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Ironman 70.3 North Carolina
Starts: 10/17/2026 - Ends: 10/17/2026
The 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: 05/04/2026 - Ends: 12/07/2026
- 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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Orange Street Arts Festival
Starts: 05/23/2026 - Ends: 05/24/2026
Wilmington's largest downtown arts festival returns with works of more than 80 artists from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Participants will exhibit oil and watercolor paintings, pottery, jewelry, wood, glass, and paper creations. The Orange Street Arts Fest is both relaxing and exhilarating with live entertainment, old-fashioned fair food, and a wine and beer tent. With its laid back attitude and historic Downtown Wilmington setting, the Orange Street Arts Fest has been described as "A Jewel of a Show" so don't miss out! Please check website for detail and any changes.
Time:
Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 10am-4pm
Admission:
Free
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Bark in the Park
Starts: 10/03/2026 - Ends: 10/03/2026
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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Battleship North Carolina Ghost Hunt
Starts: 03/07/2026 - Ends: 12/12/2026
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 dates.
Event times - 8:00 PM - 2 AM
3/7/2026, 4/3/2026, 6/13/2026, 8/21/2026, 9/19/2026, 10/31/2026, 12/12/2026
There is admission charged and reservations are required. Be sure to book early as this event sells out quickly.
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Poplar Grove's Paranormal Ghost Tour
Starts: 05/01/2026 - Ends: 10/31/2026
- Enjoy this unique paranormal ghost tour discovering spirits and haunts, or haints, of all eras from 1850 to 1950 as they continue to hover around this historic manor house. There are lots of true stories of the Poplar Grove's Foy Family household haints to share, including a murderous crime of passion. Discover who these phantoms are and why they're still here. You will learn a little history, review a scroll of the dead, and focus on a particular room or rooms for paranormal activity. Cameras and other paranormal equipment are permitted. Please check their Website and Social Media for latest updates on exact dates. Tour is available between the dates listed below. Tours might not be appropriate for young children.
[list]
- Presented By: Poplar Grove Plantation
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Price: $25 for Tour
- Dates - Various - check website for details
[/list]
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Riverfest 2026
Starts: 10/03/2026 - Ends: 10/04/2026
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: 01/01/2026 - Ends: 01/01/2027
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: 01/03/2026 - Ends: 12/26/2026
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: 02/06/2026 - Ends: 12/04/2026
Occurring 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.
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Monthly Bird Walk
Starts: 01/22/2026 - Ends: 12/30/2026
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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Tri-span 5K and 10K and Live Strong Mile
Starts: 07/11/2026 - Ends: 07/11/2026
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: 09/26/2026 - Ends: 09/26/2026
Be a part of the longest-running sprint triathlon in the nation! Founded in 1979, as the Pepsi Triathlon, the YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon has become a favorite event among locals and triathletes near and far. Today the event is comprised of the traditional sprint triathlon, a youth triathlon and a corporate relay challenge.
- 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: 11/15/2026 - Ends: 11/15/2026
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: 11/28/2026 - Ends: 11/28/2027
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: 02/06/2027 - Ends: 02/06/2027
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: 10/11/2026 - Ends: 10/11/2026
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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Wrightsville Plunge
Starts: 01/01/2027 - Ends: 01/01/2027
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: 11/26/2026 - Ends: 11/26/2026
Start your Thanksgiving day on the right foot with the Turkey Trot! Previously at Wrightsville Beach, this annual run has expanded in size and moved to downtown Wilmington to start at Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Come dressed in your finest turkey costume while enjoying a Timed 5K or One Mile Run/Walk on the beautiful Wilmington riverfront. There will be prizes and fun for everyone this Thanksgiving Day! Registration for this event will open July, check back for the website link and some hilarious pictures from previous Turkey Trots.
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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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Annual Historic Wilmington Half Marathon & 5K
Starts: 12/05/2026 - Ends: 12/05/2026
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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Port City Highland Games
Starts: 05/30/2026 - Ends: 05/30/2026
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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Carolina Beach Christmas Parade
Starts: 12/04/2026 - Ends: 12/04/2026
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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Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival
Starts: 10/24/2026 - Ends: 10/24/2026
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 - Cellar Sea & Shore
Starts: 10/23/2026 - Ends: 10/23/2026
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.
Presented by Lighthouse Beer & Wine
See website for details
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Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance
Starts: 12/07/2026 - Ends: 12/07/2026
Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club hosts a worldwide ham radio operator event commemorating the Dec 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor from the radio room of the USA North Carolina Battleship. The Battleship is NI4BK and HAM operators may contact the ship via voice, digital or Morse code. See website for details.
