Sep 15, 2023

What to Do in the Outer Banks in October

Pumpkin Spice Beach Days

Blog / OBX Guides
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The arrival of October on the Outer Banks is welcomed every year, as the weather gets mild and crowds thin. Locals and visitors alike love October for its abundance of great weather and fun things to do. October is arguably the best month of the year to celebrate all that the Outer Banks has to offer.

Great Beach Weather It's Oyster Season Visit a Pumpkin Patch Local OBX Events Gaze at the Night Sky
october beach solitude

The Weather is Beautiful in October

The weather on the Outer Banks in October is ideal: mild during the day, with cool, comfortable nights. The average high temperature in October is 72°, and the average low is 58°. The ocean temperature is 70° on average, which is still warm enough for swimming or surfing. The gorgeous weather is ideal for being outside, whether relaxing on the beach or enjoying one of the Outer Banks’ annual events that happen in October.

Taste of the Beach

It’s Oyster Season

The arrival of cooler weather means that it’s oyster season on the Outer Banks. Outer Banks oysters are a well-known delicacy on the east coast of the United States. There are subtle differences in oysters raised in different areas around the Outer Banks. You’re in for a treat when visiting the Outer Banks during oyster season, whether you’re trying oysters at a local restaurant or purchasing them from a local seafood market.

Halloween at Island Farm

Visit an OBX Pumpkin Patch

October isn’t complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch. Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market offers a hayride to their pumpkin patch, which is fun for kids of all ages. Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market is located on the mainland in Grandy, approximately 20 minutes north of the Wright Memorial Bridge. Island Farm in Manteo offers the opportunity to experience a 19th-century farm, including interpreters in period attire, hands-on activities, and a living museum. Island Farm’s pumpkin patch is available for visits on Saturdays throughout October.

Local Festivals and Events in October

Festivals and other special events happen throughout the month of October on the Outer Banks. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your seafood cravings or listen to some live music, there’s an OBX festival in October for you.

  • The Outer Banks Seafood Festival is a celebration of the bounty of fresh seafood that can be found on the Outer Banks. In addition to the tasty seafood available, the festival also serves as an educational opportunity about the OBX fishing community. 
  • The annual Duck Jazz Festival takes place on Columbus Day weekend on the Duck Town Green. The family-friendly festival features an exciting musical lineup and many additional events throughout the weekend in Duck. 
  • OBX Brewtag is a fun festival with local beer, live music, and unique entertainment. Relax and drink your brew while watching teams compete to see whose keg can fly the farthest. 
  • The Bluegrass Island Festival takes over Manteo for three days and promises a good time. With an impressive lineup of acclaimed bands and the beautiful Roanoke Island Festival Park venue, the festival has quickly become an Outer Banks tradition. 
  • Get an inside look at the most exciting homes on the Outer Banks during the Parade of Homes. The annual event offers the opportunity to tour many different homes throughout the OBX.
duck jazz festival
Photo provided by Duck Jazz Festival

Get Comfortable with the Dark Night Sky

Head to the beach after dark and treat yourself to the magical sight of the night sky over the ocean. The absence of light offers the opportunity to view a plethora of stars and a clear look at the milky way during ideal conditions. Stargazing on the Outer Banks is a popular activity, however, we also recommend watching the Harvest Moon rise over the ocean if you have the chance. It’s a sight to behold!

beach fire stargazing
Courtney Wisecarver

Courtney Wisecarver

Sep 15, 2023

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