Outer Banks Fourth of July Guide

The Outer Banks is a beautiful and vibrant place to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. With so many activities and events happening throughout the week, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go and what to do. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you plan your perfect Outer Banks Fourth of July celebration.

Watch the Fireworks

A closeup shot of fireworks being fired over the Outer Banks

What’s a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks? The Outer Banks has several fireworks displays to choose from, including the Town of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular and the Avon Fireworks Display. Both events take place on July 4th and are sure to be a memorable highlight of your vacation. Check out the times and locations here!

Attend a Parade

The Outer Banks is home to several Fourth of July parades that are fun for the whole family. The Manteo Fourth of July Parade and the Corolla Fourth of July Parade are both popular events that feature floats, bands, and local businesses.

Hit the Beach

Overlook shot of a beach on the Outer Banks during the day with beachgoers and a flag waving in the wind along the sandy beach

The Outer Banks is known for its beautiful beaches, and what better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with a day on the sand? Pack a picnic, bring some sunscreen, and enjoy the sun and surf. Don’t forget to stay safe and follow beach regulations, including no fireworks on the beach.

Check out Local Festivals

The Outer Banks has several festivals and events happening throughout the week of the Fourth of July. The Duck Fourth of July Parade and Community Celebration and the Town of Manteo Independence Day Celebration are both popular events that feature live music, food, and activities for all ages.

Take a Cruise

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate the Fourth of July, consider taking a cruise. The Outer Banks is home to several companies that offer sunset cruises and fireworks cruises on the Fourth of July. This is a great way to take in the beautiful views of the Outer Banks while enjoying the holiday festivities.

The Outer Banks is the perfect place to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. With so many activities and events happening throughout the week, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for fireworks, parades, or a day on the beach, the Outer Banks has it all. So come celebrate the Fourth of July with us, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to book your fourth of July getaway today!

Outer Banks Valentine’s Day Getaway

A bouquet of roses on the beach in the Outer Banks for Valentine's Day

‘Tis the season for love! Valentine’s Day this year is all about romance on the Outer Banks. Your favorite seaside destination is perfect for a romantic couples’ getaway. Whatever you plan to do on Valentine’s Day, we know all the things to do to make it extra special.

Rent a beach house

An aerial view of the Outer Banks

To start off your Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing better than a scenic view from your front porch. With one of Joe Lamb Jr.’s beach houses, everyone is welcome, whether it is with a partner or the whole family.  The beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina are the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart. Whether you’re staying for a long weekend or an entire week, you’ll have a great time.

Watch Sunrise on the Beach

A sunrise in the Outer Banks

The sunrise on the Outer Banks is unmatched. Stroll the island’s eastern side to watch a spectacular display of light shine across the Atlantic. Give your date a lifetime memory by sharing this experience! Enjoy the sunrise from the romantic comfort of one of our oceanfront homes while you catch a glimpse of the sunrise.

Watch Sunset at Jockeys Ridge

A sunset view at Jockey's Ridge

Jockeys Ridge is the largest sand dune on the east coast. Allowing for panoramic views of both the sound and the ocean. This time of year, there are fewer crowds on Jockey’s Ridge, which makes it an ideal spot to watch sunsets over the Roanoke Sound. During sunset, the sand dunes are unmatched.

Romantic Dinner

There are a number of different culinary experiences that you can enjoy on the Outer Banks. A wide range of dining options are available on the island, so you can choose the one that suits you best. In preparation for Valentine’s Day, many restaurants offer special dinner menus for their customers. We recommend making reservations (if possible) for your favorite local restaurant in advance.

Take a Stroll in the Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens are located in Fort Raleigh National Park.  This garden has become one of America’s most beautiful and unique gardens since the first attempts to colonize America by England under Queen Elizabeth I. The Roanoke Sound’s tranquil setting makes this scenic year-round garden a perfect spot for a Valentine’s Day stroll. Find out more about the fascinating beauty of camellias as one of the featured flowers in February.

