October 30–November 1, 2026

If you’re spending Halloween weekend on the Outer Banks, there’s plenty to put on the calendar. Friday brings glowing pumpkins and haunted trails, Saturday combines waterfront traditions with trick-or-treating, and Sunday offers two oyster celebrations.

Here’s a guide to events around the Outer Banks, plus nearby mainland stops in East Lake and Barco. Whether you’re planning an afternoon with the kids or a night out, check each organizer’s latest updates before heading out.

Friday, October 30

A Night of 1587 Pumpkins — Manteo

The Elizabethan Gardens | 5:30–8:30 p.m.

The Elizabethan Gardens celebrates Halloween with a goal of lighting 1,587 jack-o’-lanterns. Come in costume for a pumpkin-lined evening with trick-or-treating, contests and seasonal treats.

Trick-or-treating and pumpkin drop-off run from 5:30–7 p.m., with contests beginning at 7 p.m. Check the Gardens’ website for admission and ticket availability.

Hatteras Library Halloween Celebration — Hatteras

Hatteras Library | 5–7 p.m.

Gather for spooky campfire stories, treats and surprises. Families can enjoy stories together, while teens have a separate area with creepier tales.

Saints & Sinners Halloween Party — Manteo

Old Tom’s Beer, Wine & Provisions | 6:30–10:30 p.m.

Old Tom’s is hosting a costume party with Jeremy Russell performing from 7–10 p.m. Costume prizes are scheduled for 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Admission is free. Families are welcome until 8 p.m., when the event becomes 21 and older.

Halloween Bash with Redline Band — Wanchese

Safe Harbor Outer Banks | 7 p.m.

Head to Wanchese for a Halloween evening with live music from Redline Band. Check with the venue for admission details.

Wicked Woods Haunted Attraction — East Lake

Mainland Dare County | 7:30–11 p.m. Friday

For those looking for a scare, Wicked Woods has a Friday-night listing from 7:30–11 p.m. Check the attraction’s current ticket information before making the drive.

Happening Friday and Saturday

Backwoods Haunt — Barco

McHorney’s Odditorium, 4429 Caratoke Highway
October 30–31 | 7:30–10:30 p.m. each night; gates open at 7 p.m.

Backwoods Haunt brings live actors, haunted scenes and special effects to the historic McHorney’s Odditorium property.

The organizer describes the attraction as intended for mature audiences, with interactive scares, strobes, fog and simulated blood effects. Tickets are advertised online and at the gate; availability should be checked before arriving.

Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree — Ocracoke

October 30–31 | Listed starts: Friday at 1 p.m.; Saturday at 10 a.m.

Ocracoke’s pirate history comes to life with a pirate encampment, living-history demonstrations, music, vendors and hands-on activities. A reenactment of Blackbeard’s final battle is among the featured events.

This is a two-day celebration, so check the full program when deciding which activities you want to catch.

Saturday, October 31

Manteo Wooden Boat Show — Downtown Manteo

Roanoke Island Maritime Museum and waterfront | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: Free

Start Halloween along the Manteo waterfront, where wooden boats will be displayed on land at George Washington Creef Park and in the water near the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse.

The show celebrates wooden boatbuilding and restoration, with examples from both owners and professional builders.

Island Farm Pumpkin Patch — Roanoke Island

1140 N. U.S. Highway 64, Manteo | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Admission: $11 ages 4 and older; ages 3 and younger free

Island Farm’s fall celebration includes historic games, doll crafting, candle making, apple cider and popcorn samples, and a makers market.

Activities are included with admission; pumpkins and market purchases cost extra.

Jolly Roger Trunk or Treat — Kill Devil Hills

Jolly Roger Restaurant | 1–4 p.m.

Jolly’s “Pirates, Pumpkins & Paws” celebration includes trunk-or-treating, a pirate treasure hunt, face painting, games and costume contests for children and pets. Pony cart rides benefit LDB Farm and Animal Sanctuary.

Mount Olivet Trunk or Treat — Manteo

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church parking lot | 4–6 p.m.

Bring the kids in costume for a community trunk-or-treat stop before continuing with the evening’s downtown activities.

Children’s Fest — Downtown Manteo

5–7 p.m.

Coastal Family Church’s annual Children’s Fest includes games, inflatables, food, prizes and candy. Children are encouraged to come in costume.

First Street Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating — Kill Devil Hills

Halloween evening | Household hours vary

First Street is listed in current local guides as a neighborhood trick-or-treating destination on October 31.

This is neighborhood participation rather than a single organized event with published hours. Look for participating homes, respect residents’ property and use extra care around pedestrians. I could not confirm an official start or end time.

Halloween Island Street Party — Downtown Manteo

Halloween afternoon and evening; confirm the schedule

Halloween Island brings themed businesses, costumes and festivities to downtown Manteo.

Published schedules differ: some list the street party beginning at 4 p.m., while another current guide lists the evening celebration from 8–11 p.m. Check Halloween Island’s latest announcement before planning around a specific start or finish time.

Halloween Night Spooktacular with Monster Cheeze — Manteo

Lost Colony Tavern | 8–11 p.m.

Continue the Halloween evening with live music from Monster Cheeze at Lost Colony Tavern.

Halloween Throwdown with DJ Charley — Kill Devil Hills

Goombays Grille & Raw Bar | 10 p.m.

For a later night out, Goombays lists its Halloween Throwdown beginning at 10 p.m. Contact the venue for cover charges and age requirements.

Sunday, November 1

8th Annual Oyster Roast at Mimi’s Tiki Hut — Manteo

Pirate’s Cove, 2000 Sailfish Drive | Noon–4 p.m.
$50 per person

Finish the weekend on the dock with all-you-can-eat raw or steamed oysters. Graham Outten provides live music from 1–4 p.m. The event announcement encourages guests to bring an oyster knife.

Roanoke Island Oyster Shellabration & BBQ — Wanchese

Safe Harbor Marina & Tiki Bar, 708 Harbor Road | 1–4 p.m.
$95 per person | Ages 21 and older

The Roanoke Island Historical Association’s second annual Shellabration brings together North Carolina oyster farmers, local barbecue vendors and waterfront festivities.

Check ticket availability before making plans.

What About Creepy in Corolla?

Creepy in Corolla Trunk or Treat has appeared in past Halloween guides, but the 2026 listings I found still describe it as “TBD” or say it may return to Historic Corolla Park/Whalehead.

I cannot confirm that it is taking place this weekend or provide verified hours. It should not be treated as a confirmed event without a current organizer announcement.

Before You Head Out

These details reflect published listings checked October 30, 2026. Times, admission and ticket availability may change, particularly for outdoor events. Check directly with the organizer for the latest information.

Have another confirmed local event to add? Share the details in the comments.

Sarah Pritchard | Outer Banks Real Estate
@sellingtheobx