Step Into the 18th Century: Camp Flintlock's Colonial Faire Returns August 22
- April Rosequist
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
For one special day each year, the Camp Flintlock campsite becomes something more.
The fires are lit. The tents are raised. Fifes and drums fill the air. Living historians arrive in period clothing, and visitors of all ages are invited to step out of 2026 and into the world of the 18th century.
The Camp Flintlock Colonial Faire returns this Saturday, August 22—and this year, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, there couldn't be a better time to experience history firsthand.
A Day of Living History
The Colonial Faire isn't an event where you simply stand back and watch history happen. You're invited to become part of it.
Pick up a feather quill and try your hand at 18th-century writing. Make a Native American-style necklace. Test your aim throwing a tomahawk. Dress in colonial clothing and join the Children's Militia.
Throughout the campsite, you'll find demonstrations and interpreters sharing different pieces of life in early America. You can learn about medicine, see weaving, visit with frontiersmen and living historians, explore our wigwam and other structures, and discover the skills and traditions that were part of everyday life more than two centuries ago.
This isn't history behind glass.
It's history you can touch.
Hear the Music. See the Demonstrations.
Some parts of history are meant to be heard.
Throughout the day, Camp Flintlock's Fife & Drum Corps will fill the campsite with music once familiar to soldiers and civilians alike.
You'll also have opportunities to see live firearm demonstrations and learn more about the weapons and military traditions of the 18th century.
At 11:30 AM, our youngest recruits will take part in the Children's Militia Parade, marching through the campsite as part of one of our favorite Colonial Faire traditions.
Then at 2:00 PM, Fayetteville Historic Dance takes center stage with a demonstration of period dancing, offering a glimpse into the music, movement, and social life of the 18th century.
Some Very Special Guests
One of the things that makes the Colonial Faire so special is that Camp Flintlock isn't bringing history to life alone.
This year, we're excited to welcome an incredible group of museums, historic sites, and fellow living historians, including:
Moores Creek National Battlefield
House in the Horseshoe
Alamance Battleground
Joel Lane Museum House
Johnston County Heritage Center
Fayetteville Historic Dance
Jaeger Korps
Frontiersman interpreters
Each brings a different piece of the past to the Faire.
Visitors can explore stories of colonial North Carolina, the American Revolution, historic homes and communities, military life, traditional skills, and the people whose lives helped shape our history.
It's also a wonderful opportunity to discover some of the historic places you can visit throughout North Carolina long after the Faire is over.
Come Hungry
All that marching, dancing, exploring, and tomahawk throwing can work up an appetite.
At 12:00 PM, we'll sit down for dinner at the campsite, with a hearty meal of roast beef, green beans, baked beans, a roll, and a drink available for purchase.
Adult plates are $10 and children's plates are $7.
Grab a plate, find a place beneath the canvas, and take a little time to enjoy the atmosphere of the encampment before heading off to your next activity.
Make a Day of It
There is a lot to discover between 10 AM and 4 PM, so don't feel like you need to rush.
Wander through the campsite.
Talk to the interpreters.
Try writing with a quill.
Throw a tomahawk.
Watch a firearm demonstration.
Listen for the fifes and drums.
Join the militia.
Watch the dancers.
Visit the historic organizations joining us for the day.
And before you head home, stop by the Camp Flintlock Store and visit our guest sutlers and merchants to do a little shopping.
We've even created a 2026 Colonial Faire map and schedule so you can find your way around the campsite and make sure you don't miss the demonstrations you most want to see.
America 250: A Special Year to Step Into the Past
The Colonial Faire has always been about connecting people with the past, but in 2026, that connection feels especially meaningful.
Two hundred and fifty years ago, ordinary people were living through extraordinary times.
They cooked meals over fires. They made things with their hands. They danced and played music. They practiced trades, raised families, served in militias, fought in wars, and made decisions that would ultimately help shape a new nation.
America's 250th anniversary gives us an opportunity to remember more than famous names, battles, and documents.
It gives us an opportunity to remember the people who lived it.
That's what living history does best.
For one Saturday in August, we invite you to come experience a little of their world for yourself.
Plan Your Visit
2026 Camp Flintlock Colonial Faire
📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM–4:00 PM 📍 Camp Flintlock 218 Hickory Grove Church Road Four Oaks, NC 27524 Approximately 30 miles southeast of Raleigh
Admission
Adults: $10 Children ages 6–16: $7 Children ages 5 & under: FREE
FREE admission for Military, First Responders, and Teachers with ID.
🎟️ Purchase Colonial Faire Tickets Online
Bring the children. Bring the grandparents. Bring the history lover in your family—or simply bring your curiosity.
Come hear the music.
Meet the people preserving our past.
Try something you've never done before.
And spend a Saturday with Camp Flintlock...
stepping into the 18th century.
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