 4
Land of Beginnings Festival
Various entertaining activities throughout the festival celebrate the history, culture, and people of the Outer Banks. Events include Living Legend Community Luncheon, Children’s Fun Faire, Story Telling, Black & White Ball and more. (252) 473-2127 or thelostcolony.org
March 27
Children’s Fun Faire
Wright Brothers National Memorial Pavilion. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Designed especially for kids, this Fun Faire offers a wide variety of entertaining, hands-on, and exciting educational activities. All day-care groups, parents & children are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (252) 473-2127 or thelostcolony.org
April
April 4 - 5
Kitty Hawk Kites Fly Into Spring
Jockey’s Ridge State Park & Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, Nags Head. Free kite flying lessons, games, demos, and free kite making for the kids. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
April 11
Kitty Hawk Kites Annual Easter Eggstravaganza
Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Largest Easter Egg Hunt in the Outer Banks! Over 2,000 candy and toy-filled eggs to be collected. Chalk coloring contests, kite making, games and surprise visits from Wil-Bear and friends. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
April 18
Tour de Cure Cycling Event
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. A benefit for the American Diabetes Association. A 100-mile ride from Chesapeake, VA to Roanoke Island Festival Park where participants will end their fundraising journey. (757) 455-6335, Ext. 3276 or (888) DIABETES, Ext. 3281.
April 18
Earth Day
(252) 473-3494, (800) 832-3474 or ncaquariums.com
April 23 - 26
7th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week
Packed full with entertainment, great food, events and special attractions. Poker Run, bike show, live music, scenic rides, official night-time party sites. outerbanksbikeweek.com
April 25 - 26
11th Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow, Journey Home
Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center, Hatteras Island. Traditional Powwow set in a beautiful maritime forest with activities for the entire family. Drumming, singing, dancing, native crafts, exhibits, displays, storytelling, native food and more. Rain or shine. (252) 995-4440 or nativeamericanmuseum.org
May
May 2
7th Annual Kitty Hawk Kites Surf Kayak Competition
First Street Beach Access, Kill Devil Hills. The water of the sound and the Atlantic await the best sea kayakers on the coast as they show what they've got! Come watch these high adrenaline water sports. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
May 4 - 27
Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show
Art Gallery, Roanoke Island Festival Park. Work ranges from paintings and pottery to sculpture, photography and fiber work. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
May 9
26th Annual Yuengling Nags Head Woods 5K & Village Realty 1 Mile Family Fun Run
For all other Outer Banks Running Club races, training dates and events. outerbanksrunningclub.org
May 15 - 18
37th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular
Jockey’s Ridge State Park & Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, Nags Head. Hang gliding professionals from all over the world come to compete and have fun on Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Rock climbing wall, hang gliding simulator, kite making, face painting and a visit by Wil-Bear Wright. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
May 16
March of Dimes-Walk America
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 8 a.m. The March of Dimes sponsors this event which begins at 8 a.m. with registration. The five-mile walk takes participants through historic Manteo. Picnic follows. (757) 361-000 or (800) 732-7097.
