Welcome to the 46th Annual Croaker Festival hosted by the beautiful, river side town of Oriental, North Carolina.  It seems like just yesterday since we’ve all been together, but the Croaker Crew is already very busy in preparation of the 2026 Croaker Festival activities! And this year will be a very special celebration! 

This year we get the priviledge to join together with our county, state & country to celebrate the founding of our country!

In 2026, America will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the development of a new country dedicated to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

The Pamlico County Board of Commissioners has adopted a Celebration Committee to honor and participate with counties statewide in this momentous occasion throughout 2026. There will be numerous events to join and participate in over the next several months culminating with our annual Croaker Festival Independence Day Celebration on July 3rd & 4th 2026.

So come help us celebrate because it won’t be long and it will be time to watch the Croaker Pageants, listen to music, laugh, and catch candy at the parade, enjoy the festival food while strolling around the park with the amazing Crafts or heading down the Kids Park.

At the end of the day on Saturday the 4th, the Fireworks Show will go off from the bridge, as so many have before. Just after sunset, (around 9:00ish) the show will start and you can see it from below the bridge, a boat, or anywhere on shore where the bridge is visible.

We can’t wait to see you! We are excited that you are coming. And we welcome you to the Pamlico County Croaker Festival.
We hope you & your family enjoy it as much as we do!

Since this great celebration of our independence will be highlighted with a grand fireworks display
on Saturday July 4th we need your help!
Please consider donating to the Croaker Festival Firework Fund today!