Topics Related to Things to Do

Not all North Carolinians supported independence during the American Revolution. Some remained loyal to the Crown, while others sought to remain neutral amid the conflict.

The State Archives of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, will explore the varied reasons individuals and groups were unable or unwilling to support the cause of independence during a free webinar, “Not All Were Patriots: The Other Side of the American Revolution in North Carolina,” on Oct. 7 from noon to 1 p.m.

Duke Homestead State Historic Site and the Duke Homestead History and Education Corporation (DHHEC) are teaming up to bring vintage base ball (yes, two words) back to the historic Durham Athletic Park.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, players will put on a show as they play three games while wearing authentic period uniforms, following the 1860s rules of the game, and using 19th century-style equipment. Duke Homestead is administered by the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).

Fort Fisher State Historic Site will host a World War II living history program on Saturday, Oct. 3. Military and civilian re-enactors will set up living history displays on the green between the visitor center and earthworks. A period field kitchen and numerous historic military vehicles will be on display as well. Fort Fisher is administered by the Division of State Historic Sites, within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).

Alamance Battleground State Historic Site will host a day of family fun and education on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This event will feature historical trade demonstrations, a cannon firing, historical music, a food truck, and much more! Alamance Battleground is administered by the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). 

As students and families settle into a new school year, the

Three decades of creepy, crawly, fluttering fun come together when the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences hosts BugFest on Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. This year’s theme, “Hoppers,” spotlights treehoppers, leafhoppers and planthoppers, including the invasive and already infamous spotted lanternfly. The museum is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Learn about back-to-school challenges from over 50 years ago in a free online program hosted by the State Archives of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Food, fun and fintastic trivia await at the 2026 Suds for Sharks Saturday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Savard Beer & Board hosted by the NC Aquarium Society to raise funds for shark conservation. Shark experts from the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) will make this an unforgettable afternoon with trivia, bingo, one-on-one chats and exciting updates on shark conservation. This family-friendly event will also feature fun for children as our teams are committed to inspiring the next generation of shark conservationists.

Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site will debut a new family-friendly event on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6-9 p.m. When the sun sets, “Reed Glow Mine” comes to life with the addition of 25,000 lights around every twist and turn of the property. Ticket sales begin on Sept. 1 and the site anticipates a sell-out event. Reed Gold Mine is administered by the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). 

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island will celebrate its 50th anniversary Sept. 9-12, with a series of public events inviting guests to join in the festivities. The aquarium, part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and one of four facilities in the N.C. Aquariums system, first opened its doors to the public on Sept. 9, 1976.