In February 2026, southeastern North Carolina will transform into a living history experience as eight counties come together for the inaugural North Carolina First in Freedom Festival. Scheduled for February 21-28, 2026, this week-long celebration will commemorate the 250th anniversary of both the United States and the pivotal Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, a conflict that historians often call “the Lexington and Concord of the South.”
A Battle That Changed History
On the frigid morning of February 27, 1776, a dramatic confrontation unfolded at Moores Creek Bridge near Wilmington that would alter the course of American independence. Loyalist forces shouted “King George and Broadswords” as they charged across the partially dismantled bridge, only to be met by devastating rifle and artillery fire from Patriot militia. The battle lasted mere minutes, but its impact resonated for centuries.
The victory ended British authority in the colony and stalled a full-scale British invasion of the South for nearly four years. Perhaps even more significantly, the triumph emboldened North Carolina to become the first colony to formally call for independence through the Halifax Resolves, issued less than two months after the battle. What began as a skirmish between neighbors, many of Scottish Highland descent fighting on opposite sides, became a turning point that helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence just five months later.
A Region-Wide Celebration
The festival will span eight counties in southeastern North Carolina: Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, and Sampson. Rather than centering solely on Moores Creek National Battlefield, the celebration embraces a regional approach that allows communities throughout the area to share their unique Revolutionary War stories and connections.
The Moores Creek Battleground Association, working alongside regional partners, tourism boards, and cultural organizations, has been planning this momentous occasion for years. The festival has received support through an America 250 NC grant from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, underscoring the state’s commitment to honoring this chapter of American history.
What to Expect
Visitors can anticipate a diverse array of events that blend historical commemoration with arts, culture, and community engagement. Local historians will lead programs at historic sites, while arts organizations contribute creative interpretations of Revolutionary-era themes. Cities, towns, and communities across the eight-county region will host their own special events throughout the week, with Moores Creek National Battlefield serving as a focal point from February 26-28.
The festival organizers have created a passport program to encourage visitors to explore multiple venues and counties, transforming the week into an educational journey through the landscape where American independence took root. From living history demonstrations to lectures, concerts, and exhibitions, the programming aims to make history accessible and engaging for all ages.
Beyond the Festival
While the First in Freedom Festival concentrates its energy into one transformative week, participating counties plan to extend their celebrations throughout 2026 with additional commemorative events. This approach allows communities to delve deeper into local stories, honor lesser-known historical figures, and explore the complex narratives of loyalty, rebellion, and the birth of a new nation.
For history enthusiasts, descendants of Revolutionary War participants, and anyone interested in understanding the foundations of American democracy, the NC First in Freedom Festival offers a rare opportunity. It’s a chance to stand where Patriots and Loyalists once faced each other across a small creek bridge, to walk the ground where courage and conviction collided, and to reflect on how a brief winter morning battle in rural NC helped spark a revolution that changed the world.
Complete festival details and event schedules are available at ncfirstinfreedomfestival.com, where visitors can begin planning their journey through Revolutionary North Carolina.
