As the United States celebrates America 250, marking 250 years since the nation’s founding, Dare County is embracing the milestone with initiatives that honor history, community, and culture. One of the most exciting ways to explore Dare County’s heritage is through Dare A250, the county’s official program connected to America 250, along with its interactive Passport Program and a series of featured events in 2026.
At Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates, we’re proud to support Dare A250 and participate in events that celebrate the Outer Banks’ rich history while bringing residents and visitors together.
Dare A250 highlights Dare County’s role in American history while celebrating the people, places, and stories that make the Outer Banks unique. From historic sites to local landmarks, the initiative encourages exploration, education, and community engagement — making history come alive for residents, families, and visitors alike.
This year, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is participating in the Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and sponsoring the Dare A250 Faire on April 18, both key events in Dare County’s A250 calendar.
A standout of Dare A250 is the Passport Program, designed to help locals and visitors explore Dare County’s historic sites, museums, and landmarks. By visiting participating locations, you can collect stamps in your Dare A250 passport, learning the stories behind each site and earning recognition for your adventures.
Dare A250 Passport Locations Include:
- Southern Shores Flat Tops – 13 Skyline Rd., Southern Shores, NC
Scenic homes and coastal views make this a perfect starting point for exploring Dare County’s natural beauty.
- Icarus Monument to Flight – 5230 N. Croatan Hwy., Kitty Hawk, NC
A monument honoring the Wright Brothers aviation pioneers, celebrating the spirit of flight that began on the Outer Banks.
- Wright Brothers National Memorial – 1000 N. Croatan Hwy., Kill Devil Hills, NC
Walk where powered flight began in 1903, featuring historical markers, a visitor center, and sweeping dune views.
- Jennette’s Pier – 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC
A hub for fishing and marine education, highlighting the Outer Banks’ coastal ecology.
- Fort Raleigh Historic Site – 1401 National Park Dr., Manteo, NC
Step back to the 1580s with exhibits and performances about the Lost Colony and early settlers.
- Island Farm – 1140 US-64, Manteo, NC
A restored 19th-century farm demonstrating traditional crafts, agriculture, and rural life.
- Pea Island Cookhouse Museum – 622 Sir Walter Raleigh St., Manteo, NC
Explore Pea Island’s cultural and community history along this barrier island.
- Bethany Church – 101 Old Wharf Rd., Wanchese, NC
Historic church offering insight into Outer Banks spiritual traditions and community life.
- Bodie Island Lighthouse – 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Rd., Nags Head, NC
Iconic lighthouse with panoramic views and a rich maritime history guiding sailors along the Atlantic.
- Chicamacomico Life Saving Station – 23645 NC Hwy. 12, Rodanthe, NC
Learn about the brave surfmen of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and their daring coastal rescues.
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park – 300 W Carolista Dr., Nags Head, NC
Home to the tallest natural sand dunes on the East Coast, perfect for hiking, kite flying, and nature exploration.
- Buffalo City – 17344 Buffalo City Rd., Manns Harbor, NC
Explore remnants of this 19th-century logging town via trails, offering a glimpse into Dare County’s industrial past.
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum – 59200 Museum Dr., Hatteras, NC
Delve into maritime history, shipwrecks, and legends that earned the Outer Banks the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” nickname.
🍀 Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade — March 15, 2026 (Nags Head)
The 35th Annual Kelly’s Parade will officially kick off Dare A250 celebrations with an A250-themed float. Patriotic participation is encouraged — and you might just see Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates marching with pride!
🛩️ Dare A250 Faire — April 18, 2026 (Wright Brothers National Memorial)
A free, full-day festival celebrating Life, Liberty, and Liftoff in the Land of Beginnings. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, historical storytelling, local food and vendors, and entertaining performances — a true celebration of Dare County’s history.
🎆 4th of July Celebrations — July 3–4, 2026 (Across Dare County)
Independence Day festivities will include parades, fireworks, and special programs at historic sites like Island Farm and downtown Manteo, honoring America’s birthday during the A250 year.
🍀 Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade — March 15, 2026 (Nags Head)
The first flight by the Wright Brothers on the Outer Banks marked a turning point for Dare County, spurring growth and improved access while securing its place as a milestone in American history worthy of recognition during the nation’s 250th anniversary.
🛩️ Dare A250 Faire — April 18, 2026 (Wright Brothers National Memorial)
“Trash Attack!” is a community-wide cleanup in Kill Devil Hills where volunteers work together to clear litter from beaches, soundside areas, and beyond—paired with a 2026 poster contest themed “Honoring Our Past, Protecting Our Future” that encourages residents to show how caring for the environment reflects strong citizenship and community pride.
🎆 4th of July Celebrations — July 3–4, 2026 (Across Dare County)
The OBX Rod & Custom Festival brings together an exciting showcase of custom cars, family-friendly entertainment, great food, and special events—plus the Joe Lamb bug will be there—all while raising funds to support local children’s charities in Dare County and help create brighter futures for the next generation.
May 16 (Duck Woods Country Club)
Join us for the ICO Veterans Tribute Pickleball Social honoring General P.X. Kelley, USMC—a fun, all-levels round-robin event that brings the community together through friendly competition while raising funds to support local veterans in need through the Interfaith Community Outreach’s Veterans Outreach Program.
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2nd Annual OBX 50/150 Air Race
May 16
This second annual aviation race highlights the vital role flight has played in our nation’s commerce and defense since the early 1900s, while inspiring kids and young adults to explore careers in aviation through one of eight events held across the country this year.
44th Annual Rogallo Kite Festival
June 12
Kitty Hawk Kites and friends will fill the sky above Jockey’s Ridge State Park with vibrant patriotic kites and giant inflatables, inviting guests to fly their own, enjoy free stunt kite lessons and kids’ activities, or simply relax and take in the colorful display.
June 30
The Town of Nags Head’s free Family Fun Times event at Dowdy Park on June 30, 2026 invites families to enjoy hands-on patriotic crafts and activities that celebrate American heritage while inspiring the next generation to connect with the values of freedom, independence, and civic pride in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Summer Concert at Dowdy Park: Featuring SOULone
This free outdoor concert at Dowdy Park hosted by the Town of Nags Head features SOULone and a lively patriotic sing-along, bringing the community together through music, shared celebration, and collective pride in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Americana Farmer's Market at Dowdy Park
The Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market on July 2, 2026 brings together local vendors and community members to celebrate fresh food, handmade goods, and small businesses while fostering connection, supporting entrepreneurship, and honoring the shared traditions and civic pride at the heart of America’s 250th anniversary.
More events — including festivals, speeches, performances, exhibits, and community heritage programs — will be continually added to the official Dare A250 calendar at Dare 250 Events
For decades, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates has been committed to Dare County and the Outer Banks community. Supporting Dare A250 allows us to give back, preserve local history, and encourage exploration of Dare County’s landmarks and culture.
Whether you’re a local, a homeowner, a visitor, or an Outer Banks history enthusiast, participating in Dare A250, the Passport Program, and featured events is a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate.
We invite everyone to join us in honoring 250 years of history and heritage in Dare County — from the Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the April 18th festival, the Passport Program journey, and beyond. Adventure, history, and community await!
