Things to Do on the Outer Banks in the Fall

Fall is arguably one of the best seasons of the year—who doesn’t love pumpkin patches, warm sweaters, and apple cider? Fall in the Outer Banks is basically a “second summer” where visitors get to enjoy everything from great weather and quiet beaches to savings on lodging and relaxed dog leash laws. However, we think that the numerous fun Outer Banks Fall activities and events may be the best reason of all to visit.

Take A Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise aboard the Crystal Dawn is a beautiful and transformative afternoon any time of the year, but taking one of these breathtaking cruises during the fall off-season (September & October) can give you the opportunity to look at the Outer Banks through a different lense. Take a tour of the Roanoke Sound while listening to commentary on the Outer Banks and viewing the Elizabeth II, Jockey's Ridge, the home of the late Andy Griffith, The Lost Colony, shorebirds, and wildlife. Book your trip here and read a first-hand account of a beautiful and relaxing fall sunset cruise.

Fall Sunset Cruise on the Crystal Dawn

Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch

What feels more like fall that picking your own pumpkin, enjoying apple cider, and spending time as a family remembering everything you're thankful for?

Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market Pumpkin Patch

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Location: 6264 Caratoke Hwy. Grandy, NC 27939

About: Come visit the farmer’s market—a great fall tradition! Along with the great greenhouse and market shop full of fresh produce/preserves, etc., there are plenty of festive events to try! Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch to select your favorite pumpkins for your Autumn décor. (Wagon rides leave every 30 minutes on the weekend). You can also enjoy a fun cider-making workshop to learn how apple cider is made and even sample freshly squeezed cider! Click here for more information.

Island Farm Pumpkin Patch

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Location: 1140 N. Hwy 64, Manteo, NC 27954

About: Bring your friends and family to celebrate the arrival of fall at Island Farm! Every Saturday in October, Island Farm will host its 13th annual Pumpkin Patch event. There will be no shortage of fun memories to be made, with a diverse array of fall games and activities offered. This event will take place on October 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 9 A.M. until 3 P.M. Admission for visitors aged four and older is $10. Children 0-3 years old are admitted for free.

This year’s Pumpkin Patch will feature plenty of pumpkins – grown locally in Chowan County by a descendant of Island Farm. During the event, visitors will enjoy historic games, doll crafting, candle making, cider and popcorn, blacksmith shop giveaways, and a new lineup of fall activities including a nail-driving contest, slingshot games, bubbles, and more! In addition to the farm’s activities, breakfast biscuits and a variety of local art vendors and locally-grown produce will be available for purchase on site.

Island Farm is a living history site located on the north-end of Roanoke Island; it offers a trip back in time to the 1850’s along the Outer Banks through hands-on activities, historic building tours, demonstrations, working livestock, and more. Open Tuesday through Friday, the living history site offers live interpretation, daily mini-programs and special weekend events. The farmstead is located at 1140 N US Highway 64, north of Manteo, on Roanoke Island. Click here for more information.

Visit the Dowdy Park Farmer's Market

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Location: 3005 South Croatan Highway (at Bonnett Street), Nags Head, NC 27959

About: The Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market is a fun community event that runs through the middle of October featuring handmade goods from local crafters, farmers, bakers, and artists. Visitors will find items like jewelry, crafts, baked goods, fresh meat and seafood, local produce, soaps, skincare products, photography, clothing, home décor, pottery, handbags, and more. Click here for more information.

Visit a Haunted Forest

Wicked Woods - 10 Year Anniversary

Location: 18766 US-64, Manns Harbor, NC 27953

About: Celebrate 10 years of this horrifyingly haunted tradition! Every October, the people of Wicked Woods Haunted Attraction put on a haunted house in the woods of old Wanchese that's guaranteed to scare your socks off. The Wanchese Woods Haunted Trail is 30 minute terrying hike into the woods of the Outer Banks. And with new monsters and attractions every single year, you can rest assured that each years' visit will be horrifyingly different than the last. Find more information here.

