It’s starting to feel very spring-like on the Outer Banks, which reminded today me that my dog and I won’t have the beach all to ourselves in the mornings for very much longer. The visitors will be returning soon, and if the 2021 visitation numbers at the Outer Banks national parks are any indication (nearly 4 million in 2021!), we are in for a busy spring, summer and fall.
That means competition, people – for beach access parking spaces, accommodations and restaurant reservations, watersports availability and event tickets. If you’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks this year, it will definitely pay to plan ahead. The days of winging it and flying by the seat of your pants may be over. Go ahead and secure your accommodations reservations for sure, and while you're at it do as much pre-planning as you can. There are several events on the horizon that you’ll want to secure tickets or reservations for now. Here are a few of the most imminent ones, and stay tuned to Outer Banks This Week for more as they become available.
Photo: Outer Banks Sporting Events' Running of the Leprechauns 5K/10K will be held March 19.
The Cajun Occasion
Saturday, February 26
Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg on the Currituck mainland is known for its fun events, and their Mardis Gras-inspired Cajun Occasion is no exception. There’s jambalaya, gumbo, cornbread, live New Orleans-style music and lots of wine, and dressing up in beads and masks is encouraged. This is a daytime event, held from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $30 and will likely sell out. Find more info here.
Run the Rodanthe
Tentatively Saturday, March 5
There’s a new bridge in town – the Jug Handle bridge from Pea Island to Rodanthe – and before it opens to traffic there’s a chance to run or walk across it. The only way to do that, though, is to register for the 5 Mile or 5K event and pay $40 for the 5 Mile or $30 for the 5K (plus fees). It’s not known when the bridge will open, so the run is tentatively scheduled for March 5, but it may be later. Sign up here and keep your fingers crossed that you'll be free on the day they are allowed to hold this run.
Outer Banks Wedding Weekend & Expo
Friday, March 4 to Sunday, March 6
Anyone planning to get married on the Outer Banks any time soon should make plans to attend the Outer Banks Wedding Association’s Wedding Expo. You'll be able to tour venues and meet vendors, making your decision-making easier. Ticket purchase is required, and tickets holders are entered into a drawing to win $1,000 toward a wedding. Find more info here.
St. Paddy’s Day 1 Mile Beer Run
Saturday, March 12
Outer Banks Brewing Station's Beer Mile Runs are hilarious events in which you drink, run, drink, run etc. until you've run a mile and consumed 40 oz. of beer. Wear your greenery and be prepared for a costume contest. Cost is $40, and onsite registration is available. Only 100 runners can run, so sign up early. Start time is 2 p.m. Of course, there's a party in the backyard after. Find info here.
Running of the Leprechauns 5K, 10K
Saturday, March 19
St. Patrick’s Day weekend is big fun on the Outer Banks, thanks to the Running of the Leprechauns 5K and 10K on Saturday, March 19 and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 20. The run, sponsored by Outer Banks Sporting Events, encourages the wearing o’ the green and offers medals and shirts. It’s held at the Nags Head Soccer Complex on Satterfield Landing Drive. Early registration is encouraged here.
Photo: It's time to get tickets for Outer Banks Taste of the Beach events
Outer Banks Taste of the Beach
Thursday, March 24 to Sunday, March 27
With more than 60 foodie events spread out over four days, Taste of Beach is a big deal on the Outer Banks. It’s extremely popular, and if you don’t register in advance you will miss out on some of your favorites. There are wine tastings, cooking classes, multi-course dinners, brewery tours, tapas crawls, cook-offs, showdowns and so much more – involving more than 50 local restaurants. Tickets are now being sold for all events so get online and pick your favorites. Be sure to make accommodations reservations now too.
Outer Banks History Weekend
Thursday, March 31 to Saturday, April 2
If you love history, the Outer Banks is your place, and First Colony Foundation is rounding up a wealth of the local history into a weekend symposium with scholars from around the world. Day 1 is on Thomas Hariot, Day 2 is on Native Americans, the lost colonists' fate and aviator Billy Mitchell, and Day 3 is on aviation. Reserve your spot early here.
Lost Colony Wine Festival
Saturday, April 9
This wine festival offers tastings of more than 100 wines and craft beers, local food, live music and an art show, all in a venue that overlooks Roanoke Sound. This event supports The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama, and it’s held on-site at Waterside Theatre. The event is from 2 to 5 p.m. Ticket prices range from $35 for designated drivers to $75 for general admission to $95 for VIP. Tickets are also available for a Friday night Vintner Reception. Find info and tickets here.
Scallywag 5K/10K & Blackbeard’s Half Marathon
Saturday, April 23 & Sunday, April 24
These Ocracoke races are a fun way to explore the island and benefit local nonprofits. If you like to run and you like Ocracoke Island, go ahead and get signed up, and be sure to make accommodations and ferry reservations early as well.
Flying Pirate Half Marathon Weekend
Saturday, April 23 & Sunday, April 24
Outer Banks Sporting Events’ Flying Pirate Half-Marathon is another fun race that benefits local nonprofits, and it pays to register early. The half marathon goes from Kitty Hawk to Nags Head, and there’s also a 5K and a fun run on Saturday.
Photo: Old Crow Medicine Show is coming to Roanoke Island Festival Park on April 29.
VUSICFEST Concerts
Old Crow Medicine Show with Chatham Rabbits - Friday, April 29
Good Vibes Summer Tour with Rebelution, Steel Pulse and more - Sunday, June 12
These two concerts will be held at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo, a great place to see a show with a beautiful lawn and sound view. These shows are family friendly, and kids ages 8 and younger get in free. Old Crow tickets are $35 in advance and selling fast. Rebelution will be joined by Steel Pulse, DENM and DJ Mackle, and tickets are $45 (also going fast). Buy tickets for both of these shows early!
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
