Holly Springs is preparing to throw the biggest birthday party in its history. This year marks the Town’s 150th anniversary, and the Town is kicking off a celebration honoring the community’s past, present, and future.
While most birthdays last a day, this party spans from July 2026 through May 2027. The timeline reflects the Town’s journey to incorporation. The charter process began in 1876, the date shown on the official Town seal, and concluded in 1877, when the State officially incorporated Holly Springs as a community.
“Whether you’ve lived in Holly Springs your whole life or just moved here, the 150th celebration will have events and activities everyone can enjoy,” said Cassie Hack, director of Holly Springs communications and marketing. “This is an opportunity to learn about the history of our wonderful Town, share memories with each other, and build new relationships with community members and local businesses for the future.”
The Big Kickoff: Fireworks and Fun at Sugg Farm
The celebration officially launches on July 5, 2026, during the Town’s Independence Day festivities at Sugg Farm. Attendees should make a beeline for the Town’s tent to snag exclusive 150th-anniversary swag, including unique fireworks glasses to enhance the experience, holographic stickers, and reusable 150th fans (available while supplies last).
Beyond the spectacle in the sky, the event offers a moment of reflection. Visitors can view the Town’s time capsule and walk through historical displays.
Summer of Celebration
The momentum continues in late July as the Holly Springs Salamanders take the field at the North Main Athletic Complex for a special 150th-themed game on Saturday, July 25. Fans can expect more than just great baseball; the night will feature themed between-inning activities, contests, and Town booths along the concourse.
In August, the focus shifts to the heart of the community with Downtown Week. This celebration of the Town’s local roots includes:
All Aboard, Holly Springs: A model train show honoring the historic rail line that once steamed through downtown near Avent Ferry Road.
The 150th-Themed Farmers Market: Featuring antique farming equipment, paper-making crafts, a traditional cake walk, and more.
Downtown Restaurant Week: Downtown restaurants offer 150th-themed specials throughout the week.
Then in September, the fun continues with HollyQuest, a special Town-wide scavenger hunt where participants search Holly Springs for clues and win prizes. From historic locations to public places, from parks to Town facilities, locations all around Holly Springs will be part of this fun challenge.
History and Community
For those who want to dive deeper, the Town has launched a dedicated website: hollyspringsnc.gov/150. The site features an interactive timeline of major milestones and a 150 Stories collection highlighting the people, places, and moments that make Holly Springs so special. This section of the website will continue to grow throughout the celebration, as everyone is invited to contribute stories about Holly Springs.
“This celebration is about more than just dates on a calendar; it’s about the spirit of the people who call Holly Springs home,” Hack said. “We want to capture the full picture of our community and we can’t do this without your photos and memories.”
Submit your photographs and stories about Holly Springs to the website so they can be preserved as part of official anniversary materials. Visit hollyspringsnc.gov/150 for more information.
Partnership and Legacy
The sesquicentennial celebration is made possible by premier sponsor Genentech. Though a new addition to the Holly Springs landscape, the company is celebrating its own 50th anniversary this year.
“We are so grateful for Genentech’s support of our celebration,” Hack noted. “It’s a beautiful synergy to have a global leader celebrating 50 years just as we celebrate 150. As one of the original founders of the biotech industry, Genentech, like Holly Springs, continues to grow while staying rooted in innovation.”
The timing is also significant on a national scale.
“Our sesquicentennial perfectly aligns with the United States’ 250th anniversary,” Hack added. “As the country reflects on two and a half centuries of history, Holly Springs is proud to showcase its own unique thread in the American story.”
A Taste of History
Local businesses are joining the festivities with limited-edition products:
Pimiento Tea Room: Crafting a signature themed cocktail.
JT’s Creamery: Churning a special anniversary ice cream flavor.
Bep: Serving up a commemorative boba drink.
Mama Mia Italian Bistro: Creating a specialty 150th pizza.
Check out the full listing of businesses participating on the 150th website. If you are a business owner interested in joining the fun, visit the anniversary website or email 150@hollyspringsnc.gov to share your offering.
“As we look toward the next 150 years, this celebration is a time to honor the foundations laid by those before us, as well as enjoy the vibrant energy of our current community,” Hack said.
Whether you’re cheering at a Salamanders game, exploring the digital stories, or enjoying a 150th scoop of ice cream, you are part of the living history of Holly Springs. You’re invited to join the celebration. Visit hollyspringsnc.gov/150 to stay updated on all the festivities and find your place in the Holly Springs story.
