Outer Banks Upcoming Events 4-6-2013

What a fantastic time of year on the OBX! Spring is here at last, the weather is spectacular, the ocean water temperature is still chilly, but there is a ton of local events and things to do on the Outer Banks.

One of the misconceptions about living and working in a vacation destination like the Outer Banks, is people have this belief that if it’s not summer, there’s nothing to do. “Not so!” says any Outer Banks local. In fact, over the past couple of years, the to-do list for the shoulder seasons or “off-season” events keeps getting longer and longer and more interesting. Over the next few weeks, there are more than a dozen OBX local community events that speak to the quality and heart of this community.

The Third Annual Womanless Beauty Pageant is coming up this Saturday (April 20)–and it’s difficult to adequately describe the unique beauty of the contestants. Held at  Kelly’s Outer Banks Tavern in Nags Head, all the ticket proceeds go to the local OBX charity of the contestants choice. An amazing night of fun and community.
Read more here.

The sense of giving back is so strong on the Outer Banks that it seems to be the norm, yet occasionally something comes along that truly stands out. When Jessica and John Lenhart lost their daughter, Elizabeth, to SIDS they felt the best way to heal was to raise awareness. The result has been Illuminating Hope Event.The Fifth (and final) Illuminating Hope is coming up Sunday, May 5 at Aqua Restaurant and Spa in Duck. Amazing generosity of spirit from the Outer Banks restaurant community–especially Lynette Sumner, Aqua owner, who has donated time, energy and a location to the event. Great music, very kid friendly, excellent food and drink. Tickets are $25.
Contact Aqua for ticket information (252-261-9700) or John Lenhart at 252-619-5279 or johnlenhart@yahoo.com.

The Dare County Arts Council (DCAC) has been around for 25 years. The organization encourages, showcases  and supports local artists of all kinds. Mollie Fearing was one of the founders of the DCAC and the art show that commemorates her. The Mollie Fearing Art Show is held annually during the month of May starting on May 4th this year. Local art, incredible variety and talent is showcased at the Roanoke Island Festival Park. For more information contact the DCAC at 252-473-5558.

Family Movie Night, sponsored by the Children at Play Museum (252-261-0290), started last year with films every Friday night during the summer. Coming back for a second year, the movies will kick off on May 10. It’s an outdoor event–sort of like a drive-in theatre. Families are welcome to bring chairs, picnics blankets and more. Held at the Outer Banks Visitor’s Bureau Event Site, a large open, soundfront field, just before Tanger Outlet Mall in Nags Head. It is a great way to spend an evening with the family.

Combining a love of music with a belief that the wild mustangs of Corolla should be protected, local Mike Dianna created the Mustang Spring Jam, May 19 this yearr at the Timbuck II shopping center in Corolla. A great day for the whole family, amazing music and a lot of fun. All proceeds benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Don’t miss this one.
Read more here.

This just scratches the surface of things to do on the Outer Banks. For more information on what else there is to do:  www.outerbanks.org/outerbanks-events or  www.outerbankschamber.com.