Twiddy & Company
The Outer Banks live music scene comes to life when the weather gets warm. There is something for every musical taste, from smaller acoustic gigs to unique festivals to larger shows with nationally touring acts. We’ve gathered our favorite places in each area to see live music on the OBX.
Where to Listen to Live Music on the OBX
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room
Mike Dianna’s Grill Room is located in the back of the Timbuck II shopping center. Free live music is offered on their deck on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the summer, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Musical talent ranges from single-musician acoustic to full-band bluegrass sets and more. Come for dinner, and stay for the show.
Corolla Beer Garden
Coming right off the beach and want to grab an afternoon beer and chill outside with some live acoustic? Nestled in Corolla Village just north of Twiddy’s Corolla office, Corolla Beer Garden is the place to go for a relaxing afternoon. Check out their live music calendar to see what acts are scheduled during your stay.
Sundogs Raw Bar & Grill
A nightlife destination in Corolla, Sundogs offers a little bit of everything. Come for dinner and stay late for entertainment. Fun bands, Karaoke (live band karaoke on certain nights), DJs, OBX Silent Disco, and open mic are all on the events calendar at Sundogs.
Uncle Ike’s Sandbar and Grill
Offering live music, karaoke, and more, Uncle Ike’s Sandbar and Grill is the late-night hotspot in Corolla. Offering lunch and dinner, as well as a late night bar menu every day until 2:00 am.
Bernie’s Brother Tropical Grill & Bar
In the heart of Corolla, you’ll find Bernie’s Brother Tropical Grill & Bar. An overall casual place to enjoy live music in Corolla while you grab a bite to eat and sip on a tropical drink.
Roadside Bar & Grill
With quite possibly the most unique backyard ever, Roadside is a must-visit during your Outer Banks vacation. The laid-back vibe of the eclectic backyard, or Backside Bar, is even better when there’s live music on stage. The yard is family friendly.
The Blue Point
Enjoy live acoustic while catching a sunset on the sound with a craft cocktail in hand at the Backbar at the Blue Point. The perfect kickoff to a great vacation date night.
Aqua Restaurant
Enjoy music on the deck with the calm of the sound as a backdrop. Aqua has a great selection of craft cocktails, wine, and beer.
Swells’a Brewing Duck Dive Bar
Seeking a laid-back local watering hole with a chill vibe and live music? Look no further than Swells’a Brewing Duck Dive Bar. Tucked under the trees near the Scarborough Lane Shoppes, this fully outdoor bar offers live music during the season every Monday through Friday from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Located in the heart of Duck Village, this local hot spot is within walking distance of the Duck boardwalk and many nearby vacation homes. Specialty cocktails and locally brewed beer from Swells’a Brewing in Nags Head are available.
Tap Shack
After enjoying dinner at Cravings, venture out back to Tap Shack, their backyard bar. Tap Shack offers free live music every night of the week during the summer months. Several well-known bands play the Tap Shack, but require a ticket, like Keller Williams and friends, that play a show or two at the Tap Shack each summer. The yard at Tap Shack is full of fun outdoor games and plenty of room to dance. Tap Shack is kid-friendly.
Sweet T’s Coffee Beer & Wine
Select a beverage from the wide variety of beer and wine choices and relax under the live oaks while enjoying some afternoon acoustic.
Duck Town Park
During the summer months, Duck Town Park hosts their “Concerts on the Green” on Thursday nights from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Different genres are featured, and all shows are family-friendly. Eat an early dinner at your vacation home or grab takeout from a nearby restaurant. Bring your beach chairs or a blanket for the lawn.
Art’s Place
In addition to great burgers and a super laid-back vibe, Art’s Place has two great areas for live music. They host music most nights of the week during the summer months in their yard or on their sway bar (the big deck on the roof).
Hurricane Mo’s Beachside Bar And Grill
Known for their happy hour shrimp, wing, and taco specials, live music is also a specialty at Hurricane Mo’s, which is just steps from the beach.
Trio Restaurant & Market
Get your charcuterie fix at Trio while listening to live music while enjoying a wine flight in their lounge. In addition to bar and restaurant side of Trio, the space features an impressive selection of beer, wine, cheese, and specialty goods.
Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar
Hang out on the patio just across the street from the beach and listen to live music and enjoy the ocean breeze as you sip one of their signature martinis.
Avalon Pier
Stop by Avalon Pier on one of the evenings when they offer live music for a good time. Between music sets, play video games, or simply hang out at one of the bars at the pier.
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
Jack Brown’s specializes in two things: beer and burgers. And they do them both very well. Jack Brown’s has a great backyard for enjoying your beer, burgers, and live music most nights of the week during the summer months.
The Bonzer Shack
Come to the Bonzer Shack for some coastal comfort food, then chill in the yard afterward for a tasty beer, yard games, and live music.
Swells’a Brewing
Swells’a Brewing, located on the beach road in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, is a fun hangout with a laid-back vibe. Live music and other special events happen throughout the week during the summer.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
The Outer Banks Brewing Station is a fully functioning brewery in a building with high ceilings and great acoustics. In addition to ticketed shows to nationally touring acts on their big stage, the Outer Banks Brewing Station offers DJ dance party nights and live music in their amazing backyard. The backyard is family-friendly, with a large pirate ship playset, yard games, space to run, and a fence around the perimeter.
Dowdy Park
Dowdy Park in Nags Head offers free live music in its outdoor amphitheater on certain nights during the summer. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blanket and spread out on the soft lawn, or watch the kids play on the inclusive playground, which includes recreation for all ages and abilities.
Fish Heads Bar & Grill
Fish Heads Bar & Grill is located on the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Live music is offered most evenings during the summer. Grab dinner and a drink while you listen to live music on the pier.
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Live From OBX brings nationally touring acts to the venue throughout the summer months. Roanoke Island Festival Park is beautifully situated on Ice Plant Island and features views of Shallowbag Bay behind the stage.
Downtown Manteo
Dare Arts brings live music to Downtown Manteo throughout the year, including the popular First Friday celebration as well as mid-day Courtyard Sessions.
Mimi’s Tiki Hut
Located at the foot of the Washington Baum Bridge on the Manteo side, Mimi’s Tiki Hut offers the opportunity to relax and listen to live music on the docks at Pirate’s Cove Marina. Watch fishing boats return from a day out on the water with their fresh catch while you listen to live tunes.
Corolla Cork & Craft
Historic Corolla Park hosts a festival featuring live music, local artisans, and good food on the grounds near the Whalehead Club. The seasonal festival, hosted by Currituck County, will be on August 6th, 2025.
Jockey’s Ridge Crossing
Just across the bypass from the giant sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a fun shopping and activity center, Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. Kitty Hawk Kites hosts a variety of different events throughout the year, many of them featuring live music.
Soundside Event Site
Various events happen throughout the year at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, and many of them, like the Outer Banks Seafood Festival and Outer Banks Brewtag, have musical acts performing throughout the day.
First Friday in Downtown Manteo
On the first Friday of the month from March through November, Downtown Manteo hosts a fun, family-oriented event. Live music can be found in multiple locations throughout the event. In addition, local artisans, food vendors, and kid-friendly activities can be found on the sidewalks throughout historic downtown Manteo.
Bluegrass Island Music Festival
Regional and internationally famous bands take the stage at Roanoke Island Festival Park over three days in Manteo. It happens in mid-October each year, and the weather is perfect for kicking back in your beach chair and listening to great music.
Ocrafolk Festival
If you are considering taking a day trip to Ocracoke Island, the grassroots Ocrafolk festival features musicians, storytellers, artisans, and more. The three-day festival takes place throughout the first weekend in June.
Karaoke & OBX Silent Disco
Karaoke is popular on the Outer Banks. If you are a fan of making your own music, these are our favorite establishments for karaoke on the Outer Banks. OBX Silent Disco holds events throughout the summer at many of the same locations that offer karaoke on the Outer Banks.
Corolla and Duck:
Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head:
Outer Banks Nightlife
Outer Banks live music isn’t the only type of nightlife offered on the Outer Banks. Check out our OBX Nightlife recommendations for more fun things to do after the sun sets.
