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    National Aviation Day on the Outer Banks

    sculpture of the Wright brothers' first flight on the Outer Banks
    Date:
    Time:
    All Day
    Location:
    Kill Devil Hills
    Venue:
    Wright Brothers National Memorial
    Link:
    Event Link
    Map:
    View map

    Details about National Aviation Day on the Outer Banks

    Price:

    • FREE! A $10 parking entry fee is usually required when visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial, but the National Park Service typically waives this fee for the National Aviation Day celebration. 

    Ages:

    • All ages welcome!

    Pets:

    • Leashed pets are welcome in outdoor areas at the National Aviation Day celebration on the Outer Banks.

    Please note: The start and end times for the August 19, 2026, event were not yet available when this article was written. Please refer to the event’s website for the latest information.

    National Aviation Day on the Outer Banks: August 19, 2026

    Celebrate National Aviation Day on the Outer Banks! National Aviation Day was first proclaimed by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 and honors Orville Wright’s birthday on August 19. On the Outer Banks, Aviation Day is hosted by the First Flight Society and celebrates the Wright brothers and the rich history of flight that followed their pioneering work. This free family-friendly event is planned to take place at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

    sculpture of the Wright brothers' first flight on the Outer Banks

    History of National Aviation Day on the Outer Banks

    Did you know the first controlled, sustained, powered, heavier-than-air flight took place right here on the Outer Banks? On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright piloted the Wright Flyer for twelve seconds, traveling 120 feet and paving the way for a new era of possibility. The First Flight Society was created in 1927 to preserve the location and the legacy of the Wright Brothers’ first flights. They promote aviation education and support the National Park Service at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The First Flight Society’s National Aviation Day celebration is one of a series of educational programs and annual events.

    Photo of the Wright brothers' first powered flight on the Outer Banks

    What to Expect at the National Aviation Day Celebration

    Visitors can get up close to eye-catching airplane displays, listen to engaging guest speakers, and explore interactive exhibits designed to heighten their curiosity. Enjoy local food trucks, flyovers, and take part in hands-on activities that make learning about aviation both fun and unforgettable for all ages. In previous years, there have even been scavenger hunts and delicious cake to add to the fun.

    Explore The Area

    The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a national park at the site of the Wright Brothers’ first successful powered flight. The open grounds include the monument atop a high dune, a life-size steel-and-bronze statue of the Wright Flyer and the people present at the moment of the first flight, a walkable flight line of the first flight, reconstructions of the 1903 hangar and living quarters, a museum, and more.

    Aerial view of the Wright Brothers National Memorial

    See You There!

    Whether you’re a longtime aviation fan or just looking for a fun, family-friendly way to spend the day, National Aviation Day on the Outer Banks has a little something for everyone. It’s more than just an event; it’s a chance to soak in some history, enjoy the moment, and maybe even leave with a new appreciation for the evolution of flight.