A250 at Roanoke Island Festival Park

Alt text: "Historic wooden ship docked by a lush forest shoreline, under a clear sky. The 'Dare 250' logo with nautical theme appears on the left."

America 250 at Festival Park

Step into the Revolution and discover America 250 at Roanoke Island Festival Park!

Step Into the Revolution

Step into the Revolution and celebrate America 250 with interactive activities and family-friendly fun. Pick up a Stamp Activity at Ticket Sales, collect all the stamps, and earn a prize. Then explore the interactive CSI map at home to learn about local Revolutionary War trade routes.

Join us on April 18 for the Dare A250 Faire in Downtown Manteo, followed by the Star-Spangled Spectacular at the pavilion. Keep the celebration going with History Happy Hour, a four-part series at NouVines featuring engaging stories from Outer Banks history. Make sure to stop at our A250 Selfie Station located on the front porch before you leave. Let's celebrate America's 250th birthday together!

The Contemptible Port: A Revolutionary War Supply

Discover why the coastal waterways of northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia were so important during the Revolutionary War, especially when the focus of the war shifted to the Southern colonies. Click through this interactive CSI map to learn more about vital ports and waterways of this region.

Stamp Adventure

Collect stamps from around the park to complete the snake and unify the first colonies of the future United States. Once completed, return to the Ticket Sales building to claim your prize! Find the activity in our Ticket Sales building.

History Happy Hour

History Happy Hour

Welcome to History Happy Hour, where you can grab your favorite glass of wine or a cold beer and listen to a historic tale! Held at NouVines in downtown Manteo, this series celebrates the America 250 commemoration with engaging talks connected to Outer Banks history. Each program begins at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A and open discussion.

Dare A250 Faire: Star Spangled Spectacular

Five people smiling outdoors, standing in a park setting during sunset. They appear relaxed and happy, with trees and chairs in the background.

Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Activities will take place throughout downtown Manteo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., before transitioning to Roanoke Island Festival Park for the Star Spangled Spectacular—a free evening celebration featuring headlining musical acts (to be announced soon) and a special performance highlighting Dare County’s rich history. 

Three people dressed in historical costumes stand smiling in front of a brick wall. Their outfits are colorful, with vests and hats, conveying a cheerful, festive atmosphere.
A group of people stands on a stage with a large American flag backdrop. A man at a podium speaks, holding a small flag. The atmosphere is patriotic.
Two men standing outdoors; one wearing a blue patterned shirt, the other in a red shirt clapping. A seated audience is behind them with trees and a building in the background. The atmosphere is calm and engaged.
A man sings with two women on stage. He wears a black shirt with a lion design, while the women wear matching yellow dresses, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
People dancing in a field in mostly red, white and blue attire. Atmosphere is happy with lots of people in the background.
A smiling couple in American flag-themed outfits stand together outdoors, surrounded by white folding chairs. The mood is joyful and festive.
A family in historical costumes enjoys a sunny day at a picnic table, surrounded by art displays and greenery, conveying a cheerful vibe.
Three people smiling under a blue tent at an outdoor event. Two wear red shirts, one wears blue. The relaxed atmosphere has an American flag backdrop.