Star Gazing

Stargazing at night in the Outer Banks

Observe the Milky Way and shooting stars! Among the most popular things to do on the Outer Banks is stargazing. The Outer Banks have dark skies and limited light pollution, and are a romantic place to stargaze with your loved one. Valentine’s Day beneath the stars.

Book Direct, Why Should That Matter To You?

This person is booking a vacation on Book Direct day which is February 3rd 2021

Advantages of Booking Direct With Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates:

You might be wondering why you should book direct when there are so many online travel agencies with fancy online ads and tons of suggested listings. Here are a few huge benefits to booking directly with Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates: 

You will receive better rates and “from time to time” there are special offers by booking directly with us. It will be much easier to add different packages, add travel insurance, and filter your search. For instance, if you are looking for a home within a certain town, location, property type, or a home with specific amenities you can refine your search with the advanced search filter.

We offer more flexibility and an overall better booking experience when you book directly with us on our website. You will have direct access to our local staff that lives in the area and can offer knowledgeable tips and ideas about exploring the Outer Banks.

The best benefit of booking directly with Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is that you communicate with a live human so you will also get amazing one on one customer service while on your OBX Vacation, these are things that computerized OTA’s just can not match!

This is a frustrated woman trying to book a vacation using an online travel agency.

Things To Think About When You Do Not Book Direct:

When not booking directly with Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates not only do you not save money but you actually end up spending more! 

Online travel agencies are full of upcharges and fees, sometimes they are in plain sight and clearly explained but sometimes they are hidden and leave you feeling like a bait and switch just happened. That is no way to start your Outer Banks vacation!

Orange and pink color sky as the sunrises on the Outer Banks North Carolina with Jeanette's Fishing Pier in sight. Water a soft orange and pink glow along with the sand on the beach from the sunrise.

When you do not book directly you also miss out on the chance to learn about all the properties Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates has to offer in our inventory because OTA’s only highlight and feature a certain amount of beach homes or oceanfront condos for you to search.

We Have Made Booking Direct Easy!

Booking an Outer Banks Vacation Rental direct with Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is a simple process that we have worked very hard on making as streamlined as possible so you have the best user experience possible!

You can book direct with us using our desktop website or our mobile browser for those on the go or spur of the moment trips. Here you will find our powerful search feature that delivers your vacation rental search results quickly and efficiently. Our user-friendly layout means you can navigate through all of the different amenities you need in your vacation home as simple as clicking a drop-down from the menu and pressing search now.

Do you want to bring the family dog on your trip? No problem our website has plenty of choices. Need an oceanfront view to wake up to that beautiful ocean every morning? We have a search feature that covers that too! We encourage you to book your next family vacation directly on our website.

Whether you need to know about our check out procedures or want to know about what to bring you can find all the answers to your questions on our extremely detailed FAQ page, it gives you all info you will need so that you can feel confident in booking your Outer Banks vacation rental directly with us! We look forward to seeing you and your family on your next Outer Banks vacation!

 

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades. 

Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.

Thanksgiving Gatherings on The Outer Banks

Exciting food and family gatherings are waiting for you. It is time to celebrate everything with friends and family by consuming more turkey, and pumpkin pie than anyone thought was humanly possible. It’s the time of the year to be thankful. 

An Outer Banks Thanksgiving may be the perfect beginning for a brand new family tradition if you’d like to find a great way to spend a holiday this year. Read below for further information about the OBX area and what the holiday season in the Outer Banks brings to the table. 

Before you plan your trip, don’t forget to check out our “Area Guide” section of our website.  The Things To Do page is filled with ideas and suggestions from a few different OBX areas, making it the ideal tool to plan your Thanksgiving family getaway!

OBX Vacation Rental Thanksgivings

A family gathering and admiring a perfectly cooked turkey around the dinner table during Thanksgiving

The Outer Banks have been a holiday destination year after year for families and large groups of friends to gather at the beach. It’s a great way to reserve a vacation rental for a celebration surrounded by those you love for a long weekend away from work.

Thanksgiving with the family on the Outer Banks is an excellent way to start the holiday season. The weather in November is usually in the mid-60s is generally mild, and the night falls to a little cooler mid-50s. You may have a warm enough sunny Thanksgiving Day to relax on the beach most of the day. In this case, we advise planning your Thanksgiving meal ahead of time. 

