Fall is the best kept secret on the Outer Banks. This time of year, after the peak summer months, has a slower pace and fewer crowds, and when you add in a packed event schedule, it’s the perfect time for a quick escape. Plan a weekend away (3-night minimum) at select homes to enjoy one or more of these seasonal happenings, from concerts to autumn festivities.
16th Annual Duck Jazz Festival
Swing over to the Town of Duck on October 11th and 12th for their annual Jazz Festival. After a kick-off concert on Saturday evening, a full lineup follows on Sunday for a day full of vibrant music set against the stunning backdrop of the Currituck Sound.
Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival
Mark your calendar for the 14th Annual Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival! Roanoke Island Festival Park becomes a haven for bluegrass lovers from October 16th to 18th. Buy tickets before they're gone!
Doggie Halloween Costume Contest
Head to Tortuga's Lie on October 17th at 6:30pm for their Doggie Halloween Costume Contest, benefitting the Outer Banks SPCA! Register your pup for $20 and compete for prizes like Best Costume, Scariest Costume, and Best Owner/Dog Duo.
Outer Banks Seafood Festival
This annual festival promoting, honoring and celebrating the area's seafood heritage returns on October 18th from 10am to 6pm. Eat fresh, local seafood from over a dozen restaurants while tapping your feet along to live music, visiting educational booths, and shopping at the arts and crafts village.
Outer Banks Brewtag
Kegs will soar on October 25th from 11am to 6pm at this celebration of flight and beer. OBX Brewtag is modeled after the entertaining Red Bull Flugtag, translated to “flying day” in German. Contestants compete to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the farthest. Enjoy flying kegs along with live music, the beer garden and more!
Autumn Ale Faire
The inaugural Autumn Ale Faire at the Elizabethan Gardens is October 4th from 11am to 8pm. Celebrate the spirit of a fall harvest at this family-friendly event on Roanoke Island. Buy tickets to enjoy drinks from regional breweries, delicious food, and live music within this breathtaking garden setting.
Ghostly Gallies of the Outer Banks
Sun Realty is a proud sponsor of the 2nd annual Ghostly Gallies of the Outer Banks, a paranormal pop-up bar experience starting on October 10th through 31st. Four local spots will be contorted into Spooky 12, Monster Kwan’s, Bonzer Shack of Shadows, and Gloombays, brewing up bone-chilling cocktails and ghostly bites for everyone.
Halloween Island
Spooky season creeps into the Downtown Manteo Social District during Halloween Island with 13 bars and restaurants transforming into Halloween-themed pop-ups. Events and specials will happen every weekend in October through the 31st with downtown shops extending their opening hours.
14th Annual Pumpkin Patch at Island Farm
Celebrate the arrival of autumn at Island Farm’s 14th Annual Pumpkin Patch! Step back in time each Saturday in October from 9am to 3pm and discover a treasure trove of fall games, local pumpkins, and exciting activities for all ages.
Grassfed Bluegrass
GrassFed Bluegrass is an upcoming music gathering with a day-long pickin' party and vendor market in Kill Devil Hills on November 8th at Diamond on the Sound. The event is an RSVP-only gathering and tickets are not sold at the door, so advance RSVP is required. The event will feature bands like The Mud Minnows, Red Bud Bluegrass, and The 65 North Pickers, along with local vendors and artisans. Check their Instagram page @grassfedbluegrass for more information!