Kites with Lights, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites, is a magical holiday tradition held at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC. This free, family-friendly event dazzles attendees with stunning displays of illuminated kites soaring over the dunes at sunset, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The vibrant lights and colorful designs of the kites, set against the winter sky, offer a truly enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.
In addition to the mesmerizing kite displays, attendees can enjoy a variety of festive activities that add to the holiday spirit. One of the highlights of the event is a visit from Santa Claus, who will be at the Kitty Hawk Kites store. Children and families can take photos with Santa and share their holiday wishes, creating special memories during this joyful season.
The event offers an opportunity to experience the Outer Banks’ unique kite-flying culture while celebrating the magic of the holidays. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of town, Kites with Lights provides an unforgettable way to embrace the season. It’s the perfect chance for friends and family to enjoy the beautiful Outer Banks landscape and surrounded by holiday cheer.
Throughout the evening, visitors can also explore the Kitty Hawk Kites store, shop for holiday gifts, and take in the festive atmosphere. With the combination of illuminated kites, holiday cheer, and the chance to meet Santa, this event is sure to be a memorable occasion for all.
Join us at Jockey’s Ridge State Park for the Kites with Lights event—experience the magic of the holiday season, and enjoy the stunning sight of kites lighting up the sky. Don’t miss out on this beautiful Outer Banks tradition and the chance to make lasting memories with loved ones!
Outer Banks Brewtag is a one-of-a-kind celebration of flight and beer! Contestants will compete to see who can launch and fly an empty 1/6 keg barrel the furthest in this exciting and unique competition. It’s a fun, thrilling event that combines the excitement of flight with the craft of brewing.
Admission is FREE for everyone, so gather your friends and family for a day of fun! A wide selection of local and regional beers, along with delicious food, will be available for purchase throughout the day. This family-friendly event also features plenty of activities for the kids, ensuring that all ages can enjoy the festivities.
The Outer Banks Brewtag also benefits The Rogallo Foundation, which was created to honor the legacy of Francis and Gertrude Rogallo, the inventors of the flexible wing. The foundation works to preserve their priceless records, artifacts, and research, while also supporting education and research in aerodynamics, gliding, and soaring flight. By participating in the OBX Brewtag, you help support this important work, which continues to inspire and educate people about the science of flight.
Parking is available for the public at The Soundside Event Site, Outer Banks Outlet Mall, and Nags Head Elementary. Shuttle service will run to and from the event site from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM, making it easy to attend the event and enjoy the day without worrying about parking.
For more details on participation, sponsorship, or to enter your team, visit the Outer Banks Brewtag website at www.OBXBrewtag.com. Don’t miss this exciting event packed with friendly competition, local beer, great food, and family-friendly fun! Come join us for a day of celebration and support the legacy of the Rogallo Foundation while enjoying the best of the Outer Banks!
The Outer Banks Kite Festival is a vibrant celebration of flight. The festival is hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites held at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC. This free, fun-filled event attracts both kite enthusiasts and casual visitors from all around. It features spectacular kite displays, thrilling stunt kite flying demonstrations, and interactive, hands-on activities for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned kite flyer or a first-time visitor, the festival offers an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Watch as large, colorful kites soar high above the iconic dunes. Jockey’s Ridge skyline fills with mesmerizing designs and patterns. The festival’s kite flying demonstrations showcase expert pilots performing daring tricks and precision maneuvers. See the artistry and skill behind stunt kite flying. These breathtaking performances will leave you in awe and inspire you to try flying a kite yourself.
Eager participants join in the hands-on activities the festival offers. Kids and adults can learn the basics of kite flying, test their skills with fun challenges. You’ll also find kite-making workshops, where you can craft your very own kite and take it for a spin in the open sky.
The Outer Banks Kite Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of flight in a beautiful and iconic setting. You’ll not only witness incredible kite displays but also get the chance to connect with other kite enthusiasts, share stories, and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Come join us for this exciting, free event and take in the beauty of kites soaring over the Outer Banks’ breathtaking landscape. It’s a celebration of flight that everyone can enjoy!