Grocery Store Shopping or Restaurant Take Out

Complete Thanksgiving meals are sometimes available for ordering and pick up.

Take the guessing game out of your feast by ordering a full Thanksgiving dinner from a local OBX restaurant or grocery store. You can simply pick it up. Some foods have to be cooked and others are fresh. Full meals should be pre-ordered and advanced time limits are generally available before ordering. 

This is an excellent option if you do not have a lot of experience making a huge feast or want to make things simple for the family but still want to eat in private. Make sure to see the November 2022 hours of every restaurant or grocery store for additional information and ordering policy.

What To Expect At The Rental

Visiting our quiet and peaceful beaches to enjoy a holiday home in Outer Banks this turkey day? Our rentals are ideal for families, friends, and some even welcome the family dog!

Many of our rentals have kitchens that are large enough to make the whole family’s food; several turkey accommodating ovens and stoves, larger fridges for drinks and pies, and even an extra burner or two to create your own signature sides for all the family chefs and foodie travelers. 

With most homes having multiple levels, there’s also plenty of room for children to stay clear of the kitchen until the meal is ready.

Where To Find Thanksgiving Dinner In The Outer Banks

A thanksgiving buffet with a cooked turkey being sliced and people waiting in line to get a piece

For Thanksgiving on the OBX, we have suggested our dining recommendations below. We have covered you whether you are looking for a buffet dinner close to your vacation rental or a full-blown feast at a local restaurant this November.

Buffets

Thanksgiving annual buffets are sure to ease every pallet. Some seafood buffets in addition to favorites like crab legs, steamed shrimp, and more, offer traditional Thanksgiving food like turkey and ham! You’ve also often got homemade desserts, greens, sides, soups, and salads at some buffets!

We recommend calling your favorite seafood buffet to see if they have a Thanksgiving buffet this year!

Thanksgiving Menus

Would you like to visit a Thanksgiving 2022 OBX restaurant? Several restaurants of Outer Banks are open at Thanksgiving for lunch or dinner. Some of them will offer special Thanksgiving menus, of which many are well known for their foods and treats among visitors and locals on the Outer Banks. 

For details on menus, reservations, and availability, visit each restaurant’s website. You may be able to have Thanksgiving dinner during another day if your favorite OBX restaurant is not open on Thanksgiving Day. 

Call or check this list compiled by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau for more turkey day restaurant openings.

Book Your Thanksgiving Rental Today!

Year after year, the Outer Banks have been a holiday destination for families and big groups of friends on the shore. It’s the ideal chance to book a holiday rental for a celebration that you love for that long weekend away from work!

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades. 

Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.

Discarded Christmas Tree Recycling Information Outer Banks – 2022

Outer Banks Recycled Christmas Tree

The holiday season is over so so what do you do with your used Christmas Tree this year?

We hope you were able to get out and enjoy some of the amazingly festive holiday events along the Outer Banks over the past few weeks.

Residents of Dare County and its six towns are reminded that there are different policies governing the disposal of Christmas trees as the holidays draw to a close. Before the tree may be discarded, all ornaments, lights, ribbons, and decorations must be removed.

In the past years, there have been different volunteers and businesses that have stepped up and helped collect trees for beach nourishment events in the Outer Banks. With a bigger Beach Nourishment project in the works for 2022 in the Nags Head, NC area it is uncertain if these volunteers will be participating again this year.

If you are uncertain of what to do with your real Christmas trees this year please contact the town government office where you live to ask about collection dates and times in your area. You can find some phone numbers below to help expedite your search now.

Town of Duck: 252-255-1234

Town of Kill Devil Hills: 252-480-4080

Town of Kitty Hawk: 252-261-1367

Town of Manteo: 252-473-4104

Town of Nags Head: 252-441-1122

Town of Southern Shores: 252-261-2394

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates advises you to recycle your Christmas trees, as repurposing them will make a long-term effect on the OBX for future beach vacation enjoyment.

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades. 

Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.

