The Outer Banks is known around the world for its beautiful beaches, important history, and fantastic people who truly make these sandy shores special. One of the things that makes summer on the Outer Banks so special for visitors and locals alike are the multiple farmer's markets and vendor fairs that highlight local growers, crafters, and artisans. Here is a list of the farmer's markets up and down the Outer Banks throughout the year! Many are exclusive to the summer, though the holiday season in November and December has its fair share of markets if you're looking for the ultimate Christmas present.
Summer Markets
Date: Every Wednesday from June 14th to September 13th, 2023
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park
About: Corolla Cork & Craft is a summer long event happening every Wednesday! Also called Whalehead Wednesday, this event is located at Whalehead in the Historic Corolla Park allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery as they sample different local wines and beer. With a rotating schedule of musical artists, come multiple times and have a whole new experience!
Date: Tuesdays, June 20 - August 8, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Aviation Park, 103 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
About: The First Flight Market will take place on Tuesdays. Everything is homegrown, homebaked, and homemade. Come support the small business community on the Outer Banks and enjoy amazing homemade and homegrown products during your vacation! With over 60 vendors annually, there's sure to be something for everyone at the First Flight Market.
Date: June 15 - August 17, 2023
Time: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Location: 3005 South Croatan Highway Nags Head, NC 27959
About: From jewelry and crafts to baked goods and clothing, the Outer Banks is full of talented, local creators who hand make incredible products, and thanks to the Dowdy Park Farmers Market… you can now shop for them all in one place! Come out to Dowdy Park in Nags Head every Thursday of each month from June 15 - August 17, 2023 and immerse yourself in the best shopping experience that the Outer Banks has to offer!
Date: Saturdays, May 13 - September 16
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: George Washington Creef Park, Manteo Waterfront
About: The Town of Manteo's Downtown Market is a popular weekly event held on Saturdays for locals and visitors alike. So, circle the Saturdays on your calendar in bright yellow and pack your market bags in the car, on your bike, or however you like, and come join us for a fun and festive Opening Day and each and every Saturday throughout the season!
Date: May 29, 2023
Time: 9AM-1PM
Location: Camp Hatteras RV Resort & Campground, 24798 NC Hwy. 12, Rodanthe
About: The Tri-Villages Memorial Day Market is on Sunday, May 29th 9am-1pm with artists and makers on the sound side lawn at Camp Hatteras Campground.
Date: Wednesdays beginning June 21, 2023
Time: 9AM-1PM
Location: Camp Hatteras RV Resort & Campground, 24798 NC Hwy. 12, Rodanthe
About: The Tri-Villages Summer Market begins June 21 with artists and makers on the sound side lawn at Camp Hatteras Campground. Enjoy delicious treats, local art, and more!
Date: Thursdays, May 11 - September 2, 2023
About: Weekly pop-up market at the Frisco Woods Campground with local artisans, makers, and more.
Holiday Markets
Dowdy Park Holiday Farmer's Market
Event: Dowdy Park Holiday Farmer's Market
Date: Nov. 12, Nov. 26, Dec. 1, and Dec. 10, 2022
Time: 9AM TO 12PM (11/12, 11/26, & 12/10) & 4PM TO 7PM (12/1)
Location: Dowdy Park, 3005 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head
About: Locals rave about the incredible homemade goods and fresh produce from Dowdy Park's usual farmer's markets. The holiday markets are an exceptional treat that will offer similar goods but with a wonderful holiday spin -- making them that much more special.
Whalehead Christmas Craft Village
Event: Corolla Christmas Craft Village
Date: Friday AFTER Thanksgiving
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park
About: The Annual Christmas Craft Village at Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park is a wonderful place to get a headstart on that holiday shopping while enjoying music, drinks, and the spirit of the season to get you in the mood for the holidays.
First Flight Holiday Markets
Event: First Flight Holiday Markets
Dates: Nov. 19th, Dec. 6th, Dec. 17th, Dec. 20th
Time: 10AM TO 2PM (11/19 & 12/17); 4PM TO 8PM (12/6); 2PM TO 6PM (12/20)
Location: Aviation Park, 103 Veterans Dr, Kill Devil Hills
About: Stop by Aviation Park on Nov. 19th, Dec. 6th, Dec. 17th, and Dec. 20th for some local treats to brighten your holiday season. The First Flight Holiday markets will showcase local vendors, offering one-of-kind products and goodies where everything is homegrown, hand-baked, and homemade!
What Outer Banks Farmers Markets Are Open On Weekdays?
Most Outer Banks Farmers Markets take place during the week, including: Corolla Cork & Craft, First Flight Market, Dowdy Park Farmers Market, the Tri-Villages Summer Market, and Old Trent Market in Frisco.
What Outer Banks Farmers Markets Are Open On Weekends?
The Downtown Market on the Manteo Waterfront takes place on Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM throughout the summer months.
What Farmers Markets In The Outer Banks Are Best For Kids?
All of the Farmers Markets on the Outer Banks are great for families of all ages and sizes. The Dowdy Park Farmers Market, in particular, takes place near Dowdy Park which is an amazing playground for the kids! Make a day of it and let the kids get their wiggles out on the awesome playground equipment while the grown-ups shop. The Downtown Market on the Manteo Waterfront is also close to several parks and playgrounds, making this a great way to burn some time on Saturday morning before check-in.
Are the Outer Banks Farmers Markets Pet-Friendly?
Yes! Most markets on the Outer Banks are pet-friendly. Just be sure to adhere to all leash laws and other information provided for the town that you're in. Check out our Comprehensive Guide to Vacationing with Fido for more information.
Do Any OBX Farmers Markets Sell More Than Just Food?
Yes! In addition to produce and homemade goods, the Outer Banks Farmers Markets mentioned on this page are also spots for local artists and artisans to sell their wares. Be on the lookout for unique art, pottery, and a variety of other special goods and clothing items that are perfect souvenirs from your Outer Banks vacation.
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.