May 21 - 24
Kiteboarding Demo Days
Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Center, Waves Village, The Hatteras Kiteboarding Resort. Industry representatives will be on hand from the top three manufacturers to show you the hottest new kiteboarding equipment. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
May 24
11th Outer Banks Beach Music Festival
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Fun in the sun as we celebrate the upcoming summer season. Bring your friends, beach chairs and kick off your flip flops for a great time. Tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the gate on the day of the event. (252) 384-3494 or planetouterbanks.com/festivals
May 29 - August 20
72nd Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony
Waterside Theatre. Monday - Saturday at 8 p.m. (no performance on July 4, 11, 18, or August 8, 15). Compelling unsolved mystery of America’s beginnings. Featuring music, dance, drama, riveting action, and special effects with lavish costumes and sets. Children 11 and under are free on Monday and Friday and half price on Saturday with a paying adult. (252) 473-2127 or thelostcolony.org
Last week in May - First 2 weeks in August
Outer Banks Daredevils Baseball
View schedule online. obxdaredevils.com
June
Early June
Annual Evening Under The Stars with the North Carolina Symphony
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 8 p.m. Parking available at Roanoke Island Festival Park and in the Town of Manteo. Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets as seating is on the lawn. Picnics welcome. Free admission. (252) 473-2138, (877) 629-4386 or outerbanks.org
June 1 - 30
Beach Apparatus Drill
Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station. Every Thursday, 2 p.m. “Beach Apparatus Drill” historic reenactment of the Breeches Buoy Rescue. One of only two places in the entire nation to do the full drill, with live black powder firing projectile. Performed by active-duty US Coast Guard personnel. chicamacomico.net
June 1 - 30
Beach Bonfire Program
Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station. Every Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. “Beach Bonfire Program”, included with regular admission fee to site that day ($6 adult, $4 senior or student), overview of what the US Lifesaving Service was and what it did, followed by the dramatic and detailed retelling of three actual rescues that occurred here. chicamacomico.net
June 2, 9, 16
Elizabeth R
Film Theatre, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 3 p.m. Miss Barbara Hird's particular interpretation of the character of Queen Elizabeth I hits close to the mark in re-creating Queen Elizabeth's charisma, persona, and style in this outstanding production. Tickets required. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
June 3, 10, 17
Bloody Mary and the Virgin Queen
Film Theatre, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 3 p.m. A musical farce based on the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and her half-sister, Mary Tudor. The two loathed one another and yet are buried in the same tomb in London’s Westminster Abbey. The production takes place in the tomb, in the present day. Tickets required. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
June 6
Dare Days
Downtown Manteo Waterfront. An annual celebration of the people and history of Dare County. Food vendors, entertainment, an information booth and more. dareday@co.dare.nc.us
June 10
Wil-Bear Wright’s Festival of Fun
Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Make and fly your own kite, try yo-yo stunts, get your face painted, and demo all the new toys for 2009. This Wednesday family extravaganza kicks off our summer long Kid’s Day, held every Wednesday. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
June 13
Fishing and Crabbing Rodeo
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. 9 a.m. - noon. The only day of the year North Pond is open to fishing and crabbing. (252) 987-1118.
June 13 - 14
27th Annual Rogallo Kite Festival
Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nags Head. This two day festival features our signature kite flying on the dunes of Jockey's ridge as well as nightly entertainment celebrating the history of kiting. Exhibitions and demonstrations including stunt and power kite lessons, free children's games and kite making. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
June 23 - August 1
North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Performance Festival
Outdoor Pavilion and Film Theatre, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Drama, musicals and dance designed to delight the entire family. Bring blanket, chairs, picnic and even your pet (outdoors only). Free. Rain or Shine. ncsasummerfest.org
June 25 - 26
Beach ‘n Blues Festival
Pirate’s Cove. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Blue skies, blue water and the best blues music. Two evenings of great entertainment to share with friends and family while here at the beach. (252) 384-3494 or planetouterbanks.com/festivals
June 27 - 28
Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Competition
Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Center, Waves Village. Come see some of the best kiteboarders in the world. Free demonstrations and competitions will be held. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
July
July 1 - 31
North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Performance Festival
Outdoor Pavilion and Film Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Drama, musicals and dance designed to delight the entire family. Bring blanket, chairs, picnic and even your pet (outdoors only). Free. Rain or Shine. ncsasummerfest.org
July 4
Fireworks with the NCSA
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 8 p.m. Featuring fireworks and a performance by the North Carolina School of the Arts. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
July 4
Evening fireworks held throughout Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. outerbanks.org
July 4
Hatteras Civic Association. Fireworks Display. (252) 986-2579.
July 11 - 12
30th Annual Wright Kite Festival
Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A festival for all ages with a spectacular kite show put on by Larger than Life Kites. Come see a 100 ft. octopus, 50 ft. scuba diver and many other kites which dance in the air. Stunt kites demos, games, kids kite making, and contests. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
July 23
Kitty Hawk Kites Hatteras Kid Kite Day
Exhibitions, free lessons, and games for kids from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Face painting and tattoos for the kids. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
August
August 5, 12, 19
Bloody Mary and the Virgin Queen
Film Theatre, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 3 p.m. A humorous musical farce based on the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and her half-sister, Mary Tudor. The two loathed one another and yet are buried in the same tomb in London’s Westminster Abbey. The production takes place in the tomb, in the present day. Tickets required. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
August 5 - 6
Hatteras Island Arts and Craft Guild Summer Show
Cape Hatteras Secondary School in Buxton. Free admission, food, and scholarship raffle. Local artists. (252) 441-1850.