Holiday Events in The Outer Banks of North Carolina

Spend the holidays on the Outer Banks to make them even more memorable. Every month, there are plenty of fun events for the entire family to celebrate while staying in your vacation rental. We’ve included some of the big holidays and events taking place in our communities below. 


For a complete schedule of activities during your stay, go to the Area Guide tab and look under Things to Do In The Outer Banks.

Tree Lighting

A blurred image of a lit up Christmas tree.

Each year, cities and communities on the Outer Banks hold Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies. With a few exceptions, the festivities are normally conducted after Thanksgiving and after dark and are sometimes sponsored by towns, business areas, or malls. There may be entertainment, Santa Claus, and sing-alongs at the Tree Lighting festivities. They can also be found at larger events like festivals, and parades. You may want to attend one of the following tree lighting celebrations. All of the events listed are free and open to the general public.

Town of Manteo

The Manteo tree lighting ceremony, which takes place in front of the historic old courthouse, is a musical-dramatic celebration of that indefinable spirit of selfless joy that has touched the lives of Roanoke Island residents at Christmastime for over 400 years and inspired them to persevere against all odds in pursuit of their dreams.

Browse some of the beautiful Nags Head vacation rentals available which is a wonderful town just a short drive from Manteo.

Price: FREE

Age limit: Fun for the whole family!

When is the Event?: Friday, December 3, 2021 – 6:00 pm

Christmas Tour

Shelves of Chritmas cottages and candles lit up.

There is an amazing holiday-themed tour for all of the festive activity seekers here in the Outer Banks. It takes place in the wonderful town of Corolla at The Whalehead. If you are interested in visiting the OBX to attend one of these tours we have plenty of stunning vacation homes in Corolla to help you with your accommodation needs.

Whalehead’s Candlelight Christmas Tour

The Whalehead Candlelight Tours are a wonderful way to start the holiday season. Enjoy music, drinks, and the wonderfully adorned Whalehead estate. Live performances on Whalehead’s original Steinway piano, caroling, and an exclusive peek of the new Starkey Room exhibit and new acquisitions will all be included in the tour.

Candlelight Christmas Tour Details

Dates – Tours will take place starting November 26, 2021, thru December 18th, 2021 from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. The exact dates are November 26th and 27th and December 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th.

Admission – $20 per person Tours are very limited. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register call: 252-453-9040

Holiday Festival

A couple of ladies shopping in a Christmas themed shop.

Keep that Christmas energy going with this engaging holiday festival. Get there early to enjoy all the shops and dining the town of Duck has to offer. Shop local and find something for everyone on your nice list this year!

If you want to make a vacation out of this visit look into staying at one of our conveniently located coastal home rentals available to you in the town of Duck.

Duck Yuletide Celebration

Join the town of Duck for live Christmas music, sweets, and an elf scavenger hunt as we await the arrival of our special guest: Santa Claus, who will swap in his sleigh for a spectacular arrival on a Duck Fire Truck.

Price: FREE

Age limit: All ages

When is the Event?: Saturday, December 4, 2021 – 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Santa will be waiting!

Santa sitting on the beach under an umbrella

So what are you waiting for, come celebrate your holidays on the Outer Banks by attending our holiday OBX-mas events this month? We strongly encourage you to participate in the month of holiday activities and entertainment for the whole family. We hope to hear from you and see you and your friends & family soon! Best wishes and Happy Holidays.

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades. 

Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.

Popular Fish Found Along The OBX Coastline

A Joe Lamb Jr. Blog Series –

Welcome back to our Outer Banks fishing blog series. During this second post of the three blog post series, we’ll be looking at different fish species, popular in the OBX area. Be sure to check back next month to find out how we wrap up the world of OBX fishing for our outdoor enthusiasts with some awesome local spots to throw a line in! 

Where two large currents meet, a variety of fish species thrive. To be honest, the waters off of Outer Bank, NC, rank as one of the world’s most productive fishing regions.

There are many ways to fish on the Outer Banks, but last month we broke down the 4 most popular Types of Fishing in the area. 

Are you ready to find out what types of fish you can catch within a short walk, bike ride, or drive from your vacation rental in the Outer Banks of North Carolina as a weekend warrior or a full week fall vacationer?

