May on the Outer Banks is packed with adventure, inspiration, and coastal flavor!
From celebrating Corolla’s iconic mustangs to meaningful charity events, May offers something for every interest. Experience high flying excitement at the Hang Gliding Spectacular, where aviation enthusiasts take to the skies above historic Jockey’s Ridge, and savor one of the OBX’s tastiest traditions during Outer Banks Soft Shell Crab Week.
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, outdoor thrills, or unforgettable local experiences, May is the perfect time to enjoy the best of the Outer Banks.
Discover all the exciting May events happening on the OBX!
“From the Sound to the Sea” Documentary Premiere - May 1. This documentary follows the Corolla Wild Horse Fund as they battle rising tourism and mounting social pressures to protect the last remaining wild horses of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Set against the broader clash between development and wilderness, the film reveals the urgent choices facing a community torn between preservation and progress, capturing the voices of conservationists, local tour guides, and hospitality staff/owners as they struggle to shape the future of this fragile coastline. From the Sound to the Sea
KidsFest - May 8. During KidsFest, Roanoke Island Festival Park’s beautiful grounds will be filled with children’s stations set up with all types of play activities such as fire trucks, EMS vehicles, characters, bubbles, music, arts and crafts, and much more. In 2025, young children were able to play and participate in nearly 70 exciting activities, all carefully selected for preschool children. KidsFest
Nags Head Woods 5K - May 9. The Nags Head Woods 5K is the oldest charity race on the Outer Banks. Held annually on Saturday morning of Mother's Day Weekend, this year in 2026, this race celebrates its 40th Anniversary!! The NHW5K is a down and back race along the gravel road through the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, which is part of The Nature Conservancy of North Carolina. There is also a fun run and a 1-mile "Walk in the Woods" that accompanies the main 5K race. Nags Head Woods 5K
Couture by the Shore - May 9. Hosted at Duck Woods Country Club, Couture by the Shore is an annual luncheon, fashion show showcasing local boutiques, and silent auction shopping experience to support the Outer Banks Relief Foundation’s work assisting local families facing tragedies. Couture by the Shore
Outer Banks Soft Shell Crab Week - May 11-16. Nothing captures the true flavor of the Outer Banks quite like fresh soft-shell crab—harvested locally and served just hours from water to table. From classic sandwiches to creative small plates and indulgent dinners, it’s a coastal favorite you won’t want to miss. This weeklong celebration invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy a restaurant crawl featuring creative soft-shell crab dishes, with diners voting for their favorite. OBX Soft Shell Crab Week
54th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular - May 14-17. Kitty Hawk Kites invites pilots from all over the country to come fly with us for this four-day event at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC, and the Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg, NC. We will have gliders from Wills Wing and Moyes to demo. We have had over 100 pilots attend this amazing event in the past and has become an Outer Banks & Hang Gliding tradition tradition! https://www.kittyhawk.com/event/hang-gliding-spectacular/
