An Outer Banks Summer Market Guide

The Outer Banks is a shopper’s paradise with so many incredible boutiques, shops, galleries, outfitters, grocers, bakeries and more for every want and need. Every town from Corolla to Ocracoke has an abundance of shopping opportunities whether you’re out buying necessities or browsing for fun stuff you didn’t even know you needed. To see all the hundreds of Outer Banks stores, which you can sort by town or type of shopping, click here.

Photo: Secotan Market in Wanchese is a producer-only, locals-only Saturday market.

But sometimes an open-air shopping experience in a one-stop location is just what you need. It's fun to spend a morning or afternoon wandering among vendor booths in the fresh air and sunshine, and fortunately there are several outdoor markets to choose from on the Outer Banks, from weekly farmers and artisan markets to pop-up juried art shows. So get out there and sniff the soaps, try on the rings and hats, stock up on the blueberries and tomatoes, pick out art and plants for your home, and buy some cookies or a loaf of fresh-baked bread to nibble on as you shop. You’re going to love these open-air markets! Don’t forget to bring your own reusable bags, bring cash if possible (though all vendors take cards, of course) and be prepared to spend hours wandering around amongst all this goodness.

Under the Oaks Arts Festival

Tuesday, June 20 and Wednesday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Whalehead in Historic Corolla, 1100 Club Road, Corolla

This annual festival, in its 22^nd year in 2023, is held in the stunning setting of Historic Corolla Park near the Whalehead mansion. More than 65 renowned fine artists and jewelers from all over the East Coast participate in this show, and you definitely do not want to miss it. Browse among photography, woodworks, pottery, prints, paintings and so much more. A variety of food trucks and food vendors will also be on site, and there will be live music by Devin Frazier’s Jazz Trio. After the show, spend time in the park, climb the lighthouse and tour Whalehead and visit the free Currituck Maritime Museum and Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. 

Avon Farmers Market

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Next to Vacasa, 41156 N.C. Highway 12, Avon

Avon Farmers Market features locally grown produce and local crafts, including jewelry, fiber art, ceramics, paintings, metalwork and more. Sponsored by the Avon Property Owners Association, the market has more than 50 vendors selling a variety of local artists, craftsmen, regional farmers and other homegrown entrepreneurs stationed on the grounds near Vacasa and the Avon Post Office. New this year is a farmer selling pasture-raised meats. 

First Flight Markets

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Aviation Park, 103 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills

The Town of Kill Devil Hills hosts a large market with more than 65 vendors every week. You’ll find lots of food items, like fresh-grown vegetables and fruits, eggs, meats, microgreens, baked goods and more. You’ll also find dozens and dozens of artists selling artwork, candles, bath and body items, jewelry, woodworks and more. Overflow parking is available at First Flight High School. A skate park, walking trail and playground are available for the kids to play on while you shop. 

Soundside Markets

Wednesdays, June 28, July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16, 10 am to 2 pm

Soundside Event Site, 6800 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head

A new market for the Outer Banks, Soundside Markets are held at Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, right along the Roanoke Sound. You'll find farmers, food producers, artists and makers of all sorts selling their goods. Parking is available on-site. Restaurants, recreation and shopping are also close to the site.

Tri Villages Market at Camp Hatteras

Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Camp Hatteras, 24798 N.C. Highway 12, Waves

Tri Villages Market is held at Camp Hatteras Campground to serve Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo locals and visitors. The artists, makers and producers are set up outside on the soundside yard and inside in the conference room. There's a great variety at this new market so stop by and check it out.

Dowdy Park Farmers Markets

Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Dowdy Park, 3005 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head

You could spend all morning at this market with more than 50 vendors. Shop for locally grown produce, all-natural meats, baked goods, kombucha, microgreens, spices, art and crafts and much more. While this market has great number of well-rounded food options, the arts and crafts vendors far outweigh the food vendors. All the food vendors are lined up in one area. While you shop you can let the kids play on the playground equipment, exercise trail and big open grassy field. There are several restaurants nearby for enjoying lunch after your day in the park. Parking is available at Nags Head Elementary School next to the park, but walk or bike up if you can. 

Secotan Market

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

2868 N.C. Highway 345, Wanchese

This is a small, covered market, but its vendors pack a huge punch. It’s a producer-only, all-local market with locally and regionally grown produce, all-natural meats and eggs, bread and baked goods, kombucha and ferments, mushrooms, honey, salsa, jams and more. Food is the focus, but every market also features one or two artists in fiber, ceramics or jewelry. The ride down to Wanchese takes about 15 minutes from Nags Head and is a beautiful drive with not too much traffic. I suggest driving around Wanchese after, maybe scope out the seafood markets or grab lunch in one of the local restaurants. 

Downtown Market on the Manteo Waterfront

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

George Washington Creef Park, 104 Fernando Street, Manteo

The area's longest-running farmers and crafts market, Downtown Market has a fabulous setting overlooking Shallowbag Bay in Manteo. Among the numerous vendors you'll find fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, coffee, prepared foods, pottery, artwork, paintings, skin-care products and so much more. Downtown Manteo offers plentiful parking for cars or bikes, and you can even arrive by boat. Plus the downtown area has restaurants for breakfast or lunch and lots of other shops to explore after you've made your rounds at the market. This market is very friendly and welcoming with loads of small-town charm.

For more information about these events and more, check our Daytime events listings. And be sure to check our Nightlife pages for a rundown of the fun things to do after sunset on the Outer Banks.