While we may not get to celebrate Fall’s arrival with cozy sweaters and boots like our friends up North, there is truly nothing more spectacular than October on the Outer Banks. Like the flip of a switch, the Summer crowds clear. Locals and a few lucky visitors are left with nothing but wide open beaches, pleasant weather, and a great lineup of activities & events that take place this time each year. Looking to find some great live outdoor music? Seeking something new and adventurous? Just want to experience some local cuisine or craft beer? If you said yes to any of the above, here are a few things you can look forward to this month:
Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival
October 3-6 | Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo
As one of the most looked forward to events taking place on the OBX each year, the 7th annual Bluegrass Island Festival always proves to be a good time. More than 15 bands will take the stage over the course of this 4-day event. Acts include headliners The Steeldrivers, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, and Blue Highway. Kick back on this 22-acre island overlooking the sound and listen to the sounds of the South while enjoying food & drink from some of the area’s best restaurants.
Outer Banks 26th Annual Parade of Homes
October 4-7 | Grandy, Southern Shores, Duck, Corolla, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo
Tour & meet the builders of 24 of the most breathtaking homes on the Outer Banks including our very own “Palmer’s Panorama” and “Pure Salt” during this 4-day event sponsored by the Outer Banks Homebuilders Association.
Duck Jazz Festival
October 6-7 | Duck Town Green, Duck
Each year, the Duck Jazz Festival brings an exciting lineup of Jazz performers to the heart of Duck on Columbus Day weekend for this free, family-friendly event. Well behaved pets & personal coolers are welcome!
Mustang Rock & Roast
October 13-14 | Mike Dianna’s Grill Room, Corolla
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room is known for serving up delicious cuisine and great bands to Corolla, so there’s no question that the first annual Mustang Rock & Roast will be a hit. Over the weekend, festival goers can enjoy a total of 17 hours of live music, an Oyster Roast, and a Pork Barbecue Cook-Off featuring various local restaurants and chefs. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund and the Mustang Outreach Program. Children 12 & under are free.
Outer Banks Seafood Festival
October 20 | Soundside Event Site, Nags Head
Towne Bank and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau present this annual event. Each year, the Seafood Festival celebrates the heritage of the local fishing community. Featuring live music, local vendors, cooking demonstrations, and of course, some of the best seafood on the Outer Banks, what’s not to love? Oh, and the cast of Wicked Tuna Outer Banks will be there signing autographs!
OBX Brewtäg
October 28 | Soundside Event Site, Nags Head
A celebration of Flight & Beer…what could be better? In addition to great food & craft beers from around the region, the event features live music & children’s activities. Most importantly, the real highlight is a competition to see whose homemade flying contraption can fly an empty ⅙ keg barrel the furthest! Pay a registry fee to fly your own keg or just come watch for free. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Whether you’re a music lover, adventure seeker, or food & beverage connoisseur, there’s sure to be something going in October that sparks your interest. Aside from all of the spectacular OBX Halloween events, it’s also the perfect time of year to enjoy some outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, and catching some of the best sunsets of the year. Or, just enjoy some downtime on a quiet, empty beach. Time to start planning that last minute Fall getaway!
