7th Annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival Promises a Great Time

Seafood Festival Is One of Our Favorites

Bring your umbrellas and a little bit of humor, but by all means bring yourself to the 7th Annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival held at the Outer Banks Event Site in Nags Head.

The annual affair celebrating the amazing heritage and history of our Outer Banks watermen who have eked out a living working the Ocean and sounds is remarkable, and the Seafood Festival tells a part of that story.

The story is told through demonstrations of fishermen working with nets; through cooking demonstrations and best of all, lots and lots of freshly prepared local seafood from 11 or the Outer Banks finest restaurants.

It’s a great time, and yes, it is supposed to rain a little bit tomorrow, but every forecast we’ve seen call for light rain, so we’re going to accept the forecast is accurate.

The festival is more than just seafood and some working watermen showing how they earn a living. There’s live music all day, games for that the whole family will enjoy and crafts and some excellent artwork from Outer Banks artists.

The Seafood Festival is one event that truly is family friendly and every year in the past families have come and had a great time.

Some information that’s really important to know.

Gates open at 10:30 and music begins at 10:45. Performances are constant throughout the day.

There is no onsite parking and no passenger drop-off allowed. There are shuttle busses running from a number of parking lots.

Parking Lots:

Whalebone Park [Blue Lot]:

In the 7200 block of S. Virginia Dare Trail, across from Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head, 10:00am – 7:00pm. (8:00 a.m. for vendors)

Nags Head Town Hall [Red Lot]:

Handicap Parking ONLY

5401 S. Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, 10:00am – 6:30pm.

Nags Head Elementary School, Nags Head [Gold Lot]:

3100 S Wrightsville Ave, Nags Head, 10:00 am – 6:30 pm

First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills [Purple Lot]:

100 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills, 10:00am – 7:00pm

There is still a lot happening on the Outer Banks and the weather is great. Check out Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates  for the finest accommodations.

2017 Outer Banks Seafood Fest Looks Great

Sampling great seafood at last year's Outer Banks Seafood Festival.
Sampling great seafood at last year’s Outer Banks Seafood Fest.

With the weather looking great, fantastic entertainment and lots to do, the 2017 Outer Banks Seafood Festival looks like it will be the best yet. And that’s saying lot because the festival keeps getting better every year.

The entertainment, the wonderful crafts from local vendors, the beautiful setting on the  Roanoke Sound—all of that is window dressing, though. What this festival is all about about is fresh Outer Banks seafood prepared by some of the finest local restaurants.

What It’s all About

Yet it is more than that—the Outer Banks Seafood Fest celebrates history, heritage and a way of life.

Before the Outer Banks was discovered as a great place to visit, working the waters of the sounds a ocean, eking out a living from the sea.

The Seafood Fest recalls that tradition.

Fall is one of the most abundant time of the year for our commercial fishing fleet. In the Atlantic Yellow tuna are running, as well as mahi and wahoo. In the sounds fresh shrimp and crab are staples. With 11 restaurants on hand, there is sure to be a style that will please everyone in the party.

Beyond the seafood and entertainment what really seems to set the Outer Banks Seafood Fest apart is the family atmosphere of the event. From the outset organizers were determined to create a family friendly event and they have and with event set aside just for kids happening all day the day can be a special one for everyone. 

There is no onsite parking so parking can a bit of a problem. However, there are a number of offsite parking lots with regular shuttle service.

Here’s the Parking and Shuttle Information:

The Outer Banks Seafood Festival will be held at:

The Outer Banks Event Site

6800 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 (MP 16.5 on Route 158).

There is no onsite parking. Free shuttle service will be provided to and from the Festival. Shuttle/off-site parking locations are shown below the map.

Whalebone Park [Blue Lot]:

Nags Head Town Hall [Red Lot]:

Handicap Parking ONLY

First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills [Green Lot]:

Nags Head Elementary School, Nags Head [Gold Lot]:

Shuttles run approximately every half hour or less.

• Travel lightly and pack well. What you bring on has to fit in your lap.

• No pets will be allowed on the shuttles or on the festival grounds.

• No alcohol or coolers are permitted on the shuttles.

• No food or beverages will be allowed on the shuttles.