Outer Banks Articles & Shorts - Issue 38: Fall/Winter 2025/26

Do any of you know the song, “When October Goes?” It’s one of my favorites (especially the Nancy Wilson version), and it’s the epitome of the transition from autumn into the colder months for me. Even musically it feels like a move from the easy breezy songs of summer to the more hunker down feel of fall – sort of an E major slide into sweater weather and crackling fires.

This is the time of year that some people dread and others wait all year for. But, surely, even for those of you bemoaning the fact that you’re no longer swimming in the ocean or basking in the sun, you have to admit that the fun and varied events this time of year make it more than anticipatory.

In fact, there are so many events and happenings in fall and winter on the Outer Banks that we’ve devoted eight pages in this issue of the magazine to all that’s happening between now and the end of March, and even four more to tell you about the fun to be had in several of our close-by towns. And we also take a look back at some of the (sometimes wild and wooly) events of decades gone by.

Since many of our events benefit nonprofits and other organizations that operate for the good of the community, taking part in these events is not just for fun … though you’ll undoubtedly have plenty of that … but also your chance to help out for a good cause. So, we hope you’ll slurp some oysters or pick some crabs, groove to jazz, celebrate in the cleverly transformed bars and restaurants at Halloween and Christmas, marvel at the burst of sparkling light in the sky as the year changes, cheer as the third-largest St. Paddy’s Day parade rolls by and revel in a time of year that’s enchanting.

And, even though the key of E major has four sharps in it, the only thing sharp about this time of year on the Outer Banks might be your head after a great time celebrating!

Beth

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