Location: Historic Downtown Manteo & Roanoke Island Festival Park

Join Dare County for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States! This free, family-friendly event honors the "Land of Beginnings"—from the first English settlements to the birth of flight.

1. Daytime Celebration (Downtown Manteo)

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Free (No tickets required)

Stroll the historic streets of Manteo and enjoy a vibrant open-air festival featuring:

Live Music & Performances: Cultural exhibits, reenactments, and storytelling.
Patriotic Contests: Enter to win in categories like Best Patriotic Boat, Best Patriotic Business, Best Dressed Patriotic Dog, and Best Patriotic Couple.
Marketplace: Local artists, makers, and community vendors.
Waterfront Display: View a parade of decorated boats along the Manteo Waterfront.

2. Star-Spangled Spectacular (Roanoke Island Festival Park)

Time: 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Free (Advance Tickets Required)

Transition to the Festival Park for a powerful grand finale set against the backdrop of the Elizabeth II.

Musical Lineup: Performances by Just Playing Dixieland and an Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute (featuring the Ray Howard Band).
The Grand Finale: A moving community choir performance paired with a multimedia patriotic production.

Pro-Tips for Attendees

Get Updates: Text “A250” to “77295” for real-time alerts on parking, weather, and schedule changes.
Volunteer: Want to be part of history? Sign up for a shift at the Volunteer Portal to receive an official event t-shirt and hospitality access.
Official Site: For the full vendor lineup, visit DareA250.org.