August 8
10th Annual Kitty Hawk Kites Ocean Games
Ramada Plaza, Kill Devil Hills. A 5 mile kayak race, sandcastle building contests and kite flying demonstrations. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
August 9
8th Annual OBX Sandbar 5K
The Outer Banks only 5K Beach Run/Walk is set on the wide flat sands in front of the historic 'Old Station' public bath house in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. outerbanksrelieffoundation.com
August 13
Life is Good Festival
Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head. Featuring family entertainment, dozens of spirited games and activities, and watermelons galore. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
September
September 3 - 5
Hatteras Village Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament
Hatteras Village Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament
(252) 986-2579 or hatterasonmymind.com
September 6
Beach'n Blues Festival
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Bringing the best of a variety of styles of Blues music and artists that sends the soulful sounds through your tapping toes. Check website participating artists. Bring your blankets, chairs and dancing shoes. Food and beverages, including beer and wine are available. Tickets can be Purchased for $20 in Advance or for $25 at the Gate on the Day of the Event. Children 12 and under are FREE! Tickets available at all Outer Banks Brew-Thru Locations. beachnblues.com
September 14 - 20
Blackbeard’s Pirate Festival
Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head. Pirate history, storytelling, reenactments, and shows. Enjoy everything Pirate-style. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
September 19
Day at the Docks - A Celebration of Hatteras Island Watermen
Hatteras Village. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The commercial and charter fishing fleets will display their boats, skills, products and gear in a variety of competitions and demonstrations. Maritime-inspired games for children and fresh, local seafood will be featured in a chowder cook-off and cooking demos. Traditional wooden boats, will be on site. Musical entertainment throughout the day. Blessing of the Fleet begins at 5:30 p.m. dayatthedocks.org
October
October 3
Porkstock Music Festival
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by Pigman’s Barbecue and is a benefit for the Dare County Dolly Parton Imagination Library. (888) 899-4653.
October 3 - 4
20th Annual Artrageous Art Extravaganza and Live Auction
Dare County Family Recreational Park, Kill Devil Hills. Featuring live demonstrations, kids hands-on activity booths, professional artist show and sell, artist quick draws, music, children's auction, delicious food and fun for the whole family. Proceeds benefit Dare County Arts Council. (252) 473-5558 or darearts.org
October 8 - 11
Outer Banks Home Builders Parade of Homes
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. Select offering of new homes covering the coastal Outer Banks and lower mainland Currituck County. Tickets $10. Good all four days. (252) 449-8232 or obhomebuilders.org
October 10 - 11
Elizabethan Tymes
Roanoke Island Festival Park. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Rain or shine. The Guilde of St. Andrew, brings Elizabethan England to life. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
October 11
4th Annual Kayak Fishing Tournament
(252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
October 11
Third Annual Duck Jazz Festival
Duck Town Stage. 11 a.m. to dusk. This free event features a combination of national, regional, and local jazz musicians. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Chairs will also be available for rent. (252) 255-1234 or townofduck.com
October 17
Wildfest
A celebration of wildlife and wildlands in eastern NC - this is a family event, especially focusing on hands-on activities for children. (252) 987-1118.
