Guide to the Outer Banks for summer 2022: What not to miss
North Carolina Black Heritage Trail
Experience more than 30 sites and explore the stories that celebrate the contributions of African Americans and their significance in the cultural heritage of Northeast North Carolina. This self-guided, digital heritage trail includes outdoor interpretive signs and monuments, parks, waterways and museums. Highlights include the Historic Jarvisburg Colored School, Pasquotank River, Pea Island Cookhouse, Colored Union Soldiers Monument, Colonial Waterfront Park and historic Dismal Swamp Canal. ncblackheritagetour.com/experience-the-trail/
N.C. Oyster Trail
Oyster farmers, restaurants, markets and educators invite travelers to indulge and learn along the self-guided N.C. Oyster Trail, which highlights an industry whose colorful history includes a war against out-of-state poachers. Stops extend from the Outer Banks to Bald Head Island with oyster farm tours, exhibits, excursions and dining with inland markets and restaurants sharing the delicacy with their customers. https://ncoystertrail.org/
Events
“The Lost Colony” outdoor drama
May 27 - Aug 20: Now in its 85th year, more than 100 professional actors, technicians and designers have gathered every summer to honor the memory of the brave people who came here to build a new country. Set on the soundfront on Roanoke Island, the production is as epic as their story. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony is America’s longest running outdoor symphonic drama. 1409 National Park Dr. Manteo. 252-473-6000. thelostcolony.org
Rogallo Kite Festival
June 17: The Rogallo Kite Festival in Nags Head is a free and family-orientated event that features multiple days of kite flying to honor Francis Rogallo, NASA scientist and inventor of the flexible wing.To celebrate this innovator, visitors will be able to join in the fun and fly a kite of their own, take part in free stunt kite lessons, and even enjoy kite making, which is a perfect way for kids to get crafty. Kitty Hawk Kites: 3933 S Croatan Hwy., Nags Head. Jockey’s Ridge State Park: 300 West Carolista Dr., Nags Head. kittyhawk.com/event/rogallo-kite-festival/
Wright Kite Festival
July 16 - 17: Now celebrating its 44th year, the Wright Kite Festival in Kill Devil Hills is a celebration of aviation that takes place where flight began – the Wright Brothers Memorial. Enjoy a walk on the hallowed grounds where Wilbur and Orville took their historic first flight in 1903, then come join us for some fun flight of your own. Admission to the park is $10 for ages 16+. kittyhawk.com/event/wright-kite-festival/
Outer Banks Watermelon Festival
Aug. 4: Have you ever wanted to try Watermelon Bowling? Celebrate summer at the annual OBX Watermelon Festival. This beloved celebration is held at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head. Highlights include Native American jewelry making lessons, watermelon-themed competitions, arts and crafts, music and more. Free for guests to attend; however, the purchase of tickets is required to play and eat. kittyhawk.com/event/outer-banks-watermelon-festival/
Outer Banks Pirate Festival
Aug. 10- 11: ARRGH you ready for a pirate invasion on the Outer Banks? This festival will be held next to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in the central Outer Banks town of Nags Head. Come learn the vast history of pirates on the OBX and participate in Scallywag School. Free to attend. Scallywag School is $10. kittyhawk.com/event/outer-banks-pirate-festival/