A Weekend with Diana Gabaldon represents one of the cornerstone events in North Carolina's multi-year America 250 commemoration. It exemplifies the festival’s mission: to unite history, the arts, and community engagement in honoring more than two centuries of American resilience, innovation, and freedom.

With the First in Freedom Festival launching in February 2026, now is the time to start planning.

The North Carolina First in Freedom Festival, in partnership with Moores Creek National Battlefield, the Moores Creek Battleground Association, and supporting partners, is proud to present an exceptional two-day literary and historical experience featuring world-renowned author Diana Gabaldon, celebrated creator of the Outlander series.

Taking place February 27–28, 2026, this exclusive weekend of programs will honor the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, one of America’s earliest and most consequential Patriot victories.

Eastern North Carolina played a vital role in the American Revolution.

As our nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we look back to the days when the call for liberty first echoed across the Carolina coast. Long before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the spirit of freedom was alive and well in eastern North Carolina — in its coastal towns, farming communities, and inland crossroads that helped shape the course of our nation’s story.

The Pender Arts Council proudly hosted A Celebration of Creativity and Patriotism, the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Show, honoring the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the United States.

Calling All Artists
The Pender Arts Council is excited to announce the opportunity for artists to participate in the 2025-2026 NC First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Contest, an event celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary.
 

On Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, Moores Creek National Battlefield will be commemorating the 249th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. Park staff, park partners, volunteers, and other living historians will be offering a variety of programs and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Our Nation’s story and culture viewed through the lens of historical North Carolina events and the arts within the eight counties of Southeastern North Carolina that include Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, and Sampson.

The inaugural North Carolina First in Freedom Festival, taking place throughout Southeastern NC during the week of February 21-28, 2026, will celebrate 250+ years of our Nation’s story and culture viewed through the lens of historical North Carolina events and the arts

Moores Creek Battleground Association has received a grant from the North Carolina’s America 250 NC initiative for a project to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the NC First In Freedom Festival.

Looking to volunteer?

In 2026, America will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.