What is the AI Fest?
The AI Creativity Fest is Pamlico Community College's two-day celebration of what happens when human imagination meets the power of artificial intelligence. Students from Pamlico County High School, Arapahoe Charter School, and Pamlico Christian Academy will come together on our campus to create, compete, and explore the future of creativity — and then we open the doors to the entire community.
Day 1 — April 15, 2026 — High School Day
Day 1 is all about our local high school students. Schools will bring their students to the PCC campus for a guided experience that includes a tour of the Innovation Gallery — where every student submission will be on display — hands-on AI activities, and lunch with PCC faculty and staff. Students will see firsthand how AI tools can help them express ideas, solve real problems, and create original work across art, music, writing, video, and innovation.
Day 2 — April 16, 2026 — Community Day & Awards
Day 2 is open to everyone. Community members, families, local business owners, educators, and anyone curious about AI are all welcome. The afternoon features AI training workshops designed for three audiences — small business owners, educators & administrators, and general community members — so whether you want to learn how AI can help grow your business, enhance your classroom, streamline some workflows, or simply make everyday life easier, there's a session for you. The Innovation Gallery will be open for public viewing and People's Choice voting, with food trucks and live entertainment building energy throughout the afternoon. The evening closes with the Awards Ceremony in the Delamar Auditorium, where student winners are recognized by President Schnell and the overall champion school takes home the trophy.
Why AI + Creativity?
Artificial intelligence is changing how we create art, music, videos, stories, and even solutions to everyday challenges. The Fest gives students a chance to try these tools, experiment with new ideas, and be part of a community of young innovators — while showing our entire region what's possible when creativity and technology come together.