NC First in Freedom Festival – 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge

In 2026 the inaugural North Carolina First in Freedom Festival will celebrate more than 250 years of our Nation’s story and culture viewed through the lens of historical North Carolina events and the arts. Local counties, cities towns, and communities will unite with local historians and historical sites to host events and activities as well as our arts community and business community.

Moores Creek Battleground Association in collaboration with regional partners is actively planning a week of celebrating America’s 250th and the 250th Commemoration of the Battle at Moores Creek Bridge on Feb. 21-28, 2026.

This battle was the first decisive patriot victory in the American Revolution and led to North Carolina to be the first colony to authorize its delegates to the 2nd Continental Congress to vote for independence. North Carolina was the "first in freedom."

The mission of the Moores Creek Battleground Association is to commemorate and perpetuate the significance of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge through public awareness, educational programs and events, promotion of patriotism, and support and partnership with the National Park Service. The association is the longest-serving support organization for the National Park Service, having been chartered in 1899. Moores Creek Battleground Association has its roots in an earlier memorial association formed in 1857.

Funded in part by an America 250 NC grant, a program of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Stay tuned for more exciting details and a festival itinerary.
Contact [email protected] for more information.