Momentous Milestones Celebrated Across the Outer Banks

By Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Jun. 16, 2025

Across the Outer Banks, 2025 is bringing a remarkable collection of anniversaries. Celebrated restaurants, beloved attractions, and community organizations are reaching milestones ranging from 20 to 250 years. Their endurance reflects a deep commitment to the Outer Banks and the people who call it home. Explore who is marking an anniversary, how each group is commemorating it, and how you can participate.

Renowned Restaurants

Barefoot Bernie’s Tropical Grill & Bar (20 years), Lucky 12 Tavern (20 years), Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar and Grill (25 years), Pigman’s Bar-B-Que (40 years), and Capt'n Frank's (50 years) are each celebrating an anniversary milestone in 2025.

Their menus span island cuisine, local seafood, barbecue, and hot dogs, with every restaurant bringing its own character to the Outer Banks. Visiting these longstanding establishments is one way to recognize the culinary legacy they have helped build.

Adored Destinations

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge became a State Park 50 years ago in 1975, after efforts brought an end to the destruction of its sand dune system. Today, Jockey’s Ridge State Park offers activities including hang gliding and is supported by dedicated volunteers through Friends of Jockey’s Ridge.

The park held a major anniversary celebration from June 5th through June 8th. The program included live music, the famous Rogallo Kite Festival, and its first ever drone show.

Whalebone Surf Shop

For 5 decades, Whalebone Surf Shop has served surfers and beach enthusiasts throughout the Outer Banks. The award-winning shop is recognizable by its iconic Whalebone logo and remains a local favorite across generations.

Its 50th anniversary was recently marked with limited edition apparel and a celebration at Swells’a Brewing.

The Lost Colony

For 88 seasons, The Lost Colony has brought audiences the story of the first attempt at English Settlement in the New World. The anniversary season runs from May 29th to August 23rd at the Waterside Theatre in the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

Visitors and community members can support the production through volunteer opportunities and fundraisers such as Local’s Dare Nights.

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

What is now the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island (NCARI) was established in 1976, almost 50 years ago, along with its sister facilities. Each year, NCARI houses over 2,200 animals and welcomes more than 280,000 visitors to its exhibits and aquarium events.

The Sanderling Resort

The Sanderling Resort is celebrating 40 years of genuine southern hospitality with extensive renovations. The updates were designed to reflect the beauty of the Outer Banks and include refreshed interiors, improved amenities, and the addition of the acclaimed culinary destination Theodosia.

Outstanding Organizations

Community Care Clinic of Dare

The Community Care Clinic of Dare (CCCD) is marking 20 years since its founding in Kitty Hawk, NC back in 2005. The CCCD delivers essential healthcare to Dare County residents who are uninsured or underinsured.

Although the anniversary open house has already taken place, there are still ways to support the organization. Options include volunteering with the biweekly Free Food Distribution or attending fundraisers such as the Acoustic Sunset Wine Down Thursdays and the Annual Billfish Tournament.

Outer Banks Relief Foundation

The Outer Banks Relief Foundation (OBRF) began 20 years ago after a group raised funds for a local child fighting leukemia. It now provides financial assistance to 150 local households annually.

OBRF raises money through events including the Throwdown Surf Classic, which has generated $245,000 to date, and Couture by the Shore, which raised $185,000 this year alone.

Dare County Parks and Recreation

The year 2025 marks both the 40th anniversary of Dare County Parks & Recreation and National Parks & Recreation month. Dare County Parks and Recreation offers Dare County top-tier parks, inclusive programs, and additional community resources.

The organization has numerous volunteer opportunities. On July 18th, it will celebrate 4 decades of success with a Family Fun in the Park Block Party.

Dare Arts

Dare Arts was founded 50 years ago to promote the arts in Dare County. Its anniversary celebrations included Fifty Years of Dare Arts, A Retrospective, an exhibit presented in the organization’s distinctive style.

Upcoming activities include Fresh from the Outer Banks, paint-along workshops, and summer kids art parties. Community members may also volunteer in the gallery or participate on one of the committees.

Coming Soon: United States Semiquincentennial

The Outer Banks is not alone in approaching a major anniversary. On July 4th next year, America will celebrate its 250th anniversary. Although the occasion is still a year away, preparations for celebrations on the Outer Banks are already underway.

The OBX is home to many firsts in United States history. On this small stretch of sand, the first English child was born in the New World, the first application of a successful, commercially – adaptable technique of radio communications in North America took place, the first successful flights in motor-driven, heavier-than-air machines launched in Kitty Hawk, the first National Seashore was designated at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and the first black lifesaving station was established at Pea Island.

From sand dunes and tiki bars to moments that shaped history, the Outer Banks has many restaurants, historic places, and organizations to recognize in 2025 and into 2026. You can honor these local treasures by volunteering or supporting a longtime local business. There are countless ways to celebrate these momentous milestones.