Things to Do on the OBX - March 16, 2025

Top o' the mornin' to ya, Outer Bankers! Grab your green gear and prepare for a day filled with Celtic celebration, community spirit, and coastal charm. Whether you're a local or visitor, today promises memories as vast as our beautiful shoreline!

Weather & Water Watch

The luck of the Irish is with us today with temperatures hovering in the mid-50s—perfect parade weather! Expect mostly clear skies as the sun rose at 7:10 AM and will set at 7:12 PM, giving us plenty of daylight for festivities. 

Ocean temperatures are sitting at a brisk 57.7°F, and for those watching the tides, we'll have high tide at 9:27 AM (3.1 ft) and low tide at 3:32 PM1 The moon is in its Waning Gibbous phase, casting its glow over our evening celebrations. For beach goers, wave heights are decreasing throughout the day from about 4 feet this morning to around 3 feet by evening.

Kelly's St. Patrick's Day Parade: A Beloved OBX Tradition

Today marks the 33rd Annual Kelly's St. Patrick's Day Parade, a cherished Outer Banks tradition that has become one of North Carolina's largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations5. What began in 1990 as an idea during a planning conference at the Sanderling in Duck has blossomed into a cultural phenomenon that draws thousands to our shores each March.

Mike Kelly, the visionary behind this festive tradition, started the parade as a way to bring joy and community spirit to the off-season Outer Banks. Throughout its history, the parade has featured everything from elaborate floats to marching bands, Irish dancers, and plenty of green-clad revelers tossing beads and candy to eager spectators.

Today's parade kicks off at 1:00 PM SHARP along Beach Road (NC Highway 12) in Nags Head. The procession begins at Bladen Street and continues north to Driftwood Street, just past Milepost 11.5. With an estimated 10,000 spectators and nearly 2,000 participants, you'll want to arrive early to claim your spot!

Parking is available at beach accesses north and south of the parade route, the Outer Banks Family YMCA, Nags Head Elementary School, and Dowdy Park. Street parking is limited, so please respect all posted signs and residents' driveways.

March With a Mission: Coastal Humane Society Walkathon

Before the main parade begins, join the Coastal Humane Society for their 28th Annual Walkathon! This heart-warming event is both a celebration of our furry friends and a vital fundraiser supporting pet care across the Outer Banks.

Participants and their pups should gather at Bladen Street Beach Access (Milepost 11.5) at 12:00 PM9. Walkathon participants will lead the parade alongside the Grand Marshals, making for a tail-wagging good time. All funds raised help provide essential services like spay/neuter assistance, vaccinations, and emergency veterinary care for local animals in need.

There's still time to register as an individual, team, or business group, and to collect donations to support this wonderful cause. Special awards await top fundraisers, including the coveted "Top Dog Award" and the "Golden Paw" for the most successful team.

After the Parade: Keep the Celtic Celebration Going!

When the last float passes by, the festivities are far from over! Continue your St. Patrick's Day celebrations at these fantastic OBX venues:

Sandy O'Banks Pop-Up Irish Pub at Bonzer Shack

Visit Kill Devil Hills for an authentic Irish pub experience featuring Irish-inspired food, drinks, and live entertainment through today1. Bonzer Shack's transformation into a festive Irish hub is the perfect post-parade destination.

Local Pubs and Eateries

Several Outer Banks establishments are offering special St. Patrick's Day menus and entertainment:

• Outer Banks Brewing Station (Kill Devil Hills): Enjoy craft beers and live music in this wind-powered brewery

• Mulligan's Grille (Nags Head): Savor Irish-inspired dishes and drink specials1

• Trio Wine, Beer & Cheese (Kitty Hawk): Participate in St. Patrick's Day themed tastings

• Lost Colony Tavern (Manteo): Experience their month-long celebration with Irish food and drinks

May your day be filled with as much joy as there are grains of sand on our beaches! Sláinte!