Press Releases

Bright Star Touring Theatre brings “Happily Ever After”, to the Indoor Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park July 8, 9 and 10 at 10:30 a.m. The production is a hilarious rendition of some of the best from the Grimm Brothers’ iconic works.

Cary's Booth Amphitheatre will come alive with the hot sounds of the New York City-based band the Hot Sardines on Thursday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m., in the season finale of the 2015  Rex Healthcare Summerfest Series.  Gates open for the concert series at 5:30 p.m.  Children 12 and under are free on the lawn.  The North Carolina Symphony is presenting, but will not perform at the concert.

There's no better way to celebrate the quintessential American holiday, July 4, than at a state historic site or museum. The state observance is July 3, so most state historic sites and museums will be open July 4, as well as some July 3. This July 4 also kicks off "It's Revolutionary!," a two year long celebration of the birth of the nation. The 240th anniversary tribute focuses on North Carolina's significant role at colonial historic sites and will be observed July 4, 2015, through July 4, 2017.

The North Carolina Symphony will celebrate America’s 239th birthday with a concert of patriotic favorites and high-spirited classics in its traditional free Independence Day concert, with fireworks, at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m.

The "First Family of Country Music" A.P. Carter, his wife Sarah and sister Maybelle learned a lot from Lesley Riddle, an African American musician born in Burnsville in 1905. He will be recognized with a N.C. Highway Historical Marker to be dedicated at RiddleFest July 3, 8:30 p.m., at the Mountain Heritage Center, Burnsville. Eventually it will stand on U.S. Highway 19 near Main Street in Burnsville.

A stunning exhibition focusing on the bride and her dress will open Saturday, June 27, at the Museum of the Albemarle. "I DO! Weddings in the Albemarle, 1831-2015" also gives a nod to top hats, trousseaus, suits, vests and other wedding trimmings. The free exhibit runs until December 2017.

Tryon Palace will celebrate the anniversary of America’s birth with a wide range of special events and activities planned for The Glorious Fourth, Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Looking for something to do in downtown Kinston on the holiday weekend? The CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center will be open the 4th of July.

The Second Marine Aircraft Wing Band, stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, will perform in the Outdoor Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park beginning at 8 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dark. Gates open at 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Parking will be available at the Park until the lot is full with additional parking in Downtown Manteo. Handicap parking will be available at the Park. Pack up the lawn chairs, blankets and picnic and bring family and friends and join us as our nation celebrates.

N.C. Department of Cultural Resources Secretary Susan Kluttz will host a discussion of the new bond proposal Thursday, June 25 at 11 a.m. at a celebration of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, appropriately named for shipwrecks that play a major role in the area's history. Exhibits tell stories of major wrecks including that of the USS Monitor, Titanic, U-85, USS Huron, and Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge. If the Connect NC bonds are approved by voters this November, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum may receive $3.5 million to fabricate and install permanent exhibitions in the 5,500 sq. ft. galleries and the 1,600 sq. ft. main lobby, and will focus on the maritime history and shipwrecks of the North Carolina Outer Banks from the earliest periods of exploration and colonization to the present day with particular emphasis on the periods from 1524 - 1945.  This funding will supplement existing funding already provided for the design phase.