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.

Super Fun Things To Do This Summer During Your Outer Banks Vacation

Beach, Sand, Water with people and canopies on beach

It’s hard to believe that school will be out soon for the kids, and vacations will be here before you know it. Setting out to the Outer Banks this summer is where the fun begins. We at Joe Lamb Jr & Associates want to share with you a few things that you and your family can do here on the OBX during your upcoming visit. Let’s dip into a few of the fun things waiting to be enjoyed and explored. 

Let’s Fly a Kite

Child girl running on beach flying a kite

Do you remember when you were a child and one of your best family trip highlights was buying a kite and flying it on the beach each evening? For many, that is the one thing from “back in the day” that is every child’s best memory of their trip. Going out just before sunset as the sand has cooled off from the heat, watching your parents run down the sand, and watching as your kite flies up in the sky makes everyones heart flutter. One thing that we know will never go out of “style” is flying a kite with your own family now. Think of the memories you will make together as you run down the beach barefoot and watch the sparkle in your kid’s eyes as they watch their kite fly high.

Hunt for Treasure

Another fun activity that everyone in the family can do is hunt for treasure. While this isn’t the type of treasure that you’d find in a movie, it’s something a little easier to discover. The Outer Banks has many different types of seashells and sea glass that can be found along the shoreline. Many will often think that you can’t find sea glass on the east coast, but it turns up more often than you think. Let the kids use the sea glass or seashells in their sandcastle creations or just collect some to take home with you as a souvenir. 

Fishing

truck on beach with surf fishermen

Have you and your family ever experienced fishing here on the Outer Banks? If not, then allow us to tell you how much fun it is for everyone that wants to try and bait a hook. Head on over to one of the many fishing piers located along the Outer Banks to catch some fish, or you can even fish directly from the beach. While you will need an NC Fishing License to fish directly from the surf, it is easy to obtain one. If you choose to fish from one of the piers, you won’t have to worry about the license as they offer daily rates for your family to fish. They also offer rod rentals too, which can be a good thing if you haven’t packed your rod & reels with you. **Please see our page on current Fishing Regulations, Boat Ramp, and Pier & Surf Fishing Information. 

While there are many other things you can do while visiting the Outer Banks this summer, we wanted to share these favorite ones with you. A few other notable mentions on what to do on the island are stargazing from the beach, exploring the OBX on your bikes, exchanging a book at the free library, and so much more. This summer, everyone will be able to pick from a long list of local activities to explore & enjoy here on the Outer Banks. Making memories with your family and friends is always at the top of every vacation to-do list and we hope that you will make memories to last a lifetime summer season! 

We look forward to seeing you and your family this summer as you vacation with us here at Joe Lamb Jr & Associates!


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.