The Best Kept Secret – October on the Outer Banks!
As summer fades, the Outer Banks transforms into a peaceful paradise in October. The weather is still comfortable and warm, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s. The fall foliage adds a splash of color to the landscape, making it a perfect backdrop for photography and outdoor adventures and is a great time to visit for those seeking a relaxing off-season beach getaway all across the OBX.
With fewer visitors around, you can enjoy the beaches from Corolla to Hatteras all to yourself! Take long walks in the sand, collect seashells, or simply relax with a book; the tranquility of the ocean during this time is truly unmatched. If you’re looking for activities or events to attend while you’re in town, the Outer Banks has no shortage of fun during October. The month brings a host of local events, including the popular OBX Seafood Festival, haunted happenings as Halloween approaches, and music festivals for the whole family to enjoy. We’ve listed a few of our favorite events below, so be sure to check them out!
Island Farm Pumpkin Patch Saturdays – Located at Island Farm in Manteo. Dates: October 5, 12, 19 and 26th, 2024 from 9am – 3pm. Admission for ages 4+: $10, Children 0-3 are free!
Outer Banks Parade of Homes – Taking place across the OBX, both in person and virtually from October 10th – 13th, 2024. Tickets available online.
Duck Jazz Festival – Dates: October 12 from 4-6pm and October 13 from 10am til – . This is a free, non-ticketed event taking place at Duck Town Park. Don’t miss out on the fun for the whole family!
Bluegrass Island Music Festival – Located at Festival Park in Manteo. Dates: October 16 – October 19. Tickets required for entry. Can be purchased at the gate or online in advance.
Ghostly Gallies of the OBX: Pop Up Bar event across 4 local OBX restaurants during the dates of October 17th – October 31st. Restaurants bring out their spookiest decorations and festive fare to enjoy and celebrate the Halloween Season. Locations include Mama Kwans (Kill Devil Hills), Lucky 12 (Nags Head), Goombays (Kill Devil Hills) and Bonzer Shack (Kill Devil Hills). See Facebook page of the event for more details!
Outer Banks Seafood Festival – Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 10am – 6pm at the Nags Head Soundside Event Site
A Night of 1587 Pumpkins – Located at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo. Dates: October 24 & October 25 from 10am – 4pm, October 26th from 5pm – 8pm. This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased on the Elizabethan Gardens website.
8th Annual Outer Banks Brewtag – Date: October 26th, 2024 from 12p – 6p at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. This is a free event!