Beach Fishing

Sea fishing, surf fishing, fisherman into the waves try to cast the line

What can you catch from the beach?

On the Outer Banks’ more than 100-mile shoreline, there are countless opportunities for surf fishing.

In North Carolina, the weather has a direct impact on surf fishing opportunities. Depending on the season, the weather, the tides, and the contour of the shoreline itself, different species can be abundant or non-existent.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the beach in the OBX:

  • Gulf Flounder
    • Also Known As: Flounder
    • Limits: 15” long minimum, bag limit of 4 per day
  • Croaker
    • Also Known As: Hardhead fish, pinfish, kingfish
    • Limits: None
  • Black Drum
    • Also Known As: Drum
    • Limits: 14” – 25” long, bag limit of 10 per day
  • Red Drum
    • Also Known As: Redfish, Puppy Drum, Channel Bass
    • Limits: 18” – 27” long, bag limit of 1 per day
  • Sheepshead
    • Also Known As: None but they are often confused with Black Drum
    • Limits: 10” long minimum, bag limit of 10 per day

Sound Fishing

Group of friends sitting on pier by the sound and fishing.T

What can you catch from the sound?

More than just saltwater fishing can be found on the Outer Banks of North Carolina West of these islands is a complex network of sounds, canals, and inlets where freshwater (from inland rivers) meets salt water (from the Atlantic) to create a brackish mix. 

You can cast a line in some of the local sounds like Roanoke, Croatan, and Pamlico.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the sound in the OBX:

  • Speckled Trout
    • Also Known As: Spotted Seatrout
    • Limits: 14” long minimum, bag limit of 4 per day
  • Gray Trout
    • Also Known As: Weakfish
    • Limits: 12” long minimum, bag limit of 1 per day
  • Spot
    • Also Known As: Yellow Belly
    • Limits: None
  • Striped Bass
    • Also Known As: Rockfish
    • Limits: Varies, contact The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for more info.
  • Summer Flounder
    • Also Known As: Flounder
    • Limits: 15” long minimum, bag limit of 6 per day

Pier Fishing

a pier extrending out into the ocean with people fishing off it

What can you catch from the piers?

Looking for a little more adventure but not too far away from the coast? A few blocks away from our vacation rentals in Kill Devil Hills and Hatteras Island are the legendary ocean piers of the Outer Banks (Avon and Rodanthe). Because blanket licenses cover all fishing piers, you won’t need to get individual licenses. While pier fishing is very accessible, you will have to pay a small fee.

Consider checking a recent fish report before heading out to the pier. Here is a link to Jennette’s Fishing Report.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the piers in the OBX:

  • Dolphinfish
    • Also Known As: Mahi Mahi 
    • Limits: No minimum length, bag limit of 10 per day
  • King Mackerel
    • Also Known As: King, King Fish
    • Limits: 24” long minimum, bag limit of 3 per day
  • Spanish Mackerel
    • Also Known As: Horse Mackerel, Spotted Mackerel
    • Limits: 12” long minimum, bag limit of 15 per day
  • Hogfish
    • Also Known As: Hog Snapper
    • Limits: 17” long minimum, bag limit of 2 per day
  • Black Sea Bass
    • Also Known As: Blackfish
    • Limits: (North of Cape Hatteras) 12.5” long minimum, bag limit of 15 per day | (South of Cape Hatteras) 13” long minimum, bag limit of 7 per day

Charters / Fishing Excursions

Fishing rods are stored on top of a charter boat roof ready to be used for fishing.

What can you catch from the charters and excursions?

Want to catch a few big fish away from your Outer Banks vacation rental? Book a fishing trip to the open seas off the coast of the OBX. There is a higher price tag for these trips, but they can be shared with friends and family, so it’s worth looking into the maximum number of people who can come with you.

A full day of offshore charters begins at 5 a.m. because the trip to the Gulf Stream takes about an hour. Food, drinks, sunscreen, and seasickness remedies are all that you need to bring; the captain and crew will provide everything else, as well as any guidance.  For easy access to the ocean, Outer Banks charter fishing boats are located near the inlets (there are no inlets on the northern Outer Banks so there are no Outer Banks charter fishing boats there either). Marinas usually offer services for cleaning the fish you catch.

Film tourists can visit the filming location of the famous National Geographic show Wicked Tuna North vs. South. All of the boats featured in Wicked Tuna South are slipped out of Outer Banks Marina in the fishing village of Wanchese. Depending on the filming schedule people can book a private charter on a few of these boats.

Here are 5 types of fish you can catch from the open seas of the OBX:

  • Grouper
    • Also Known As: Black Bass 
    • Limits: 20” long minimum, bag limit of 3 per day
  • Blue Marlin
    • Also Known As: Billfish
    • Limits: 99” long minimum, 1 / vessel/trip either Blue or White Marlin
  • White Marlin
    • Also Known As: Marlin
    • Limits: 99” long minimum, 1 / vessel/trip either Blue or White Marlin
  • Amberjack
    • Also Known As: Allied Kingfish
    • Limits: Varies, contact The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for more info.
  • Cobia
    • Also Known As: Black Kingfish
    • Limits: Varies, contact The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for more info.

More To Come

Keep an eye on this blog for some great local fishing hotspots around the Outer Banks in our last blog of the series coming next month! And don’t forget to share your fishing pictures from your OBX vacation with us online! Using the hashtag  #bestcatchjoelambjr. In the meantime, check out some other fun things to do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and we wish you tight lines until next month!

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades. 

Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.

LIVE Music This Summer In The OBX

The Outer Banks is a Small Town with Big Charm

Trees in the shape of a guitar in fron of a setting sun.

Hitting the Roads In Search of Live Music In The OBX

Dream, explore, and discover culture & tourism while listening to LIVE music in the Outer Banks all Summer long!

When the weather warms up, the OBX live music scene comes out of hibernation. From small acoustic events at your local brewery or club to unique festivals and bigger events and concerts featuring nationally touring groups, there is something for everyone’s musical preferences.

Bars, Pubs, and Piers

a microphone in a mic stand.

There are so many late-night activities on the Outer Banks that it’s difficult to decide what to do! 

Are you up for some fun dancing or bar hopping? 

For thumping sounds and dancing, enjoy the Outer Banks nightlife when staying in Kill Devil Hills.  The Backyard Venue at the Outer Banks Brewing Station has music throughout the week and the vibe is different every time. Alternatively, you can keep things low-key by listening to acoustic performers sing in some eclectic small bars all around the OBX. Bands with local and even national acclaim can be found touring around eateries, pubs, and other outside venues so keep checking in for some of your favorites during this beach season.

Throughout the summer, keep an eye out all along the Outer Banks for live music events that bring in the big-name country and bluegrass performers, as well as local musicians who perform regularly at some of the most unique hidden gems. For the more daring, karaoke evenings on the Outer Banks are a great way to sing your unique anthem.  It’s difficult to spend an entire night at one spot on the Outer Banks because there are so many possibilities.

You can find live music around the piers throughout the week. Visit Capt. Andy’s Oceanfront Tiki Bar and Grill at the Nags Head Pier for a night full of live music and entertainment! Another great spot for music a few nights a week is FISH HEADS on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier. (Some foodie travelers might just find out how to eat like a local as well!)

Public Fishing Piers In The Outer Banks Featuring Live Music

  • Kitty Hawk Pier
  • Avalon Fishing Pier
  • Outer Banks Fishing Pier
  • Nags Head Fishing Pier
  • Jennette’s Pier

OBX Festivals & Events

A man and woman enjoying music at an outdoor concert.

Outdoor junkies plan to attend one of the area’s popular, family-friendly festivals on your next visit to take your Outer Banks vacation to another level. With so many festivities and special events taking place throughout the year, there’s a high chance you’ll be able to attend one of the festivals that make the Outer Banks so enjoyable. 

Here are a few of the best in the area:

Under the Oaks Arts Festival

June 22nd & 23rd, 2021 | Historic Corolla Park

The Under the Oaks Arts Festival, held on the grounds of the Whalehead in Historic Corolla, features a brilliant assortment of vibrant artworks and crafts. Visitors may expect to find paintings and prints, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworks, and much more at this popular event, which brings together a mix of creative artists. This is a fantastic opportunity to pick up some one-of-a-kind local treasures.

