Two Celebrations. One Historic Day. Free Tickets Available Now!
Dare County invites residents and visitors alike to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776! On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the free Dare A250 “Liberty, Legacy and Lift-Off” Faire will bring history to life across two iconic locations—historic downtown Manteo and Roanoke Island Festival Park—for a full day of unforgettable, family-friendly festivities.
Rooted in a place known as the “Land of Beginnings,” this milestone event honors Dare County’s unique role in America’s story—from the earliest English settlement attempts to the birthplace of powered flight. With a spirit of innovation, discovery and freedom woven throughout, the Dare A250 Faire promises a vibrant and meaningful tribute to 250 years of American history.
FREE Daytime Celebration in Historic Downtown Manteo
No Ticket Required
Downtown Manteo | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The day begins in the heart of historic Manteo with a lively, open-air celebration that is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.—no tickets required.
Attendees can enjoy:
- Live music and cultural performances
- Historical exhibits, reenactments and storytelling
- Local artists, makers and vendors
- Community organization displays
- Street performers
- Family-friendly activities and entertainment
- Contests including Best Patriotic Boat, Best Patriotic Business In Manteo, Best Patriotic Dressed Couple, Best Patriotic Dressed Individual, Best Dressed Patriotic Dog and more
- Decorated Boats along Manteo Waterfront
This portion of the event invites attendees to stroll along the historic streets of downtown Manteo, and to explore and engage with the rich heritage that defines Dare County and the broader American experience.
|
Star-Spangled Spectacular at Roanoke Island Festival Park
Roanoke Island Festival Park | 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
As the daylong festivities continue, the Dare A250 celebrations will transition to a powerful grand finale at Roanoke Island Festival Park beginning at 3:30 p.m. This second portion of the Dare A250 Faire is also FREE—however, due to venue capacity, advance tickets are required.
This experience will deliver an unforgettable patriotic showcase set against the historic backdrop of Roanoke Island, featuring:
- Live music by Just Playing Dixieland
- Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute featuring the Ray Howard Band
- The Dare A250 Grand Finale, a moving community choir performance paired with a multimedia patriotic production celebrating America’s enduring spirit
With the Elizabeth II and the historic waterfront as its stage, the Star-Spangled Spectacular from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. will serve as a tribute to the people, progress and principles that have shaped the nation and our county.
|
Stay Connected
For occasional event updates—including performance announcements, parking information and weather updates—simply text “A250” to “77295.”
For additional details, including a full entertainment schedule and lineup of local vendors, visit DareA250.org/faire.
A Signature Celebration in the Land of Beginnings
As Dare County’s premier America 250 event, the free Dare A250 Faire on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in downtown Manteo and Roanoke Island Festival Park is designed as a full-day immersive experience celebrating history, community and culture. From educational exhibits to live entertainment and patriotic tributes, the event highlights the region’s lasting contributions to the American story.
Celebrate 250 years of freedom, innovation and history—right where it all began, in the “Land of Beginnings!”
Help Bring History to Life—Volunteer at the Dare A250 Faire!
Be part of history in the making!To make this milestone celebration a success, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to lend a hand and help create an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a variety of ways to get involved, including:
- Event setup and breakdown crews
- Welcome and information booth attendants
- Activity and exhibit assistants
- Vendor support and coordination
- Parking and guest guidance
- Stage and performance support
- General event ambassadors
Whether you can give a few hours or the whole day, your support will play a vital role in creating a seamless and memorable experience for attendees.
Why Volunteer?
- Be part of a once-in-a-generation celebration
- Connect with your community and meet new people
- Support a meaningful tribute to America’s 250th anniversary
- Experience the Dare A250 Faire from a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective
- Volunteers receive an event t-shirt and access to the volunteer hospitality headquarters
Sign Up Today
Ready to join the celebration? Visit the volunteer page to learn more and sign up online at DareA250.org/volunteer.
Together, we can make the Dare A250 Faire a truly extraordinary event for our entire community.
The Dare A250 Faire is sponsored in part by Dare County, The Town of Manteo, The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, Southern Bank, The Don & Catharine Bryan Cultural Series and Roanoke Island Festival Park.
|
