October is suddenly upon us and there is so much to do that we can't even list it all. We've gone through the Event Calendars for the month and featured what we think are some of the best Outer Banks events, but check around, we may have missed some.
There is so much to do this October that it's difficult to make any recommendations, but a few highlights do stand out.
Columbus Day Weekend may be the musical highlight of the Outer Banks year—there's the Mustang Music Festival, the 10th Annual Duck Jazz Festival and Shana Tucker will be at First Flight High School courtesy of the Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts.
One of the best seafood festivals around has got to be the Outer Banks Seafood Festival October 15 at the Outer Banks Event Site in Nags Head.
Speaking of seafood festivals, a new one just showed up this year. Oystoberfest at Southern Shores Crossing looks to be a blast. Organized by Dan Lewis and the folks at Coastal Provisions, it should be a lot like their annual Chowder Cookoff—which means a lot of fun and some great oysters.
Events
Island Farm's Pumpkin Patch
Island Farm, Roanoke Island
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Includes an ox-drawn wagon ride to the farm's pumpkin patch. Activities include make your own corn husk doll, candle making, children's 19th-century toys and games, stuff a scarecrow, scarecrow photo booth for taking photos, and interacting with the farms animals.
Jim Mulford Memorial Red Drum Tournament
Jennette's Pier
October 1
Open to all ages, costs $15 adults; $8 children 12 and under. Door prizes, giveaways and awards for winners. Register online today or sign-up the morning of the event.
Nags Head Elementary School's Great Pumpkin Fair And Fun Run
Nags Head Elementary School
October 1
Hundreds of pumpkins and fall decorating items including mums, gourds and corn stalks. Games and activities for kids. Stay for lunch with food from Mulligan's and Tubb's Hot Dogs plus treats from Island Snowball and a bake sale.
Outer Banks Parade Of Homes
Nags Head to Corolla
October 6- 9
From dream homes to vacations getaways, the finest Outer Banks builders.
2nd Annual "Inshore Slam" Fishing Tournament
Manteo Waterfront
October 7-8
Tournament will be held on the Manteo waterfront, with docking available, at the Maritime Museum.
Mustang Music Festival
Whalehead Club, Corolla
October 7-8
One of the finest music festivals around. Proceeds benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.
Shana Tucker
First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills
October 8
Relish the stunning sounds of this award-winning singer-songwriter and cellist who credits her genre-bending ChamberSoul journey to the influences of her jazz and classical roots, interwoven with 80s and 90s pop music movie tracks and world music. Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts.
Live Jam At The Blue Point
Town of Duck
October 8
Enjoy live jazz along the sound, and catch festival musicians participating in an informal jam at the Blue Point.
Oink N' Oyster Roast
Longboards Restaurant, Kitty Hawk
October 8
Fresh oysters, homemade BBQ, crabs. There's beer, tea (sweet and not), and water. All included in your ticket! Music from the First Flight High School Band! Tickets may be purchased from any First Flight Rotary Club member or First Flight High School Band member or online. $25
Saturday Evening Community Concert On The Green With Frank Vignola
Town of Duck
October 8
Join us for a new event on the Duck Town Green, on Saturday evening as we kick-off the 10th Annual Duck Jazz Festival.
10th Annual Duck Jazz Festival
Town of Duck
October 9
Free live music from azz performers at day-long festival. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs, food, coolers, blankets, and pets.
Outer Banks Seafood Festival
Outer Banks Event Site, Nags Head
October 15
Festival offers opportunities to meet watermen and see the tools of their trade. Cooking demonstrations, educational booths and, best of all, the chance to eat fresh, local seafood from more than a dozen restaurants.
31st Annual Outer Banks Stunt Kite Competition
Sounside Event Site, Nags Head
October 22-23
A regional event that showcases world-class stunt kiting skills. OBSKC will be sharing the stage with the OBX Brewtag in 2016.
Dare County Arts Council's Emerald Elegance Gala
Pirate's Cove Pavilion, Manteo
October 22
The Emerald Elegance Gala will feature exquisite cuisine by Black Pelican Catering, spectacular décor designed by Holiday House, cocktails, a silent auction full of art and exclusive packages from local businesses and a wine lottery that will entice wine connoisseurs of all tastes. Sponsored by the DCAC.
Outer Banks Brewtäg
The Soundside Event Site, Nags Head
October 22
Brewtäg contestants will be competing to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest.
Harvest HayDay
Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo
October 29
Event combines all the colors, flavors and fun of fall. Whether it is the hayride or hale bale maze, we have families that look forward to this event all year.
Oystoberfest 2016
Southern Shores Shopping Center, Southern Shores
October 29
Local and regional oyster farmers will be on hand shucking raw oysters for your eating pleasure, along with about a half dozen Outer Banks restaurants offering their individual oyster dish samples. Buy tickets online only. Event also to benefit the North Carolina Coastal Federation.
The Beer Witch Project
The Outer Banks Brewing Station, Kill Devil Hills
October 29
Zombies, witches, ghouls and maybe even a naughty vampire nurse serving your drinks. Live DJ and admission to a legendary backyard party following the event included.
3rd Annual Outer Banks Halloween Parade of Costumes
Kelly's Outer Banks Restaurant & Tavern, Nags Head
October 30
Trick or treat stations, surprise guest appearances, celebrity photo ops, live entertainment & much more. An unbelievable collection of prizes for the best costumes.
