By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
America250 is a nationwide commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, celebrating the country’s founding, growth, and diverse stories. Here in New Bern—one of North Carolina’s oldest cities and its first capital—the America250 initiative holds special significance. As a city rich in colonial history and cultural heritage, New Bern plays a meaningful role in honoring the spirit of the American Revolution and the contributions of its early citizens.
Executive Director of Visit New Bern, Melissa Riggle, says ”We want residents to know these events are meant for the entire community and that there is something for everyone. It’s an opportunity to grow our pride in our community by looking back on events and moments in history that took place right here in our backyard, and to remember the role and position that New Bern and Craven County residents have held over the past 250 years. The goal is to build connectivity through an inclusive year of events that foster a tourism initiative in our state and beyond. It’s an opportunity to come and celebrate different aspects of history throughout Craven County.”
“A major focus for us is reinforcing that America250 is not about one moment in time—it represents 250 years of American history, without emphasizing any single period. When you look at it through that lens, you have over 250 years of content to incorporate into this event series, which I think creates many more opportunities. It doesn’t have to be a revolutionary theme event; this is meant to show Craven County’s place in history and how we have shaped it into what it is today,” says Melissa.
New Bern has a rather extraordinary number of organizations that celebrate the profoundly deep history of our community, and many of those groups have been instrumental in creating the events and activities that will be happening throughout the year.
“All our organizations have a place in our history,” says Melissa. “We have proudly seated on our committee, the African American Cultural Center, Tryon Palace, the City of New Bern, the Craven Arts Council, Swiss Bear, the Riverfront Convention Center, the New Bern Chamber, the DAR, the SAR, and more.”
New Bern Civic Theatre, MumFest, the Historical Society, Tryon Palace and the City of New Bern are all offering major events with America250 themes this year. New Bern Civic Theatre has committed to creating different themed productions, including “America 250 the Eras Tour,” which they describe as a “toe-tapping trip through American music history in this brand-new, world premiere event — where the vintage vibes of Postmodern Jukebox meet the wit of Prairie Home Companion and the electric energy of Saturday Night Live. Music, memories, and mayhem — all in one unforgettable show.” MumFest and Swiss Bear are working with DARs and SARs to provide period interpreters in Revolutionary-period costumes and perhaps a Revolutionary Space to sample food and drinks from that time. The Heritage Homes Tour is working with its historians to showcase special homes and content. July will highlight the city’s most patriotic events, including the 4th of July Colonial Parade with Tryon Palace and the City of New Bern, and the fireworks celebration.
Melissa comments: “This is a great opportunity to increase visibility for our major events, and there are many ways organizations can get involved and have their event content integrated. The purpose is to take pride in New Bern and Craven County and our place in history throughout 250 years…and it’s meant to be fun!”
Of course, planning, executing, and marketing a year of events takes significant human
resources and funds. “We owe great thanks to the County Manager, Jack Veit, and Craven
County Government, who have worked in partnership with the TDA to obtain a $30,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources to entice tourism travel. Without their collaboration, we wouldn’t have been eligible, and for that we are truly grateful.”
Upcoming Events:
April
Harry Goodman Battlefield Day
May
Heritage Home Tours May 1 & 2
June
NC Symphony @ Tryon Palace (Patriotic Pops)
Great Trent River Raft Race
Juneteenth of New Bern
Cherry Point Harrier Sundown
July
Glorious 4th @ Tryon Palace
4th of July Parade
4th of July Fireworks Lawson’s Creek Park
Havelock Freedom Festival
August
New Bern Resolves Anniversary
September
Constitution Week
October
MumFest
Ghost Walk
November
Field of Flags
City of New Bern’s Light Up the Season
December
Trail to Tryon Holiday Half Marathon
Downtown Christmas Parade
Candlelight
City of New Bern’s New Year’s Eve
For more information, visit: https://visitnewbern.com/america250/