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October Events on the Outer Banks | Festivals, Food & Fall Fun

Enjoy the best of fall on the OBX with oyster roasts, live music, coastal cuisine, home tours, and local festivals.
Jen Kavanaugh  |  September 30, 2026
Fall has arrived on the Outer Banks, and October is packed with things to do! 
Savor the flavors of the season at an Oyster Roast or the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, explore beautiful coastal homes during the Parade of Homes, and enjoy world-class music at the Duck Jazz Festival and Bluegrass Island Music Festival. 
Looking for something a little different? OBX Brewtag combines creativity, competition, and plenty of fun for an unforgettable fall afternoon!
With cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery, incredible food, and live music, October is one of the most exciting months to experience the Outer Banks.
Discover all the October events happening on the Outer Banks!

Oyster Roast for Savannah's Angels - October 2. The Roadside in Duck is excited to announce its first Oyster Roast of the season! This one is extra special, with a portion of ticket proceeds being donated to Savannah’s Angels, a nonprofit charitable organization supporting animals and the community. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat oyster roast, complete with hushpuppies and Hatteras-style clam chowder. The festivities will also include live music, handcrafted cocktails, NC craft beer on draft, and an extravagant raffle benefiting Savannah’s Angels. Come out for a fun-filled evening of good food, live music, dancing, and community spirit—all while supporting a great cause!

Outer Banks Parade of Homes - October 10 - 12. Fall on the Outer Banks is something special—and there’s no better way to experience it than by exploring some of the area’s most beautiful homes and businesses during the 34th Annual Outer Banks Parade of Homes! This year’s Parade is bigger and better than ever, featuring 18 incredible properties stretching from Corolla to Avon. And the best part? One $20 ticket gets you access to all three days of the Parade! Spend a day exploring the northern beaches, head south for another adventure, or take all three days to experience everything the Parade has to offer.

Throwdown Surf Classic - October 10. Throwdown Surf Classic is brought to you by the Throwdown Youth Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) Nonprofit Organization. They are the Outer Banks' largest family surfing event. Each year, our community comes together to help us raise money to give back and support a local need. The Throwdown Surf Classic is the Outer Banks' favorite surf contest that raises money to give back to our community and provide support for those in need. We will have the latest TSC merch, food, raffle, and end the day with a trophy ceremony. All to support the local Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Come spend the day on the beach with them! 

Duck Jazz Festival - October 10-11. The Town of Duck brings jazz to the Duck Town Park annually in early October. This event is non-ticketed and free to the public. Food and drinks are available to purchase from town eateries and chairs are available for rent. Attendees may also bring food, coolers, chairs, blankets, and well-behaved dogs. No beach umbrellas or tents are permitted at the event. The Duck Jazz Festival is held rain or shine. Each year we hope visitors extend their Outer Banks stay to enjoy jazz-themed events and promotions taking place throughout Duck businesses and beyond. Visit the Events Around Town page to learn more about jazz-themed events and celebrations at local businesses.

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival - October 13-18. Discover the incredible wildlife and wild places of northeastern North Carolina at the Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival, held across six national wildlife refuges throughout the region. The festival features 60–75 small-group programs, including birding walks, paddling adventures, photography workshops, art classes, and natural history tours. With more than 400 bird species along the Atlantic Flyway, plus wildlife such as black bears, river otters, alligators, and red wolves, there’s plenty to discover. Advance registration is required, and program prices vary. Proceeds support local wildlife refuges, visitor centers, and school grants.

Bluegrass Island Festival - October 14-17.  Music lovers from all over the world flock to the Outer Banks for this tradition that adds a roster of acclaimed bands with one of the most beautiful venues anywhere. The Bluegrass Island Music Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and this year's event is no exception, with a number of regionally and internationally famous artists, including The Punch Brothers, The Infamous Stringdusters and Sierra Hull.

Outer Banks Seafood Festival - October 17. The Outer Banks Seafood Festival provides the opportunity to learn more about our local fishing industry and heritage. Come and watch live demonstrations, meet the watermen and see the boats involved in bringing fresh seafood to your table. Celebrate our rich, seafood heritage and discover what it has done for our local community.

OBX Brewtag - October 24.  A celebration of flight and beer, OBX Brewtag is modeled after the whimsical and entertaining Red Bull Flugtag, translated to “flying day” in German. With OBX Brewtag, the general premise is the same, although rather than human-powered flying machines, Brewtag contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the farthest.

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