2025 marks a year of celebration on the Outer Banks, as many local renowned restaurants, adored destinations, and outstanding organizations are celebrating momentous milestones. Whether it be a 20th or 250th anniversary, the longevity of these community-oriented groups is a testament to their devotion to and love for the Outer Banks. Here’s a glimpse of who’s celebrating, what they’re doing to commemorate, and ways you can get involved.
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 all restaurants that hit anniversary milestones this year. From island cuisine and local seafood to barbecue and hot dogs, each spot offers something unique. All of these renowned restaurants are worth visiting to celebrate their legacy, as each helps make up the culinary identity of the Outer Banks.
Adored Destinations
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Jockey’s Ridge was founded 50 years ago as a State Park in 1975 when destruction of its sand dune system was put to an end. Jockey’s Ridge State Park hosts a wide range of activities, like hang gliding, and has a group of dedicated volunteers called the Friends of Jockey’s Ridge. It hosted a grand celebration from June 5th through June 8th with live music, the famous Rogallo Kite Festival, and its first ever drone show.
Whalebone Surf Shop
For 5 decades, Whalebone Surf Shop has been serving surfers and beach lovers on the Outer Banks. This award-winning shop can be identified by its iconic Whalebone logo, and it has been a local favorite for generations. It recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with limited edition apparel and a bash at Swells’a Brewing.
The Lost Colony
For the past 88 seasons, The Lost Colony has been enchanting audiences with the story of the first attempt at English Settlement in the New World. This anniversary season will run from May 29th to August 23rd at the Waterside Theatre in the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. It offers different volunteer opportunities and community fundraisers like Local’s Dare Nights.
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
In 1976, almost 50 years ago, what is now the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island (NCARI) was founded along with its sister facilities. The NCARI annually houses over 2,200 animals and welcomes more than 280,000 visitors to its daily exhibits and aquarium events, including Stomp and Splash and Sound Bath Under the Sea.
The Sanderling Resort
To celebrate 40 years of providing genuine southern hospitality, The Sanderling Resort has undergone extensive renovations. To mirror the Outer Banks’ beauty, the Sanderling remodeled its interiors, enhanced its amenities, and added an acclaimed culinary destination, Theodosia.
Outstanding Organizations
Community Care Clinic of Dare
The Community Care Clinic of Dare (CCCD), is celebrating its 20th year since being founded in Kitty Hawk, NC back in 2005. The CCCD provides essential healthcare to Dare County residents who are uninsured or underinsured. Though its anniversary open house has passed, you can still celebrate by volunteering for the biweekly Free Food Distribution or attending one of its fundraisers, including the Acoustic Sunset “Wine Down Thursdays” and the 4th Annual Billfish Tournament.
Outer Banks Relief Foundation
20 years ago, the Outer Banks Relief Foundation (OBRF) began when a group fundraised for a local child fighting leukemia. Since then, it has been providing financial assistance to 150 local households annually. To fundraise, OBRF has an upcoming Throwdown Surf Classic, which has generated $245,000 to date, and the Couture by the Shore event, which raised an incredible $185,000 this year alone.
Dare County Parks and Recreation
2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Dare County Parks & Recreation and National Parks & Recreation month. Dare County Parks and Recreation provides Dare County with top-tier parks, inclusive programs, and more. It boasts many volunteer opportunities, and on July 18th, it will commemorate its 4 decades of success with a Family Fun in the Park Block Party.
Dare Arts
It’s been a fantastic 50 years since Dare Arts was created to encourage the arts in Dare County. It celebrated in true Dare Arts fashion by hosting an exquisite exhibit: Fifty Years of Dare Arts, A Retrospective. Upcoming events include Fresh from the Outer Banks, paint-along workshops, and summer kids art parties. You can also volunteer in the gallery or join one of the committees.
Coming Soon: United States Semiquincentennial
The Outer Banks isn’t the only place with momentous milestones on the horizon. Next year, America will be celebrating its 250th anniversary on July 4th. Though it is a year away, plans have already hit the ground running on the Outer Banks for celebrating this once in a lifetime occasion. Did you know the OBX is home to many firsts in the United States's history? On our tiny strip 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 happened, 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 placed at Pea Island.
From sand dunes to tiki bars to making history, the Outer Banks is filled with restaurants, history and organizations worth celebrating in 2025 and into 2026. Whether you're interested in volunteering or are looking to support a longtime local business, there are countless ways to commemorate these local treasures. Let’s honor these momentous milestones.
