🍁 Fall fun meets holiday magic on the Outer Banks this November! From Currituck Bulls & BBQ in Powell’s Point to the Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff in Kill Devil Hills and the Roanoke Island Oyster Shellabration, there’s no shortage of flavor and excitement. Celebrate the season with WinterLights at Elizabethan Gardens, shop local at the Soundside Holiday Market, and enjoy family traditions like the Dowdy Park Tree Lighting in Nags Head.
Whether you’re here for great food, live music, or festive lights by the sea, November brings the perfect blend of coastal charm and community spirit. Discover why fall on the Outer Banks is one of the best times of year to visit! 🌊✨
Currituck Bulls & BBQ (Currituck County Rural Center -Powell’s Point) Saddle up for the annual Currituck Bulls & Barbeque – Saturday, November 1st at the Currituck County Rural Center in Powells Point, NC. Experience the thrill of bull riding, barrel racing, mutton bustin’, and American pageantry from some of the best riders around. Currituck Bulls & BBQ
Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff (Sea Ranch Resort - Kill Devil Hills) November 2. For the 16th year, local chefs will compete to prepare the best shrimp dish. The event will also feature a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research! Tickets are $30 each and may be purchased in advance using the link below or at the door on the day of the event. OBX Shrimp Cookoff
Roanoke Island Oyster Shellabration & BBQ (Safe Harbor Marina & Tiki Bar - Wanchese) November 2. Get ready to enjoy an afternoon among the boats in Wanchese at this new event, brought to you by the team that has hosted The Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival for seven years! You’ll have the opportunity to sample oysters from NC Growers, BBQ from Pigman’s, and other regional food specialties. Shucked, roasted, and fried oysters, plus local shrimp, chowders, biscuits, and desserts will be served. Entertainment will include live music by the Blue Crab Boys and a special Pow Wow presentation performed by Indigenous cast members of The Lost Colony. Roanoke Island Shellabration
Wright Brothers National Memorial Free Day (Wright Brothers National Memorial - Kill devil Hills) November 11. Wright Brothers National Memorial encompasses the spot where Wilbur and Orville Wright made their world-changing first flights, the historic sand dune where they did most of their gliding and the location they lived while they were experimenting on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Admission will be waived, services and amenities may be limited during the federal government shutdown. Wright Brothers National Memorial
WinterLights (Elizabethan Gardens - Roanoke Island) Select Dates | November 21 - December 30. A holiday tradition not to be missed! Stroll along illuminated garden walks and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights that transform the ten-acre gardens into an enchanted wonderland. The radiant glow, holiday décor, and a crackling open-air fire, add to the festive atmosphere. Seasonal plants and holiday gifts will be available in the Gift Shop and Nursery. Check schedule for designated nights of live entertainment. WinterLights
Soundside Holiday Market (Soundside Event Site - Nags Head) November 23 and 30. Come to the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head for a one-of-a-kind holiday market experience! Featuring photos with Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf (1pm-3pm), and the Grinch (3pm-4pm), a live camp fire to keep your hands and toes warm, Christmas tunes to sing along to, food trucks AND 70+ of our favorite Outer Banks local makers and artisans, we will truly have a little something for everybody. Get all of your holiday shopping done in one place and share a little holiday spirit with us!. Soundside Holiday Market
Dowdy Park Tree Lighting with Santa Claus (Dowdy Park - Nags Head) November 29. Join us for a night of family fun at Dowdy Park for the annual Tree Lighting, presenters by the Town of Nags Head! Celebrate the start of the holiday season with festive lights, community cheer, and a special visit from Santa. Bring your family and friends for an evening of holiday magic at the park. Dowdy Park Tree Lighting
