Cheers to a new year! It’s 2018 and with the new year comes new Outer Banks events. While we’re well into the off-season now, there’s still plenty to do on the beach! Check out everything happening on the Outer Banks in this months edition of The Outer Banks Calendar.

Jan. 1st – 4th // Santa Paws Pet Supply Drive

Recurring Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM // North Carolina Aquarium, Manteo

‘Tis the season for giving! Help out the furry friends at the Outer Banks SPCA and donate to the Santa Paws Pet Supply Drive. This is the last week for donations and they’re direly needed. Donate a bag of dry pet food weighing at least 7 pounds and receive free admission to the Aquarium that day! Anyone that donates any pet food item, toy, or cleaning product will have a chance to win a painting created by the river otters at the Aquarium! For more information and a list of most needed items, visit the Outer Banks SPCA website.

Jan. 2nd – 20th // WInterLights

Fridays & Saturdays 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM  // The Elizabethan Gardens – Manteo

This month is the last month to check out all of the sights and magic that WinterLights has to offer! With beautiful flowers and illuminated plants and trees, WinterLights is an event that you need to see. Open this month only on Fridays and Saturdays, admission for adults is $11, youth ages 6-17 are $9, and children 5 and under are $6. For more information, call The Elizabethan Gardens at (252) 473-3234 or visit The Elizabethan Gardens website.

Jan. 5th // Spirits Forgiving Bourbon Tasting

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM // Rooster’s Southern Kitchen, Kill Devil Hills

Sample bourbon and snack on tapas-style appetizers for a good cause! For a $25 donation, guests will sample 6 different types of bourbon. 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. The Outer Banks Relief Foundation helps assist people and families that struggle financially due to a debilitating disease or illness. To secure your space, visit Rooster’s Southern Kitchen with cash or local check of $25 per person payable to the Outer Banks Relief Foundation. For more information about the Outer Banks Relief Foundation, visit their website.

Jan. 9th // Plastic Bag and Film Collection

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM // North Carolina Aquarium – Manteo

Reduce, reuse, and recycle with the North Carolina Aquarium. Drop off clean, dry plastic film and bags to the Aquarium to help save the environment and keep our beaches and oceans clean! Collections will be happening the second Tuesday of every month so start off 2018 with a helping hand and drop off all the plastic bags you have!

Jan. 13th & 14th // Outer Banks Wedding Weekend

Recurring Daily @ 10:00 AM // First Flight Middle School & High School, 100 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills

Planning your Outer Banks dream wedding? The Outer Banks Wedding Weekend and Expo is the place to be. During Wedding Weekend, see over 200 wedding professionals and the opportunity to tour the most wanted wedding venues! Also get discounts at local restaurants and shops, plus, enter the Dream Wedding Giveaway! General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are $45. For more information, visit the Outer Banks Wedding Association website.