Scottish Heritage Celebration Launches the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival, Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge

On Saturday October 18, from 10 am - 3 pm, Moores Creek National Battlefield invites the public to step back in time and experience the rich traditions of Scottish culture during a special Scottish Heritage Day celebration. This immersive event will offer a full day of music, dance, crafts, and history for the whole family and will serve as the launch of the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival, part of the 250th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. Highlights of the day include:

Featured Events:

11 am – Dr. Kimberly Sherman will present on the Highland Scots in North Carolina

11 am – Scottish Dance performance by the Annandale Center from Cary, NC

Noon – Announcement of the Launch of the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival

12:15 pm – Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums Performance

1 pm - Catherine Fort, President of the Scottish Society of Wilmington will highlight the Cape Fear Immigration Memorial, which will be dedicated in November at Brunswicktown.

1 pm – Scottish Dance performance by the Annandale Center from Cary, NC

2pm – Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums Performance

Additionally, a variety of hands-on colonial crafts such as candlemaking, corn husk doll making, and many other activities will be offered.

In addition to the day’s festivities, park staff and partners will officially unveil the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival, which will feature a week-long series of events across southeastern North Carolina, culminating in the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge on February 26-28, 2026. The launch will include the announcement of a special guest who will headline the February commemoration.

Come on out and join us for this special celebration! The event is FREE and OPEN to the public.

For a full listing of event details, please stay connected to us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moorescreeknps or visit our website at www.nps.gov/mocr.