Molasses Creek will perform live music at the Festival on Wednesday, June 23rd from 1 to 3 p.m.

Corolla Cork & Craft (fka Whalehead Wednesday)

June 16 – September 8th. Every Wednesday | Whalehead Historic Corolla

Every Wednesday, join the Currituck County Department of Travel & Tourism for local wine & beer tastings and handpicked craft vendors in Historic Corolla Park’s magnificent and serene environment. With your $15 General Admission ticket, you’ll get a souvenir wine glass, a complimentary tour of Historic Whalehead, and tastings of Sanctuary Vineyards’ featured local wines and beer from the Weeping Radish Brewery, North Carolina’s oldest microbrewery…all while listening to live music.

If you want to buy a ticket, please bring a photo ID with you.

The Duck Jazz Festival 

October 9-10, 2021 | Duck Town Park

On Columbus Day weekend, the Town of Duck invites jazz to Duck Town Park. This event is open to the public and is not ticketed. Food and drinks can be purchased from local establishments, and chairs can be rented. Food, coolers, chairs, blankets, and well-behaved dogs are also welcome. The event does not allow beach umbrellas or tents. Rain or shine, the Duck Jazz Festival takes place. 

Each year, we hope that visitors would prolong their stay on the Outer Banks to take advantage of jazz-themed events and promotions at Duck businesses and everywhere else on the OBX. *** (not technically summer but still a fun event)

As you can see from just a few examples above there are music festival events ranging from rock to jazz and bluegrass all summer long. 

Concerts In The Outer Banks This Summer

A pov shot from a concert crowd.

Are you a culture chaser looking for a favorite artist that you have seen in the OBX before on this trip? Check out some of these concerts going on this summer. The Outer Banks has so much to offer, and the events calendar is always filled! This summer, join in the fun!

Joint Operation

July 2, 2021 | Secret Island Tavern, Kill Devil Hills NC

The Baltimore, Maryland-based rock band Joint Operation is a force to be reckoned with. This energetic five-piece has created a name for itself on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Joint Operation boasts a lineup that includes some of the genre’s top names. Hello, and welcome to the rock ‘n’ roll circus!

Sublime with Rome, Dirty Heads, special guest Hirie

July 19, 2021 | Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo NC

Lead singer/guitarist Rome Ramirez, bassist Eric Wilson, and drummer Carlos Verdugo founded Sublime With Rome in 2010. The band is presently on tour in support of their critically acclaimed 2019 album BLESSINGS, with hits WICKED HEART and LIGHT ON gaining traction on alternative radio.

Zoso

August 5, 2021 | Klub Kora, Avon NC

The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience was founded in 1995 with the goal of providing the most authentic and enthralling Led Zeppelin experience since the original. It’s much more than just an homage for Zoso. It’s about reliving a musical epoch. In terms of energy, tight-wound talent, and honesty, Zoso epitomizes Page, Plant, Bonham, and Jones.

Michael Franti & Spearhead

August 18, 2021 | Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo NC

Michael Franti is a world-renowned musician, humanitarian, activist, and award-winning filmmaker known for his high-octane live performances, inspirational music, commitment to health and wellbeing, global philanthropic initiatives, and belief in the power of optimism. Franti has three Billboard No. 1 singles in his multi-decade career.

Carbon Leaf 

August 20 & 21, 2021 | Koru Village & Spa, Avon NC

Since the band’s early touring days, Carbon Leaf has played some legendary spots down on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, including beach gigs dating back to 1997. They haven’t played down here in a few years, and the band is beyond thrilled to be back! They are going to make a weekend of it, and they would love for you to join them. This concert is a great fit for weekend travelers and memory makers planning for memories to last a lifetime!

Go Have Some Fun & Book Your OBX Stay Now!

Some Outer Banks events are family-friendly, while others are exclusively open to people over the age of 21, so double-check the details before deciding on an evening activity. Every season also gives its unique take on Outer Banks nightlife. Take a look at the options above and decide what you want to do. Some bucket listers could be tempted to do everything!

