If you love shrimp, this is your chance to taste some of the best dishes on the coast while supporting marine conservation. The Annual Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff will be held on Sunday, November 2nd, from 12:00 – 3:00 PM at the Sea Ranch Resort in Kill Devil Hills, NC. Local chefs will compete to prepare the best shrimp dish, and every ticket sold goes directly to support the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research.
Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff Details
- Date & Time: Sunday, November 2nd, 12:00 – 3:00 PM
- Location: Sea Ranch Resort, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
- Tickets: $30 per person (price based on 2024 information)
- Highlights:
- Local chefs compete to prepare the best shrimp dishes
- A silent auction and 50/50 raffle (winner takes half the total raised from raffle ticket sales) will be featured during the event
- Updates on local competitors and sponsors announced closer to the event
This cookoff is one of the most anticipated fall food events in the Outer Banks, bringing together tons of visitors and locals for great food, community fun, and a chance to give back.
Past Participants
Every year, the Shrimp Cookoff brings together some of the most talented chefs from the best restaurants in the Outer Banks. While the competitor list changes annually, past events have featured:
- Outer Banks Brewing Station – Previous overall winner
- Two Roads Tavern – Classic surf and turf options in Kitty Hawk
- The Pony and the Boat – Chef Tommy Karole's menu celebrates "Comfort food with a twist."
- Red Drum Taphouse and Grill – a Nags Head institution recognized for hearty seafood plates and casual atmosphere.
These restaurants highlight the variety and quality you can expect at the cookoff. Enjoy everything from classic shrimp boils to inventive small plates, and keep an eye out for this year’s lineup of local competitors and sponsors.
About the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research
The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research (OBCDR) is a nonprofit organization established in 2008. Their mission is to promote the conservation of bottlenose dolphins in the northern Outer Banks through research and education.
Their work includes:
- A long-term photo-identification study of local dolphin populations
- Research on movement patterns, health, and behavior of bottlenose dolphins
- Publishing peer-reviewed studies on dolphin ecology and skin conditions
- Collaborating with other marine mammal scientists along the Atlantic coast
When you attend the Shrimp Cookoff, your ticket helps fund this important research and public outreach.
Where to Stay for the Cookoff
Featured Property: COL22, Island Breeze
If you’re heading to Kill Devil Hills for the Shrimp Cookoff, make a short vacation out of it! Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales offers a wide selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals, from oceanfront homes with private pools to pet-friendly properties where Fido can tag along.
Fall is one of the best times to enjoy the Outer Banks thanks to smaller crowds, cooler weather, and plenty of events like the Shrimp Cookoff. Plus, you'll enjoy lower rates on your vacation rental. Get the best price on your stay by booking directly with Brindley Beach and discover why families return to stay with us year after year.
See All Outer Banks Rental Properties
Frequently Asked Questions about the Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff
When is the Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff?
The event will be held on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, from 12–3 PM at the Sea Ranch Resort in Kill Devil Hills.
How much are tickets?
Last year, tickets were $30 per person. Ticket details will be announced closer to this year's event and will be available for purchase via obxdolphins.org.
What else happens besides shrimp tastings?
In addition to shrimp dishes from top local restaurants, the event will also feature a silent auction and 50/50 raffle.