You’re looking forward to a much-needed summer break this year. The year-round warmer climate of North Carolina and Cape Hatteras is just what you need to kick back and relax, and the summer months turn up the heat and fun. We look forward to summer as much as you do. If you like celebrations mixed into your days, the area hosts many annual Cape Hatteras events and festivals you can make a part of your trip’s itinerary.
Avon Farmers Market
The market takes place during the summer season. Open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. throughout July and August, you’ll find unique local arts and crafts, homemade goodies, and fresh fruits and vegetables to add to your summer cookout menu.
4th of July
Celebrate American independence. The patriotic celebration lights up the sky with a bang on the evening of July 4th in Avon. The events at the Avon Pier and Avon Beach Klub make up a collection of events, some of which correspond to radio shows on the island’s local radio station, Radio Hatteras FM 101.5 and 99.9. The night ends with a bang over the waters of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches, with official events running 9-9:45 p.m.
Zero to Hero Kiteboarding Camp
Keep the kids learning during summer break by learning a fun new skill that’s nothing like school and textbooks. Make one of the camps a part of your Cape Hatteras summer getaway. With weekly camps throughout July and August, it’s easy to coordinate your trip to include one. The Kids Zero to Hero Kiteboarding Camp takes beginners from basics to self-sufficient kiteboarders in just a few days. If you can’t make the camp part of your plans, the sponsor – Real Watersports, offers kiteboarding lessons regularly.
Mirlo Rescue Anniversary
Conducted over 100 years ago on August 16, 1918, at the Chicamacomio Coast Guard Station in Rodanthe, it’s considered one of the most dramatic operations in U.S. Coast Guard history. The British tanker Mirlo was transporting a full load of gasoline from New Orleans to Norfolk when it struck a German mine off of Wimble Shoals. A series of explosions caused the captain and crew to flee in lifeboats while the ship sank and the water blazed with fire. The Chicamacomio station’s captain and crew of surfmen managed to save all 42 of the survivors. The Chicamacomio station was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1954 and has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Day at the Docks
Since fall doesn’t officially begin until September 23, the event is still part of the summer season. The event celebrates the history and culture of Hatteras Island’s working watermen. Taking place in the heart of Hatteras Village along the waterfront, the festivities include fresh seafood, good eats, live demonstrations of working commercial fishing boats, live music, kids’ activities, and much more. The event runs on September 15 and 16.
HICF Chowder Cookoff
On the heels of the Day at the Docks festival and all its delicious food, stick around for some of the island’s best chowder. Taste the best of area restaurants, caterers, and other local organizations’ best clam chowder. Claim your ticket to be a judge and wander vendor to vendor, sampling all the chowders. The public votes for their favorite chowder and all proceeds from the event benefit the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation (HIFC).
July Fishing Tournaments
The waters of the Atlantic off the shores of Cape Hatteras are prime fishing territory in the summer. You can go solo and cast a line in hopes of your next big fish story or take part in one of the area’s many summer fishing tournaments. End your July and celebrate the 20th annual Carolina Boat Builders Tournament in Manteo July 26-29. Register the evening of July 26th, or online before the tournament. The tournament is open to all boats.
August & September Fishing Tournaments
With summer in full swing, so are fishing tournaments. Manteo continues to host and has lined up the Alice Kelly Ladies Billfish Tournament on August 11-13, the Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament on August 12-18, and the annual Youth Fishing Tournament on August 12. Many events offer online registration, as well as on-site registration.
Celebrate Summer in Cape Hatteras
As you plan your North Carolina and Cape Hatteras summertime adventure, make sure to add your favorite events or festivals to the itinerary for your perfect vacation experience unique to you and your loved ones. Make part of that planning by booking a vacation rental with Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging. We have accommodations as small as a one-bedroom suite for a cozy sweetheart getaway all the way up to a six-bedroom single-family home so you can enjoy your favorite events with all your friends and family.
Contact us today to book your accommodations and start planning a Cape Hatteras summer event-filled adventure to remember!
