Season of Awakening: Spring Ways to Participate on the Outer Banks

Published by Outer Banks Visitors Bureau on Mar. 25, 2025

Spring on the Outer Banks brings March cleanups, April events, and eco-focused gatherings that invite the community to get involved.

As the season unfolds on the Outer Banks, bright colors, fresh coastal scents, and renewed energy return to the natural world. It is a welcome moment to slow down, reconnect with the outdoors, and consider how each of us can help care for this special place.

With Earth Day coming on April 22, the community has plenty of local events and hands-on activities where people can contribute.

Keep it Clean, Kitty Hawk! Spring Community Trash Clean Up

Saturday, March 29, 2025 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Kitty Hawk Town Hall – 101 Veterans Memorial Drive, Kitty Hawk

Take part in a town-wide effort to help keep Kitty Hawk looking beautiful. Volunteers will gather at Town Hall to receive an assignment and safety briefing before heading to designated cleanup locations throughout town. Cleanup materials will be supplied. After the cleanup, participants can enjoy a free lunch in appreciation of their work.

Sweep the Beach Trash Art Contest

Saturday, March 30, 2025 - Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Jockey’s Ridge Crossing – 3933 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head

Kitty Hawk Kites and Dare Arts are working together on the Outer Banks ‘Sweep the Beach’ Trash Art Contest. Tied to Earth Day, local artists have made pieces using trash collected from beaches and sounds. The finished artwork will be displayed in the TrART Walk at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, where the public is invited to vote. Selected pieces will later be relocated to Jockey’s Ridge State Park for Earth Fair OBX on April 22, with winners announced at 3:45 PM.

Kill Devil Hills Trash Attack!

Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Aviation Park – 103 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills

Pitch in to make Kill Devil Hills cleaner and brighter. Trash Attack! brings volunteers together for a community cleanup across town, from the beach to the soundside and the places in between. The event begins at Aviation Park, where participants will be given gloves, grabbers, and trash bags.

Surfrider Foundation Beach Cleanup

Sunday, April 13, 2025 | 4:00 PM-5:00 PM

Jockey’s Ridge State Park Soundside Access – W. Soundside Road, Nags Head

Kitty Hawk Kites is joining with the Surfrider Foundation Outer Banks Chapter for a season-long series of beach cleanups. After check-in, volunteers will get gloves and cleanup bags, then choose a stretch of beach to clean. Participants are encouraged to record the trash they collect through the Marine Debris Tracker app.

The Cigarette Surfboard Documentary Film Screening

Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM

The Pioneer Theater – 109 Budleigh Street, Manteo

The Cigarette Surfboard is an award-winning film that follows a surfboard made from cigarette butts around the world while exploring the importance of the ocean and the work professional surfers are doing to protect it. A pre-party starts at 5pm, with a food truck and drinks available for purchase. The surfboards will be displayed, and filmmaker Ben Judkins and surfboard shaper Taylor Lane will attend. The screening starts at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by a brief Q&A. The event is presented by The Coastal Studies Institute and The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. Admission to the event is FREE, seating is limited, and advance registration is required for the public.

Earth Fair OBX

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Jockey’s Ridge State Park – 300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head

Celebrate Earth Day with the Coastal Environmental Educators Network. This free gathering brings together many Outer Banks organizations offering environmental education, giving attendees a chance to learn from groups working to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Outer Banks. Visitors can share their appreciation for nature while exploring fun, informative exhibits and activities for kids.

For more ways to participate in the Outer Banks community, explore local volunteer opportunities or make The Outer Banks Promise, a voluntary commitment inviting residents and visitors to help protect this area for future generations.

Category: Sustainability