🍂 September brings the best of late summer and early fall to the Outer Banks! 🌊🎶
Catch the action at exciting surfing competitions, enjoy an evening of live music with Flatland Cavalry at Roanoke Island Festival Park, and look to the skies during the colorful Kite Festival. 🪁 Then, welcome the changing season with the Ale Faire at The Elizabethan Gardens, featuring an afternoon of fall-inspired fun in a beautiful setting.
From the beach to the sound, September is a wonderful time to experience the Outer Banks with fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and plenty of local events to enjoy.
👉 Discover all the September events happening on the Outer Banks!
WRV Outer Banks Pro September 3-6. (Nags Head). The World Surf League North America Qualifying Series returns for the long-standing WRV Outer Banks Pro Presented by Pacifico QS 2,000. Beginning September 3 through 6, at Jeanette's Pier in Nags Head the QS contenders will look to carry momentum from Virginia Beach, or find the spark they need to ignite the ensuing fall competition run. This event has proven to be pivotal step toward the race for Challenger Series qualification and a proving ground for competitors who have now made appearances on the Championship Tour.
Flatland Cavalry September 6. (Roanoke Island) Buckle up, OBX! Flatland Cavalry is bringing their Work of Heart Tour LIVE to Roanoke Island Festival Park for the Summer Series! Critically acclaimed country-roots six-piece Flatland Cavalry has blazed their own trail on the Americana and country music circuit, sharing their hearty brand of homespun tunes the world over – easy on the ears, heavy on the heart.
OBX Pridefest September 11-13. (Various Locations) Everyone is welcome to join us for the main event of OBX Pridefest! This FREE, family-friendly LGBTQ+ festival features live music from 2026 headliner Mrs. Gigi Monroe, plus local bands, food trucks, craft vendors, face painting, games, and entertainers for all ages. With a beautiful waterfront setting and scenic boardwalks, it’s a day full of celebration, community, and fun you won’t want to miss!
Outer Banks Kite Festival September 11-12. (Nags Head) The Outer Banks Kite Festival brings some of the nation’s best kite fliers right here to our backyard. Come out to Jockey's Ridge and join us for 2 days of kite-flying fun for the whole family. Enjoy massive display kites flying high, and participate in stunt and power kite lessons given by pros.
5th Annual Billfishing Tournament September 12. (Manteo) The Community Care Clinic of Dare is gearing up for its 5th Annual Billfish Tournament at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, inviting anglers, visitors, and community supporters to enjoy a memorable weekend of offshore fishing, waterfront fun, and giving back to a meaningful local cause. Now in its fifth year, the popular tournament has become a favorite Outer Banks tradition that combines the excitement of sportfishing with the laid-back coastal atmosphere that makes the OBX so special. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy the energy of tournament day while taking in the sights of the fleet returning to the docks, celebrating big catches, and connecting with fellow fishing enthusiasts from across the region.
Autumn Ale Faire September 19. (Manteo) The Elizabethan Gardens proudly presents the 2nd annual Autumn Ale Faire! Enjoy an upbeat, family‑friendly fall harvest celebration with a special theme of “Restoration.” Join us Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 12:00–4:00 PM as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary and raise funds to restore the Gatehouse and the ancient statuary in the Sunken Garden. Cheers to 75 years — we look forward to celebrating with you!
ESA Eastern Surfing Competition September 20-26. (Nags Head) The Eastern Surfing Association’s (ESA) Easterns Surfing Championship is one of the most exciting annual surfing events on the Outer Banks, bringing top amateur surfers from Maine through Florida to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina. As the ESA’s largest event, the Easterns features talented competitors battling for top honors across 23 age divisions, with both shortboard and longboard competitions. Whether you’re a dedicated surfing fan or simply looking for something exciting to do on the Outer Banks, this action-packed championship is a great way to experience the energy of competitive surfing while enjoying the beautiful Nags Head coastline.
