The month of October will be here before you know it! The Outer Banks is finally starting to see some cooler weather, and the local events are following suit! With Halloween right around the corner, it's time to enjoy some spooky Halloween events! Here's are some great options that are worth stopping by if you're in town.
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Bluegrass Island Festival
Thursday, Oct. 21st - Sat, Oct. 23rd
Music lovers from all over the world flock to the Outer Banks for this tradition that adds a roster of acclaimed bands with one of the most beautiful venues anywhere. The Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Festival has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and this year's event is no exception, with a number of regionally and nationally famous bands set to take the stage.
The festival is held at the stunning Roanoke Island Festival Park, which overlooks miles of pristine sound waters. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets and lodging well in advance, and despite its off-season timing, this event tends to fill up fast year after year.
If your dream vacation involves laying back in your most comfortable beach chair and taking in the best bluegrass acts the country has to offer, then you'll definitely want to set this long weekend aside for the Outer Banks most popular festival!
Outer Banks Seafood Festival
Saturday, October 16th, 10:30 am - 6:00 pm
“The mission of the Outer Banks Seafood Festival is to provide a fun and educational experience, while at the same time promoting, honoring and celebrating our coastal seafood heritage and community.”
General Admission – $15 for anyone 13 and over (12 & under FREE)
Price includes $10 in Beverage/Merchandise Bucks good for the purchase of beverages and festival merchandise. Additional “beverage bucks” may be purchased at the event.
$170 VIP Packages (90 available) include:
4 – $15 admissions (includes 4 admissions and $40 in beverage/merch bucks); 4 – t-shirts; Reserved parking
MAIN STAGE
10:30 a.m. GATES OPEN
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Out ‘N the Cold
12:00 noon – Opening Ceremonies
12:30 p.m. – Southern English Band
1:45 p.m. – No More Room Band
3:00 p.m. – Johnny Waters Band
4:30 p.m. – The Patriot Band
HOOK ‘EM & COOK ‘EM STAGE
11:00 a.m. – Shrimp Demo – Sharon Peele Kennedy
11:45 a.m. – Oyster Shucking Demo – Oyster Trail
12:30 p.m. – Round Table Discussion: Chain of Distribution
2:00 p.m. – Annual Chef’s Challenge Cook-off
3:30 p.m. – Oyster Shucking Demo – Oyster Trail
4:00 p.m. – Music with the Buffalo City Moonshiners Band
Annual OBX Brewtag
Saturday, October 23rd at 12:00 pm
FREE Admission
Located at the Soundside Event Site
6800 S.Croatan Highway, Milepost 16
A celebration of flight and beer, OBX Brewtäg is modeled after the whimsical and entertaining Red Bull Flugtag, translated to “flying day” in German. With OBX Brewtäg, the general premise is the same, although rather than human-powered flying machines, Brewtäg contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest.
The cost to compete at OBX Brewtag is only $150 and the sky’s the limit as to how creative your homemade flying contraption can be! Individuals and teams are welcome.
A rather crafty selection of local and regional beer and food will be available for purchase that day. This family-friendly event will also feature plenty of activities for the kiddos
Net proceeds from OBX Brewtag will be donated to benefit the Rogallo Foundation.
24th Annual INSHORE SLAM Fishing Tournament
October 1-2 at the OBX Marina in Wanchese
Come join us to celebrate our 24th annual tournament. The Manteo Rotary Club has held the “Rockfish Rodeo” and now the “INSHORE SLAM” for 24 years.
The tournament is held the first weekend in October and with the expectation of more fish and warmer weather. Most locals will agree that early October is one of their favorite times on the Outer Banks. The tournament will be held on at the OBX Marina in Wanchese with docking available during weigh-in.Participants now compete for the largest fish in four categories; stripers, bluefish, puppy drum, and speckle trout. There is also a single “Grand Slam” award for the individual who weighs in fish from at least three of the four categories, with the highest total weight. There were Grand Slam winners in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020!
Elizabethan Gardens Harvest Hayday
Saturday, October 30 from 10am to 2pm
1411 National Park Drive
We love family traditions at The Elizabethan Gardens, and Harvest HayDay is one of our fall favorites! This daytime event combines all the colors, flavors and fun of fall. Whether it is the hayride or hay bale maze, we have families that look forward to this event all year. In addition to these activities, Harvest Hayday at The Gardens will also feature: a fall piñata, make and take crafts, corn hole toss, face painting, cupcake walk, scarecrow stuffing, bake sale, apple roll, educational stations, a bon fire and concessions of traditional fall foods.
NEW for 2021! COSTUME CONTEST
Come dressed to win. All participates will be photographed in their costume. Judges will vote at the end of the day. Winners will be notified by phone and winners will be posted on The Elizabethan Gardens website.
Pumpkin Patch
Saturday, October 9th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Island Farm in Manteo
Celebrate the bounty of fall with Island Farm! During the first four weekends in October, the farm will offer a plethora of fun fall activities for the entire family. Pick a pumpkin, taste some cider or popcorn over an open fire, make a candle, enjoy historic games and fall crafts, or participate in our new “pumpkin chunkin” and launch a pumpkin across a pasture, the traditional way. This event is in-part funded by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
Trick or Treat Under the Sea
Saturday, October 16th
Address : 374 Airport Road Manteo NC
Phone : (252) 473-3494
Treat you and your family to a fun, safe Halloween event at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island in Manteo, NC. Crazy costume contests, spine-tingling scream contests and spooktacular crafts and activities are just a few things to howl about. Lots of treats for all ages. Tickets are sold in advance. Call 252-473-3494
Wanchese Woods / Wicked Woods
October 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29, 30 & 31
Held from 7:30 pm until 11 pm
Admission is $15 CASH
Think you’re pretty brave? Put it to the ultimate test with the Number 1 haunted attraction on the East Coast. The Wanchese Woods Haunted Trail is 30 minute trek of terror in the depths of the Outer Banks darkest woods. Don’t bother trying to conquer old fears in future visits – each year’s trail embraces a different theme with new monsters, new attractions and new nightmares. After all, not much is scarier than the unknown. This event is for serious fear fans. Many people of lesser mettle often don’t return after their first visit. Are you ready?