1. Dare County Schools Annual Art Show
City: Nags Head, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-6584
Address: 210 East Driftwood St., Gallery Row
Description: For one week in mid-January, the Dare County Schools put together an art show that showcases works by kids from seven public schools, grades K–12. If you like children’s art, this is the show for you. The works range from delightful watercolors to wild chairs crafted after such artists as Georgia O’Keeffe and Picasso. This show is primarily for viewing—it’s difficult to wrestle work away from parents. Don’t expect to make any purchases, although some high-school students may be more inclined to sell for some pocket money. The show’s reception is on a Sunday, generally at 2 p.m. Call for more information. Admission is free, and you can’t beat the brownies and other goodies they serve.
2. St. Patrick’S Day Parade
City: Nags Head, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-4116
Address: NC 12
Description: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day every year. The parade begins at the Nags Head Fishing Pier at MP 12 on the Beach Road and proceeds north to about MP 10. Reputed to be one of the largest parades of its kind in North Carolina, the event is fun for the whole family. Float participants throw candy, so wear something with pockets! Kelly’s serves free hot dogs and sodas after the parade and celebrates with an evening of live entertainment. All events are free.
3. Annual Easter Eggstravaganza
City: Nags Head, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-4124, (800) FLY-THIS
Address: US 158, MP 12
Description: This event is held at Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head, with the specific date dependent on when Easter falls. Kids enjoy chalk coloring contests, a variety of games, and an Easter candy dig on the premises. Small fries get a kick out of meeting KHK’s fuzzy brown mascot, Wil-Bear Wright. All activities are free.
4. Nags Head Harley-Davidson
City: Nags Head, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 255-5922
Address: US 158, MP 13
Description: Rumbling into town, motorcyclers explore the Outer Banks for bike week every April. More than a few riders comb the area on their bikes during the festivities. Included in the fun are poker runs, bike shows, beauty contests, beer belly and tattoo contests, music, and official party sites named for each night.
5. Rogallo Kite Festival
City: Nags Head, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (800) 334-4777
Address: MP 12
Description: This two-day annual; festival celebrates kites of all sizes and shapes. Fly a kite on the dunes and enjoy nightly entertainment at Kitty Hawk Kites. Exhibitions, demonstrations, and kid’s activities are all a part of this event.
6. Kites With Lights
City: Nags Head, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-4124
Address: Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Description: Stunt kites are strung with lights, creating a magical, multicolored nighttime scene. The kites fly sky high, dancing to traditional Christmas carols. Climbing up Jockey’s Ridge at night is fun, especially when you’re treated with a show like this at the top. Christmas carols, hot apple cider, and cookies make it more fun. This event is held in late Nov. It’s free and begins at sunset.
7. Man Will Never Fly Memorial Society International Annual Seminar And Awards Program
City: Nags Head, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (800) 334-4777
Address: NC 12, MP 17
Description: This tongue-in-cheek organization tries to prove every year that man never really flew and abides by the motto “Birds Fly, Men Drink.” The banquet is held annually the night before the anniversary of the first flight and is open to the public. The food is prepared buffet-style and features meat as well as seafood. Call for ticket and reservation information.
8. Seaside Art Gallery
City: Nags Head, NC
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (252) 441-5418
Address: NC 12, MP 11
Description: This international art show, started in 1993, carries the theme of the mystery and beauty of flight. Each year a specific flight-related theme is chosen, and artists submit original art in all genres to compete for a multitude of top-dollar prizes. The art is displayed through the month of December at two Nags Head galleries. A children’s component is included at another location. Call the listed numbers to get on the mailing list. Children enter for free. Adult entries run between $10 and $15. A commission is taken for sold work by Icarus International, a nonprofit group. A literary competition is held on the same theme as the visual arts competition every year. The chapbook of juried entries is published in December.