OBX Live Music

The Outer Banks live music scene comes to life when the weather gets warm. There is something for every musical taste, from smaller acoustic gigs to unique festivals to larger shows with nationally touring acts. We’ve gathered our favorite places in each area to see live music on the OBX.

Best Live Music in Corolla

Mike Dianna’s Grill Room

The hub of the live music scene in Corolla is Mike Dianna’s Grill Room, located in the back of the Timbuck II shopping center. Free live music is offered on their deck almost every night during the summer, beginning at 7:00 pm or 7:30 pm and ending at 10:30 pm. Musical talent ranges from single-musician acoustic to full-band bluegrass sets and more.

Come for dinner, stay for the show. Mike Dianna’s Grill Room offers a variety of fare, with a focus on steak and local seafood cooked on a hardwood grill. Steaks are cut and aged in-house, then marinated and seasoned before being cooked on the hardwood grill. It’s a labor of love that you can taste in every melt-in-your-mouth bite! Local seafood is also on the menu and it does not disappoint. Pan seared local yellowfin tuna, award-winning crabcakes, sea scallops, shrimp cakes, salmon, and seafood pasta are all included on the menu. Specialty cocktails and an impressive selection of wine and beer are available to accompany your meal. If you’re looking for that one special meal out during your vacation, Mike Dianna’s Grill Room is the place to go.

Mike Dianna’s Grill Room also hosts to several music festivals throughout the year. The Mustang Music Festival started as a single-day music festival years ago and has evolved into a destination for music lovers. The Mustang Music events regularly attract regional and national touring acts. Mustang Music Rock & Roast, happening in mid-October, offers two full days of live music, combined with BBQ cookoff the first day and an oyster roast the next. Mustang Spring Jam is an unofficial summer kickoff, happening in mid-May when the weather is warm and summer beach vibes are in the air. In July, the Mustang Midsummer Meltdown is not to be missed. Along with the touring acts, local OBX kids involved in the Mustang Outreach Program also have the opportunity to showcase their talents at some of the events. Entry to each Mustang music event requires a ticket.

Cosmo’s Pizza

Located in the Corolla Light Town Center, Cosmo’s Pizza recently added a back deck for dining al fresco and enjoying live acoustic.

Uncle Ike’s Sandbar and Grill

Offering live music, karaoke, and more, Uncle Ike’s Sandbar and Grill is the late night hotspot in Corolla.

Where to Go for Live Music in Duck

The live music venues in Duck are all within walking distance of one another and all have fantastic outdoor areas.

Roadside Bar & Grill

With quite possibly the most unique backyard ever, Roadside is a must-visit during your Outer Banks vacation. The laid-back vibe of the eclectic backyard is even better when there’s live music on stage. The yard is family friendly.

Sweet T’s Coffee Beer & Wine

Select a beverage from the wide variety of beer and wine choices and relax under the live oaks while enjoying some afternoon acoustic.

Aqua Restaurant

Live music on the deck with the calm of the sound as a backdrop. Aqua has a great selection of craft cocktails, wine, and beer.

Duck Town Park

During the summer months, Duck Town Park hosts their “Concerts on the Green” on Thursday nights. Different genres are featured, and all shows are family-friendly. Bring your beach chairs or a blanket for the lawn.

Best Places for Live Music in Kitty Hawk

Paparazzi OBX

Paparazzi OBX is a newer addition to the Outer Banks live music scene, but they’ve quickly established a spot in the OBX entertainment lineup. They regularly host “tribute” bands, to the delight of tourists and locals alike. They also host a weekly teen dance club night.

Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar

Located across the street from the beach, Ocean Boulevard is a classy place to grab a specialty martini and tapas. Hang out on their patio and listen to live music and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Longboards Island Grill

Longboards has a little bit of everything when it comes to entertainment. Live bands, DJ dance parties, and karaoke are their specialties.

The Live Music Scene in Kill Devil Hills

Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint

Jack Brown’s specializes in two things: beer and burgers. And they do them both very well. Jack Brown’s has a great backyard for enjoying your beer, burgers, and live music most nights of the week during the summer months.

The Bonzer Shack

Come to the Bonzer Shack for some coastal comfort food, then chill in the yard afterward for a tasty beer, yard games, and live music.

Secret Island

Formerly known as Port O’Call, Secret Island continues the tradition of hosting DJ’s, Reggae bands, and karaoke in Kill Devil Hills.

Live Music in Nags Head

Dowdy Park

A relative newcomer to the Outer Banks recreation scene, Dowdy Park is offering free live music in its amphitheater on certain nights during the summer. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blanket and spread out on the soft lawn, or watch the kids play on the inclusive playground, which includes recreation for all ages and abilities.

New York Pizza Pub

New York Pizza Pub is a well-known nightlife hotspot in Nags Head. This venue attracts local and national touring acts.

Captain Andy’s Oceanfront Tiki Bar & Grill

Located on Nags Head Fishing Pier, Capt. Andy’s is right on the beach, so you can enjoy live music and the ocean breeze. Live music, including karaoke, happens seven days a week during the summer months.

Karaoke

Karaoke is popular on the Outer Banks. If you are a fan of making your own music, these are our favorite establishments for karaoke on the OBX.

Outer Banks Nightlife

Outer Banks live music isn’t the only type of nightlife offered on the Outer Banks. Check our our OBX Nightlife recommendations for more fun things to do after the sun sets.