Dare County Moves A250 Celebration Signature Event to Manteo

Concerns over merchandise sales at Wright Brothers Memorial prompt relocation to downtown Manteo and Roanoke Island Festival Park

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Dare County has announced that its signature A250 Faire event, originally planned for the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, will now be held on April 18 in downtown Manteo and at the Roanoke Island Festival Park. The decision was made due to concerns over allowing vendors to sell merchandise at the National Park Service site, which is not permitted. The event will now feature a full-day experience in Manteo before transitioning to the festival park for an evening performance.

Why it matters

The A250 Faire is a key part of Dare County's celebration of America's 250th anniversary, and the relocation ensures that all aspects of the original vision, including the participation of local vendors, artisans, and nonprofits, can be accommodated. The event's move to Manteo and the festival park also highlights the county's efforts to showcase its local communities and resources as part of the national commemoration.

The details

Originally planned for the Wright Brothers Memorial, the A250 Faire will now take place in downtown Manteo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., before transitioning to the Roanoke Island Festival Park for an evening performance. The decision to relocate the event was made due to concerns over allowing vendors to sell merchandise at the National Park Service site, which is not permitted. The A250 Committee felt strongly that the vendors were an important part of the celebration, and the move to an alternate location ensures that all aspects of the event can be accommodated.

  • The A250 Faire will be held on April 18, 2026.
  • The daytime festivities in downtown Manteo will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tickets for the evening performance at Roanoke Island Festival Park will be available online starting March 9, 2026.

The players

Dorothy Hester

Co-chair of the A250 Committee.

Mike Barber

Public Affairs Specialist for the NPS Outer Banks Group.

Dare County

The county organizing the A250 Faire event as part of the national 250th anniversary celebration.

National Park Service (NPS)

The federal agency that manages the Wright Brothers Memorial, where the event was originally planned to be held.

Roanoke Island Festival Park

The new venue for the evening performance of the A250 Faire.

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What they’re saying

“The A250 Committee felt strongly that the vendors are an important part of the celebration that was originally envisioned — helping showcase local organizations, artisans and nonprofits as part of America's 250th commemoration in Dare County.”

— Dorothy Hester, Co-chair of the A250 Committee (Outer Banks Voice)

“We're not permitted to allow merchandise to be sold. So, there was a decision made by the Committee to move it to another location so that they can accommodate vendors.”

— Mike Barber, Public Affairs Specialist for the NPS Outer Banks Group (Outer Banks Voice)

What’s next

Tickets for the evening performance at Roanoke Island Festival Park will be available online starting March 9, 2026.

The takeaway

The relocation of the A250 Faire signature event from the Wright Brothers Memorial to Manteo and the Roanoke Island Festival Park demonstrates Dare County's commitment to fully celebrating America's 250th anniversary by ensuring that all aspects of the original vision, including the participation of local vendors, artisans, and nonprofits, can be accommodated.