OUTER BANKS, N.C. — The Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival lost its last day of music on Saturday, Oct. 17, after organizers decided the threat of high winds was too great to keep the stages running into the afternoon and evening.
The festival made the call Saturday morning. Organizers had held out hope that the outlook would get better overnight, but it did not, and they said the safety of performers, guests, volunteers and workers came first. Fans still got three full days of shows before weather shut things down.
Ticket holders looking for details on refunds or the rain check policy are being directed to the festival website, BluegrassIsland.com.
The wind that ended the weekend early is tied to a developing coastal storm. Forecasters expect a nor’easter to take shape off the Carolina coast and hang around well into next week. Gusts up to 50 mph were possible on the Outer Banks once a cold front swept through Saturday, with gusts as strong as 60 mph possible in parts of the barrier islands by Sunday afternoon.
Minor coastal flooding could begin as early as the Sunday morning high tide, with some spots facing moderate flooding during later high tides. Days of pounding surf could also add to beach erosion in a region where homes have fallen into the ocean and stretches of road have washed out in recent years. Strong winds could also bring down trees and power lines.
The festival already has its next run on the calendar. The 16th annual Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival is scheduled for Sept. 22-25, 2027.
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