The peaceful bliss of September has settled in like it was here all along. Anyone who was here in the high season can immediately see the difference today – it’s among the beachgoers whose possessions are now spread all over the open beaches and in the faces of restaurant and vacation rental personnel who know they have made it through another action-packed summer. Now begins festival season, a time where locals can relax and actually partake in community events and visitors realize they made the right choice by traveling to the Outer Banks in the fall. There is still just as much to do as there was in July, but the atmosphere has changed tremendously. You’ll have to visit the beach to see what I mean.
There are some truly cool events in the lineup this week – you’ll likely see me at more than a few. As you plan yours, don’t forget that the OBX Arts & Crafts Festival is still going on today in Kitty Hawk. Proceeds from the event benefit two awesome, local charities, so it is worth the stop whether you dabble in art or not. (It’s good stuff, so I’m hoping you do.) Also still happening is the Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament in Hatteras. The seas have been rough for a few days now, but the anglers are still at it.
Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition
When I think of flying a kite, I picture myself on the beach unspooling a little one-liner and trying to keep it in the air. You too? Needless to say I was shocked and impressed the first time I saw competitive kite fliers at the Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition. This regional kite flying competition features some of the top fliers in the nation, stunt and power kite demonstrations and lessons, kite making for the kids and – my favorite – a massive display of large show kites. If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m partial to the panda bear and the big, yellow octopus.
The two-day event is completely free to attend. It’s happening at the Outer Banks Event Site – home of the Seafood Festival and now Brewfest – on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. According to Kitty Hawk Kites, who will host on-site demos, Sunday is the day you don’t want to miss between the competition, kite flying set to music, synchronized performances and more.
Outer Banks Triathlon
Triathletes have trained for months for this coming weekend when they will compete in a day of running, biking and swimming at the Outer Banks Triathlon in Manteo. Some will be there to win, while others will be crossing a personal achievement off a bucket list. The course layout is enough in itself to have you wishing you were competing. The swim portion takes place at the Old Swimming Hole near the little airport in Manteo, and the biking will have athletes crossing the Manns Harbor Bridge over the Croatan Sound. Runners can expect to see several neighborhoods in the Manteo area, including the shaded Mother Vineyard community and the north end of Roanoke Island. Key to any athlete’s success is support, so whether you are a volunteer or a spectator, head to Manteo on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 to cheer on the competitors. The Olympic Distance competition takes place on Saturday.
Mustang Outreach Program Back to School Bash
You probably caught performances by a few of these talented kids if you attended the Mustang Music Festival last fall – which is a must, by the way. The music students of the Mustang Outreach Program, led by music director, Ruth Wyand, have been performing at festivals all over the beach. And they really are impressive. On Sunday, September 13, Roadside Bar and Grill in Duck is hosting the Mustang Outreach Program Back to School Bash at 3 p.m. This will be a free concert with food and beverages available for sale. If you can’t make it on Sunday, these kids are sure to be jamming on another stage soon and hopefully on the big stage again at this year’s Mustang Music Festival.
The Artist’s Way Workshop
Artists in search of new techniques and creative folks looking to gain confidence in harnessing their skills, next week is the first of 12 sessions in the Dare County Arts Council’s The Artist’s Way Workshop Series. Based on the bestselling book by Julie Cameron, The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, the workshop is designed for both artists and non-artists who wish to live more creatively. Each two-hour session will include yoga, meditation, activities designed to release creativity and guided discussions of The Artist’s Way approach. The workshop takes place on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dare County Arts Council in downtown Manteo. Pre-registration is required by calling the Dare County Arts Council at (252) 473-5558.
Sandcastles: Maritime Crafts for Kids
For the young ones in your crowd, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is hosting Sandcastles: Maritime Crafts for Kids this Wednesday, September 16 in Hatteras. Kids and their families can get crafty while learning about the history of the area, and it’s all free. The program starts at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday, and when you’re finished at the museum be sure to check out the beaches of Hatteras and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It’s a whole different world down south – one that should definitely be experienced by the Outer Banks visitor.
Don’t think the nightlife is over just because September is here. There’s still live music and entertainment from the early evening to the late night. Visit our Nightlife & Events page to see what’s happening on the Outer Banks this week.
About the Author Lexi Holian
Lexi Holian was born and raised on the Outer Banks and cannot remember a time when she wasn’t writing. She can often be found planning her next trip abroad but will always return to the Outer Banks, her place of greatest inspiration. You can contact Lexi at lexi@oneboat.com.