The Outer Banks Pirate Festival is a swashbucklin’ good time. Kitty Hawk Kites hosts the annual Outer Banks Pirate Festival. This exciting event brings the rich history of pirates on the OBX to life, offering a fun-filled experience for the entire family. Learn about the legendary pirates who once roamed these shores and participate in Scallywag School, where little ones can test their pirate skills!
Scallywag School provides a fantastic, interactive opportunity for children to embrace pirate life. Each 30-minute session includes fun pirate-themed activities, where kids will learn how to talk, walk, and act like real pirates. Registration for Scallywag School is $10 per participant online. We strongly recommend registering in advance as time slots often fill up quickly. Registration will open the month before the event, so don’t miss out!
Scallywag School is at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM on both Thursday, August 14th, and Friday, August 15th. With only limited spaces available for each session, it’s best to sign up early to secure your preferred time. Each session lasts 30 minutes. Children have plenty of time to engage in pirate-themed fun and learn the skills needed to become true pirates.
In addition to Scallywag School, the Outer Banks Pirate Festival is packed with pirate-related activities, entertainment, and plenty of swashbuckling fun for all ages. Whether you’re a pirate enthusiast or looking for a family-friendly adventure, the festival promises an unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience the world of pirates on the Outer Banks! Register for Scallywag School, enjoy the festivities, and make lasting memories with your crew at the Outer Banks Pirate Festival, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites.
The Outer Banks Watermelon Festival at Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head is the perfect way to celebrate summer with Kitty Hawk Kites and Food Lion by supporting the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition at
Enjoy activities (subject to change):
- Event T-Shirt Tie Dye Station (provided by Food Lion)
- Watermelon station
- Watermelon-themed competitions
- Watermelon Flip Cup
- Watermelon Bowling
- Watermelon Eating Contest
- Arts and Crafts
- Splash Blast
- Face Painting (provided by The Lost Colony)
- Rock Wall
- Food Truck
- Special offers in all Jockey’s Ridge Crossing shops
- And much more!
The Outer Banks Watermelon Festival festival is free for guests to attend; however, the purchase of tickets is required to play and eat! Compete in classic competitions to win from a selection of awesome prizes.
Stop by and share in this summertime tradition. Bring the family for a day of summertime fun and help support the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition, a valuable community organization working to improve safety in the Outer Banks.
Come to Moby Fest at Whalebone Junction and enjoy a specialty event with participating shops in the Whalebone shopping center! This exciting event features a scavenger hunt-style activity that takes you on a fun journey through the shops. As you explore the area, you’ll have the chance to win a great prize from Kitty Hawk Kites!
While participating in the Moby Fest scavenger hunt, be sure to stop by local favorites like Benny Tesoro’s for a delicious slice, or pick up a refreshing brew from Lost Colony Brewery. If you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, head over to Kitty Hawk Kites and go kayaking! The day is full of opportunities to enjoy both the local businesses and the beautiful scenery along the scenic bypass.
To join the scavenger hunt, simply pick up a pamphlet at any of the participating shops. As you make your way around the shops and solve the clues, don’t forget to turn in your completed pamphlet at Kitty Hawk Kites for validation. By doing so, you’ll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win an exciting prize from Kitty Hawk Kites.
Moby Fest is perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy the charm of Whalebone Junction. It’s a great way to explore local shops, try new food and drinks, and spend a day in one of the most scenic areas of the Outer Banks. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, you won’t want to miss this fun-filled event.
So, gather your friends and family, take part in the scavenger hunt, and make the most of your day at Moby Fest at Whalebone Junction! Enjoy the prizes, food, drinks, and outdoor activities, all while supporting local businesses along the scenic bypass.
Celebrate the legacy of flight at the Wright Brothers Kite Festival, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites at the historic Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC. This family-friendly event provides an exciting way to honor the pioneers of aviation while enjoying a day of outdoor fun.
