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Ironman 70.3 North Carolina
Starts: 10/19/2024 - Ends: 10/19/2024
The PPD IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina triathlon will take place on much of the same course as its bigger sibling and will feature a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run. This "point-to-point-to-point-to-point" event begins in Wrightsville Beach and takes athletes along the same fast channel swim. The bike course runs through the coastal countryside outside Wilmington, and the run traverses Greenfield Lake before athletes finish in historic downtown Wilmington across from the USS North Carolina Battleship.
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Enchanted Airlie 2023
Starts: 11/29/2024 - Ends: 12/21/2024
A New Hanover County tradition since 2005, guests from around the world have visited Airlie Gardens from Thanksgiving to Christmas to take in the sparkling sights and festive sounds of the season. Guests will experience a 0.5m stroll through the Gardens, on a self-guided walking tour while feasting their eyes on a spectacular array of lights and holiday displays. Masks will be required, Santa will not be on site this year, there will not be food and beverages for sale and wheelchairs will not be available. Guests may bring their own food and may also bring their own wheelchairs. Pathways are wheelchair accessible.
This event sells out quickly so purchase tickets soon!
See website for 2024 details/dates, times TBA
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Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market
Starts: 05/13/2024 - Ends: 12/02/2024
- This unique Farmers' Market is the only one on the island and provides an opportunity to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. In addition to produce vendors and various other consumables vendors, the market includes a variety of unique craft vendors.
[list]
- Time: Mondays 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Price: Free
- Mid-May through Mid-December typically. Check website for details and correct start and end dates.
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Bark in the Park
Starts: 10/05/2024 - Ends: 10/05/2024
The annual Bark in the Park disc championship features high flying, daring dogs soaring in the air to catch frisbees. Spectators will have an opportunity to vote on best dressed dog, best personality and more. Fun for all! See website for confirmed dates/times and further information.
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Valentine's Weekend 2025
Starts: 02/14/2025 - Ends: 02/16/2025
Book a deluxe cabin for Valentine's weekend (2/14 - 2/16) and receive a special treat in your cabin upon arrival.
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Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour
Starts: 04/04/2025 - Ends: 04/06/2025
Enjoy Southern hospitality amid the glorious color of azaleas and spring flowers during this self-guided tour. The garden tour is an official event of the NC Azalea Festival. Please check website for dates, times and further details.
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Easter 2025
Starts: 04/19/2025 - Ends: 04/19/2025
Stay at the campground and join in the fun on Saturday! We will have our Easter Egg hunt, Face Painting, crafts and more.
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Poplar Grove's Paranormal Ghost Tour
Starts: 04/23/2024 - Ends: 09/17/2024
- Enjoy this unique paranormal ghost tour discovering spirits and haunts, or haints, of all eras from 1850 to 1950 as they continue to hover around this historic manor house. There are lots of true stories of the Poplar Grove's Foy Family household haints to share, including a murderous crime of passion. Discover who these phantoms are and why they're still here. You will learn a little history, review a scroll of the dead, and focus on a particular room or rooms for paranormal activity. Cameras and other paranormal equipment are permitted. Please check their Website and Social Media for latest updates on exact dates. Tour is available between the dates listed below. Tours might not be appropriate for young children.
[list]
- Presented By: Poplar Grove Plantation
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Price: $25 for Tour
- Dates - Various - check website for details
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Riverfest 2024
Starts: 10/05/2024 - Ends: 10/06/2024
Join in celebrating Wilmington's Annual Riverfest! This festival includes a street fair with special exhibits along with vendors selling art and handmade crafts, competitions, fireworks, over 30 food vendors and more. Enjoy a car show, continuous live entertainment showcasing local musicians and bands and so much more. Fireworks are Saturday evening
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Colonial Christmas Open House and Craft Market
Starts: 12/14/2024 - Ends: 12/14/2024
The Burgwin-Wright House shines as they host their annual festive holiday event filled with music, costumes and more! Go back in time for an old-fashioned Christmas and enjoy fun for the whole family, complete with period decorations, costumed interpreters and enjoy viewing decorations as they would have been when the original owners celebrated Christmas in the 1700's.
- Price and Times: See website for details
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Labor Day 2024
Starts: 08/30/2024 - Ends: 09/01/2024
Book your stay early and join us Labor Day weekend for a great end of Summer celebration! Friday - Donut NV ($) and Movie night at the Pavilion. Saturday - Tie dye shirts ($), Barrel Train rides, Face painting, Sunset Slush ($), 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine ($) and enjoy Music and Karoake with Capt. Mike along with a Glow Party after dark! Sunday - Sunset Slush and Candy Bar Bingo by the Pool.
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Wilson Center Events
Starts: 01/01/2024 - Ends: 12/31/2024
Visit the beautiful Wilson Center for one of the many events offered throughout the year!
wilsoncentertickets.com
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Farmer's Market at Tidal Creek
Starts: 01/06/2024 - Ends: 12/28/2024
Located mid-way between downtown and Wrightsville Beach, the Tidal Creek Co-op Farmer's Market is held every Saturday.
This is a "producer only" market so everyone there is selling what produce they have.
Time - 8 am - 1 pm
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Night Tour at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
Starts: 01/05/2024 - Ends: 11/01/2024
Occuring once a month from January 5, 2024 through November 1, 2024, experience colonial night life before electricity and modern conveniences in this beautiful historic home. Please plan ahead as space is limited and event typically sells out quickly.
See website for dates, admission and times.
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4th Wednesday Bird Walk
Starts: 01/24/2024 - Ends: 12/18/2024
Recurring on the 4th Wednesday of each month, enjoy the guided hike along Snow's Cut Trail. This approximately 2 mile walk will last about 2 hours. Be sure to bring binoculars, water and bug spray!
Free to attend. Check website for dates and times.
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NC Azalea Festival
Starts: 04/02/2025 - Ends: 04/06/2025
The Azalea Festival celebrates the rich culture and history, beautiful gardens and exceptional art work during this 5 days of pageantry. Experience Spring Southern Style! There will be a parade, fireworks, home and garden tours, street fair, nationally known entertainment and much more.
See website for details
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Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series
Starts: 06/07/2024 - Ends: 09/06/2024
Bring your picnic for this early evening event typically held the first and third Friday of each month during the summer. Spread your blanket or set up your chairs under the majestic oak trees at Airlie Gardens. Purchase tickets online in advance. See website for details.
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YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint
Starts: 09/21/2024 - Ends: 09/21/2024
Join in the largest single distance one day race from northern Virginia to Florida. This race is a highly-anticipated USA Triathlon sanctioned event, and consists of a 1,350 yard swim, an 11.5 mile bike and a 5k run in Wrightsville Beach making great use of Wrightsville Beach's terrain for local and visiting competitors.
- Time: 7:00 AM
- Price: Free for Spectators. For registration information, please see the website.
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Battleship Half Marathon, 10K and 5K
Starts: 11/17/2024 - Ends: 11/17/2024
This annual event attracts active visitors from all across the county and beyond. It provides a perfect opportunity to explore the local landscape of the southern NC coastline while enjoying a little competitive fun. Please see website for details.
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Annual NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach
Starts: 11/30/2024 - Ends: 11/30/2024
Celebrate the holidays coastal-style! The celebration kicks off Friday night with a tree lighting ceremony. Saturday, there is a festival in the park featuring over 100 art and craft vendors, antique cars, food and more. The Flotilla begins around 6 pm and is followed by fireworks spectacular. Vote via text for the "People's Choice" and "Crowd Favorite" once the parade starts.
Please see website for further details.
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Swim the Loop and Mott's Channel Sprint
Starts: 10/06/2024 - Ends: 10/06/2024
Swim the Loop starts and ends at the Dockside Restaurant, the Mott's Channel Sprint starts at the Blockade Runner Hotel and ends at the Dockside Restaurant. See website for details.
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American Craft Walk
Starts: 09/14/2024 - Ends: 09/14/2024
Come stroll Historic Downtown Wilmington's picturesque streets and view colorful and creative works of art in a variety of mediums at Wilmington's largest outdoor art show and sale. Don't miss your chance to pick up some of these one-of-a-kind local pieces from over 90 talented artists. Please visit website for details and time.
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Wrightsville Plunge
Starts: 01/01/2025 - Ends: 01/01/2025
Take the plunge or cheer on the brave plungers at Wrightsville Beach! This is an exciting way to welcome in the New Year! See website for details and times.
