Join the celebration this week of one of the Outer Banks’ most iconic and cherished natural landmarks as Jockey’s Ridge State Park marks its 50th Anniversary.
This Thursday through Sunday, Park Superintendent Joy Cook and The Friends of Jockey’s Ridge invite the community and visitors alike to a four-day festival of free events honoring the past, present, and future of this unique coastal treasure.
The anniversary celebration will feature a dynamic lineup of free, family-friendly activities and first-time-ever events on the Outer Banks, including:
- Outer Banks’ first-ever Drone Light Show over the majestic dunes of Jockey’s Ridge
- Live concert on the dunes by The Connells, one of North Carolina’s most beloved indie rock bands
- A sunset toast and flag-raising ceremony atop the dunes, with the National Anthem echoing across the landscape
- Interactive programs including a disc golf tournament, horseshoe tournament, kayaking adventures, and children’s educational activities
- Sunrise yoga overlooking the Atlantic, the premiere of a new Jockey’s Ridge documentary, and the unveiling of a shoreline expansion project
- A homecoming event, time capsule dedication, and much more
All events are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Secure your spot at jockeysridge50.com and follow Friends of Jockey’s Ridge on Facebook for the latest updates.
This 50th Anniversary is more than a celebration — it’s a tribute to the courage of Carolista Baum, whose fearless stand in 1973 halted a bulldozer poised to destroy the dunes.
Her activism sparked a grassroots movement that led to the creation of Jockey’s Ridge State Park in 1975, protecting 426 acres of the largest living sand dune system on the East Coast.
Today, the park welcomes over one million visitors each year, continuing to inspire awe and adventure for all who walk its shifting sands.
Make your plans now to experience this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Visit jockeysridge50.com for the full event itinerary and to reserve your free tickets.
Want to get involved? Sign up at friendsofjockeysridge.org/volunteer-50th
The Friends of Jockey’s Ridge extends heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors for supporting this celebration and our ongoing mission to protect and promote Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
Special thanks to: County of Dare, Town of Nags Head, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, The Don & Catharine Bryan Cultural Series, Southern Bank, PepsiCo, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Dominion Energy, Kitty Hawk Kites, North Carolina State Parks and more!
Let’s come together to celebrate 50 years of wonder, community, and conservation at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. We’ll see you on the dunes!
