2027 calendars are now open!
Buy A House 800-368-3825
    • WiFi *
    • Keyless Entry *
    • Fully Equipped Kitchen *
    • Cook & Tableware *
    • Coffee Maker *
    • Outdoor Grill *
    • Sheets & Towels *

      We supply two towel sets per King/Queen/Double bed and one per Twin bed. Each towel set contains a bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth. Extra towel sets are available for rent, please call our office for more info.

    • Signature Welcome Package *

      A reusable shopping bag containing a starter supply of fresh roasted coffee, dishwashing detergent, bath soap, toilet tissue, laundry detergent, paper towels, as well as 2 dish cloths, 2 dish towels and a pot holder

    * All houses include these items.

    Outer Banks Annual Watermelon Festival

    Date:
    Time:
    -
    Location:
    3933 S. Croatan Highway
    Venue:
    Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing
    Link:
    Event Link
    Map:
    View map

    Details about Outer Banks Annual Watermelon Festival

    Price:

    • The Outer Banks Watermelon Festival is free to attend; however, tickets must be purchased to eat and participate in some games and activities.

    Ages:

    • All ages welcome!

    Pets:

    • Leashed pets are welcome at the Outer Banks Watermelon Festival.

    Outer Banks Annual Watermelon Festival: August 6, 2026

    Is there anything better on a hot, salty summer day than biting into a cold, juicy slice of watermelon? Didn’t think so! Come hang out at the Outer Banks Watermelon Festival, hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites. This event began in 2007 and takes place at Jockеy’s Ridgе Crossing in Nags Hеad each August. It’s the perfect laid-back summer day filled with fun games, cool prizes, arts and crafts, and plenty of family-friendly competitions. Bring your friends (furry ones included), wander through the festivities, and soak up those local vibes while supporting a great cause: bicycle and pedestrian safety on the Outer Banks.

    History of the Outer Banks Watermelon Festival

    Aside from all the fun and sweet slices, the Watermelon Festival carries a deeper purpose as the annual fundraiser for the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition. The coalition was founded in January 2013. Since then, the community has really come together to educate and spread awareness about simple, practical safety tips for drivers, pedestrians, bikers, and all those living in or visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Because of that effort, many lives have been saved, and that’s a beautiful thing.

    What to Expect at the Watermelon Festival

    Start your day with a stroll through the festival grounds and try some delicious food from a variety of local vendors, then kick back and relax while enjoying the sounds of live music drifting through the salty coastal air. If you’re feeling adventurous, dive into classic watermelon-themed competitions like the seed-spitting contest, watermelon bowling, the rubber band challenge, and of course, the ever-popular watermelon-eating contest. Get creative by designing your own colorful tie-dye T-shirt or bring home a whimsical watermelon windsock to brighten your patio. Challenge yourself on the rock wall or enjoy a fun face-painting experience courtesy of The Lost Colony.

    Explore The Area

    If the Watermelon Festival isn’t enough to keep you busy, take some time to wander through the shops at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. This two-story plaza has a little bit of everything: sweet treats, beach gear, and cool local finds, all with an awesome view of Jockey’s Ridge State Park right across the street. Jockey’s Ridge is the largest living sand dune on the East Coast and is worth exploring. It’s the perfect spot to fly a kite (there’s no shortage of kites at Kitty Hawk Kites!) and offers ocean-to-sound views from the top.

    outer banks watermelon festival jockeys ridge

    See You There!

    What may have started as a casual community event has blossomed into a small festival enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike, all in support of a heartfelt cause. Whether you’re a year-round resident or just visiting for a relaxing beach getaway, the Outer Banks Watermelon Festival is a fun activity the whole family will enjoy.