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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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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.
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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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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: 04/11/2026 - Ends: 04/12/2026
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 2026
Starts: 04/04/2026 - Ends: 04/04/2026
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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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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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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Tidewater Camellia Club Show & Sale
Starts: 02/28/2026 - Ends: 02/28/2026
Camellia experts will display hundreds of blooms for evaluation by the American Camellia Society Judges. Drawing exhibitors and judges from all over the Southeast, this has become one of the largest and best-attended shows. Camellia plants will be available for purchase and experts will be on hand to answer questions, flower arrangements will be on display and there will be guided tours through the Camellia Garden.
Free to spectators
Hours - 10 am - 3 pm
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NC Azalea Festival
Starts: 04/08/2026 - Ends: 04/12/2026
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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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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Johnnie Mercer's Pier Dogfish Tournament
Starts: 02/01/2026 - Ends: 02/01/2026
Loved by both the new and dedicated fisherman, the annual Johnnie Mercer's Pier Dogfish Tournament is one you don't want to miss! There will be cash prizes and raffle prizes. All fish must be released alive to be considered for a prize. 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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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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Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot
Starts: 11/27/2025 - Ends: 11/27/2025
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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Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament
Starts: 05/27/2026 - Ends: 05/30/2026
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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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: 06/06/2026 - Ends: 06/06/2026
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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Special Olympics Polar Plunge 2026
Starts: 02/28/2026 - Ends: 02/28/2026
Enjoy the Annual Polar Plunge along with the 5K Run-N-Plunge. Dress up and show your inner superhero! Plunge with your pooch! Or just enjoy the music, vendors, games and food trucks.
See website for details.
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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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Holiday Movie in the Park at Wrightsville Beach Park
Starts: 12/05/2025 - Ends: 12/05/2025
Enjoy a family friendly holiday movie under the stars! The holiday title will be announced closer to the event. See website for details.
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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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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: 03/14/2026 - Ends: 03/14/2026
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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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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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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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 2026
Starts: 05/22/2026 - Ends: 05/24/2026
Book your Memorial Weekend for a Summer kick-off at the campground! Stay Tuned and come join the fun!
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Mother's Day Celebration 2026
Starts: 05/08/2026 - Ends: 05/10/2026
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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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, Music and Karaoke with DJ Capt. Mike and Johnny C's Dogs, Brats & Red Hots!! There will be prizes for the contests!!!
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Festival Latino 2025
Starts: 11/08/2025 - Ends: 11/09/2025
Come enjoy the vibrant multi-cultural weekend celebration when Festival Latino returns, filled with family fun, music and terrific food. The Kids Fiesta Area will keep the young entertained for hours, a food courtyard will be serving delicious food from all over Latin America, live Latin music and dance lessons, an array of exhibitors selling various products, and more. Please check their social media for all the latest updates.
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Kentucky Derby Weekend
Starts: 05/02/2026 - Ends: 05/02/2026
Join in the fun when you spend the weekend with us. Stay tuned for 2026 details!
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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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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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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
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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.
- Come experience some fantastic musicians from around the globe!
- There is an admission charge. More details to come. Stay tuned.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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