2026 OBX Arts & Craft Festival in Kitty Hawk

The OBX Arts & Craft Festival brings two days of locally made art to Kitty Hawk on September 9-10, 2026. Held at the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk, the free event features 24 locally known artists working across a broad selection of media.

For visitors searching for an Outer Banks keepsake with a genuine connection to the region, the festival offers an appealing alternative to mass-produced souvenirs. Its central location also makes it easy to fit between a beach morning, lunch, or another sightseeing stop.

Dates, Hours, and Location

The festival runs Wednesday, September 9, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Thursday, September 10, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free.

The venue is the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk at 5353 North Virginia Dare Trail. The hotel lists complimentary standard self-parking, although visitors should follow any event-specific signs and parking directions on arrival.

Wednesday offers the longest browsing window. Visitors interested in seeing the widest possible selection may want to arrive early on the first day because individual works can be one of a kind.

What You Will Find

The published 2026 festival listing includes painting, photography, jewelry, pottery, basketry, fiber art, collage, and more. With 24 participating artists, visitors can compare different styles and materials without the scale or pace of a large convention.

Take time to speak with the makers. Asking about a work's materials, technique, or inspiration often reveals the connection between the finished piece and the coastal environment in which it was created. If you purchase something fragile or oversized, ask the artist about safe packing, care, or shipping before completing the sale.

Jewelry and smaller fiber pieces travel easily, while pottery, baskets, photographs, and paintings may require more space and protection in the car. Arriving with a general gift list can make it easier to browse with purpose while still leaving room for an unexpected favorite.

Meet Three Community Organizations

Three local charities will also have booths at the festival: N.E.S.T., the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles; Beach Food Pantry; and Coastal Humane Society.

Their presence gives visitors an opportunity to learn about local conservation, food assistance, and animal welfare work. Artist purchases are not advertised as automatic donations to these organizations, so guests wishing to help should ask each booth about direct support opportunities.

Make the Most of Your Visit

Allow at least an hour for an initial pass through the show, then return to favorite booths before leaving. Photographing artwork is not always permitted, so ask the artist first. Check the organizer's page (https://www.obxartsandcraftsshows.com/) before attending for any last-minute schedule, payment, or accessibility updates.

Whether you leave with coastal photography, handmade jewelry, pottery, or simply a stronger connection to the local creative community, the OBX Arts & Craft Festival provides an easy and welcoming way to meet the people behind the work.