Mark your calendars for one of the most anticipated events on the Outer Banks—the Duck Jazz Festival! Get your groove on at this free, non-ticketed event along Duck's beautiful Town Park and Boardwalk.
The Duck Jazz Festival is an annual event hosted by the Town of Duck in early October, on Columbus Day weekend. This year, come on by the Duck Town Park on October 10 – 11, 2026 for a musical event like no other!
Located in the heart of Duck Village, walk, bike or drive to gather on the greens just north of the Loblolly Pines Shopping Center. Bring your own chairs, blankets, food, coolers, and even your well-behaved dogs to lounge and enjoy the music (though the Town of Duck requests that you leave your umbrellas and tents at home!).
Saturday, October 10 will be a small concert-on-the-green from 4 – 6pm by Adam Hawley, while the Sunday, October 11 event will be from 10am onwards (music starts at 11am). Food and soft drinks will also be available for purchase if you don’t want to bring your own!
At the main stage, enjoy performances from Gerald Veasley, Shayna Steele, Brass Queens, Tito Puente, Jr. Or, if you’re wanting to see the amphitheater performances, you can expect to hear music from the First Flight High School Honors Jazz Band, the David Esleck Trio ft. Jordan Garrett, and The Hot Lanes with Bobby Jasinski.
The Duck Jazz Festival is not to be missed for anyone visiting the Outer Banks this October. Planning your trip? Explore the curated collection of 300+ vacation rentals by Outer Banks Blue. Book with Blue to find the perfect retreat to relax after a day of music and festivities. Whether you're attending the festival or exploring the area's natural beauty, your coastal escape will be even more memorable with the ideal vacation rental to call home.
If you’re looking for more fun, there are a few events that will be going on in the days prior to the festival proper.
On Wednesday, October 7, stop by the Duck Town Park Amphitheater at 6pm for an Acoustic Evening on the Sound with Devin Frazier and Laura Martier as part of the Duck Unplugged live music series. On Friday, October 9, Sing (2016) is being screened as part of the Movie on the Green series.
View the Town of Duck's event calendar for a list of all the events this season! Or check out our Duck Things to Do page for fun activities and attractions.
