Guide to the Outer Banks for summer 2023: What not to miss
NEW:
OBX Is For Lovers
July 29: EMO rock is making a comeback so treat your ears to the OBX Is For Lovers concert at Roanoke Island Festival. Performers include Thrice, Bayside, Hawthorne Heights, 30H!3, Four Year Strong, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Emery and Frontside. Gates open at 2 p.m. and the show starts at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $50 in advance and $60 day of the show. etix.com
Events
Independence Beer Mile
July 2: Join the Outer Banks Brewing Station in a fun Independence Day weekend run that presents plenty of reason to celebrate. This adult, 21 and over celebration starts with a refreshing brew before an easy-going, mile-long jog, walk or run around the heart of the Outer Banks in Kill Devil Hills. 11 a.m. to noon. The running event is open to up to 100 participants, and admission for the event is $33. 600 S. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. theobxrunningcompany.com
Wright Kite Festival
July 14-15: Now celebrating its 45th year, the Wright Kite Festival in Kill Devil Hills is a celebration of aviation that takes place where flight began — the Wright Brothers Memorial. Enjoy a walk on the hallowed grounds where Wilbur and Orville took their historic first flight in 1903, then take a fun flight of your own. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the park is $10 for ages 16+. 1000 North Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. kittyhawk.com
Ocracoke Fig Festival
Aug. 4-5: Take a stroll along any shaded street in Ocracoke village and you’ll notice the town’s love of all things fig. The two-day fig festival features a wealth of activities that take place at the Ocracoke Preservation Museum, or the nearby Community Square in the heart of the village. During this annual celebration, visitors and locals can celebrate the fig through a myriad of music, dancing, history, activities, and of course, plenty of fig goodies. 49 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke, North Carolina. ocracokepreservationsociety.org
Anniversary of the Mirlo Rescue
Aug. 16: Come celebrate one of the most important events in life-saving local history with this special day at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site in Rodanthe. The Mirlo was sunk by a German torpedo during WWI in 1918 off the coast of Hatteras Island. Capt. John Allen Midgett and his crew launched into the water and saved 42 crew members. The rescue was one of the most legendary ever conducted by the US Life-Saving Service, and during this special day, visitors will dive deeper into the story with activities that will fascinate visitors of all ages. chicamacomico.org
17th Annual Outer Banks Watermelon Festival
Aug. 3: Have you ever wanted to try watermelon bowling? Celebrate summer at the annual OBX Watermelon Festival. This beloved celebration is held at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head. Highlights include Native American jewelry making lessons, watermelon-themed competitions, arts and crafts, music and more. Free for guests to attend; however, tickets are required to play and eat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3933 S. Croatan Hwy., Nags Head, North Carolina. kittyhawk.com
Outer Banks Pirate Festival
Aug. 9-10: ARRGH you ready for a pirate invasion on the Outer Banks? This festival will be held next to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in the central Outer Banks town of Nags Head. Come learn the vast history of pirates on the OBX and participate in Scallywag School. Free to attend. Scallywag School is $10. For more information, go to kittyhawk.com
