A costumed historical interpreter fires a musket, creating a cloud of smoke, at an outdoor exhibit surrounded by greenery. A wooden barrel and blacksmithing tools are visible nearby. A blue banner across the top reads “Summer Program Schedule” in white script.

Summer Programs at the Park

Summer Programs 2025  

Summer is here, and so are our Summer Programs! We have lots of fun programs happening at Festival Park, from 16th-century weapon demonstrations to creating American Indian style pottery. Check out the schedule below to plan your trip! All programs are free and included with your park ticket.

Summer Program Schedule 2025  

Algonquian Pottery  

  • Wednesdays
  • 10-12 pm
  • American Indian Town
  • Discover the art of Algonquian Pottery with this hands-on experience. Visitors are invited to create their own pinch pot using traditional methods. Take it home as a unique keepsake while learning about this rich cultural tradition. This is a free program included with your park admission ticket

Sling Gun  Demo

  • Tuesday-Friday
  • 12 pm
  • Elizabeth II
  • Experience the roar of history and shout "Huzzah!" with the crew this summer as we fire the sling gun aboard the Elizabeth II, showcasing the vital role of firearms in protecting passengers and crew during the Roanoke Voyages.

Arquebus  Drill

  • Thursdays
  • 2 pm  
  • Settlement Site
  • Early English settlement was a military mission—and you can see it in action at Roanoke Island Festival Park!  Watch a live matchlock arquebus demo in our Settlement Site, the only one of its kind in North Carolina.

Tales for Tots

  • Fridays *Not happening 7/4
  • 2:30 pm (~30 min.)
  • Indoor Theater
  • Enjoy the reading of the story of Turtle-Turtle & the Wide, Wide River by Jane & Will Hillenbrand with one of our Educators. 

-All programs are included with your park ticket.

-Outdoor programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather.