Downtown Kinston Revitalization

09/29/2026

You’re invited to a special dedication in Downtown Kinston.

Join Downtown Kinston Revitalization on Wednesday, October 14 at 11:00 a.m. as we officially dedicate the Buddy and Mary Mac Ritch All-American City Park at the corner of Queen and Blount streets.

This project was created to transform an important downtown gateway into a more welcoming, attractive space for residents and visitors, with new landscaping, seating, lighting, signage and other improvements.

The project is part of its continued work to create inviting gateways and placemaking spaces throughout Downtown Kinston. Downtown Kinston Revitalization.

It is being rededicated in honor of Buddy and Mary Mac Ritch and their contributions to Kinston.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate this newest addition to Downtown Kinston!

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. | Corner of Queen and Blount streets
Rain date | Wednesday, October 28

09/28/2026

𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝?

The Executive Director recently broke it down in an article on our website, including the different sources that help support downtown projects, programs and revitalization efforts.

If you’d like to better understand where the funding comes from and how it supports the work happening downtown, we encourage you to give it a read.

Learn more at DowntownKinston.com.

09/25/2026

Make your business part of the magic this Christmas! 🎄✨

Downtown Kinston’s Giant Christmas Card Lane is returning to Pearson Park, putting your business in front of thousands of residents and visitors throughout the holiday season.

🎁 New Card: $300
🎁 Renewal: $250
🎁 FREE Christmas Parade registration included

We handle the design, production, installation, lighting and display and you simply send us your logo!

Reserve by October 16: [email protected]

09/24/2026

Throughout Downtown Kinston, murals, sculptures and outdoor installations turn everyday spaces into places worth stopping for. They tell pieces of our story, create landmarks, spark conversation and give both residents and visitors another reason to slow down, walk around and explore.

09/23/2026

Mike Kinsey is helping keep music alive right here in downtown Kinston through lessons at Community Council for the Arts-Kinston, NC. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or dusting one off after years, there’s always room to learn something new.

Supporting places like CCA means supporting creativity, connection and a vibrant downtown.

Give Mike a call at 252-350-1620 or learn more at artkinston.com.

📍 400 N. Queen St., Kinston, NC

09/17/2026

Early registration for the 2026 Kinston Christmas Parade is now OPEN! Register online here: https://www.downtownkinston.com/parade

09/16/2026

Downtown Kinston Revitalization is pleased to welcome Jon Mendenhall as Kinston’s new City Manager!

We look forward to working together as we continue building on the momentum happening throughout downtown and across our community.

Welcome to Kinston, Jon! We’re glad to have you here.

One city in the East has appointed a new manager who will start later this month.

Story: https://www.witn.com/2026/09/16/kinston-appoints-new-city-manager-start-later-this-month/

09/15/2026

Tonight!

09/15/2026

The birthplace of funk is ready to get funky again! 🎶

Downtown Kinston’s incredible musical heritage takes center stage this Saturday, September 19, at the 9th Annual Heritage Celebration: “Once Again — A Funky Good Time!”

The African American Heritage Commission of Lenoir County will honor Samuel Caswell Lathan as its 2026 Cultural Celebration Honoree, with a live performance by Soulful Funky Devotion, great music, food and an evening celebrating the rhythm, beats and history that helped put Kinston on the musical map.

Community Council for the Arts | 400 N. Queen Street | Saturday, September 19 6:00–11:00 p.m. | Tickets: $20
Tickets: 252.933.9162 or purchase at the door

There’s no better place to celebrate funk than right here in Downtown Kinston!

09/14/2026

Spend Wednesday evening with us in Downtown Kinston!

Join us September 16 from 5:30–7 PM at the Community Council for the Arts-Kinston, NC for a special Artist Talk with Charles Kane.

Kane painted his way across all 100 North Carolina counties, capturing the people, places and stories that make our state unique including this gorgeous oil painting of the Neuse River.

Come hear more about that journey and his collection, “The One-Hundred Speak: From P*e Dee to Mattamuskeet.”

The event is FREE and open to everyone.
The Arts Center | 400 N. Queen St., Kinston