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Ironman 70.3 North Carolina
Starts: 10/25/2025 - Ends: 10/25/2025
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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Stoked to Go Out Pier to Pier Swim 2025
Starts: 05/17/2025 - Ends: 05/17/2025
Accept the open water challenge of the Annual Pier-2-Pier Swim Race at beautiful Wrightsville Beach. This annual event entails swimming approximately 1.7 miles between Johnnie Mercer's Pier and the Crystal Pier around marker buoys. The starting point for the race will be determined on race day in accordance with the ocean current
- Time: Race Start: 9:00 AM
- Price: Please see website for registration details.
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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.
[list]
- Time: Mondays 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Price: Free
- Check website to confirm details and correct start and end dates.
[/list]
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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
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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.
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Poplar Grove Herb and Garden Fair
Starts: 04/05/2025 - Ends: 04/06/2025
Enjoy the area's largest and longest running garden event, featuring classes, activities and exhibits on gardening, nature and related topics. The grounds of Poplar Grove will be filled with a wonderful selection of locally grown plants of all types – herbs, perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, shrubs, native plants, vegetable starts and houseplants, plus garden art and accessories, herbal and all-natural products, artisan crafts and local foods-- including several Food Trucks. Please check website for details and changes.
Saturday - 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday - 10 am - 4 pm
Admission - $5
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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.
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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, craft and more.
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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.
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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.
[list]
- Presented By: Poplar Grove Plantation
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Price: $25 for Tour
- Dates - Various - check website for details
[/list]
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Riverfest 2025
Starts: 10/04/2025 - Ends: 10/05/2025
Join in celebrating Wilmington's Annual Riverfest! This festival includes a street fair with special exhibits along with vendors selling art and handmade crafts, competitions, fireworks, over 30 food vendors and more. Enjoy a car show, continuous live entertainment showcasing local musicians and bands and so much more. Fireworks are Saturday evening
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Labor Day 2025
Starts: 08/29/2025 - Ends: 08/31/2025
Book your stay early and join us Labor Day weekend for a great end of Summer celebration! Friday - Movie night. Saturday - Funomenal Face Painting, Tie Dye Shirts ($), 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!
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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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Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival
Starts: 03/15/2025 - Ends: 03/15/2025
Get yourself ready for beer and bourbon tasting, music listening and BBQ eating at the Riverfront Park in Historic Downtown Wilmington.
See website for times and admission
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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St. Patrick's Lo Tide Run
Starts: 03/15/2025 - Ends: 03/15/2025
Come in your best St. Patrick's day garb (or not) and participate in this USATF Certified run at Carolina Beach. The goal is to raise money to help New Hanover County residents that are struggling financially due to cancer diagnosis.
Visit the website for times and registration information
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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.
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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
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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!
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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.
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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
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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
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St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival
Starts: 03/15/2025 - Ends: 03/15/2025
Join the global celebration of everything Irish!
Check website for parade route and details
Be sure to wear your green!
Parade time- 11 am - 12 pm
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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
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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!
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Feast Wilmington
Starts: 03/29/2025 - Ends: 03/30/2025
Craft + Cuisine, in partnership with Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance, invites you to experience the Feast Wilmington event (formerly known as Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine). Held this year at the Live Oak Pavilion in downtown Wilmington, select local chefs are paired with local breweries. Their best offerings will showcase the capabilities of pairing food and beer together. Chef and brewer will be on site to talk about their pairing, providing insight into the experience of food selection and creation. This promises to be an event for that will delight foodies and craft beer aficionados alike. Please check website for further details.
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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
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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 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!
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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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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.
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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!!!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 ($) and Music and Karaoke with DJ Capt Mike.
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First Responder Appreciation Day
Starts: 07/26/2025 - Ends: 07/26/2025
We will be showing our respect and appreciation for all of our First Responders. Friday - popsicles by the pool and live music with Chuck Champion. Saturday - Emergency vehicles on display, Mr Dantastic Balloon Art, face painting with Emma, craft time, Kimchi Taco Truck($), train rides, duck derby($) and live music with Chuck Champion.
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Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series
Starts: 06/06/2025 - Ends: 09/05/2025
Bring your picnic for this early evening event typically held the first and third Friday of each month during the summer. Spread your blanket or set up your chairs under the majestic oak trees at Airlie Gardens. Purchase tickets online in advance. See website for details.
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Kentucky Derby Weekend
Starts: 05/02/2025 - Ends: 05/03/2025
Join in the fun when you spend the weekend with us. Friday - Pool party with DJ Capt Mike and snow cones. Saturday - Kimchi Taco Food Truck ($), 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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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CFCC Riverfront Boat Show
Starts: 04/12/2025 - Ends: 04/12/2025
Held on the banks of the Cape Fear River, the CFCC Riverfront Boat Show has attracted thousands of visitors every year for over two decades. Featuring a wide variety of wooden boats in 10 judging categories including kayaks and skiffs, fiberglass boats from professional boat dealers as well as boat building material suppliers from around the region. Spectators can enjoy boat building demonstrations along the storied Riverwalk, try their hand at a Knot-tying Challenge, and be able speak with the Boat Builders about their creations. Additional details available closer to the event
9:30 - 3:00
Free to Spectators
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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.
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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