The festival features massive kite displays that fill the sky with vibrant colors and unique designs, captivating spectators of all ages. Watch skilled kite flyers demonstrate impressive maneuvers and tricks in breathtaking kite-flying demonstrations. These performances highlight the skill and precision involved in kite flying, offering an unforgettable visual experience.
Visitors also have the opportunity to fly their own kites on the same grounds where the Wright brothers made history. Imagine the thrill of taking to the sky and feeling a connection to the very place where aviation was born. Whether you’re an experienced kite flyer or a beginner, this is a great chance to experience the joy of flight firsthand.
The Wright Brothers Kite Festival is more than just a celebration of kites. It’s a tribute to the visionaries who changed the world with their invention. As you enjoy the event, you’ll also learn about the history of the Wright brothers and their groundbreaking achievements in aviation.
This event is the perfect way to spend time with family and friends, surrounded by the beauty of the Outer Banks. From the kite displays to the interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone at the festival. Don’t miss the chance to honor the Wright brothers’ legacy while enjoying a fun, high-flying day! Join us at the Wright Brothers National Memorial and be part of this historic celebration of flight.
The Board Meeting at Kitty Hawk Surf Co. location in Nags Head on June 20th from 10 AM to 4 PM for an exciting day filled with surfboards, skimboards, and so much more! The event brings together some of the best brands in the industry, including Reps from Sun Bum, Zap Skimboards, Hubboards, Rockit Surfboards, Oakley, and Hobie. This is your chance to learn about the latest gear, get expert advice, and explore a variety of surfboards and skimboards.
Throughout The Board Meeting, you’ll enjoy a lively atmosphere with fun yard games, special sales, and great music. Whether you’re shopping for a new board or just looking to hang out with fellow surf enthusiasts, this event promises a fun and relaxed vibe. The team will be on hand to answer all your questions, help you find the perfect gear, and make sure you’re ready for the upcoming surf season.
In addition to the amazing deals and brand reps, there is plenty of entertainment to keep the good times rolling. The event will feature music, yard games, and great energy, making it the perfect opportunity to spend the day outdoors with family, friends, or fellow surfers. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the summer surf season and get pumped to hit the waves.
Mark your calendars for June 20th and come down to Kitty Hawk Surf Co. in Nags Head for an unforgettable day! Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a first-timer, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on special discounts, expert advice, and the chance to connect with other surf enthusiasts. We can’t wait to see you there!
The Rogallo Kite Festival, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites, honors the legacy of Francis Rogallo, the inventor of the flexible wing, which paved the way for modern hang gliding, kiteboarding, and paragliding. Held at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC, this family-friendly event offers an exciting opportunity to celebrate flight and innovation.
The festival features stunning massive kite displays, filling the sky with colorful, creative designs that captivate both children and adults. Spectators will watch skilled pilots perform incredible kite flying demonstrations. These stunt kite displays showcase precision and control, with pilots executing daring tricks and maneuvers that leave the crowd in awe. Whether you’re a kite enthusiast or new to the sport, these performances are sure to impress.
In addition to the thrilling kite demonstrations, the festival offers plenty of interactive activities for all ages. Families can enjoy a variety of hands-on experiences, from learning to fly their own kites to participating in fun games. The event is designed to engage everyone, making it a perfect outing for children, parents, and anyone interested in the joy of flight.
As you explore the festival, you’ll also have the chance to learn about the history of the flexible wing and how Francis Rogallo’s invention changed the world of flight. The event celebrates not only his innovation but the spirit of adventure and discovery that drives the kiteboarding, hang gliding, and paragliding communities today.
Whether you’re flying your own kite, watching breathtaking displays, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Jockey’s Ridge, the Rogallo Kite Festival is an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate innovation, flight, and the legacy of Francis Rogallo. Join us at Jockey’s Ridge State Park and be part of this exciting, fun-filled day!
