Cape Fear area Events - 2026 Schedule

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

The Cape Fear Blues Festival is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated music festivals of the summer season in North Carolina, and newcomers will find plenty of reasons to celebrate at this multiple-day event that has plenty of soul. Featuring local musicians as well as national headliners, the annual Cape Fear Blues Festival lights up the town with plenty of great music at multiple venues, and ample fun to go around for music fans everywhere.

North Carolina, and specifically Bald Head Island, is renowned for a wealth of treasures including historical sites and landmarks, a vibrant cultural scene, and plenty of unique things to eat and drink, and visitors can experience all of these treasures and more at the annual North Carolina Treasures Weekend. Traditionally held in early June, this weekend is a toast to the wonderful things that Bald Head Island has to offer, and features a wealth of food, art, history, and spirits to please everyone in the party.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Revered as one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the state, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival is a big event that attracts visitors from all along the coastline and miles beyond to the charming town of Southport. Boasting a parade, a fair-style collection of vendors, a myriad of shows and activities, and a stunning display of fireworks over the water, this annual event lives up to its reputation as one of the most beloved 4th of July celebrations on the coast.

The Dock Street Pride Celebration is an annual community event that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the LGBTQ+ community through a day of entertainment, fellowship, and civic engagement in downtown Wilmington. Held in the city’s historic riverfront district, the event brings together residents, visitors, advocacy organizations, local businesses, artists, and performers for a vibrant celebration of equality and pride. The gathering serves as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community while fostering a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and identities.

Revered as one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the state, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival is a big event that attracts visitors from all along the coastline and miles beyond to the charming town of Southport. Boasting a parade, a fair-style collection of vendors, a myriad of shows and activities, and a stunning display of fireworks over the water, this annual event lives up to its reputation as one of the most beloved 4th of July celebrations on the coast.

There’s plenty of ways to have fun along the coast at the annual NC 4th of July Festival Beach Day – a celebration that takes place in the heart of Oak Island. Held in conjunction with Southport’s 4th of July Festival, which is one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the state, this event features tons of games, activities, contests, and even live music and dancing, to create a festive 4th of Juy that visitors won’t soon forget.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

The Fourth of July is easily one of the most festive days on Bald Head Island, and visitors can join in the fun with a wide array of activities that are found around town. The annual Bald Head Island Fourth of July Celebration is packed with tours, games, food, and fun – as well as a famed annual parade – and is a great way to truly enjoy everything this island community has to offer.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Head to the shorelines of Wrightsville Beach – one of the most popular surfing destinations in southern North Carolina – for this annual tournament that has become one of the most anticipated regional surfing events of the year. The O'Neill/ Sweetwater Pro-Am has grown over the years into one of the biggest surfing tournaments in North Carolina and along the East Coast, and spectators can catch an incredible show as they watch dozens of amateur and professional surfers from all around the world show their stuff on the local waves.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Summer is a fine time to drop a line in Carolina Beach, and during this annual fishing tournament, visiting anglers can discover just how much fun the local fishing scene can be while having a chance at landing some incredible prizes. The Coast Got-Em-On King Mackerel Classic is held over the course of a July weekend, and it features plenty of activities, comradery, and of course, plenty of exceptional fishing along the Cape Fear coastline.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Plan a visit to the small community of Castle Hayne to discover a wealth of treasures with a coastal allure at the Seaglass Salvage Market. Featuring a world of goodies and both indoor and outdoor vendor spaces, this event features plenty of locally crafted and secondhand items with a little coastal style, and a lot of variety to appeal to shoppers of all interests, and all tastes.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Visitors to Bald Head Island in the middle of the summer will be surprised and delighted to discover that the pirates have taken the beach by storm. The Bald Head Island Pirate Invasion is a fun and engaging annual event that brings some of North Carolina’s first visitors to vivid light through reenactments, a working pirate camp, and many more interactive exhibits and activities that everyone in the crew will adore.

Port City Rock Jam boasts an impressive lineup of twelve remarkable local bands, each bringing their unique style and energy to the stage.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

The Bald Head Island or “Old Baldy” Lighthouse is distinguished along the Carolina coastline as one of the oldest lighthouses still standing in the country, and visitors can learn all about this history while having a ball at the annual National Lighthouse Day Weekend. Generally held in early August, this weekend-long event features an array of corresponding activities and attractions that shine a light on this special local landmark, and which provide hours of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Plan a visit to the small community of Castle Hayne to discover a wealth of treasures with a coastal allure at the Seaglass Salvage Market. Featuring a world of goodies and both indoor and outdoor vendor spaces, this event features plenty of locally crafted and secondhand items with a little coastal style, and a lot of variety to appeal to shoppers of all interests, and all tastes.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The weekly Farmer and Artisan Market is a great destination for any Cape Fear visitor who wants a taste of all the local artworks, produce, and other goodies that the greater Wilmington area has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

The fall season brings plenty of big waves to the Brunswick Islands, and visitors and locals alike can test their skills on the ocean waters at this annual tournament that’s open to youth and adult boarders alike. Oak Island Labor Day Surf Off is a surfing, body board, and SUP contest that’s open to participants of all ages, and which is sure to be a competition that both spectators and participants won’t want to miss.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

An annual tradition for 35 years, the Oak Island Art Guild Arts & Craft Festival is a fantastic way for visitors to discover all the talented artists and craftsmen who call this coastal corner of North Carolina home. Held in the heart of town, the festival attracts more than 100 artists and vendors who bring along distinctive wares that are both eye catching and truly one-of-a-kind.

Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.

Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

Anglers can explore the exceptional fishing of the Carolina Beach inshore waters while hopefully cashing in on some attractive prizes at this annual tournament that reels in local and visiting anglers alike. The Carolina Beach Inshore Challenge is a fun and full-day fishing tournament that targets the waters of Carolina Beach Inlet and beyond to reel in some big rewards.

Shoppers and sightseers can discover a world of goodies while taking in some of the most enticing scenery that Wilmington has to offer with a stop at the annual American Craft Walk. Held in the fall, this popular event features a wealth of local and regional artisans and craftsmen who are selling their wares in the heart of the downtown area.

Treat the servicemen and servicewomen in your crew to a day and evening of family fun that they won’t soon forget at this annual event that is designed to honor our military personnel. The MAD Southport Military Appreciation Day is a fun-filled day of activity that allows the local community to show their support for members of the military and their families by showcasing all the fun things to see and do in the city of Southport.

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

The Dosher Foundation Gala is an annual fundraising event that brings together community leaders, healthcare supporters, local businesses, and residents for an evening dedicated to supporting the mission of the Dosher Memorial Hospital Foundation. Held each year in Brunswick County, the gala serves as one of the foundation’s signature fundraising events, helping generate support for healthcare programs, medical equipment, patient services, and future initiatives that benefit patients and families throughout the region. The 2026 gala is scheduled for Sept. 18 at the Homer E. Wright Event Center in St. James.

Plan a visit to the small community of Castle Hayne to discover a wealth of treasures with a coastal allure at the Seaglass Salvage Market. Featuring a world of goodies and both indoor and outdoor vendor spaces, this event features plenty of locally crafted and secondhand items with a little coastal style, and a lot of variety to appeal to shoppers of all interests, and all tastes.

Wilmington Coffee Fest is an annual celebration of coffee culture that brings together coffee roasters, cafés, baristas, bakers, artisans, tea vendors, and coffee enthusiasts from across the region for a weekend of tastings, competitions, education, and community engagement. Held in Wilmington’s Cargo District, the festival showcases the people and businesses behind the area’s growing specialty coffee scene while providing visitors with opportunities to sample a wide variety of coffees, discover new brands, and learn more about the craft of coffee roasting and preparation.

The Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta is an annual community festival and paddling competition that brings together teams, spectators, businesses, and local organizations for a weekend of fun, teamwork, and friendly competition along the Carolina Beach waterfront. Organized by The Island Men, a nonprofit volunteer organization serving the Pleasure Island area, the event features colorful dragon boat races in which teams of paddlers compete in traditional 45-foot-long dragon boats while a drummer keeps the crew synchronized. The regatta has grown into one of the region’s signature waterfront events, attracting participants from across southeastern North Carolina and beyond.  

Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park is brimming with local goodies, and is a must-stop destination for shoppers of all tastes.

The YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon is one of the nation’s longest-running sprint triathlons and a premier endurance event on the North Carolina coast. Organized by the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, the annual race brings together hundreds of athletes, spectators, volunteers, and families for a day of competition and community spirit at Wrightsville Beach. First held in 1979 as the Pepsi Triathlon, the event has grown into a regional tradition and is widely recognized as one of the longest-running sprint-distance triathlons in the United States.

