Upcoming events
The NC First in Freedom Festival
The First in Freedom Festival is a statewide celebration honoring North Carolina’s pivotal role in America’s fight for independence, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Highlighting historic events like the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, the festival brings history to life through reenactments, living history encampments, cultural exhibits, and educational programming. Communities across southeastern North Carolina will host events from February 21–28, 2026, with the Moores Creek National Battlefield serving as a central site. This commemorative week reflects North Carolina’s enduring spirit and commitment to freedom, uniting residents and visitors alike in a tribute to the past.
Red, White, & Blueberry Pancake Breakfast
Red, White, & Blueberry Pancake Breakfast
A Delicious Way to Celebrate Community, Heritage, and America 250
Start your day with a plate full of patriotism and blueberry flavor! Join us for the Red, White, & Blueberry Pancake Breakfast — a sweet annual tradition but this year we are celebrating community, heritage, and America 250.
Travel back in time to February 1766
Travel back in time to February 1766 as tensions are growing in the Lower Cape Fear regarding the dreaded Stamp Act. Visitors can expect to see interpreters portraying key figures in the Stamp Act resistance in Brunswick Town and interact with them. Activities for kids will include making tricorn hats and painting toy soldiers.
Brunswicktown/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
8884 S. Phillips Rd SE Winnabow, NC 28479
Colonial Topsail kicks off First in Freedom Festival with Colonial Topsail
Celebrating America's 250 years, the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will host Colonial Topsail at the Historic Assembly Building, 720 Channel Blvd.
Visit https://topsailhistoricalsociety.org/ for more information.
250th Commemoration of the battle at moores creek bridge on feb. 26-28, 2026.
The 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge will be commemorated with a week-long series of events from February 21 to 28, 2026, in Currie, North Carolina. This celebration is part of the broader North Carolina First in Freedom Festival (NCFIFF), which honors America's 250th anniversary by highlighting the state's historical contributions through various cultural and educational activities.
FIFF Regional Art Show & Reception – August 16, 2025
Join us for an inspiring celebration of creativity and patriotism at the 2025-2026 NC First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Show, featuring powerful visual interpretations of the theme “Freedom” in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
This regional showcase brings together winning artists from Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Sampson, and Pender Counties, with artwork that reflects the spirit of independence and the enduring meaning of freedom.
🖼️ Art Show Opens to the Public: 2:00 PM
🤝 Reception & Artist Meet and Greet: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Celebrate our nation’s history through the arts, meet the creators behind the work, and support local talent at this unforgettable cultural event.
🎉 Free & open to all!
📧 Learn more at penderartscouncil.org/events
📨 Questions? Email: penderartscouncil@gmail.com
2025-2026 NC First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Contest
Pender County, in partnership with the Pender Arts Council, invites artists to participate in the 2025-2026 NC First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Contest in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The contest is open to high school students and adult artists from Pender and Duplin Counties, with the theme "Freedom."