Greensboro History Museum’s Flashback family fun series highlights decades past for our city and beyond. Recent Flashbacks have explored the history, music, culture, and curiosities of the 1920s, 1940s, and 1950s. This year we’re diving into the decade of disco, punk, and funk with a wild ride through the 1970s.
We’ll have vintage autos and vintage fashions on view, summer camp game antics, and expert flash talks on 1970s history on local campuses and around the area.
Visitors can enter a Celebs & Sci-Fi costume contest (see below for categories and guidelines) or submit your bakes to our judges’ scrutiny for the 70s Bake Off (recipes below).
Plus get down to the tunes of the era, and grab a tasty bite at Hot Dog Central or Scoop Zone food trucks.
Flashback Activities
Own a 1970s vehicle you want to show off?
We’re welcoming 1970s vintage vehicle owners to show of your hot wheels outside the museum during the event. If you are interested in participating in our 1970s Vintage Vehicle Showcase, please fill out this form by Tuesday, July 8 at 12 pm and the GHM Education & Engagement Team will reach out to you shortly.
Dressed up in your best 1970s looks and boogie on down to the museum to compete in pop culture and historic categories. Register the Day of the Event!
Categories
Dress up as a 1970s celebrity or movie, television, cartoon, or comic, or video game characters.
Prizes for Adult Non-Fictional Persons (Movie Stars, Political Figures, etc.), Adult Fictional Characters (Movie characters, TV characters, Comic Characters, Literature Characters, etc.), 15 Years Old and Under Non-Fictional Persons (Movie Stars, Political Figures, etc.), 15 Years Old and Under Fictional Characters (Movie characters, TV characters, Comic Characters, Literature Characters, etc.).
Schedule
Costume showcases for judging and prizes are at 12:00 pm for 15 years and under and 2 pm for 16 years and older.
Arrive at least 2 hours early before judging and the disco dance off. The disco dance off is just to showcase your costume, the dancing is not part of the contest evaluation.
When Contestants arrive they will check in at the “Icons of the 70s” Sign Up Table. This Table will be located in the Lobby of the Greensboro History Museum on the Ground Floor level.
Contestants must arrive in costumes and are responsible for their own belongings. We do not have a dressing area.
Guidelines
Costumes should be appropriate for a family friendly event. Organizers will disqualify costumes they judge to be obscene, offensive, overly revealing, or displaying hate associations.
All props will be subject to inspection. No functioning weapons are permitted, including guns, projectile weapons, knives, blunt objects, etc.
Bullying is not allowed. Anyone making negative comments or bullying will be disqualified and asked to leave.
Test your 1970s baking skills with one of three recipes linked here:
Please do not alter or substitute ingredients, and try to follow the recipe as closely as possible. Bring your desserts to the Front Desk of the Greensboro History Museum between 11:00 am and 12:30 pm. Then be in the auditorium by 1:00 pm for the judging and awards!
Flash talks are small 5 to 10 minute presentations from local historians, community members, and archivists. They take place throughout the day in our auditorium. Check back to see the full flash talk schedule.
Check back for more information.
Become a Flashback Sponsor
Help us keep Flashback free and fun for all! Your gift of $70 to $1,975 can support the soulful sounds, fashion show, campy games, classic cars, flash talks, and more. Click Here to Support or Download the 2025 Sponsorship Packet
Photo: 1976 Kirkwood neighborhood July 4th parade (GHM Archives)
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