As autumn deepens and the Outer Banks settles into a quieter, more intimate pace, November brings a distinct charm to North Carolina's coastal gem. Thanksgiving in the Outer Banks is a time for gathering, celebrating, and exploring, with events that capture the area's rich history, community spirit, and scenic beauty. Here are a few of the events that you can expect to find this November in the Outer Banks!
Saturday, November 16
6pm
6pm
Enjoy a wonderful meal, catered by the chefs of some of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks, while supporting a good cause! For the discerning palette, the chefs will serve up their best dishes for judgement, with proceeds from tickets going to support the Beach Food Party. So let your tastebuds be delighted while knowing your money is going to help the beach we all know and love!
Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 10
Join in with an Outer Banks tradition and come to the Wright Brothers National Memorial this November for a marathon around the memorial grounds and the sound side of the Outer Banks. Enjoy the post-race barbecue (free to all runners), a beer garden, and live music and entertainment!
The race will be on November 10, but registration will start on November 8, and the organizers, OBXSE, have also set up a sports and fitness expo for November 8 and 9, with a half marathon, the Surf Pediatrics Surf & Soar 5K, 8K, and fun run to participate in. Make a weekend out of it, and challenge your personal bests this November!
Saturday, November 16
9am to 2pm
If you’ve ever read our blog article about the Top 5 Reasons to Visit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in the NC Outer Banks, you know we love our friends at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge! Enjoy this free event with the whole family, with plenty of activities for everyone! From a hands-on archery activity, to the wildlife olympics and biology education activities, to learning about the North Carolina red wolf recovery program, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When you’re finished exploring the refuge, sit down for a cookout of burgers and hot dogs, provided by the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society. We hope to see you there!
Tuesday, November 26 – Wednesday, November 27
9am to 3pm
Island Farm in Manteo invites you to join its annual Garden to Heart event! Learn about how families settled on Roanoke Island in the 1850s would have prepared for the winter months, as historic reenactors cook over the hearth, smoke meat in the smoke house, preserve vegetables, make candles, and more! For only $10 per attendee (ages 3 and younger get in free), visit this beautifully preserved mid-19th century farm to learn more about how our ancestors would have lived their day-to-day lives!
Wednesday, November 27
11am
Get ready for the next day’s feast with the Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile! The Brewing Station invites you to a short run with a bit of partying to keep you going. For $45, you get to enjoy 4 beers (one every quarter mile), a backyard party after the race, a t-shirt, and prizes for the fastest male, female, and most creative holiday costume! If you’re not able to register prior to the event, not to worry – late registration is open at the same time as registration (10am – 10:45am prior to the race start). So work off those calories you’ll be consuming tomorrow morning and join us in Kill Devil Hills, NC, at the Outer Banks Brewing Station!
Thursday, November 28
8am to 11am
If you’re still looking for more opportunities to prep yourself to gorge on Thanksgiving Day treats, look no further than the Annual Surfin' Turkey 5k! Start out Thanksgiving Day with an easy 3.1 mile jaunt are Hatteras Island, NC, or the shorter quarter-mile Puppy Drum Fun Run for kids 12 and under. The Fun Run is free to attend, but the 5k is $40 ($45 if you sign up day-of), but keep in mind that the Surfin’ Turkey 5k is a charity event, so your money is going to support the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund! The race will commence rain or shine, so start your holidays right with this quick and fun jog around Hatteras!
Thursday, November 28
8:30am
If you’re not feeling up to a trip down to Hatteras, consider the Southern Shores Turkey Trot to get your blood pumping! Your kids can also participate in the Fun Run, commencing an hour after the Turkey Trot.
A pancake breakfast will be available for all participants, and the first place male and female will take home pies for your Thanksgiving meal later in the day!
A Place to Gather With Friends and Family
As you plan your Thanksgiving escape, remember that an Outer Banks getaway offers much more than just a beautiful backdrop—it’s a chance to connect with nature, local culture, and loved ones in a cozy, welcoming setting. With numerous Outer Banks vacation rentals available, you can find the perfect space to gather, celebrate, and unwind. For those looking for top-notch accommodations and service, Outer Banks Blue Realty provides a variety of rental options that make you feel right at home. Make this holiday season unforgettable by experiencing all the Outer Banks has to offer!
