It's a Celebration!

Welcome to New Bern.  In 2010, North Carolina's second oldest town, will be 300 years old! To honor this milestone and our rich history, we’re hosting a year-long celebration and you’re invited. We’ve planned events and activities throughout the year to appeal to a wide variety of interests. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a lover of the arts, a fan of architecture and historic sites, or you simply enjoy strolling quaint streets and a scenic waterfront, New Bern has something to offer you every day. In 2010, we’ve added an extra element of fun and festivities to celebrate our heritage and share it with others.

While our signature, anniversary celebration will be the JUBILEE over the four days of September 16 through September 19, there are hundreds of exciting events through the year. The First Night on December 31, kicks off the year with a bang and streets full of fun. Remembering the War, May 6-9, will be of particular appeal for those people interested in the Civil War and those people with a particular interest in the role of African Americans during that period.

Juneteenth, celebrating the spread of the good news of the Emancipation Proclamation, will be an occasion filled with music and reunion. The July 4 events will be embraced by a theme called The Road to Independence, celebrating those people and events that helped to create a new nation. Through the year, beginning in February, we will follow a theme called Liberty and Justice for All, honoring and commemorating the people from our area who understood that the American experience should be for all, without regard to race, religion, origin or gender. There are hundreds of events through the year.

New Bern derives its name and its arms from our mother city, Bern, Switzerland, home of our founder, Christophe de Graffenried. Honoring those Swiss and Palatine settlers who arrived in 1710, as well as the people who settled here from many places, before and after founding, is important as we recognize with gratitude the debt we owe them. We also know that this place of enchanting rivers was special to many Native Americans over many centuries.

New Bern holds a special place in the history of North Carolina and our nation. The number of “firsts” is remarkable. Among them, we are especially proud of being the first permanent, colonial capital and the first capital of the State of North Carolina. The opening of the new North Carolina History Education Center at Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens will be one of the great highlights of the year. This celebration of the 300 years since the founding of New Bern is truly a celebration of the history of our state and nation.

Stroll New Bern’s historic Downtown streets with interesting shops, wonderful restaurants and stately and quaint homes and gardens. Visit Uptown presentations of the Great Fire of 1922.  Enjoy our rivers, parks and forests. Visit historic churches and engaging museums and galleries. Most importantly, accept the welcome of local residents who know that this jewel on the Neuse and the Trent is ours to share with all.

Look through our calendar of events and plan to join us as often as you can. As the great statesman, William Gaston penned for the North Carolina state song, “still our hearts swell with gladness whenever we name her.” Yes indeed, New Bern and North Carolina. Come join in the fun and let your heart swell with gladness as we celebrate 300 years of adventure.

Check back often for updated information about exciting events and attractions!