Battleship Alive! is an interactive living-history event that brings the historic World War II-era Battleship North Carolina to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on educational experiences. Held several times each year aboard the ship in Wilmington, the event allows visitors to step back in time as living-history interpreters portray sailors, officers, and military personnel carrying out daily duties and drills that would have taken place during the battleship’s active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Guests can watch demonstrations, interact with reenactors, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of life aboard one of the most decorated battleships of the war.

The fall season is prime time when it comes to exceptional fishing, and anglers of all varieties can get their lines wet by participating in the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament. Based at the local Dutchman Creek Park and featuring tons of prizes for anglers who sign up every year, this multiple day fishing tournament is a great way to explore the expansive waters of the Cape Fear region while landing in some big cash prizes along the way.

The Farewell Summer Jazz Funeral is a unique coastal tradition that combines New Orleans-style pageantry, live music, and community celebration to bid a lighthearted farewell to another summer season. Held each fall at Kure Beach’s Ocean Front Park and Pavilion, the event invites residents and visitors alike to don funeral finery, colorful costumes, masks, beads, parasols, and other festive attire as they join a jazz funeral procession through town. Led by a live brass band, participants march behind a symbolic casket honoring the passing of summer before gathering for an evening of music, entertainment, and celebration.

Second only to the springtime Azalea Festival in terms of size, activities and attendance, the annual Riverfest is an all-encompassing festival that celebrates life by the water. Featuring a lineup of events that include exhibits, vendors, competitions, kid activities, fireworks, and so much more, this family-friendly event ignites the Wilmington downtown area with miles of fun to go around.

The annual Bark in the Park is a playful competition that pits high flying canines of all varieties in a number of competitions that will delight participants and their human spectators alike. Featuring a number of activities, and absolutely free to the public, Bark in the Park is a great outing for family members of all varieties, and especially the furry ones who love to make new friends and show off their stuff at one of the coolest parks in Wrightsville Beach.

There are a lot of surprises, activities, and hours of fun waiting at Sunset at Sunset – a unique fall festival that takes place in the heart of Sunset Beach. Featuring a wealth of vendors, kids’ games and activities, and fantastic music and food all day long, this festival shines a spotlight on how much fun the small town of Sunset Beach can be during the beautifully relaxed fall season.

The Outrigger East Coast Championship is a premier paddling competition that draws elite outrigger canoe teams, paddlers, and water sports enthusiasts from across the United States to Wrightsville Beach for a weekend of endurance racing and coastal adventure. Hosted by the Wrightsville Beach Outrigger Canoe Club, the annual championship is recognized as one of the East Coast’s most challenging and respected outrigger canoe events, attracting both seasoned competitors and newcomers to the sport. The competition showcases the skill, teamwork, and athleticism required in traditional outrigger canoe racing while highlighting the unique waterways and ocean conditions of southeastern North Carolina.

The annual U.S. Sailing Youth Championship is coming close to home for Cape Fear mariners, and participants and spectators alike will find plenty of reasons to cheer at this annual event. Held at the Carolina Yacht Club at Wrightsville Beach, this annual competition is an exciting sporting event that features top young sailors from around the country in a challenging race that circles the beautiful Cape Fear coastline.

The BHI Surf Fishing Tournament is an annual fishing competition that brings anglers of all ages to the shores of Bald Head Island for a weekend of surf fishing, camaraderie, and coastal recreation. Held along the island’s oceanfront beaches, the event features both adult and youth divisions and offers participants the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and awards in multiple species categories, including red drum, bluefish, sea mullet, black drum, trout, and pompano. Organized by Bald Head Island Surf Fishing Tournament, LLC, the tournament is designed to celebrate North Carolina’s rich surf fishing tradition while encouraging participation from both experienced anglers and newcomers to the sport.

The 30th annual Art in the Arboretum will celebrate the region’s vibrant arts community with a weekend of creativity, music, and family-friendly activities set amid the scenic gardens of the New Hanover County Arboretum in Wilmington. Presented by the Friends of the Arboretum in partnership with the Wilmington Art Association, the longtime festival showcases the work of talented local and regional artists in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, glass, textiles, sculpture, and mixed media. The event transforms the Arboretum’s picturesque seven-acre grounds into an outdoor gallery where visitors can meet artists, view demonstrations, and purchase one-of-a-kind handcrafted works.