*Event not suitable for young children*

Listen to Tunes at the Duck Jazz Festival

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When: October 12 - 13, 2024

Where: Duck Town Park (Duck Town Park Boardwalk, Duck, NC 27949)

About: The annual Duck Jazz Festival is a true celebration of jazz music at a local, regional and national level! Held at the beautiful Duck Town Park bordering the Currituck Sound, visitors will enjoy a host of beloved jazz musicians performing some of their best tracks. This affordable friendly-family event lets you bring in your own chairs, snacks, coolers, blankets, etc., and is free to the public! You can also bring a well-behaved dog. Click here for more information.

Experience Wildlife at the Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival

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When: October 22 - 27, 2024

Where: Location varies by event/program.

About: This annual fundraising event is sponsored by the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society and encompasses over 90 different birding, paddling, photography, art & natural history programs over 6 different national wildlife refuges across North Carolina. From sunrise kayak tours and hikes through Nags Head Woods to Lighthouse birding and owl prowls, there is at least one guided event perfect for all the nature lovers out there, no matter your age! Click here for more information.

Sample Seafood at the Outer Banks Seafood Festival

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When: October 19, 2024

Where: Soundside Event Site (6800 S. Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC 27959 – MP 16.5 on the bypass).

About: The annual Outer Banks Seafood Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year! This event celebrates both the history and heritage of the local seafood industry. The soundfront location is the perfect backdrop to this fun festival where visitors can spend the day trying fresh, locally sourced seafood from dozens of Outer Banks restaurants and sample beverages from local breweries and vineyards. Local merchandise/craft vendors will also be on site. Guests even get to vote on their favorite dish! Click here for more information.

Launch a Keg at the Annual OBX Brewtag

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When: October 26, 2024

Where: Soundside Event Site (6800 S. Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC 27959 – MP 16.5 on the bypass).

About: The annual Brewtag celebration is modeled after the Red Bull Flugtag (“flying day in German!). Contestants test the boundaries of aerodynamics by launching and flying empty keg barrels—competing to see who can go the furthest. Plus you can enjoy drinks from the Beer Garden! There are even plenty of events for kids ranging from face painting and crafts to a portable rock wall. Costume contest also awards prizes for best kids, adult, and dog costumes. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Outer Banks Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund (benefiting families affected by Hurricane Dorian) and the Rogallo Foundation. Click here for more information.

Dress Up at the Annual Outer Banks Halloween Parade of Costumes

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Location: Aviation Park (Veteran’s Dr. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948)

About: This fun, family-friendly event begins with a trick or treat party followed by the costume parade! Awards will be given for best costume in multiple categories for all age ranges. Admission is free and registration is also free for anyone who wants to compete in the parade! Click here for more information.

Hangin' With Santa & Kites With Lights

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When: November 29 - 30, 2024

Location: Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing (3933 S. Croatan Hwy. Nags Head, NC, 27959)

About: Come spread the holiday cheer with Kitty Hawk Kites and the Jockey’s Ridge Crossing crew. Free visits and pictures with Santa are just a few of the fun and festive things going on. Not to mention all the amazing holiday sales! Share all your Christmas wishes and have your picture taken with Santa at Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing in Nags Head on Friday, November 29 from 10 AM – 2 PM, and Saturday, November 30 from 1 – 4 PM. Have some fun with Santa’s elves and try out classic toys straight from the workshop on the second floor of Kitty Hawk Kites! Click here for more information.

Book Your Fall Vacation Now

With so many amazing things to do during the Outer Banks off-season, what's stopping you from booking for vacation now?

We have large multi-room cottages and small one-bedroom condos with various views and amenities from Corolla to Nags Head making it easier than ever to find the perfect place for your family to enjoy. Plus, many of our homes now offer an Any Day Stays option where you can book a rental at a minimum of 3 nights which is perfect for those long weekend getaways! Click the button below to get started on finding your perfect Outer Banks fall rental home.

Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks.

And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments. 

FIND THE PERFECT VACATION HOME BY CATEGORY:

• Dog-Friendly Rentals
• Oceanfront Rentals
• Rentals with a Private Pool 
• New to Seaside 
• Group Travel and Event Homes
• Any Day Stays  

Or by City:

• Corolla
• Duck
• Southern Shores 
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• Manteo

Explore our website and give us a call to help kick-start your unforgettable Outer Banks vacation today.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.

We’ll see you at the beach.

About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.