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is one of the most trusted vacation rental managers in the local area by growing into a market leader in the Vacation Rental and Sales Industry. Joe Lamb Jr. and his family have played a vital and intricate role in the Outer Banks Community for decades. 

Over the past 50+ years, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates have worked diligently to help promote the Outer Banks for the amazing beach and family vacation destination that it is, helping to increase tourism in the area and grow our beautiful community.

BrewTag Wraps Up Two Weeks of Amazing Outer Banks Festivals

BrewTag 2019

The flying kegs of BrewTag this coming Saturday seem like the perfect end to a week great food and wonderful music. Be sure to check it out this Saturday at the Event Site in Nags Head.

BrewTag, a production of the folks at Kitty Hawk Kites, attempts to prove conclusively that if humans can fly, why can’t beer.

The logic may be a bit convoluted but the logic is completely unsound. Because the fact is, kegs of beer do not fly very well. Especially when strapped to a handmade glider created by artisans with dubious engineering skills.

But it’s a lot of fun and worth checking out for a.) the attempts at flight; b.) the food; and c.)  the beer since all the local microbrews will be on hand as well as a number of other breweries.

BrewTag comes at the end a an amazing week on the Outer Banks. Actually two weeks if we include the Duck Jazz Festival over Columbus Day Weekend. Burt for now we’ll just focus on last weekend

At the Event Site the Outer Banks Seafood Festival was on Saturday. The festival is a wonderful celebration of the place in our community that working water men and women hold. The fresh seafood from local waters prepared by some great Outer Banks restaurants is fantastic, the music is great and it’s just a fantastic event.

The same weekend, which caused a lot of dilemmas about where to go, Mustang Rock & Roast was happening in Corolla.

Rock & Roast combines food—the rock are steamed oysters and the roast is barbecue—with with some of the finest regional and national touring bands around.

This year’s entertainment may have been the best ever. The Saturday headliner, Motet, and Sunday final act Turkuaz Band, were as good as it gets. Amazing music and a great show.

There is still a lot to do on the Outer Banks. Book you week to explore beach living with Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates.

Spring Weather Welcomes Outer Banks Spring Events

Time to Get Outside and Enjoy the Outer Banks

Cover of one of the 36 books Suzanne Tate and James Melvin have created.
Cover of one of the 36 books Suzanne Tate and James Melvin have created.

It seems as though spring was never going to come to the Outer Banks. Sure the official first day of spring was 10 or 11 days ago, but there wasn’t much about it that suggested spring.

But the sun has been out for the past few days, daytime temperatures have climbed into the upper 60s and lower 70s and the breezes have been from the south. That’s spring on the Outer Banks.

Just in time for Easter, too.

For anyone thinking about sunrise services, it will be chilly but Easter Sunday is looking like a perfect spring day.

It looks as though all of the Easter Egg hunts are on Saturday this year. Check out Kitty Hawk Kites, the Elizabethan Gardens and the Roanoke Island Aquarium if there are young ones who want to see how many eggs they can find.

As the days get longer we start to get more happenings on the Outer Banks.

There are two event that are occurring in Manteo that we think are worth checking out.

The Bayard Wooten photography exhibit is on display now through May 31. We’re giving this one our strongest recommendation. It’s not a large exhibit but really worth checking out.

Bayard Wooten was a woman photographer capturing images between 1905 and the late 1930s. Her ability to capture the emotional content of the people she photographed is mesmerizing.

Born in New Bern, she was a true pioneer in her field—both as a woman when women were not accepted in what was seen as a man’s profession and artistically as an artist.

The other exhibit worth checking out will be at the Dare County Arts Council Gallery—the old Dare County Courthouse beginning Friday, April 6.

Author Suzanne Tate and Artist James Melvin have been cooperating on Tate’s nature Series of children’s books for 30 years. The Arts Council will have on display some of the original artwork that was used in the books as well as some commentary from the creative team.

Suzanne and James will be on hand for the April 6 Manteo First Friday celebration.