What’s Happening On the Outer Banks

It’s the last Tuesday before Memorial Day weekend, and whether you’re already here or still packing, the Outer Banks is buzzing with anticipation. The breeze smells like salt and sunscreen, coolers are being stocked, and locals are prepping for the first real wave of summer. Today’s forecast is breezy but beautiful, and we’ve got all the things to do, see, and snack on while you're here. Let’s jump into it like it’s a warm wave at Jennette’s Pier.

🌤️ Today’s Weather & Water Report

The Outer Banks is waking up to partly sunny skies with a high around 76°F and a gentle ocean breeze out of the southeast at 10–15 mph. Expect lows tonight in the comfortable upper 60s.
🌅 Sunrise: 5:49 AM
🌊 Water Temp: Low to mid 60s depending on the beach
🌊 Tide Info: High tide around 6:12 AM and 6:31 PM; Low tide around 12:09 PM
💧 UV Index: 8 — don’t forget that sunscreen!

🧳 Gearing Up for Memorial Day Weekend

🏕️ If you’re planning to be on the OBX for Memorial Day, now’s the time to:

• Reserve beach gear (umbrellas, chairs, boards — they go fast!)

• Stock up at local groceries and farm stands before the Thursday crowd hits

• Double-check ferry schedules if heading to Ocracoke

• Pack bug spray & citronella candles — we’re in pre-skeeter season

• Make a dinner reservation or two — locals know the wait times jump big time by Friday!

Pro tip: Beat the weekend traffic by doing your big grocery shop by Thursday morning.

🐶 It’s National Rescue Dog Day!

Let’s hear it for the pups! Today we’re celebrating National Rescue Dog Day, and we’re lucky to have some incredible animal rescues on the Outer Banks working hard year-round.

🐾 Local Rescue Heroes:

• Outer Banks SPCA (Manteo): Adoptions, fostering, and great volunteer opportunities.

• Feline Hope (Kitty Hawk): For the cat lovers among us.

• Currituck Animal Services & Control: Just over the bridge and doing amazing work.

• PetSmart Charities Events (frequent adoption events in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills!)

🦴 Want to help? Donate, foster, or just stop by with treats and toys! And if you’ve got a rescue pup with you this week — show them off with #OBXRescueLove!

🍓 It’s Also National Strawberry Picking Day!

Strawberry lovers, rejoice — it’s prime time for sweet, sun-ripened berries.

🍓 Pick-Your-Own Near the OBX:

• Manns Harbor Farms (15 mins from Nags Head)

• Powell’s Roadside Market (Hwy 168 in Shawboro)

• Morris Farm Market (Barco, NC – a classic stop for fresh berries & pies)

🍅 Prefer to skip the picking? Visit these great markets:

• Dowdy Park Farmers Market (Nags Head) – Opens May 23!

• Secotan Market (Wanchese, Saturdays) – Strawberries, seafood, and more.

• Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market – Strawberries, strawberry bread, strawberry wine...

☀️ How Many More Days Until Summer Starts?

Technically, summer doesn’t start until June 20, but we all know the truth...
It starts in exactly 3 DAYS — a.k.a. Memorial Day Weekend on the OBX.
That’s when the grills fire up, flip-flops come out, and the calendar gives up trying to keep track of weekdays.

📅 Sneak Peek at June OBX Events

Plan ahead and mark these down — June is packed with fun:

🎣 June 1–7: Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament (Morehead City) – worth the drive!
🌻 June 6: First Friday in Downtown Manteo – Live music, art, food & local vibes
🏖️ June 8: Island Farm Living History Day (Manteo) – Step back into the 1850s
🌊 June 14–15: Hang Gliding Spectacular at Jockey’s Ridge
🐚 June 21: Summer Solstice Festival at Nags Head Town Park
🎆 June 29–30: Fireworks kickoff parties across OBX towns ahead of the 4th

🎯 Pro Tip: Keep checking OBXThings.com for daily updates, restaurant specials, and more insider tips as we roll into the season.