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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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Enchanted Airlie 2023
Starts: 11/29/2024 - Ends: 12/21/2024
A New Hanover County tradition since 2005, guests from around the world have visited Airlie Gardens from Thanksgiving to Christmas to take in the sparkling sights and festive sounds of the season. Guests will experience a 0.5m stroll through the Gardens, on a self-guided walking tour while feasting their eyes on a spectacular array of lights and holiday displays. Masks will be required, Santa will not be on site this year, there will not be food and beverages for sale and wheelchairs will not be available. Guests may bring their own food and may also bring their own wheelchairs. Pathways are wheelchair accessible.
This event sells out quickly so purchase tickets soon!
See website for 2024 details/dates, times TBA
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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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Valentine's Weekend 2025
Starts: 02/14/2025 - Ends: 02/16/2025
Book a deluxe cabin for Valentine's weekend (2/14 - 2/16) and receive a special treat in your cabin upon arrival.
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Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour
Starts: 04/04/2025 - Ends: 04/06/2025
Enjoy Southern hospitality amid the glorious color of azaleas and spring flowers during this self-guided tour. The garden tour is an official event of the NC Azalea Festival. Please check website for dates, times and further details.
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Easter 2025
Starts: 04/19/2025 - Ends: 04/19/2025
Stay at the campground and join in the fun on Saturday! We will have our Easter Egg hunt, Face Painting, crafts and more.
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Colonial Christmas Open House and Craft Market
Starts: 12/14/2024 - Ends: 12/14/2024
The Burgwin-Wright House shines as they host their annual festive holiday event filled with music, costumes and more! Go back in time for an old-fashioned Christmas and enjoy fun for the whole family, complete with period decorations, costumed interpreters and enjoy viewing decorations as they would have been when the original owners celebrated Christmas in the 1700's.
- Price and Times: See website for details
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Labor Day 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! Stay tuned for details! Lots of fun will be had by all.
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Wilson Center Events
Starts: 01/01/2024 - 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: 01/06/2024 - 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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Wrightsville Beach Valentine Run: 5K, 10K, 15K
Starts: 02/15/2025 - Ends: 02/15/2025
What better way to start your Valentine's celebration than with a heart themed race? Bring along your Valentine and your festive gear for a morning of fun. Choose between the 5K, 10K, or the new Double Trouble 15K around beautiful Wrightsville Beach.
Please see website for registration details and to confirm date
Registration opens at 7am
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Cape Fear Hooley Under the Bridge
Starts: 03/01/2025 - Ends: 03/01/2025
The Waterline Brewing Company's annual celebration of everything Irish (Music Festival) under the bridge features music, dancers, bagpipers and more.
Free for spectators. Time 11:30am - 6:00pm
Food and drink available for purchase
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Tidewater Camellia Club Show & Sale
Starts: 02/22/2025 - Ends: 02/22/2025
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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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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4th Wednesday Bird Walk
Starts: 01/24/2024 - Ends: 12/18/2024
Recurring on the 4th Wednesday of each month, enjoy the guided hike along Snow's Cut Trail. This approximately 2 mile walk will last about 2 hours. Be sure to bring binoculars, water and bug spray!
Free to attend. Check website for dates and times.
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NC Azalea Festival
Starts: 04/02/2025 - Ends: 04/06/2025
The Azalea Festival celebrates the rich culture and history, beautiful gardens and exceptional art work during this 5 days of pageantry. Experience Spring Southern Style! There will be a parade, fireworks, home and garden tours, street fair, nationally known entertainment and much more.
See website for details
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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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Johnnie Mercer's Pier Dogfish Tournament
Starts: 02/01/2025 - Ends: 02/01/2025
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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Wrightsville Plunge
Starts: 01/01/2025 - Ends: 01/01/2025
Take the plunge or cheer on the brave plungers at Wrightsville Beach! This is an exciting way to welcome in the New Year! See website for details and times.
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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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NC Jazz Festival
Starts: 02/06/2025 - Ends: 02/08/2025
- Explore the beautiful historic downtown during the day and fill your evenings with the sounds of traditional jazz by some of the greatest jazz musicians from around the world.
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- Thursday - our special event - Styles of Jazz
- Friday and Saturday evenings - concerts with multiple musicians and different directors.
- Come experience some fantastic musicians from around the globe!
- There is an admission charge. Please check the website for details.
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Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon
Starts: 02/22/2025 - Ends: 02/22/2025
Experience marathon running from pier to port. This exciting event draws a variety of runners from all over the country to compete and has the added bonus of being a Boston Marathon qualifying event and an USATF certified qualifier. The course for the full marathon starts at the beach and runs through Wilmington and ends at the new Riverfront Park. Half Marathon and Relay events available as well. Make plans now to participate in or watch.
- Presented By: Novant Health
- Price: Free to watch. Different Registration fees according to events you participate in and when you sign up, please see website for details.
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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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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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Polar Express Holiday Show
Starts: 12/07/2024 - Ends: 12/22/2024
Hear the telling of the wonderful holiday classic, Polar Express, followed by a visit from Santa! This family show features on-air personalities from a local tv channel. There will be cookies and cocoa following the show. Please check website for details and updates.
