Wright Brothers Day

Details about Wright Brothers Day

Price:

• Admission to the Wright Brothers National Memorial is waived for this event. First Flight Society’s annual luncheon is at noon, location TBD. (There is a cost for the luncheon.)

Ages:

• All ages welcome!

Pets:

• Pets are welcome at Wright Brothers National Memorial as long as they (and their owners) follow the principles of B.A.R.K. B=Bag your pet’s waste. A=Always on leash. R=Respect Wildlife. K=Know where you can go.

Wright Brothers Day: December 17, 2026

Celebrate Wright Brothers Day with the First Flight Society and National Park Service! Entry to the Wright Brothers National Memorial is free on this special anniversary. The celebrations include educational activities and ceremonies that continue at the park throughout the day, and an optional off-site luncheon (tickets for sale in advance). This annual event honors the anniversary of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s first successful powered flight. Guests can enjoy inspiring speakers, hands-on activities, and historical exhibits that celebrate the innovation that changed travel and aviation forever.

History of the Wright Brothers

The brothers’ love for aviation first started when they were kids after their father brought home a small French toy helicopter powered by rubber bands. The brothers had a knack for building and designing just about anything they set their minds to. Wilbur was often described as the dreamer with big ideas, while Orville was the quiet mechanical genius who knew how to bring those ideas to life; together, they made the perfect team.
In 1893, the brothers opened a bicycle shop in their hometown of Dayton, Ohio, where they designed and built their own bikes from scratch. They spent years in the back of their shop experimenting with flight through endless tests, homemade gliders, and plenty of trial and error. After realizing they needed stronger winds and wide-open space for their experiments, they packed up their operation and headed to the sandy dunes of Kitty Hawk and the beautiful Outer Banks.

On December 17, 1903, all of their hard work finally paid off when the brothers launched the first successful powered flight in human history. At exactly 10:35 AM, their flying machine lifted off the ground and traveled 120 feet in just 12 seconds, a small flight that would end up changing the world.
In 1963, Congress passed a joint resolution officially designating December 17 as Wright Brothers Day and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation encouraging Americans to observe the occasion with ceremonies and activities honoring the Wright brothers’ accomplishments.

What to Expect at Wright Brothers Day

Wright Brothers Day is a fun and inspiring way to celebrate the moment that changed the world right here on the Outer Banks. The day kicks off at the memorial with a morning ceremony, guest speakers, special presentations, and tributes to Orville and Wilbur Wright, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the memorial’s historic 428-acre park preserve.

Throughout the day, visitors can explore aviation exhibits, enjoy activities, and learn more about the Wright brothers’ journey from bicycle mechanics to aviation pioneers. Take a stroll through the memorial grounds and visit the First Flight Boulder, which marks the spot where the historic first powered flight began. Follow the flight line and its markers to see the exact locations where each of the four flights landed on December 17, 1903, and stop by the reconstructed camp buildings to get a peek at the simple living and working conditions the brothers experienced during their time on the Outer Banks. You’ll also want to check out the visitors center and museum, where you’ll see a life-size replica of the Wright Brothers’ flyer and hear stories about the many challenges they overcame before finally taking flight. If you’re up for a stroll, walk to the top of Big Kill Devil Hill, where you’ll see a towering 60-foot-tall granite memorial with wing-inspired designs and carved inscriptions honoring the brothers’ achievement. At the top of the hill, you’ll have panoramic views of the Outer Banks.

Explore The Area

Guests are encouraged to spend the day enjoying the scenic park’s wide open grassy fields, walking paths, picnic areas, and panoramic views from the Wright Brothers Monument. The visitor center and museum offer a fun and engaging way to learn about how two bicycle builders changed the world through flight.

Once you’ve explored all the memorial has to offer, there’s plenty more to do nearby. Browse local gift shops and art galleries, savor fresh Outer Banks seafood, or head to one of the area’s fishing piers and try catching your own dinner. Spend some time hunting for seashells along the tide line, hiking through Nags Head Woods, or soaking in a picture-perfect sunset over Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

See You There!

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a history lover, or just looking for a unique Outer Banks experience, Wright Brothers Day offers a great balance of learning and inspiration for all ages. Mark your calendar for December 17, gather your crew, and come be a part of this fun day!