OBX Activities

          One of the most iconic historical structures on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, opens for the season on April 20th, 2012. To celebrate, the National Park Service is inviting Outer Banks locals as well as visitors to climb the lighthouse for free.  On this day only, free tickets will be available on a first come/first served basis and can only be obtained in-person at the site the day of the climb.  For more information, go to www.nps.gov/caha .

The National Park Services has announced a new permit process for Off-Road Vehicles on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore beginning March 15, 2012. All vehicles must obtain a permit and watch a 7 minute video at any of the three NPS ORV permit offices which will be located at Coquina Beach, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (Buxton) and the Ocracoke Visitor Center.All National Park Service ORV offices will be open year-round, except Christmas Day, seven days a week, from 8:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with expanded summer and holiday hours.

Outer Banks New Years Eve Events and CelebrationsOuter Banks Brewing Station Come join the biggest balloon drop and champagne toast on the beach this New Year’s Eve at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. The DC based band FUTURE will be on hand playing their funky New Year’s Eve set all night long. At midnight, the whole bar will enjoy a champagne toast.

Every year for 18 days in December The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island are turned into a winter wonderland of lights and floral displays.From traditional Christmas displays to peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures created with flowers, seeds, and natural elements, there is something for everyone at The Elizabethan Garden’s Winter Lights festival. Each evening during Winter Lights, receive 10% off all items at the Elizabethan Gardens Gift Shoppe and plant sales.

The annual Day at the Docks celebration on Hatteras Island had to be canceled due to the devastation from Hurricane Irene. However, the annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held Friday, September 30 at 5 p.m.Day at the Docks is an all-day festival celebrating Hatteras Island watermen and the spirit of Hatteras Village. The event held along the working waterfront of Hatteras Village was originally scheduled for Saturday, September 17. Each year the celebration has ended with a parade of boats into Hatteras Harbor and a blessing of the fleet.

The Eastern Surfing Association has moved their annual East Coast Surfing Championships to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC following the devastation on Hatteras Island from Hurricane Irene. The weeklong competition will begin on September 18, 2011. The contest which is held annually, usually takes place at the old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse location, roughly 50 miles from where it will be held this year. The Eastern Surfing Association released the following statement.The Eastern Surfing Association would like to thank you for your patience during this difficult decision making period.

If you're looking for a unique way to spend the evening with family and friends on the Outer Banks. Look no further than ARTspace's Sip N Dip. Bring your family and friends make art and memories that will last a lifetime.Every Thursday evening join local artist Katy Caroline at ARTspace studios. Bring whatever you would like to sip and snack on and they'll provide the rest. Everyone will leave with their own orginial 16 x 20 painting of whatever subject is being celebrated that evening. Katy will walk you through creating a masterpiece of your very own! It's like the joy of painting!

The 5th Annual Outer Banks Watermelon Festival at Kitty Hawk Kites kicks off is this Thursday, August 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Nags Head, milepost 12.5 This family friendly event supports the Wright Flight Foundation. The Wright Flight Foundation supports local 5th graders who achieve academic goals with flight! The foundation gives local children the opportunity to learn and explore the basic foundations and principles of flight. Over $2000 in prizes will be given away in an all day raffle event. Check out the events below.

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Museum Complex, located at Milepost 39.5 on NC Highway 12 in Rodanthe will be holding its 6th annual “American Heroes Day” on Thursday, August 4, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the village of Rodanthe on Hatteras Island.

Over 50 competitors will be competing in the 18th Annual Surfrider Foundation Paddle Race this Saturday, July 23 in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.The one mile race will take place at the Ocean Bay Boulevard Access in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 9:45 a.m. This family-friendly event will have tons of cool raffles and giveaways. Bring the kids by to learn about fragile marine environment of the Outer Banks and how they can make a difference.