Come explore Wilmington’s wild side while garnering a little knowledge about fire safety at this annual event that features ample ways to explore, learn, and have fun – especially for the Port City’s youngest residents and visitors. The Fire in the Pines Festival is a full day of activity and entertainment, with crats and games for kids, hayrides, food trucks, live music, animals, and so much more.

The annual U.S. Sailing Youth Championship is coming close to home for Cape Fear mariners, and participants and spectators alike will find plenty of reasons to cheer at this annual event. Held at the Carolina Yacht Club at Wrightsville Beach, this annual competition is an exciting sporting event that features top young sailors from around the country in a challenging race that circles the beautiful Cape Fear coastline.

October is prime fishing time on the coastline of North Carolina, and visitors can join in the fun and enjoy a little competition with big potential prizes at the annual Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge. Known as one of the best land-based surf fishing tournaments on the beach, this annual competition is a great way to enjoy the fantastic fall fishing while potentially scoring thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

Plan a visit to the small community of Castle Hayne to discover a wealth of treasures with a coastal allure at the Seaglass Salvage Market. Featuring a world of goodies and both indoor and outdoor vendor spaces, this event features plenty of locally crafted and secondhand items with a little coastal style, and a lot of variety to appeal to shoppers of all interests, and all tastes.

Known as one of the most-watched and most intense competitions in the Cape Fear area and miles beyond, the Ironman 70.3 North Carolina puts athletes of all ages to the test with an incredible course that requires endurance and massive feasts of strength. Featuring a swim, bike ride, and run, this "point-to-point-to-point-to-point" event will wow spectators from all across the Cape Fear region with its incredible course, and incredible athletes who participate.

Hungry visitors will want to bring along a big appetite for the North Carolina Oyster Festival, which is a popular annual event that offers a whole lot more than the staple shellfish. Featuring everything from BBQ and pizza, to music, arts, and crafts, this extensive festival has plenty of ways to delight attendees of all tastes, and of all ages.

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

Well known as one of the longest running events in the Port City area, the annual Cape Fear Fair & Expo has been going strong for decades, and is one of the most fun celebrations that the town of Wilmington has to offer. Taking over the grounds of the Wilmington Airport, this expansive festival features rides, exhibits, food, shows, and entertainment al all varieties to create a truly memorable experience for fun-loving visitors of all varieties.

Calling all brew fans – the Voracious Rare Beer Festival is the prime opportunity to discover a world of new flavors without ever leaving the heart of downtown Wilmington. Appropriately held in the month of October, this annual festival features plenty of great tastes to go around, with dozens of participating breweries and eateries, and ample reasons to raise a pint and toast the town.

The world of hops, grapes and grains is at your fingertips at the annual Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival – a fun event that features plenty of delectable tastes from the Cape Fear area and miles beyond. Held at the North Waterfront Park in the heart of Wilmington, this full afternoon-long festival features more than 100 craft breweries and wineries to discover, making it one of the most anticipated events for wine and beer lovers throughout the North Carolina coastline.

YachtVenture is an annual waterfront fundraising event that combines coastal elegance, community spirit, and support for children’s education. Hosted by the The Children's Museum of Wilmington, the event invites guests to experience an evening of yacht tours, fine dining, live entertainment, and fundraising activities along the Wilmington waterfront. Attendees have the opportunity to step aboard some of the region’s most impressive privately owned yachts, meet vessel owners and captains, and enjoy a unique behind-the-scenes look at life on the water.

The Seaside Shuffle 5K is an annual road race that brings runners, walkers, families, and fitness enthusiasts together for a fun and fast-paced community event at Wrightsville Beach. Organized by the Wilmington Road Runners Club, the race is one of the Wilmington area’s longest-running road races and has become a popular tradition for participants of all ages and skill levels. Known for its flat and scenic course, the event attracts both competitive runners seeking personal-best times and recreational participants looking to enjoy an active morning along the coast.

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

There’s a lot to enjoy at the annual Classic Cars n’ Rock n’ Roll Cruise-In – a cool car show that’s held in the heart of Downtown Southport, and which features much more than the array of gorgeous and vintage automobiles. Featuring activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, this annual event that is brimming with live music, contests, and other activities is sure to be a crowd pleaser for the car lovers in your crew, and anyone who wants to dive into the community spirit of this coastal town.

