The Showboat is celebrating 65 years in Wilmington–her Berth-Day–all weekend long! Join us October 2–4 for special tours, live music, patriotic illumination, special admission offers, and a few special Battleship ways to mark 65 years since Battleship North Carolina arrived at her permanent berth on the Cape Fear River.
Schedule of Events
Check back soon for updates!
Battleship Berth-Day Party & Sing-Along | Friday, October 2 | Time To Be Announced
Join us for the most memorable berth-day greeting in North Carolina! Help us celebrate 65 years of the Showboat in Wilmington–and all of the North Carolinians who brought her here–with a live Happy Berth-Day sing-along aboard the Battleship North Carolina.
$6 for 60 Tours | Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Battleship’s Main Deck for just 66 per person, in addition to regular admission. After the tour, explore the ship as long as you’d like! Presented by the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina.
Musical Salute to the Battleship | Saturday, October 3 at 7:00 pm
Celebrate the Showboat’s historic 1961 arrival in Wilmington with an evening of World War II-era swing and patriotic music, provided by The Wilmington Virtuoso Brass Band! Presented by the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina.
Friday through Sunday, October 2, 3 & 4 at sunset | Patriotic Illumination
Experience the beauty of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial illuminated in red, white and blue. View from your favorite spot along Riverwalk and historic downtown Wilmington.
Special Admission Prices for the Berth-Day Weekend
- Original participants in the 1961 Save Our Ship Campaign receive special $6.50 admission.
- North Carolina and New York residents receive $13 adult admission* in honor of the 13 original colonies and America’s 250th birthday.
*Presentation of a valid North Carolina or New York state-issued ID required. One id is valid for one $13 adult admission.
Honor the Battleship’s 65th Berth-day—and Help Preserve Her for another 65 Years
The Battleship North Carolina Memorial exists because North Carolinians came together to save the ship, contributing gifts large and small–including the dimes, nickels, and pennies of more than 700,000 schoolchildren. For 65 years, the Battleship has served as North Carolina’s World War II Memorial and as a place of learning, remembrance, and inspiration. Generations of visitors have walked her decks and learned about the service, courage, and sacrifice of her crew and North Carolina’s Immortal 11,000.
Please consider donating to support Battleship restoration, education, and other projects that will help preserve the Showboat and ensure future generations can step aboard and steward the ship into her next 65 years!
