Press Releases

July 4 is the kick off for "It's Revolutionary!" a two year observance of the importance of North Carolina's Revolutionary and colonial era state historic sites in America's freedom story. From ousting a colonial governor in New Bern to calling for freedom from England in Halifax, North Carolina has played a pivotal role in the move to independence for the Unites States.

North Carolina middle and high school students, as well as their teachers, shined with award recognition in the National History Day (NHD) Contest, June 14-18, at the University of Maryland, College Park. A first place, second place, several special awards and other awards were among honors bestowed on students from the Tar Heel state.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.Visit the museum to learn about the building, operation, destruction and recovery of the CSS Neuse, the only remaining commissioned Confederate ironclad ram above the water and view exhibits regarding the region's Civil War history. In honor of our nation's independence, the staff will be dressed in Civil War-era clothing and providing demonstrations throughout the day.

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.