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.
Where to Listen to 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.
The Shack Coffee Shop & Beer Garden
Coming right off the beach and want to grab an afternoon beer and chill outside with some live acoustic? Nestled in Corolla Village just north of Twiddy’s Corolla office, The Shack Coffee Shop & Beer Garden is the place to go for a relaxing afternoon.
Sundogs Raw Bar & Grill
A nightlife destination in Corolla, Sundogs offers a little bit of everything. Fun bands, Karaoke (live band karaoke on certain nights), DJs, and open mic are all on the live music calendar at Sundogs.
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.
Tap Shack
Tap Shack offers free live music every night of the week during the summer months. Several well-known bands play the Tap Shack, but require a ticket, like Keller Williams who will bring his one-man-band talent to the stage on August 10th and 11th. The yard at Tap Shack is full of fun outdoor games and soft grass. Tap Shack is kid-friendly.
The Blue Point
Enjoy live acoustic while catching a sunset over the sound with a craft cocktail in hand at the Backyard Bar at the Blue Point. The perfect kickoff to a great vacation date night.
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.
Art’s Place
In addition to great burgers and a super laid back vibe, Art’s place has two great areas for live music. They host music most nights of the week during the summer months in their yard or on their sway bar (the big deck on the roof).
Hurricane Mo’s Beachside Bar And Grill
Known for their happy hour shrimp, wing, and taco specials, live music is also a specialty Hurricane Mo’s, which is just steps from the beach.
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.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
The Outer Banks Brewing Station is a fully functioning brewery in a building with high ceilings and great acoustics. In addition to ticketed shows to nationally touring acts on their big stage, the Outer Banks Brewing Station offers DJ dance party nights and live music in their amazing backyard. The backyard is family-friendly, with a large pirate ship playset, yard games, space to run, and a fence around the perimeter.
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.
Fish Heads Bar & Grill
Fish Heads Bar & Grill is located on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Live music is offered every day during the summer, sometimes twice a day, with an afternoon show and an evening show.
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.
Outer Banks Festivals
The OBX festival scene has recently come alive, with events happening year-round.
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room
As mentioned, Mike Dianna’s Grill Room hosts the Mustang Music Festival events in the spring, summer, and Fall. This is the place to be for live music in Corolla!
Roanoke Island Festival Park
As one of the larger venues on the Outer Banks, Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo has the opportunity to attract bands with larger fan bases. The soundfront amphitheater features a large lawn for comfortable music enjoyment.
Soundside Event Site in Nags Head
Various events happen throughout the year at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, and many of them, like the Outer Banks Seafood Festival and the Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown, have live music throughout the day.
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.
Corolla and Duck:
- Sundogs Raw Bar & Grill
- Uncle Ike’s Sandbar and Grill
- Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head:
- Longboards Island Grill
- Jolly Roger Restaurant & Pirate Bar
- Fish Heads Bar & Grill
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.