October 17
Black T-Shirt Concert - Fall Bike Week
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Bike Show), 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Concert). Jam to Southern Rock. Food and beverages, including beer and wine. $20 in advance or for $25 at the gate. Tickets available at all Outer Banks Brew-Thru locations. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
October 17 - 18
24th Annual Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition
Wright Brothers Memorial, Kill Devil Hills. Non-competitors can enjoy workshops, demonstrations and kite making for kids. The highlights include graceful kite ballet competitions set to music and fast paced team flying that blends both kite control and speed. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
October 18
Cropwalk
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sponsored by Church World Services, the four mile walk involves local churches and service organizations raising money for the awareness of hunger issues. (252) 473-6837 or darecropwalk.freewebspace.com
October 22 - 24
Frank & Fran’s 10th Annual Red Drum Tournament
Hatteras Island. A three day individual surf fishing tournament with anglers competing to catch and release the largest and most red drum. (252) 995-4171 or hatteras-island.com
October 24
Outer Banks Jazz and Wine Festival
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. An evening celebrating fine wines and smooth jazz. Bring a blanket and chairs to relax and enjoy the sounds or reserve a table and be pampered by servers. Tables are limited and may only be reserved online. Tickets available at all Outer Banks Brew-Thru locations. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
October 30
Trick or Treat Under The Sea
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Ghosts and strange aquatic creatures will greet children as they enjoy this "spooktacular" event. Hosting the event is Count Sharkula who always scares up lots of ghoulish fun. Crazy costume contests, creepy crafts, spine-tingling scream contests and yummy munchies are just a few of the things to howl about. Tickets are limited. Ticket sales begin October 1st and will be sold at the Aquarium. Admission. All children must be accompanied by an adult. (252) 473-3494, (800) 832-3474 or ncaquariums.com
November
November 2 - 27
Jewelry Exposition
Art Gallery, Roanoke Island Festival Park. Exposition: Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring demonstrations, educational displays and a chance to talk with artists as well as purchase handcrafted jewelry in time for the holidays. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
November 3 - 8
Wings Over Water
The festival offers a variety of events, including paddling trips, bird sighting trips, history trips, and nature trails at locations all along the Outer Banks. 252-216-WING(9464) or www.wingsoverwater.org
November 7
4th Annual Outer Banks Fun Run
A family friendly event where kids and adults can run and walk for the fun of it. obxmarathon.org
November 8
4th Annual Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon
The marathon starts in Kitty Hawk, the half marathon starts at Jockeys Ridge and both cross the beautiful Washington-Baum Bridge; and finish on Roanoke Island. obxmarathon.org
November 26
14th Annual Advice 5K Turkey Trot
Duck. A great warm up for your Thanksgiving Feast! Starting on Scarborough Lane in Duck with a finish line full of post race festivities. Runners and walkers of all abilities and ages are welcome. active.com
November 27 - 28
Hatteras Island Arts and Craft Guild Holiday Show
Cape Hatteras Secondary School, Buxton. Free admission, food, and scholarship raffle. Local artists. (252) 441-1850.
November 27 - 28
Kitty Hawk Kites Hangin’ with Santa & Kites with Lights
Kitty Hawk Kites, Nags Head. Children can have their free photo taken with Santa in a demonstration Hang Glider. Watch the night sky magically transform as skilled flyers maneuver their lit stunt kites to the sounds of your favorite holiday songs atop Jockey’s Ridge State Park. (252) 441-4124, (877) FLY-THIS or kittyhawk.com
December
December 3 - 5
21st Annual Hotline Festival of Trees
Outer Banks Brew Station. Noon - 9 p.m. Fundraiser of donated Christmas Trees, holiday items, seasonal musical performances, a Santa visit, and bazaar, including an auction to benefit crisis intervention programs of the Outer Banks. (252) 473-5121 or obhotline.org
December 4 - 5
Town of Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
Tree Lighting will be December 4th at 6 p.m. with Santa visiting with the children afterwards at the Maritime Museum at the Creef Davis Boathouse. The parade will be December 6th at 11 a.m. in downtown Manteo. manteo.govoffice.com
December 4 - 5
12th Annual Manteo Rotary Rockfish Rodeo
Outdoor Pavilion, Roanoke Island Festival Park. A fishing tournament sponsored by the Manteo Rotary. (252) 473-6644 or rockfishrodeo.com
December 12
Christmas Sights and Sounds
Waterside Theatre. 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Enjoy holiday sights and sounds with The Lost Colony at Fort Raleigh. This seasonal celebration is complete with horse and carriage rides, Santa Clause, holiday music performances, hot chocolate, and other Christmas-tide events. Tickets are $5 per person. (252) 473-2127 or thelostcolony.org
December 17
106th Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight
Wright Brothers National Memorial. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Gather at the exact site at the exact time as the historic flight to remember, reflect and celebrate this milestone. The daylong anniversary tribute will be held at the site of Wright’s first flight. Visitors to the site experience a replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 encampment and majestic, 60-foot tall granite monument perched atop a 90-foot hill that serves a striking and lasting reminder of the important historical achievement that happened on this site a century ago. outerbanks.org
December 19
Elizabethan Christmas
Roanoke Island Festival Park. Noon - 5 p.m. Don’t let the holiday spirit fade! Get a taste of 16th century holiday traditions by making decorations, learn special dances, sing songs, discover food and drink of the season throughout the settlement site, and indulge in merriment with members of the Guild of St. Andrew. Many events will be held inside and the celebration will go on, rain or shine. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com
