1. Outer Banks Wedding Expo
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: First Flight High School
Description: The largest wedding event on the Outer Banks takes place every year in early to mid-January. More than 1,000 brides and families attend the Sunday exhibit and meet with many of the businesses on the beach that cater to the local wedding industry. Foods can be sampled from caterers, photographers display their work, and musicians play samples of their music throughout the day. A fashion show and a drawing for an all-expenses-paid wedding tops off the event.
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 300 Mustian St.
3. The Outer Banks Silver Arts Competition
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-1181
Address: 300 Mustian St.
Description: This is the art component of the Outer Banks Senior Games, featuring an exhibition of talent and craftsmanship in the visual, literary, heritage, and performing arts. The events last for several days, culminating in a free evening performance at the Kitty Hawk Elementary School. The $10 games registration fee covers entry into the arts competition.
4. Yuengling Nags Head Woods 5K Run
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: Ocean Acres Drive
Description: Folks from all walks of life run side by side through Nags Head Woods in this annual event, held on the second Saturday in May. The run is limited to the first 400 runners registered. For entry fees and tickets, call the number listed.
5. Annual Wright Kite Festival
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-4124, (800) 334-4777
Address: US 158, MP 8
Description: This mid-July family event involves kite flying for all ages and also includes free kite-making workshops, stunt kite demos, and children’s games. The event, sponsored by Kitty Hawk Kites and the National Park Service, has been held every year since 1978. You can watch for free. Adults are invited to participate in kite contests. Call for fees.
6. Annual Kitty Hawk Kites Ocean Games & Surf Kayak Competition
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-4124
Address: Ramada Plaza Beach
Description: In late August, spend a fun day at the beach with Kitty Hawk Kites. Kids can build sandcastles, watch kite demos, and fly a kite. A 5-mile kayak race tops off the event.
7. Annual Senior Adults Craft Fair
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-9388
Address: 300 Mustian St.
Description: Local senior citizens provide the crafts for this community project sponsored by the Outer Banks Women’s Club. It’s been a tradition for more than 25 years. Admission is $1.
8. National Aviation Day
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-7430
Address: US 158, MP 8
Description: Explore planes galore at this free mid-August event. Aviation enthusiasts enjoy viewing about 25 different types of single-engine aircraft ranging from the antique to modern-day models. The schedule is not firm until a few days before the event so weather conditions can be taken into consideration. Past events have included a flyover with US Air Force and Navy planes, jets from Langley Field, and the Blue Angels. The day’s festivities include free admission to the memorial
9. Artrageous Art Extravaganza Weekend
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 473-5558
Address: Mustian Street
Description: Artrageous, started in 1990, is a community art festival and auction sponsored by the Dare County Arts Council the first weekend in Oct. Children and adults are invited to spend Saturday painting, weaving, and creating various arts and crafts. All art supplies are provided. Listen to local musicians young and old, eat tasty food, and witness art in the making by professionals. Artists sell their wares. Collaborative paintings by children are auctioned on Saturday; a more formal adult auction, complete with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, takes place on Sunday. Saturday’s events do not require an admission fee. Average price for booth activities is $1. The Sunday evening auction is held at varying locations; call for details.
10. Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-4124, (800) FLY-THIS
Address: MP 8
Description: Entrants compete on the Eastern League Circuit of the American Kiting Association. The program features novice, intermediate, and expert challenges as well as workshops and demos. Kids enjoy making kites. Music, kite ballet competitions, and team train competitions highlight the sanctioned event. Registration and competition fees are charged to competitors.
11. Wright Brothers Anniversary Of First Flight
City: Kill Devil Hills, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-7430, (800) 334-4777
Address: US 158, MP 8
Description: On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made their first successful flights before a handful of local residents. This event is celebrated every year on December 17, in the exact place where those flights occurred. Bands play and planes fly as the monumental events of the Wright brothers are recalled. Speakers generally include military personnel, local dignitaries, and individuals who have dedicated their lives to the advancement of flight technology. A portrait of the year’s induction to the First Flight Society is unveiled. There is no charge.