Roanoke Island: Summer Programs

Two young boys playing during summer at Roanoke Island Festival Park

Summer Programs

Experience the life of the of the first settlers during our hands on history programs. Programs are held Tuesday - Saturday through September 2nd.

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Summer Programs

Experience the life of the of the first settlers during our hands on history programs. Programs are held Tuesday - Saturday throughout the summer.

2 of 4

Summer Programs

Experience the life of the of the first settlers during our hands on history programs. Programs are held Tuesday - Saturday throughout the summer.

3 of 4

Summer Programs

Experience the life of the of the first settlers during our hands on history programs. Programs are held Tuesday - Saturday throughout the summer.

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Our yearly summer programs allow you to immerse yourself in 16th century history through fun and interactive demonstrations. Visit various attractions throughout the park for hands on activities and presentations Tuesday through Saturday. Haul the bowline, furl the sails and participate in the gun firing on the Elizabeth II. Visit the Settlement Site and challenge your friends to a game of nine pin, a 16th century game similar to bowling. Gather around the Settlement Site for match lock small arms demonstrations. You can also participate in our Scavenger Hunt in the Adventure Museum for a chance to win a prize from the Museum Store. Come out and explore, discover, play and learn this summer at Roanoke Island Festival Park.

*All programs subject to change due to inclement weather

2018 Summer Programs Schedule

10:30 am - Sail Drill on the Elizabeth II Ship

Come haul on the bowline and help our 16th century sailors set a sail! There is over 2 miles of line on the Elizabeth II. Let our sailors teach you the ropes by participating in a sail drill.

11:00 am - Small Arms Demonstration at the Settlement Site

English settlers approached settlement in the new world as a military endeavor. Roanoke Island Festival Park is the only historic site in the state to demonstrate match lock small arms. Come learn about a type of firearm called an Harquebus and see it fired live in the settlement.

12:00 pm - Gun Drill on the Elizabeth II Ship

Guns were an important part of the Roanoke Voyages. Come smell the gun powder and shout Huzah for England! When we fire the sling gun on the Elizabeth II.

1:30 pm - Scavenger Hunt in the Adventure Museum

Our adventure museum covers 400 years of Outer Banks history. Take learning to the next level with our competitive scavenger hunt. Meet in the museum lobby to play. 1st place finisher in each age group will win a prize from our Museum Store! (Ages 6-8; 9-12;13-15).

2:30 pm - Nine Pin Game at the Settlement Site

Occasionally settlers would have time to unwind with a game of Nine Pin. This forerunner of modern bowling was popular in England, and our settlers have brought the tradition with them to the new world. Wander down to the settlement at 2:30 to participate in a nine pin tournament. The winner will receive a prize from our museum store! 12 competitor maximum.

3:30 pm - Furl Sail on the Elizabeth II Ship

When sailors are safely at port, they finally gather in the sails and put them away. This process is called furling. Sailors aboard the Elizabeth II can help explain some of the fine points of running a 16th century tall ship while you help them furl a sail on the Elizabeth II.

4:00 pm - Small Arms Demonstration at the Settlement Site

English settlers approached settlement in the new world as a military endeavor. Roanoke Island Festival Park is the only historic site in the state to demonstrate match lock small arms. Come learn about a type of firearm called an Harquebus and see it fired live in the settlement.