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7 Aug 2023
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Events & Holidays

Annual Outer Banks Fall Events - Updated for 2023

Upcoming Events

Things to Do on the Outer Banks in the Fall

Fall is arguably one of the best seasons of the year—who doesn’t love pumpkin patches, warm sweaters, and apple cider? Fall in the Outer Banks is basically a “second summer” where visitors get to enjoy everything from great weather and quiet beaches to savings on lodging and relaxed dog leash laws. However, we think that the numerous fun Outer Banks Fall activities and events may be the best reason of all to visit.

Take A Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise aboard the Crystal Dawn is a beautiful and transformative afternoon any time of the year, but taking one of these breathtaking cruises during the fall off-season (September & October) can give you the opportunity to look at the Outer Banks through a different lense. Take a tour of the Roanoke Sound while listening to commentary on the Outer Banks and viewing the Elizabeth II, Jockey's Ridge, the home of the late Andy Griffith, The Lost Colony, shorebirds, and wildlife. Book your trip here and read a first-hand account of a beautiful and relaxing fall sunset cruise.

Fall Sunset Cruise on the Crystal Dawn

Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch

What feels more like fall that picking your own pumpkin, enjoying apple cider, and spending time as a family remembering everything you're thankful for?

Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market Pumpkin Patch

Location: 6264 Caratoke Hwy. Grandy, NC 27939

About: Come visit the farmer’s market—a great fall tradition! Along with the great greenhouse and market shop full of fresh produce/preserves, etc., there are plenty of festive events to try! Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch to select your favorite pumpkins for your Autumn décor. (Wagon rides leave every 30 minutes on the weekend). You can also enjoy a fun cider-making workshop to learn how apple cider is made and even sample freshly squeezed cider! Click here for more information.

Island Farm Pumpkin Patch

Location: 1140 N. Hwy 64, Manteo, NC 27954

About: Head down to the Island Farm in Manteo (a living museum/experience of an island farm from the mid 1800s) and visit their seasonal pumpkin patch! Every Saturday in October, you’ll love getting in the fall spirit as you wander the grounds for the best pumpkin. Other seasonal activities will be added to the normal farm experience including “oxen rides,” hot cider, and candle-making crafts. Admission to the museum site is $8.00. Pumpkins are an additional $5.00. Click here for more information.

Visit the Dowdy Park Farmer's Market

 

Location: 3005 South Croatan Highway (at Bonnett Street), Nags Head, NC 27959

About: The Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market is a fun community event that runs through the middle of October featuring handmade goods from local crafters, farmers, bakers, and artists. Visitors will find items like jewelry, crafts, baked goods, fresh meat and seafood, local produce, soaps, skincare products, photography, clothing, home décor, pottery, handbags, and more. Click here for more information.

Visit a Haunted Forest

Location: 18766 US-64, Manns Harbor, NC 27953

About: Celebrate 10 years of this horrifyingly haunted tradition! Every October, the people of Wicked Woods Haunted Attraction put on a haunted house in the woods of old Wanchese that's guaranteed to scare your socks off. The Wanchese Woods Haunted Trail is 30 minute terrying hike into the woods of the Outer Banks. And with new monsters and attractions every single year, you can rest assured that each years' visit will be horrifyingly different than the last. Find more information here.

*Event not suitable for young children*

Listen to Tunes at the Duck Jazz Festival


When: Oct. 7th & 8th, 2023

Where: Duck Town Park (Duck Town Park Boardwalk, Duck, NC 27949)

About: The annual Duck Jazz Festival is a true celebration of jazz music at a local, regional and national level! Held at the beautiful Duck Town Park bordering the Currituck Sound, visitors will enjoy a host of beloved jazz musicians performing some of their best tracks. This affordable friendly-family event lets you bring in your own chairs, snacks, coolers, blankets, etc., and is free to the public! You can also bring a well-behaved dog. Click here for more information.

Experience Wildlife at the Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival


When: October 17 - 22, 2023  and WOW Encore December 8-10, 2023

Where: Location varies by event/program.

About: This annual fundraising event is sponsored by the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society and encompasses over 90 different birding, paddling, photography, art & natural history programs over 6 different national wildlife refuges across North Carolina. From sunrise kayak tours and hikes through Nags Head Woods to Lighthouse birding and owl prowls, there is at least one guided event perfect for all the nature lovers out there, no matter your age! Click here for more information.

Sample Seafood at the Outer Banks Seafood Festival


When: October 21, 2023

Where: Soundside Event Site (6800 S. Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC 27959 – MP 16.5 on the bypass).

About: The annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year! This event celebrates both the history and heritage of the local seafood industry. The soundfront location is the perfect backdrop to this fun festival where visitors can spend the day trying fresh, locally sourced seafood from dozens of Outer Banks restaurants and sample beverages from local breweries and vineyards. Local merchandise/craft vendors will also be on site. Guests even get to vote on their favorite dish! Click here for more information.

Launch a Keg at the Annual OBX Brewtag

When: October 28, 2023

Where: Soundside Event Site (6800 S. Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC 27959 – MP 16.5 on the bypass).

About: The annual Brewtag celebration is modeled after the Red Bull Flugtag (“flying day in German!). Contestants test the boundaries of aerodynamics by launching and flying empty keg barrels—competing to see who can go the furthest. Plus you can enjoy drinks from the Beer Garden! There are even plenty of events for kids ranging from face painting and crafts to a portable rock wall. Costume contest also awards prizes for best kids, adult, and dog costumes. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Outer Banks Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund (benefiting families affected by Hurricane Dorian) and the Rogallo Foundation. Click here for more information.

Dress Up at the Annual Outer Banks Halloween Parade of Costumes

Location: Aviation Park (Veteran’s Dr. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948)

About: This fun, family-friendly event begins with a trick or treat party followed by the costume parade! Awards will be given for best costume in multiple categories for all age ranges. Admission is free and registration is also free for anyone who wants to compete in the parade! Click here for more information.

Hangin' With Santa & Kites With Lights

When: November 24-25, 2023

Location: Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing (3933 S. Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC, 27959)

About: Come spread the holiday cheer with Kitty Hawk Kites and the Jockey’s Ridge Crossing crew. Free visits and pictures with Santa are just a few of the fun and festive things going on. Not to mention all the amazing holiday sales! Share all your Christmas wishes and have your picture taken with Santa at Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head on Friday, November 24 from 10 AM – 2 PM, and Saturday, November 25 from 1 – 4 PM. Have some fun with Santa’s elves and try out classic toys straight from the workshop on the second floor of Kitty Hawk Kites! Click here for more information.

Book Your Fall Vacation Now

With so many amazing things to do during the Outer Banks off-season, what's stopping you from booking for vacation now?

We have large multi-room cottages and small one-bedroom condos with various views and amenities from Corolla to Nags Head making it easier than ever to find the perfect place for your family to enjoy. Plus, many of our homes now offer an Any Day Stays option where you can book a rental at a minimum of 3 nights which is perfect for those long weekend getaways! Click the button below to get started on finding your perfect Outer Banks fall rental home.

 BROWSE VACATION RENTALS

About the Author:  Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.