Join Kitty Hawk Kites for the Kiteboarding Kickoff Weekend at Waves Village Watersports Resort in Rodanthe, NC. This exciting event brings together kiteboarding enthusiasts for a weekend full of action, learning, and fun. Participants can enjoy kiteboarding clinics, gear demos from top brands, and the chance to connect with fellow wind sports enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced rider eager to try the latest gear, the Kiteboarding Kickoff Weekend has something for everyone. Beginners can take advantage of instructional clinics, where expert instructors will guide you through the fundamentals of kiteboarding in a safe and supportive environment. If you’re more experienced, you can test out the newest kiteboarding equipment from leading brands, giving you the chance to try the latest technology on the water.
The event provides a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with others who share your passion for kiteboarding and wind sports. Exchange tips, stories, and experiences with fellow riders while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Rodanthe and the Outer Banks. The weekend’s schedule will be packed with events designed to enhance your skills and make the most of your time on the water.
Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, check out the newest gear, or simply enjoy the vibrant kiteboarding community, the Kiteboarding Kickoff Weekend offers an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this action-packed event—come join the fun and start the season off right at Waves Village Watersports Resort!
he Hang Gliding Spectacular, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites, is the world’s longest-running hang gliding competition, celebrating 50+ years of flight. This iconic event takes place at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC, and Jarvisburg, NC. The Hang Gliding Spectacular draws enthusiasts from around the globe. Each year, the event offers a thrilling experience for both seasoned pilots and curious spectators, creating a unique atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie.
The competition features skilled pilots performing incredible aerial feats, showing off their hang gliding skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Spectators can watch as pilots soar gracefully through the sky, demonstrating both precision and daring. The event is a celebration of human flight, allowing pilots to showcase their expertise while giving spectators a chance to witness the power and beauty of flight up close.
In addition to the competitive events, the Hang Gliding Spectacular includes breathtaking flight demonstrations. These demonstrations offer a chance for pilots to perform spectacular maneuvers and stunts, showcasing the capabilities of hang gliders. Attendees will be in awe of the skill and control required to perform such stunts in the open air.
The event also serves as a social gathering for pilots and spectators alike, bringing together people from various backgrounds who share a passion for flight. It’s a great opportunity for pilots to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another while enjoying the stunning Outer Banks backdrop.
Whether you’re an experienced pilot or simply a spectator, the Hang Gliding Spectacular offers something for everyone. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates the spirit of flight and the incredible skill of those who take to the skies. Don’t miss out on this thrilling event—it’s an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves aviation!
Kitty Hawk Kites has teamed up with the Dare Arts Council to launch the Outer Banks ‘Sweep the Beach’ Trash Art Contest in celebration of Earth Day! Artists will create artwork from trash collected from local beaches and sounds. After submission, the artwork will be displayed along the TrART Walk at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. Art pieces will be placed on or around March 30th and will be on view until April 21st. During this time, the public will vote, and the art will be judged in various prize categories.
On April 22nd, select pieces will be moved to Jockey’s Ridge State Park for Earth Fair OBX, where winners will be announced at the Kitty Hawk Kites booth at 3:45 PM. Each category winner will receive a $200 prize for their outstanding contribution and artwork.
Sweep The Beach Art Contest prize categories are as follows:
- People’s Choice: This award goes to the artist who receives the most public votes for their piece. Voting will be open until April 21st, and each person may vote once.
- Youth Award: This award will go to the artist aged 12 years or younger with the most creative submission.
- Best Plastics Art: This award will recognize artwork that uses plastics, which make up the largest portion of marine litter.
- Best Litter Art: This award will be given to the artist who creatively uses various types of litter found on the beach, such as cigarette butts, styrofoam, paper goods, and more.
Sweep The Beach Art Contest Submission Guidelines:
- Submit artwork at Nags Head Kitty Hawk Kites from March 1st until March 30th.
- Each category allows up to 10 submissions, so submit early!
- Artwork must withstand outdoor weather conditions.
- Artists must provide materials for set-up and mounting for outdoor display.
Join the contest to help raise awareness about beach pollution and celebrate Earth Day with your creativity!