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Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot
Starts: 11/28/2024 - Ends: 11/28/2024
Burn off those pre-Thanksgiving calories with the annual Turkey Trot! This race includes a 5K timed run or a one-mile walk around the beautiful Wrightsville Beach Loop. There will be prizes, food, and fun for everyone this Thanksgiving Day! Children 5 and under are FREE, but in order to be timed, they must be registered and pay as an adult; please see the website for further information. Presented by Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity.
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NC Jazz Festival
Starts: 02/06/2025 - Ends: 02/08/2025
- Explore the beautiful historic downtown during the day and fill your evenings with the sounds of traditional jazz by some of the greatest jazz musicians from around the world.
[list]
- Thursday - our special event - Styles of Jazz
- Friday and Saturday evenings - concerts with multiple musicians and different directors.
- Come experience some fantastic musicians from around the globe!
- There is an admission charge. Please check the website for details.
[/list]
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Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon
Starts: 02/22/2025 - Ends: 02/22/2025
Experience marathon running from pier to port. This exciting event draws a variety of runners from all over the country to compete and has the added bonus of being a Boston Marathon qualifying event and an USATF certified qualifier. The course for the full marathon starts at the beach and runs through Wilmington and ends at the new Riverfront Park. Half Marathon and Relay events available as well. Make plans now to participate in or watch.
- Presented By: Novant Health
- Price: Free to watch. Different Registration fees according to events you participate in and when you sign up, please see website for details.
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Annual Historic Wilmington Half Marathon & 5K
Starts: 12/07/2024 - Ends: 12/07/2024
This closed course race runs through beautiful historic downtown, three majestic bridges, and the scenic Riverwalk and finishes at the new Riverfront Park. If you are brave, you can attempt the "Challenge" to run both the Half, and the 5K, in 60 minutes or less. This will be an exciting day for participants and spectators alike.
See the website for details and registration.
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Carolina Beach Christmas Parade
Starts: 12/06/2024 - Ends: 12/06/2024
Floats, bands and Santa Claus provide a night of family entertainment and holiday cheer. Join island residents and visitors of all ages the Friday after Thanksgiving to celebrate!
Free to spectators.
Time - 7:30 pm and usually lasts until 9 pm
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Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival
Starts: 10/26/2024 - Ends: 10/26/2024
Don't miss the fun-filled festival of beverages, live music, food vendors and more! Featuring over 300 beers and 100 + wines, admission includes entrance and a sampling glass. See website for details.
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Voracious Rare Beer Festival
Starts: 10/25/2024 - Ends: 10/25/2024
Looking for the latest and greatest beer? This event is for you! Enjoy the opportunity to try the private reserves of 50 of your favorite breweries. Come see why this is called the ultimate beer geek experience!
See website for details.
Tickets - $80 ( Age 21 + event)
Times - 6-9pm
Presented by Lighthouse Beer & Wine
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Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance
Starts: 12/07/2024 - Ends: 12/07/2024
Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club hosts a worldwide ham radio operator event commemorating the Dec 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor from the radio room of the USA North Carolina Battleship. The Battleship is NI4BK and HAM operators may contact the ship via voice, digital or Morse code. See website for details.
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Wahine Classic Surfing Competition
Starts: 08/03/2024 - Ends: 08/04/2024
Attracting all levels of female surfers, the Wahine Classic is a beloved surfing tradition. The venue will be Carolina Beach this year. Please see website for details.
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Butterfly House at Airlie Gardens
Starts: 06/04/2024 - Ends: 09/10/2024
Surround yourself in serenity at the Airlie Garden Butterfly House. Find species native to North Carolina in this open air exhibit. After visiting the Butterfly House be sure to tour the Pollinator Garden nearby.
Recurring daily and included in admission to Gardens.
See website for further details.
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Lower Cape Fear Life Care Festival of Trees 2024
Starts: 11/18/2024 - Ends: 01/02/2025
It's time for the area's favorite holiday tradition - Come find your Jolly and get in the Christmas spirit!
Wander through a glittering wonderland of holiday elegance as you stroll through the beautiful NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Trees decorated by local artists, various organizations and local businesses transform the aquarium into an enchanted forest.
Price: Included with online Aquarium Admission
Event Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Please check website for confirmed dates.
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River to Sea Bike Ride
Starts: 09/27/2024 - Ends: 09/27/2024
Enjoy this casual paced 20 mile bike ride from Historic Downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach along Wilmington's River to Sea bicycle route.
Details available closer to event. Helmets required for all participants.
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Annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach
Starts: 11/02/2024 - Ends: 11/02/2024
Enjoy the flavor of Wrightsville Beach restaurants on the waterfront! This event celebrates the delicious fare of the island with over 35 food, wine and beer tasting booths under a huge tent.
See website for details
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Father's Day weekend at the Wilmington KOA 2025
Starts: 06/14/2025 - Ends: 06/15/2025
Father's Day (6/15)! Come enjoy the great outdoors with Dad! Stay tuned for details!.
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Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Ghost Hunt & Tour 2024
Starts: 03/08/2024 - Ends: 10/12/2024
Participate in a real paranormal investigation aboard the USS North Carolina! If you have never been on a ghost hunt before, or are an experienced paranormal investigator, you don't want to miss this event! See website for details.
Dates -3/8 - 9, 6/28 - 29, 9/6, 10/11 - 12
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Riverfront Farmers Market
Starts: 04/13/2024 - Ends: 11/16/2024
This seasonal, open-air market in historic downtown Wilmington invites you to shop local. Bringing together local growers, producers and artisans, Riverfront Farmers Market offers a large variety of produce and products throughout the season. Check website to confirm accurate date range.
Located on Dock and Front Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington
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Seaside Shuffle 5K
Starts: 10/26/2024 - Ends: 10/26/2024
Join the fun with a classic race that starts and ends at Wrightsville Beach Park. Organized by the Wilmington Road Runners, this long standing race added an additional award for the Best Dressed 80's Runner! Pull out the waffle trainers, headbands and leg warmers and get ready to run!
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YMCA Pier 2 Pier Open Water Swim Race
Starts: 09/28/2024 - Ends: 09/28/2024
In memory of Ryan Young, this swim is approximately 2 miles point to point, between Johnny Mercer Pier and Crystal Pier, at beautiful Wrightsville Beach. This event benefits the YMCA Swim for Life Program.
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Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival 2024
Starts: 09/20/2024 - Ends: 09/21/2024
Celebrate the colorful Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival at Carolina Beach. You can join in as a participant by forming a Team with your friends, family or co-workers and enjoy being afloat a colorful 45 foot long watercraft. The fun starts Friday evening, with a kickoff party featuring live music and refreshments. Saturday, get ready to race and enjoy a large festival of vendors around the Carolina Beach Marina displaying artwork, jewelry, shirts, and food items for sale. Come join the festivities as a team member or spectator. This is a family fun event so participants are encouraged to bring along children and friends to enjoy the fun!
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Wilmington Boat Show
Starts: 10/11/2024 - Ends: 10/13/2024
The Wilmington Boat Show launched September 9-11, 2016. The Port City is renowned as North Carolina's most accessible coastal destination, nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal gem will now be home to the annual Wilmington Boat Show, produced by JBM & Associates, producers of the Charleston and Savannah Boat Shows. The Wilmington Boat Show is the largest of its' kind between Annapolis, Maryland and Tampa, Florida.This destination show will take place in several different venues, including the Port City Marina and the Wilmington Convention Center. See web site for confirmed details.
ADMISSION: Adults (13 to 64): $10
Two-Day Pass: $15
Seniors (65 and Up): $8
Military: $5
Children (4 to 12): $5
Children 3 and Under: Free
Friday - Noon to 6pm
Saturday - 10am to 6pm
Sunday - 10am to 5pm
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Goosebumps in the Grove
Starts: 10/26/2024 - Ends: 10/27/2024
Spend a spooky day on Saturday at the Halloween Festival at Poplar Grove. Fun for all ages featuring Trick-or-Treat, Carnival Games, Poplar Grove Witches Candy Chute, Halloween Vignette Photo Ops and much more!
Event times -Daytime Halloween Gift Show, Carnival and tours on Saturday 10 am - 4 pm, Sunday 11 am - 3 pm tours continue
Admission - 2+ $5, under 2 - free; Enter the Haunted Mansion for an additional $5 charge. Additional treats await the little ones brave enough to enter!
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Commemoration
Starts: 01/20/2025 - Ends: 01/20/2025
January 20, 2025
Parade - 11:00-2:00
Description:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day has special resonance to Wilmingtonians because (among other reasons) Dr. King was scheduled to travel to Wilmington for a speaking engagement on the day he was assassinated. Wilmington honors his memory with Monday's commemorative parade. To view a full list of events, please see the website below.
Admission Fee/Ticket Price
Parade is Free : Full list of programs and admissions are available for viewing on the website below.
For More Information Call: 910-297-7636
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Trask Family Farm Corn Maze - Dates TBD
Starts: 09/28/2024 - Ends: 09/28/2024
Explore the corn maze, stroll through the pumpkin patch, enjoy homemade ice cream and just enjoy the fall season!
Wed - Sat 10 am - 7pm, Sun - 10 am - 6pm
See website for details and confirmed dates/times for fall 2024
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Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration - Carolina Beach
Starts: 12/31/2024 - Ends: 12/31/2024
The free family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors available for purchase. Watch the giant beach ball drop at midnight followed by an epic fireworks display!
Free to spectators
Festivities begin at 9pm
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Super Hero Weekend
Starts: 08/09/2024 - Ends: 08/10/2024
Stay with us and Join the fun. Celebrate your favorite Super Hero! There will be popsicles and a movie on Friday. Saturday - craft time and pinata, face painting, sunset slush($), balloon art, train rides, Hot Diggity Dogs and Hogs Food Truck($) and continue the party at the pool with music and karaoke by Capt. Mike
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Relaxing Weekend in the Campground
Starts: 08/02/2024 - Ends: 08/03/2024
Join us for this relaxing weekend before school starts. Friday - popsicles by the pool. Saturday - craft time, Sweet Cup Dessert Truck plus face painting and fairy hair ($), train rides, 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine Food Truck ($), and music by DJ Capt Mike.
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October Paranormal Ghost Tours
Starts: 10/11/2024 - Ends: 10/11/2024
Poplar Grove presents an opportunity to encounter "haints" along the lighted path. Spirits of all ages from the 1850's to the 20th century hover in and around the plantation. Various dates. See website for more details.
October 11, 18 and 31 - Other dates TBD
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The Holiday Flea at BAC
Starts: 12/06/2024 - Ends: 12/08/2024
The ultimate "Vintage Flea" has a variety of vintage, retro and up-cycled treasures. They also have food trucks, coffee shop and BAC bar to keep you fueled while you shop!
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Cape Fear Kite Festival 2024
Starts: 11/01/2024 - Ends: 11/03/2024
Friday evening come experience "Night with Kites" on the beach in front of the Courtyard by Marriott at Carolina Beach. CFKF Flyers will light up the night sky. Come watch as serious kite flyers share their sky art at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area on Saturday and Sunday. This is the final kite event of the season, with more than just your average kites filling the sky. See incredible shapes, sizes, styles and, of course, colors float, soar and ride the air. Please check the Video footage of last year's event on their Website. Food trucks and other vendors will be on-site during the festival. See website for details.
- Time: 10am - 4pm
- Price: Free for Spectators
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Memorial Day Celebration 2025
Starts: 05/23/2025 - Ends: 05/25/2025
Book your Memorial Weekend for a Summer kick-off at the campground! There will be a cool treat at the pool pavilion on Friday afternoon. Saturday we will have tie-dye($) and face Painting, Barrel Train Rides, and Foam (weather permitting). Sunday we will have Candy Bar Bingo at the pool. Come and join the fun!
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Mother's Day Celebration 2025
Starts: 05/09/2025 - Ends: 05/11/2025
Celebrate Mom this weekend! Come out Friday evening for a sweet treat by the pool. Saturday - Make a craft for Mom and Barrel Train rides. Sunday morning - come to the office to pick up a flower for your Mom!
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End of July Camping Fun!
Starts: 07/26/2024 - Ends: 07/27/2024
Stay with us and relax at the campground. Enjoy a cool treats from The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar and Ice Cream Shop($) while relaxing at the pool! Saturday - make you own slime, relax at the pool, enjoy Kimchi Taco Truck ($), Train rides and Sweet Cup Dessert Truck ($) plus face painting and fairy hair($).
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Halloween Fun 2024
Starts: 10/25/2024 - Ends: 10/26/2024
Come! Book your stay and join us for fun events at the campground!! Friday - Movie night at the Pavilion. Saturday - Craft Time - Ceramic Painting at the Pavilion, Costume Contest and Costume Train Ride, Site Decorating Contest, Pumpkin Carving Contest and Trick or Treating around the Campground!!! There will be prizes for the contests!!! On Saturday evening, Capt Mike will be at the Pavilion with music and Karaoke plus Millie's Hot Dog Cart ($)!!!!