With fall winds at their peak, the annual Cape Fear Kite Festival is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to be awed by a colorful display of kites of all varieties. Held at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area on the Cape Fear coastline, this impressive event is always a crowd pleaser, with an unforgettable overhead show that will make everyone look to the skies.

Avoid the hassle of heavy traffic and harried holiday shopping with this event that brings all the Christmas goodies to one central location. The Southport Holly Days Arts and Crafts Show is a fun and easy-going shopping event that has a wealth of vendors, giveaways, and other holiday enticements that will make the start of the shopping season merry and bright throughout.

Get a jump start on acquiring everything you’ll need to ring in the holiday season with style with a visit to the annual Holly Days Arts & Crafts Sale at the Southport Baptist Church. This fun and annual celebration features a host of goodies that are truly one-of-a-kind, and which will be a delight to any lucky recipient on Christmas morning.

The Cape Fear region is a unique coastal community that’s known for its variety of global influences, and visitors can get a first-hand look at this worldly flavor by attending the annual Polish Festival. Held in the smaller region of Castle Hayne, this family-oriented and fun festival features a wealth of food, music, arts and crafts, beverages, and more to provide a hefty sampling of everything this distinctive culture and heritage has to offer.

The Cape Fear area has its own unique style when it comes to food and fun, and visitors can get a big helping of this food-centric atmosphere by attending the annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach. Celebrating its 11th year in 2024, this festival that is perpetually growing in popularity features dozens of samples, tastings, contests, and more, which allows newcomers to dive into the local Wrightsville Beach food scene with gusto.

Go behind the scenes of one of the most famous attractions along the Cape Fear River with this in-depth tour of Wilmington’s most treasured landmark, the USS Battleship North Carolina. This special one-afternoon-only tour takes participants deep into the depths of the ship, and is an illuminating look into one of the most famous battleships of the World War II era.

Ties up your laces and get ready for one of the biggest running and fitness events that the Cape Fear area has to offer! The annual Battleship Half Marathon, 10K and 5K is a popular running event that attracts active visitors from all across the county and beyond, and which provides a perfect opportunity to explore the local landscape of the southern N.C. coastline while enjoying a little competitive fun.

The Cucalorus Film Festival has been going strong for 30 years, and this annual film festival is well known as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Cape Fear region and well beyond. Renowned as one of the largest film festivals in the southern United States, this multiple day event features a wealth of films, shorts, live entertainment, music, and many more ways to celebrate Wilmington’s reputation as the Hollywood of the East Coast.

Holiday shopping is a whole lot more fun with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, and the annual Kure Beach Holiday Market combines a stellar location with a delightful mix of locally crafted and truly one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. Held during Thanksgiving week, with music, food, and more enticements for visitors, the Kure Beach Holiday Market is a great way to get into the spirit of the season while simultaneously getting a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Get a jumpstart to your holiday celebrations with this annual event that is always a crowd pleaser for visitors and local Cape Fear residents like, The NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach is an enchanting evening that combines holiday celebrations with the allure of the coastline, courtesy of a festive boat parade, fireworks, and so much more.

Holiday shopping is a whole lot more fun with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, and the annual Kure Beach Holiday Market combines a stellar location with a delightful mix of locally crafted and truly one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. Held during Thanksgiving week, with music, food, and more enticements for visitors, the Kure Beach Holiday Market is a great way to get into the spirit of the season while simultaneously getting a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Start the holiday season with style and plenty of community spirit by attending the annual Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting in the heart of Wilmington. This annual event is a community celebration that features plenty of music, refreshments, and a glittering tree lighting, and is a great opener to the festive spirit of Wilmington during the holidays.

Southport is brimming with enchanting residences that have been standing for hundreds of years, and during this special holiday tour, visitors will be treated to an inside look of some of the community’s most famed and eye-catching homes. The WinterFest Tour of Homes is a delightful tour that takes place in conjunction with the annual WinterFest Festival, and which presents a chance to see some of the most stunning local homes decked out in holiday style.

Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.

