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Every Season is Eventful When Traveling to Elizabeth City, NC
(Elizabeth City, NC) – Whether it’s the excitement of a summer sailboat regatta or the laid-back charm of a holiday parade, Elizabeth City has an event for all seasons. To make the most of a visit to northeastern North Carolina this year, plan your trip around any of these festivals and special events:
WINTER
January
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
Elizabeth City State University (www.ecsu.edu) is the site of the Martin Luther King Jr. March at 9:30 am and a featured Planetarium presentation (ECSU Planetarium), from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm. Admission for both events is free, however reservations for the planetarium feature are required. Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.
February
- Civil War Living History Day
From 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) gets you to remember the Battle of Elizabeth City, fought February 10, 1862. Civilian and Naval Civil War reenactors will be on hand with encampments, displays to provide a combination of demonstrations, presentations, and hands-on activities. Firing of artillery at Waterfront Park will occur every half-hour. Civilian reenactors will be present to explain how war affected everyday life. Junior Docents will engage children in hands-on history activities including games, dances and chores of the period. Free Family Program. Call (252) 335-1453. - Valentines Day Planetarium Presentation
St. Valentine takes center stage for this featured presentation at the Elizabeth City State University Planetarium, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Admission is free, however reservations are required. Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.
To commemorate African American history month, Elizabeth City will present two special programs, including a theatrical presentation of the landmark “Brown vs. Board of Education” U.S. Supreme Court decision that declared separate educational facilities were inherently unequal.
- Martin Luther King Planetarium Presentation
Elizabeth City State University Planetarium, 4 – 6 p.m.
Admission is free (reservations required). Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759. - “Brown vs. Board of
Education”
College of The Albemarle Community Auditorium, 9:30 a.m.
Admission: $5. Call 1-800-335-9050.
March 6
Albemarle Historical Roundtable Speaker’s
Series:
Underwater Archaeology in Northeastern North Carolina
Richard Lawrence, deputy state archaeologist for the North Carolina
Office of State Archaeology, will speak about underwater archaeology in
northeastern North Carolina. The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com)
hosts at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.
March 6 – 31
11th Annual Middle Eastern Show
A variety of Middle Eastern, Oriental and Persian rugs will be
displayed and for sale at Arts of the Albemarle (www.artsofthealbemarle.com).
Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays (open until 7 p.m. on
Thursdays) and 1 – 5 p.m. Sundays during this special show.
Admission is free. Call (252) 338-6455.
March 7
US Air Force Heritage Air Celtic Ensemble
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the U.S.
Air Force Heritage Air Celtic Ensemble will take the stage when College
of The Albemarle Community Auditorium (www.museumofthealbemarle.com)
presents this special free performance at 6 p.m. Call 1-800-335-9050.
March 19
National Women’s History Month Planetarium
Presentation
Learn about American women leaders during this feature presentation at
the Elizabeth City State University Planetarium (www.ecsuplanetarium.org),
from 4 – 6 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations
are required. Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.
SPRING
April 3
Albemarle Historical Roundtable Speaker’s Series:
Alexander Hamilton
LTJG Bull Coty, Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, discusses
Statesman Alexander Hamilton and the history of the U.S. Cutter
Service, lifesaving and lighthouse services and today’s U.S.
Coast Guard. The 7 p.m. lecture is at The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com).
Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.
April 26
15th Annual Tarwheel Century Bicycle Race
More than 250 cyclists will convene in Elizabeth City
for this 100-mile bicycle ride through the scenic countryside of
Pasquotank and neighboring counties. For race information call the
Cycle Gallery at (252) 338-1559 or download a race from at www.rivercitycyclingclub.com
May 1
Albemarle Historical Roundtable Speaker’s Series:
Currituck County Architecture
Currituck County architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries is the
subject of a museum talk by Architectural Historian Meg Greene Malvasi
at 7 p.m. at The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com).
Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.
May 4 – 28
Pasquotank Arts Council Annual Photography Competition
Images of the region’s photographers are the focus of Arts of
the Albemarle’s (www.artsofthealbemarle.com)
juried photography competition and show. Photographers may submit two
entries for a $10 fee. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays
(open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays). Admission is free. Call (252)
338-6455.
May 17
The North Carolina Potato Festival Weekend
Did you know that the areas surrounding the Albemarle and Pamlico
sounds are among the major potato-producing counties in North Carolina?
That’s a great reason for a party! The North Carolina Potato
Festival is fun for the whole family, featuring a street dance,
potato-peeling contest, live entertainment, concessions and the famous
Little Miss Tater Tot Pageant. For information call Elizabeth City
Downtown Inc. (www.ncpotatofestival.com) at (252)
338-4104.
- Spring Sprint 5K Fun Run
Waterfront Park, 8 a.m. packet pickup
Race entry fee: $20 on or before May 14; $25 after May 14
Call for race information at (252) 267-4573 - Blessing of the Fleet
Waterfront Park, 10 a.m. - Albemarle Potato Festival
Downtown Elizabeth City, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission is free.
May 31 –
June 1
Elizabeth City 300 National Truck and Tractor Pull
Imagine pulling a 6,200-pound tractor or a 7,000-pound stock car!
Contestants do just that – and more – at this
annual truck and tractor pull that draws hundreds of spectators to
Morgan’s Corner. For information, visit www.mcttp.com
June 3
Albemarle Historical Roundtable Speaker’s Series:
Jefferson Davis Bicentennial Celebration
Elizabeth City State University Professor and author Donald Collins
will talk about Jefferson Davis, on the 200th anniversary of his birth.
A 6 p.m. reception will precede the 7 p.m. lecture at The Museum of the
Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com).
Admission is free. Call (252) 335.1453.
June 6 – 8
3rd Annual Carolina Cup Powerboat Regatta
Powerboats racers take to the water for this rip-roaring race on the
Elizabeth River. Races will be held from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.,
along with entertainment, food and fun. Admission for spectators is
free. For info, call the Elizabeth City Area CVB at 1-888-936-7387.
June 13
The Independent: Freedom of the Press Symposium
The Museum of the Albemarle will present a symposium and
exhibit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of The
Independent, a former Elizabeth City newspaper, and its
legendary editor, W. O. Saunders. In addition to biting editorials and
outspoken views, Saunders was famous for helping lay the groundwork for
many North Carolina landmarks, including the Wright Brothers Memorial,
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
and The Lost Colony outdoor drama. Contact The
Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com)
for information at (252) 335-1453.
SUMMER
June 21
7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Elizabeth City joins communities throughout the nation by presenting
this event that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United
States. Enjoy cultural activities, entertainment and ethnic foods at
Waterfront Park. The River City Community Development Corporation is
the sponsor. To find out more about call (252) 331-2925 or visit (www.rivercitycdc.org)
June 28 – 29
Harbor Arts Festival
The Elizabeth City Waterfront is the backdrop for this annual
celebration of fine arts and crafts. A Saturday night street party will
feature specialties from more than 20 area restaurants and the music of
The Rhondels. The Arts of the Albemarle (www.artsofthealbemarle.com)
is the sponsor. For information call (252) 338-6455.
- Taste of Elizabeth City Street Party, June 28
Downtown Elizabeth City and Museum of the Albemarle green, 6 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $25 per person (food, drinks, entertainment) - Harbor Arts Festival, June 28 – 29
Downtown Elizabeth City and Museum of the Albemarle green
Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, June 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission is free.
July 4
Harbor Nights Goes “Fourth”
Elizabeth City sparkles with music, children’s activities and
a gigantic July Fourth fireworks display. From 6 – 9 p.m.
Admission is free. Call the Elizabeth City Area Convention &
Visitor Bureau (www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com)
at 1-888-936-7387.
Aug. 24 – 25
8th Annual River City Bull Bash
Saddle up cowboy! This annual rodeo at Morgan’s Corner starts
at 6 p.m. Admission: $15 adults, $10 children. Call Carey McNeill at
(252) 339.2246.
Sept. 7–
Oct. 3
22nd Annual Pasquotank Arts Council Art Competition
Arts of the Albemarle (www.artsofthealbemarle.com)
presents this juried art competition and exhibition each year to
showcase the region’s many fine arts and crafts artists.
Artists may submit two entries for a $20 fee. Hours are 10 a.m.
– 5 p.m. weekdays (open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays). Admission
is free. Call (252) 338-6455.
FALL
Sept. 20
“A Day on the River, featuring the 19th Annual
Moth Boat Regatta”
In addition to celebrating the classic Moth Boat, created in Elizabeth
City in 1929, the Moth Boat Regatta brings together other classes of
small boats such as Sunfish, Hamptons, Buccaneers, Flying Scotts, Cats
and Sharks – all visible from the Elizabeth City downtown
waterfront. Races begin at 11 a.m. “A Day on the
River” continues throughout the afternoon with family and
children’s activities on the green in front of the museum.
The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com)
sponsors; call (252) 335-1453.
October
Albemarle Autumn Fest Weekend, Oct. 24-25
The early fall is a great time to explore Elizabeth City, thanks in
part to these two highly-anticipated events:
- Elizabeth City Historic Ghost Walk, Oct. 24
– 25
Ghosts of the Albemarle area’s real-life characters haunt a host of historic homes when the Elizabeth City Historic Neighborhood Association (www.historicghostwalk.org) presents this combination history lesson, historic homes tour and lively theatre. 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Admission: $12. Call 1-888-936-7387. - Albemarle Craftsman’s Fair, Oct. 24
– 26
Bringing together craftsmen from throughout the Albemarle region, this fair features authentic reproductions of early crafts for sale. Takes place at Knobbs Creek Recreation Center, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $3.50, $2.50 seniors and students under 18. Call (252) 335-4680 or visit www.albemarlecraftsmanfair.com
October
Halloween Planetarium Presentation
See how the nighttime sky appears in October, or enjoy Halloween-themed
laser light and star shows. Call the Elizabeth City State University
Planetarium (www.ecsuplanetarium.org) for dates
and a schedule. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call
for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.
November
Thanksgiving Planetarium Presentation
This special Thanksgiving-themed show is fun for all ages. Call the
Elizabeth City State University Planetarium (www.ecsuplanetarium.org)
for dates and a schedule. Admission is free, but reservations are
required. Call (252) 335-3759.
November, December
Holidays on the Pasquotank
Celebrate an old-fashioned holiday in Elizabeth City. From shopping in
the city’s many boutiques, specialty shops, galleries and
shopping destinations to a downtown holiday parade, there’s
something for everyone.
- Arrival of Santa, Nov. 22
Southgate Mall, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Admission is free. Call (252) 338-2848. - Holiday Celebration, Nov. 28
Downtown Elizabeth City, 6 p.m.
Admission is free. Call (252) 338-4104. - Holidays on the Pasquotank Christmas Parade,
Dec. 6
Downtown Elizabeth City, 5:30 p.m.
Admission is free for spectators and $20 for participants.
Sponsored by the Jaycees. Call (252) 331-0330.
Photo Credit: Main image in header, photo appears courtesy of ECSU/University Relations & Marketing.