What is Down the Road?
Down the Road began with a conversation between two friends, Willy Holmes and Ryan Jones, about throwing an event in their hometown of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Initially a way to showcase the local surfing, art and music, the festival is now a multi-day celebration of Outer Banks culture and community. The mission remains the same: continue to partner with and amplify local talent, as well as attract surfers, artists and musicians from everywhere to experience real Outer Banks magic.
Why the name?
Back in the days of Outer Banks yore, locals called Kitty Hawk Down the Road. They called Otila, now just a small part of Kitty Hawk, Up the Road. Seeing as the festival primarily takes place in Kitty Hawk, we decided to name it Down the Road Surf and Art Festival to pay homage to the town’s history. This name also captures the essence of the Outer Banks experience, since just about anywhere you need to go is right Down the Road.
Click below to learn more about old Kitty Hawk: