Wilmington KOA Holiday

Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market

Starts: 05/05/2025 - Ends: 12/08/2025

• 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.
  
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• Time:  Mondays 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  
• Price:  Free
  
• Check website to confirm details and correct start and end dates.
  

Orange Street Arts Festival

Starts: 05/24/2025 - Ends: 05/25/2025

Wilmington's largest downtown arts festival returns with works of more than 80 artists from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Participants will exhibit oil and watercolor paintings, pottery, jewelry, wood, glass, and paper creations. The Orange Street Arts Fest is both relaxing and exhilarating with live entertainment, old-fashioned fair food, and a wine and beer tent. With its laid back attitude and historic Downtown Wilmington setting, the Orange Street Arts Fest has been described as "A Jewel of a Show" so don't miss out!  Please check website for detail and any changes.

Time:
Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 10am-4pm

Admission:
Free

Bark in the Park

Starts: 10/04/2025 - Ends: 10/04/2025

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.

Paranormal Investigation of Battleship North Carolina

Starts: 02/15/2025 - Ends: 11/29/2025

Many believe the USS North Carolina is haunted but by who or what is the question.  Be a part of a real paranormal investigation.  
See hauntedrooms.com for more information and once a month dates.
Event times -  8:00 PM - 2 AM
There is admission charged and reservations are required.  Be sure to book early as this event sells out quickly.

5K Race for the Planet

Starts: 04/27/2025 - Ends: 04/27/2025

Discover a beautiful little corner of the globe while celebrating Earth Day by participating in this run, jog, walk.  The race begins and ends at the Fort Fisher Aquarium.  This is a no pressure race and a fun way to uncover all the beauty of this southernmost strip of Cape Fear coastline.   Please check website for detail and times.

Poplar Grove's Paranormal Ghost Tour

Starts: 05/12/2025 - Ends: 08/23/2025

• 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.
  
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• Presented By:  Poplar Grove Plantation
  
• Time:   7:00 PM
  
• Price:  $25 for Tour
  
• Dates - Various - check website for details
  

Riverfest 2025

Starts: 10/04/2025 - Ends: 10/05/2025

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

Labor Day 2025

Starts: 08/29/2025 - Ends: 08/31/2025

Book your stay early and join us Labor Day weekend for a great end of Summer celebration!  Friday - Movie night.  Saturday - Funomenal Face Painting, Tie Dye Shirts ($), train rides, Wheelz Pizza Truck ($), Music with Capt Mike and Glow Party!  Sunday - Snow cones by the pool and Play in the foam (weather permitting).  Don't miss the fun!

Wilson Center Events

Starts: 01/01/2025 - Ends: 12/31/2025

Visit the beautiful Wilson Center for one of the many events offered throughout the year! 
wilsoncentertickets.com

Farmer's Market at Tidal Creek

Starts: 01/06/2025 - Ends: 09/27/2025

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

Night Tour at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens

Starts: 01/03/2025 - Ends: 12/05/2025

Occuring once a month, 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 to confirm dates, admission and times.   1/3/2025, 2/7/2025, 3/7/2025, 4/4/2025, 5/2/2025, 6/6/2025, 8/1/2025, 9/5/2025, 10/3/2025, 11/7/2025, 12/5/2025

Monthly Bird Walk

Starts: 01/15/2025 - Ends: 12/17/2025

Explore Carolina Beach State Park on a guided bird walk lead by park staff along Snows Cut Trail.  No previous experience is necessary. Beginning at the Marina, the easy hike will be approximately two miles long over flat terrain lasting approximately two hours. Both novice and avid birders will enjoy the adventure of finding resident and visiting birds in the beautiful terrain. Be sure to bring your own sunscreen, binoculars, drinking water, and insect repellent.  See website for details.

Tri-span 5K and 10K and Live Strong Mile

Starts: 07/12/2025 - Ends: 07/12/2025

Run the oldest 3-bridge 5K or 10K on the east coast!
See website for details and registration information.

YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint

Starts: 09/27/2025 - Ends: 09/27/2025

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.
  

Battleship Half Marathon, 10K and 5K

Starts: 11/16/2025 - Ends: 11/16/2025

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.

Annual NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach

Starts: 11/29/2025 - Ends: 11/29/2025

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.

Seaside Soccer Classic 2025

Starts: 05/17/2025 - Ends: 05/18/2025

Held in May, the Seaside Soccer Classic brings in over 300 teams from throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina to play in a competitive tournament held for USYS/NCYSA Challenge, Select, Classic, and Premier teams. 

Presented by Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC
See website for details

Swim the Loop and Mott's Channel Sprint

Starts: 09/21/2025 - Ends: 09/21/2025

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.

Kure Beach Spring Festival

Starts: 04/26/2025 - Ends: 04/26/2025

Offering over 35 vendors,  activities,  music, dancing, food and more.  Fun for all ages!  Enjoy spending the day along the Atlantic Ocean.  
11 am - 3 pm
See website for details.

American Craft Walk

Starts: 09/13/2025 - Ends: 09/13/2025

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.

Carolina Pro-Am SUP Surf

Starts: 11/07/2025 - Ends: 11/09/2025

This spectator-friendly, world-class competition takes place at beautiful Wrightsville Beach.  This event attracts some of the best professionals and has attracted some of the world's top competitors. See website for details and confirm dates.

Wrightsville Plunge

Starts: 01/01/2026 - Ends: 01/01/2026

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.

Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament

Starts: 05/28/2025 - Ends: 05/31/2025

Fishermen and spectators are welcome to the fun of this catch and release tournament.  This annual tournament is sure to embrace your wild side!  See website for details, registration information, and location.

Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon

Starts: 02/27/2026 - Ends: 02/28/2026

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.
  

Wilmington Greek Festival

Starts: 05/16/2025 - Ends: 05/18/2025

The Greek Festival offers opportunities to enjoy food, music, dancing, a lively marketplace, and cooking demonstrations.  Come experience the hospitality of the Hellenic culture!
See the website for times.

Annual Historic Wilmington Half Marathon & 5K

Starts: 12/06/2025 - Ends: 12/06/2025

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.

Carolina Beach Christmas Parade

Starts: 12/05/2025 - Ends: 12/05/2025

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 - 7:00 pm and usually lasts until 9 pm

Port City Highland Games

Starts: 05/31/2025 - Ends: 05/31/2025

Watch the titans clash in traditional heavyweight events such as "Turning the Caber" and "Tossing the Sheaf".  Witness feats of strength, hear the music of the pipe bands, watch the traditional dance and join the celebration of Scottish clans, societies and families. 
Times - 10 am to 5 pm
Food and Drink available for purchase
See website for details and ticket prices

Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival

Starts: 10/18/2025 - Ends: 10/18/2025

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.

Voracious Rare Beer Festival

Starts: 10/17/2025 - Ends: 10/17/2025

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

Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance

Starts: 12/07/2025 - Ends: 12/07/2025

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.

Butterfly House at Airlie Gardens

Starts: 06/04/2025 - Ends: 09/04/2025

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 more details and to confirm available dates.

See website for further details.

Lower Cape Fear Life Care Festival of Trees 2024

Starts: 11/22/2025 - Ends: 12/30/2025

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.

Annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach

Starts: 11/01/2025 - Ends: 11/01/2025

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

Father's Day weekend at the Wilmington KOA 2025

Starts: 06/13/2025 - Ends: 06/15/2025

Father's Day (6/15)! Come enjoy the great outdoors with Dad!  Friday - treat by the pool and Live music with Chuck Champion.  Saturday - Father's Day Olympics, craft time, train rides, Kimchi Taco Truck ($) plus Music with Chuck Champion.  Sunday - Stop in the office to grab a donut for Dad!

Carolina Beach Music Festival 2025

Starts: 06/07/2025 - Ends: 06/07/2025

Here is your chance to dance barefoot on the sand or just sway to the Beach Music Beat while standing in the surf. Held the first Saturday in June, the Beach Music Festival, hosted by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, is billed as "the biggest and only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the North Carolina coast" and one of the longest running beach music festivals in the United States. Come out and enjoy a full day of live entertainment with the hottest beach music bands in the south! You can access this festival via the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.
Fun begins at 11:00am - 4:00pm.
Online ticket available closer to date.  Please check website for details and ticket prices.  Event usually sells out.

Riverfront Farmers Market

Starts: 04/16/2025 - Ends: 11/22/2025

This seasonal, open-air market on Saturdays 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

Seaside Shuffle 5K

Starts: 10/18/2025 - Ends: 10/18/2025

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!

YMCA Pier 2 Pier Open Water Swim Race

Starts: 10/05/2025 - Ends: 10/05/2025

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.

Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival 2025

Starts: 09/19/2025 - Ends: 09/20/2025

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!

Wilmington Boat Show

Starts: 10/10/2025 - Ends: 10/12/2025

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

Wilmington Earth Day Festival

Starts: 04/26/2025 - Ends: 04/26/2025

Come celebrate Earth Day with free live music, an abundance of food, beer, a Kids' EcoZone and more at the Wilmington Earth Day Celebration. This fantastic event usually features over 70 different exhibitors, vendors, music, food trucks and more.  Please visit their Website and Social Media for latest listing of happenings and updates.  Take a look at several videos from last year's festival on their website to see what's in store for 2025!

Free admission - Food and Beverages Available for Purchase
Check website for more details -  Check festival event dates

Carolina Beach State Park Half Marathon

Starts: 01/03/2026 - Ends: 01/03/2026

Participate in this exhilarating trail run and enjoy the beautiful terrain along the way!  First race begins at 8AM.  See website for further details.

Father's Day Fun Run

Starts: 06/14/2025 - Ends: 06/14/2025

Join the fun on Father's day weekend with a trail run through the Carolina Beach State Park.  Party afterwards to celebrate Dad!

East Coast Got Em On King Mackerel Classic

Starts: 07/12/2025 - Ends: 07/13/2025

Get your rods and lines ready for the Got Em On King Mackerel Classic!  It's time to fish for your next big catch and bragging rights.  See web site for details.

Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration - Carolina Beach

Starts: 12/31/2025 - Ends: 12/31/2025

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

Independence Day Celebration 2025

Starts: 07/04/2025 - Ends: 07/06/2025

Come and stay with us for Independence Day! The fun will start on Friday and continue until Sunday.  Friday - Kimchi Taco Truck ($) and Pool party with DJ Capt Mike.  Saturday - Face painting with Funomenal Faces, Tie dye shirts ($), train rides and Karaoke with DJ Capt Mike.  Sunday - Candy Bar Bingo and Play in the foam (weather permitting).    We hope to see you!

Cape Fear Kite Festival 2025

Starts: 11/07/2025 - Ends: 11/09/2025

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
  

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 and live music with Chuck Champion at the pool pavilion on Friday afternoon. Saturday we will have tie-dye($) and face Painting, Barrel Train Rides, and Foam (weather permitting), Wheelz Pizza Truck ($), and Chuck Champion live at the pool. Sunday we will have Candy Bar Bingo at the pool. Come and join the fun!

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!

Spanish Mackerel Open

Starts: 06/13/2025 - Ends: 06/15/2025

Pull out your planers, torpedo weights and clarkspoons and maybe have a few pogies and live bait rigs on hand and join in the fun!  This is an easy and friendly way to try tournament fishing. See social media for schedule of events and further details.

Halloween Fun 2025

Starts: 10/24/2025 - Ends: 10/25/2025

Come! Book your stay and join us for fun events at the campground!!  Saturday - Craft Time - Ceramic Painting at the Pavilion, Costume train rides, Site Decorating Contest, Pumpkin Carving Contest and Trick or Treating around the Campground !!  There will be prizes for the contests!!!

Wahine Classic Surfing Competition

Starts: 08/09/2025 - Ends: 08/10/2025

The Wahine Classic Surfing Competition in Wrightsville Beach began in the summer of 2013. The event is one of the only all-female surfing competitions on the East Coast and it continues to grow each year, attracting both amateur and pro surfers.  Please see website for details.

River to Sea Bike Ride

Starts: 05/03/2025 - Ends: 05/03/2025

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.  Check website for details.

City of Wilmington Independence Day Celebration

Starts: 07/04/2025 - Ends: 07/04/2025

The City of Wilmington's 4th of July Celebration, featuring Independence Day Fireworks in beautiful historic downtown Wilmington. Start the celebration at Riverfront Park with family-friendly events, music, food, and more from 1 pm until 8 pm. The fireworks display will begin at 9:05 pm. Spend a night to remember with the whole family.  For more information, including parking and traffic information, please visit the city's website.

• Time:  Fireworks: 9:05 PM
  
• Price:  Free for spectators
  

Military Appreciation Weekend

Starts: 06/20/2025 - Ends: 06/22/2025

Help us honor the men and women that keep us free and safe.  Friday - Movie night at the Pavilion and patriotic snow cones.  Saturday - Mr Dantastic Balloon Art,  Face Painting with Emma, Rocket craft and launches, train rides, Duck Derby ($), Music and Karaoke with DJ Capt. Mike.  Maybe even a visit from a military vehicle or two.

Superhero Weekend

Starts: 07/18/2025 - Ends: 07/20/2025

Come as your favorite Super Hero!  Stay with us and join in the fun celebrating your favorite character.  Friday - Movie night and Popcorn.  Saturday - Mr Dantastic Balloon Art,  Face painting with Emma, craft time, play in the foam, Kimchi Taco Truck ($) and Music and Karaoke with DJ Capt Mike.

First Responder Appreciation Day

Starts: 07/26/2025 - Ends: 07/26/2025

We will be showing our respect and appreciation for all of our First Responders. Friday - popsicles by the pool and live music with Chuck Champion.  Saturday - Emergency vehicles on display, Mr Dantastic Balloon Art, face painting with Emma, craft time, Kimchi Taco Truck($), train rides, duck derby($) and live music with Chuck Champion.

Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series

Starts: 06/06/2025 - Ends: 09/05/2025

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.

Kentucky Derby Weekend

Starts: 05/02/2025 - Ends: 05/03/2025

Join in the fun when you spend the weekend with us.  Friday - Pool party with DJ Capt Mike and snow cones.  Saturday - Kimchi Taco Food Truck ($), make your own Derby Hat, Stick Pony races, Run for the Rose ( Adult race)  and Kentucky Derby Broadcast.  Be sure to bring your mint julep!

History Comes Alive with Dr. Chris Fonvielle

Starts: 03/23/2025 - Ends: 10/19/2025

Wilmington Water Tours offers a fantastic 2 hours cruise with local historian once a month. 3/23/2025, 4/20/2025, 5/11/2025, 6/22/2025, 7/20/2025, 8/24/2025, 9/21/2025, 10/19/2025 Please see website for details and prices.  These cruises typically sell out so book early!

250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge

Starts: 02/21/2026 - Ends: 02/22/2026

Celebrate the Patriot victory of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, their first victory prior the Declaration of Independence, Halifax Accord and War for Independence, with a full weekend of festivities.  Witness entire battle reenactments (including cannon/musket firing) usually on Saturday 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM, and then again on Sunday 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM. See history come alive with soldier encampments, including food eaten by the colonial soldiers and militia, with re-enactors ready to answer questions.  Activities both days include demonstrations of musket and cannon firing; as well as colonial activities like black smithing, candle dipping, spinning, cooking, colonial toys and games, live music, and much more!  Details available closer to the event on social media.

Star Party at Carolina Beach State Park

Starts: 04/25/2025 - Ends: 04/25/2025

Come and learn about the night sky and join the Cape Fear Museum and Carolina Beach State Park for a fun, free, family astronomy event. Featuring The Cape Fear Astronomy Society with telescopes set up for viewing the night sky, there will also be vendors and many activities everyone will enjoy. Parking will be in the Marina area, be sure to bring a flashlight and some bug repellent. Please check the website for weather updates. Additional details available closer to the event.

Cape Fear 7's Rugby Tournament

Starts: 06/27/2025 - Ends: 06/29/2025

Join the excitement when the Cape Fear 7's, one of the nation's largest Summer 7's tournaments, returns. Featuring one of the most competitive premiere divisions and hosting several hundred players from teams from across the country and around the world, this is one of the area's most exciting sporting events. Please check their website and social media for a complete listing of all the events.

HDWM Artisan Market

Starts: 04/13/2025 - Ends: 11/23/2025

Spend your Sunday leisurely strolling through the Historic Downtown Wilmington Artisan Market where you'll find one of a kind, hand crafted creations by some of the area's best local artisans. The Market features more than 30 rotating artists for an ever-changing collection of locally made art, jewelry and handmade items along with musical entertainment.  No Market Riverfest or Thanksgiving Weekend

Event times Sunday 10 -3

USS North Carolina Memorial Day Observance

Starts: 05/26/2025 - Ends: 05/26/2025

What better way to pay your respects than on the USS North Carolina Battleship.  There will be a guest speaker, color guard, 21 gun salute, band and a memorial wreath will be cast into the water. 
Come aboard at 3 pm, ceremony begins at 4 pm.
Weather permitting

Margaritaville Weekend and UNCW Move in Weekend

Starts: 08/15/2025 - Ends: 08/16/2025

Margaritaville themed weekend!! Welcome to all our UNCW students!!  Friday - Jimmy Buffett in the Park Concert (Recorded).  Saturday - craft time, face painting with Emma, train rides, Margaritaville Snow cones, Jimmy Buffet Karaoke with DJ Capt Mike.

Valentine's Weekend 2026

Starts: 02/13/2026 - Ends: 02/15/2026

Book a deluxe cabin for Valentine's weekend (2/13 - 2/15) and receive a special treat in your cabin upon arrival.

Colonial Christmas Craft Market and Open House

Starts: 12/13/2025 - Ends: 12/13/2025

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, Schedule and Times:  See website for details
  

NC Jazz Festival

Starts: 02/05/2026 - Ends: 02/07/2026

• 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.
  

BAD (Brooklyn Arts District) Day Music & Arts Festival 2025

Starts: 07/12/2025 - Ends: 07/12/2025

Explore a vibrant day through night celebration during the premier BAD (Brooklyn Arts District) Music & Arts Festival.  Listen to tunes from two outdoor stages featuring bluegrass, funk, reggae, and more with headliners Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band, Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country and more. After the sun sets, the party continues with more nighttime festivities. Stroll through the free to enter N 4th Street Village alive with arts and crafts vendors and more fun while you feast on delicious refreshments. Elevate your vibes with wellness experiences like yoga and breathwork. From streetside creativity to late night revelry, celebrate the wild, free spirit of the Brooklyn Arts District!  See Website for details.

2025 Veteran's Day Parade

Starts: 11/08/2025 - Ends: 11/08/2025

Honoring all who served, Wilmington's Annual Southeast North Carolina Veteran's Parade is one of the finest!  View exciting marching bands and groups from across Southeastern NC.  Please visit social media for the latest updates and parade route information. Additional details will be available closer to the event.Price:Free for Spectators | Food and Drink available for purchase nearbyEvent Times:Parade begins: 11:00 AM | Celebration after Parade at Third & Red Cross Streets

USS North Carolina Veteran's Day Remembrance

Starts: 11/11/2025 - Ends: 11/11/2025

Operating aboard Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, the Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club hosts a worldwide ham radio operator event commemorating Veteran's Day and all who served so gallantly. The Battleship is NI4BK and HAM operators may contact the ship via voice, digital or Morse code. NI4BK looks forward to hearing from you!  Radio operators making contact will receive a special postcard verifying the contact. For information, contact Allan Pellnat at KX2H@ATT.NET.

Enchanted Airlie 2025

Starts: 11/28/2025 - Ends: 12/21/2025

Stroll through Airlie Gardens and enjoy millions of festive twinkling Christmas lights, holiday flowers and musical entertainment for the whole family. This beloved Wilmington event continues to enchant visitors year after year. Please plan ahead, online tickets must be purchased in advance and often sell out. Please check their Website and Social Media for the latest updates. Online tickets available October 22nd. Price: 2025 TBA. Usually Carload Ticket: $35. No large passenger vans or buses for this option| XL Van Ticket (10-15ppl): $65 per car | Large vehicles (buses/limos): Please contact Airlie Gardens for special reservations| Snacks and beverages available for purchase. Online tickets available October 22nd
When - 11/28/2025, 11/29/2025, 12/1/2025, 12/2/2025, 12/3/2025, 12/4/2025, 12/5/2025, 12/6/2025, 12/7/2025, 12/8/2025, 12/9/2025, 12/10/2025, 12/11/2025, 12/12/2025, 12/13/2025, 12/14/2025, 12/15/2025, 12/16/2025, 12/17/2025, 12/18/2025, 12/19/2025, 12/20/2025, 12/21/2025

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Ghost Hunt & Tour

Starts: 05/10/2025 - Ends: 11/29/2025

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.
Recurring once a month beginning in May. Two dates in October.

Paranormal Investigation: Haunted Rooms of America

Starts: 04/12/2025 - Ends: 12/06/2025

Come experience the Bellamy Mansion Museum at its spookiest, the dead of night. Site of repeatedly reported unexplained noises, sightings, happenings and temperature shifts, this is the perfect opportunity to join Haunted Rooms America for a rare overnight investigation of this Antebellum mansion. Included with your entry are snacks and drinks as well as use of their traditional and state-of-the-art paranormal equipment. 
4/12/2025, 6/28/2025, 8/23/2025, 10/18/2025, 12/6/2025Price:Tickets: $129 including snacks and drinks as well as use of their traditional and state-of-the-art paranormal equipment | Age 18+ Event Times: Gather at 7:30 PM with Hunt: 8:00 PM until 2:00 AM

Hidden Battleship Tour

Starts: 04/26/2025 - Ends: 11/15/2025

Explore the unrestored areas of the Battleship in a unique tour that offers a chance to view authentic areas not regularly seen. The four-hour tour consists of small groups with guides. Guests visit the bow (officers' country, boatswain locker, and descend to the bottom of the ship), third deck (Radio II, brig, after gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling, Engineer's office), Engine room #1, superstructure (Captain's cabin, armored conning tower, maintenance shops), reefer, aft diesel, and climb inside the fire control tower to the top of the ship. The program is for adults only (ages 16 and up). It is not appropriate for those who may have difficulty climbing narrow ladders. Wear warm, comfortable, washable clothing, and sturdy, rubber-soled shoes -- and bring a camera!   Please plan ahead; this event usually sells out. When:4/26/2025, 11/15/2025
See website for details