Dates - 12/7/24 - 12/22/24 recurring each Saturday and Sunday
Prepaid reservations only - TBA usually $5 each, under 2 free
Show times - TBA usually 4:30 pm or 5:30 pm
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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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Special Olympics Polar Plunge 2025
Starts: 02/15/2025 - Ends: 02/15/2025
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: 11/22/2024 - Ends: 01/02/2025
It's time for the area's favorite holiday tradition - Come find your Jolly and get in the Christmas spirit!
Wander through a glittering wonderland of holiday elegance as you stroll through the beautiful NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Trees decorated by local artists, various organizations and local businesses transform the aquarium into an enchanted forest.
Price: Included with online Aquarium Admission
Event Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Please check website for confirmed dates.
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Father's Day weekend at the Wilmington KOA 2025
Starts: 06/14/2025 - Ends: 06/15/2025
Father's Day (6/15)! Come enjoy the great outdoors with Dad! Stay tuned for details!.
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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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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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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Commemoration
Starts: 01/20/2025 - Ends: 01/20/2025
January 20, 2025
Parade - 11:00-2:00
Description:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day has special resonance to Wilmingtonians because (among other reasons) Dr. King was scheduled to travel to Wilmington for a speaking engagement on the day he was assassinated. Wilmington honors his memory with Monday's commemorative parade. To view a full list of events, please see the website below.
Admission Fee/Ticket Price
Parade is Free : Full list of programs and admissions are available for viewing on the website below.
For More Information Call: 910-297-7636
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Carolina Beach State Park Half Marathon
Starts: 12/28/2024 - Ends: 12/28/2024
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: 12/31/2024 - Ends: 12/31/2024
The free family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors available for purchase. Watch the giant beach ball drop at midnight followed by an epic fireworks display!
Free to spectators
Festivities begin at 9pm
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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. Stay tuned for details. 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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Memorial Day Celebration 2025
Starts: 05/23/2025 - Ends: 05/25/2025
Book your Memorial Weekend for a Summer kick-off at the campground! There will be a cool treat at the pool pavilion on Friday afternoon. Saturday we will have tie-dye($) and face Painting, Barrel Train Rides, and Foam (weather permitting). Sunday we will have Candy Bar Bingo at the pool. Come and join the fun!
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Mother's Day Celebration 2025
Starts: 05/09/2025 - Ends: 05/11/2025
Celebrate Mom this weekend! Come out Friday evening for a sweet treat by the pool. Saturday - Make a craft for Mom and Barrel Train rides. Sunday morning - come to the office to pick up a flower for your Mom!
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East Coast Shag Classic
Starts: 01/30/2025 - Ends: 02/02/2025
Enjoy a special weekend of beach music and shagging at Wrightsville Beach! There will be social hours, concerts, dance lessons and more.
See 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. Detail to follow.
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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. Details to follow.
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Margaritaville Weekend
Starts: 08/08/2025 - Ends: 08/09/2025
Margaritaville themed weekend!! Check back for details.
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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. Details to follow.
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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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Merry Christmas Extravaganza
Starts: 12/20/2024 - Ends: 12/21/2024
Stay with us the weekend of December 20th and take part!! Friday we will show "The Grinch" with Jim Carey while we sip hot chocolate. Saturday there will be craft time for all ages and a visit from Mr and Mrs Claus. That evening we will gather for Christmas music and Smores by the fire.
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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 - make your own Derby Hat, Stick Pony races and Kentucky Derby Broadcast. Be sure to bring your mint julep!
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Coastal Comic Con
Starts: 03/01/2025 - Ends: 03/02/2025
If you're a fan of pop culture, join the fun when Coastal Comic Con brings back over 150 artists, vendors, guests and cosplayers! There's something for every member of your family! Enjoy video games, contests, special guest appearances and more. A fan favorite is the Children's Cosplay Contest on Sunday afternoon starting at 4:00 p.m. Additional details and special guests announced closer to the event date.
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Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge
Starts: 02/22/2025 - Ends: 02/23/2025
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 12:00 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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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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Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher
Starts: 01/18/2025 - Ends: 01/18/2025
Join the celebration of the Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher, a family friendly day that includes a large living history program featuring re-enactors with encampments, living history demonstrations, musket demonstrations, artillery firings, displays, lectures and more. Come view the recently expanded restored earthworks and new Visitor Center. Additional details available closer to the event
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Holiday Drone Show over the River
Starts: 12/14/2024 - Ends: 12/28/2024
Don't miss the highlight of Wilmington's holiday season—the dazzling drone shows lighting up the downtown riverfront. Watch as hundreds of drones create a stunning display over the water, blending festive imagery with cutting-edge technology.Drone Show Schedule:When: Dec. 14, 21 and 28 at 7 p.m.
Where: Water Street on Wilmington's Riverfront
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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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Sea Hawk Sun Run 5k or 1 mile
Starts: 02/15/2025 - Ends: 02/15/2025
Join the fun for a walk or run at Long Leaf Park. This event is hosted by the NC Azalea Festival Committee and the UNCW Alumni Association. See website for details.