Things to Do on the OBX - March 15, 2025

Hello, beach lovers and luck-seekers! The Outer Banks is painted green this weekend as St. Patrick's Day festivities take over our sandy shores. The celebration is in full swing today, and there's a pot of gold waiting at the end of this weekend's rainbow of events.

Whether you're joining today's festivities or planning for tomorrow's parade, it's time to don your greenest attire, practice your best Irish accent, and embrace one of the most spirited weekends on the OBX calendar!

Today's Weather & Conditions

Today's forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching a high of 68°F and dropping to around 56°F tonight. We're experiencing winds from the south at approximately 30 mph, and humidity is around 75%. The UV index remains moderate at 4.

This morning's sunrise brightened our shores at 7:12 am, and sunset will arrive at 7:09 pm this evening. Water temperatures are measuring between 57°F to 61°F - still chilly for swimming unless you're particularly hardy or equipped with a good wetsuit!

There's a chance of light rain later today (estimates vary from 14% to 86% depending on forecasts), so a waterproof jacket might be a smart addition to your green outfit.

St. Patrick's Day Weekend Festivities

Today's Highlights (Saturday, March 15)

The St. Patrick's Day festivities are in full swing today! Here's what's happening:

• St. Patrick's Day Beer Mile - Lace up those running shoes (and prep your drinking arm) for this unique event at Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills starting at 2:00 PM today. Participants run a mile while consuming a beer every quarter-mile. Costumes are highly encouraged, so break out your most outrageous green gear!

• OBX Party Bus St. Patty's Day Crawl - No need to worry about driving between celebrations with options for both daytime and nighttime guided pub crawls. The party bus will take you to the best St. Paddy's celebrations around the OBX, providing safe transportation between venues. If you haven't already secured your spot, check for last-minute availability as seats are limited!

• Sandy O'Banks Pop-Up Irish Pub at Bonzer Shack in Kill Devil Hills continues its festive Irish transformation with Irish-inspired food, drinks, and live entertainment as part of their March 12-16 celebration. Perfect for dinner plans tonight!

Tomorrow (Sunday, March 16) - Parade Day!

The highlight of the weekend will be the legendary Kelly's St. Patrick's Day Parade starting at 1:00 PM on Beach Road (NC Highway 12) in Nags Head. This beloved tradition, established by Mike Kelly in 1990, has grown into one of North Carolina's largest St. Patrick's Day parades. The route begins at Bladen Street and heads north to Driftwood Street, featuring:

• Vibrant floats

• Irish dancers

• Live music and marching bands

• Classic cars

• Green-clad participants throwing beads and candy

Parade Tips:

• Arrive early! Prime viewing spots disappear quickly

• Bring chairs for comfort along Beach Road

• Wear your greenest, most festive attire

• Consider carpooling as parking is limited near the parade route

• Be prepared for potentially wet conditions - tomorrow's forecast shows a 54-87% chance of rain with temperatures up to 65-69°F and strong south winds of 27-38 mph

Where to Celebrate After the Parade

Continue your celebrations at these Irish-spirited venues tomorrow:

• Lost Colony Tavern in Downtown Manteo - Featuring live Irish music from The O'Brothers and a special Irish menu

• Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills - Enjoy craft beers and live music throughout the weekend

• Mulligan's Grille in Nags Head - Savor Irish-inspired dishes and drink specials

• Trio Wine, Beer & Cheese in Kitty Hawk - Sample St. Patrick's Day-themed tastings

• Bonzer Shack in Kill Devil Hills - Continue enjoying their Sandy O'Banks Pop-Up Irish Pub experience

Don't let a little rain dampen your St. Patrick's Day spirit! This beloved OBX tradition brings out the community rain or shine, with plenty of indoor options to duck into if the weather turns. Whether you're running the Beer Mile today, hopping on the party bus tonight, or cheering at the parade tomorrow, there's something green and festive for everyone this weekend!

May the luck of the Irish be with you, and we'll see you out there celebrating! Sláinte!