The Carolina Beach Christmas Parade is a beloved annual holiday tradition that brings residents and visitors together to celebrate the season with an evening of festive floats, marching bands, community groups, decorated vehicles, and holiday entertainment. Held along Lake Park Boulevard in the heart of Carolina Beach, the parade showcases the creativity and holiday spirit of local businesses, civic organizations, schools, nonprofits, and community members. The family-friendly event draws thousands of spectators each year who line the parade route to enjoy one of the region’s most anticipated holiday celebrations.

The small coastal town of Oak Island has a big dose of holiday spirit, and visitors can ring in the Christmas season in style by cheering on the annual Christmas by the Sea Parade. Held in the heart of town, this annual event that features the efforts of local businesses and celebrations is a merry way to enjoy the coastal community while starting off the holiday season with plenty of cheer.

The Carolina Beach Holiday Market is an annual seasonal shopping event that brings together local artists, makers, crafters, and small businesses for a festive day of holiday shopping along the Carolina Beach waterfront. Held at Carolina Beach Lake Park as part of the community’s holiday celebrations, the market offers visitors the opportunity to browse a wide variety of handcrafted goods, artwork, jewelry, home décor, specialty foods, gifts, and other unique items created by local vendors. The family-friendly event has become a popular destination for residents and visitors seeking distinctive holiday gifts while supporting local businesses and artisans.

Battleship Alive! is an interactive living-history event that brings the historic World War II-era Battleship North Carolina to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on educational experiences. Held several times each year aboard the ship in Wilmington, the event allows visitors to step back in time as living-history interpreters portray sailors, officers, and military personnel carrying out daily duties and drills that would have taken place during the battleship’s active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Guests can watch demonstrations, interact with reenactors, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of life aboard one of the most decorated battleships of the war.

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Southport is brimming with enchanting residences that have been standing for hundreds of years, and during this special holiday tour, visitors will be treated to an inside look of some of the community’s most famed and eye-catching homes. The WinterFest Tour of Homes is a delightful tour that takes place in conjunction with the annual WinterFest Festival, and which presents a chance to see some of the most stunning local homes decked out in holiday style.

Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.

Join us for the 28th Annual Good Friends of Wilmington Luncheon. Monday, December 9th, 2026 - 11:30am – 1:00pm

Southport is well known as a coastal community with a wide array of holiday traditions, and the Light Up the Night Christmas Fire Engine Parade is easily a local favorite, with plenty of cheer to go around. Hosted by the more than 100-year-old Southport Fire Department, and featuring floats, trucks, and colorful displays of all varieties, this crowd pleasing event is a great way to get in the holiday spirit with a little coastal style.

Celebrate the season in true coastal style with this annual event that has become a tradition for Southport locals and frequent visitors alike. The Southport Christmas Flotilla features a beautiful array of decorated vessels of all varieties that are decked out for the holidays, and which pay homage to the maritime spirit that is inherent in this small coastal town.

Pleasure Island is inherently known for celebrating life on the water, and at this holiday event, spectators and participants alike will enjoy a glowing show in one of the prettiest corners of the waterfront Cape Fear region. The Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla is an annual tradition that rings in the holidays with plenty of dazzling style, and which is sure to charm and delight anyone with a front-row seat along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Your heart will grow three sizes this year, just like the Grinch himself, at this event that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with young and old grinches alike. The Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty is a kid-friendly and family-friendly event that features plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit, from arts and crafts, to cookie decorating, to a viewing of the famous movie that bears this green Christmas icon’s name!

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

The aptly-named Pleasure Island is the place to be in the Cape Fear region to ring in the new year, thanks to a hopping beach boardwalk, music and dancing, plenty of refreshments, and a beautiful backdrop next to the Atlantic Ocean. The Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration lives up to its name with a traditional fireworks show and a grand beachside party that is sure to have everyone in the family ready to ring in the new year with style.

The North Carolina Jazz Festival is one of the nation’s longest-running traditional jazz festivals, bringing world-renowned musicians and jazz enthusiasts to Wilmington each year for a celebration of America’s original musical art form. Founded in 1980, the festival has built a reputation for showcasing premier traditional jazz performers from across the United States and around the world while preserving the rich heritage of classic jazz styles. Held annually in downtown Wilmington, the event attracts visitors from across the country who come to enjoy performances by internationally acclaimed artists in an intimate concert setting.

Runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages and abilities can explore the scenic coastal landscape of Oak Island while enjoying an invigorating dose of activity at the Run Oak Island event. This annual event features a variety of courses that can range from a 1-mile fun run or walk to a full half marathon, which allows active visitors of all ages to get out and explore in a lightly competitive and all-around fun environment.

Athletes of all abilities will want to join in this event which provides a chilly way to celebrate the winter season while supporting a very worthy and local cause. The annual Polar Plunge, 5K Run-N-Plunge, or one-mile fun walk is a great way to experience the stunning Kure Beach shoreline in the off-season months while having a chilly but fun time embracing an inner superhero.

For more than 10 years, runners from all across the country have stormed the beach for this annual event that presents a great opportunity to explore all the gorgeous waterfront scenery that the Cape Fear coastline has to offer. The Wilmington Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying event and an USATF-certified qualifier, and features a fun and unique course that starts at the beach and which uncovers all the cool landmarks and landscapes that are found in this coastal corner of North Carolina.

Celebrating its 23rd year in 2027, the annual St. Patrick’s Low Tide Run is a great way for visitors and locals to explore the coastal Carolina Beach scene while ringing in the holiday with a little active fun on the sand. Officially known as the “Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Low Tide Run,” in honor of two amazing men whose paths crossed on Carolina Beach, this annual run features costumes, cool views, and beautiful terrain throughout, as well as plenty of ways to celebrate.

Great tastes and one of the Cape Fear region’s premier attractions combine at this event that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with foodies and brewing fans of all tastes. The Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine event provides a selection of fine food, beers, and plenty of local flavors, thanks to an exquisite menu and accompanying tasting, as well as a beautiful setting at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Feast Wilmington is an annual food and beverage festival that showcases the culinary talent, craft beverages, and vibrant dining culture of the Wilmington area. Held at the scenic Live Oak Bank Pavilion along the Cape Fear River, the festival brings together more than 70 chefs, 20 breweries, wineries, distilleries, and beverage makers for a weekend of tastings, pairings, live entertainment, and waterfront celebrations. Designed for food lovers of all kinds, Feast highlights the flavors, creativity, and hospitality that have helped establish Wilmington as one of North Carolina’s premier culinary destinations.

For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has reigned supreme as one of the biggest and best festivals along the southeast coastline, and newcomers are welcome to join in the fun to experience full days of vendors, live music, parades, and other events that shine a spotlight on the lively city of Wilmington. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has emerged as one of the most anticipated events in the state, and the celebration attracts visitors from all over the world who want to discover how enchanting the Cape Fear region can be.

Take advantage of an opportunity to see some of the most prestigious and breathtaking gardens in the downtown Wilmington area and beyond with this special tour that coincides with the annual Azalea Festival. The Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour is an annual tour that has been featured in multiple publications like Southern Living magazine, and which introduced garden fans to some of the most stunning landscapes that the Cape Fear area has to offer.

For more than 30 years, Poplar Grove Plantation has been the site of one of the most anticipated events for gardeners in the spring season – the Annual Herb and Garden Fair. This yearly event features a wealth of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and green goodies of all varieties, and is a great first stop for local and visiting gardeners alike who are eager to ring in the spring season.

Discover some of the prettiest terrain that Sunset Beach has to offer with more than 600 runners from all across the region and the country with this annual running event that puts the small town of Sunset Beach on the map. The Run Sunset Beach event features a variety of races that range from a mile-long Fun Run to a half marathon, and which boasts some of the most scenic courses that coastal North Carolina has to offer.

Make the local Port City community a little brighter by signing up to volunteer for the springtime’s Work on Wilmington – an annual event that brings together volunteers and local businesses to do a world of good for the local community. Held at various venues around town that change every year, Work on Wilmington is a great opportunity to help neighbors and friends, and to keep the Port City the shining destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Jump start your Holden Beach spring and summer vacation with this annual festival that provides plenty of good times along the shoreline. The Days at the Dock Festival is an unofficial kick-off to the prime visitor season, and features a wealth of arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, and fun and games for all ages that will make everyone in the family fall in love with the lively and engaging atmosphere of Holden Beach.

Head to the heart of Wrightsville Beach for this popular fishing tournament that will thrill participants and spectators alike. The annual Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament features multiple days of exceptional fishing, as well as an opportunity for visitors to learn about the conservation, protection, and preservation of valuable marine resources.