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Butterfly House at Airlie Gardens
Starts: 06/02/2026 - Ends: 09/01/2026
Surround yourself in serenity at the Airlie Garden Butterfly House. Find species native to North Carolina in this open air exhibit. After visiting the Butterfly House be sure to tour the Pollinator Garden nearby.
Recurring daily and included in admission to Gardens. See website for more details and to confirm available dates.
Butterfly releases on Tuesdays. Pre-registration may be required. Check website.
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Special Olympics Polar Plunge 2027
Starts: 02/20/2027 - Ends: 02/20/2027
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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Holiday Movie in the Park at Wrightsville Beach Park
Starts: 12/04/2026 - Ends: 12/04/2026
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: 11/14/2026 - Ends: 11/14/2026
Enjoy the flavor of Wrightsville Beach restaurants on the waterfront! This event celebrates the delicious fare of the island with food, wine and beer tasting booths under a huge tent.
See website for details
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Carolina Beach Music Festival 2026
Starts: 06/06/2026 - Ends: 06/07/2026
Here is your chance to dance barefoot on the sand or just sway to the Beach Music Beat while standing in the surf. Held the first Saturday in June, the Beach Music Festival, hosted by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, is billed as "the biggest and only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the North Carolina coast" and one of the longest running beach music festivals in the United States. Come out and enjoy a full day of live entertainment with the hottest beach music bands in the south! You can access this festival via the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.
Fun begins at 11:00am - 4:00pm.
Online ticket available closer to date. Please check website for details and ticket prices. Event usually sells out.
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Riverfront Farmers Market
Starts: 04/18/2026 - Ends: 11/21/2026
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: 10/24/2026 - Ends: 10/24/2026
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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Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival 2025
Starts: 09/19/2026 - Ends: 09/19/2026
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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Carolina Beach State Park Half Marathon
Starts: 01/23/2027 - Ends: 01/23/2027
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: 07/11/2026 - Ends: 07/12/2026
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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Spanish Mackerel Open
Starts: 06/12/2026 - Ends: 06/14/2026
Pull out your planers, torpedo weights and clarkspoons and maybe have a few pogies and live bait rigs on hand and join in the fun! This is an easy and friendly way to try tournament fishing. See social media for schedule of events and further details.
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Halloween Fun 2026
Starts: 10/30/2026 - Ends: 10/31/2026
Come! Book your stay, decorate your site and join us for fun events at the campground!! , Friday - Movie night, 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!! There will be prizes for the contests!!!
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Festival Latino 2026
Starts: 11/14/2026 - Ends: 11/15/2026
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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Cape Fear 7's Rugby Tournament
Starts: 06/19/2026 - Ends: 06/21/2026
Join the excitement when the Cape Fear 7's, one of the nation's largest Summer 7's tournaments, returns. Featuring one of the most competitive premiere divisions and hosting several hundred players from teams from across the country and around the world, this is one of the area's most exciting sporting events. Please check their website and social media for a complete listing of all the events.
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HDWM Artisan Market
Starts: 04/05/2026 - Ends: 10/25/2026
Spend your Sunday leisurely strolling through the Historic Downtown Wilmington Artisan Market where you'll find one of a kind, hand crafted creations by some of the area's best local artisans. The Market features more than 30 rotating artists for an ever-changing collection of locally made art, jewelry and handmade items along with musical entertainment. No Market Riverfest or Thanksgiving Weekend.
Event times Sunday 10 -3
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USS North Carolina Memorial Day Observance
Starts: 05/25/2026 - Ends: 05/25/2026
What better way to pay your respects than on the USS North Carolina Battleship. There will be a guest speaker, color guard, 21 gun salute, band and a memorial wreath will be cast into the water.
Come aboard at 3 pm, ceremony begins at 4 pm.
Weather permitting
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CFCC Riverfront Boat Show
Starts: 05/30/2026 - Ends: 05/30/2026
Held on the banks of the Cape Fear River, the CFCC Riverfront Boat Show has attracted thousands of visitors every year for over two decades. Featuring a wide variety of wooden boats in 10 judging categories including kayaks and skiffs, fiberglass boats from professional boat dealers as well as boat building material suppliers from around the region. Spectators can enjoy boat building demonstrations along the storied Riverwalk, try their hand at a Knot-tying Challenge, and be able speak with the Boat Builders about their creations. Additional details available closer to the event
9:30 - 3:00
See website for further details
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NC Jazz Festival
Starts: 02/04/2027 - Ends: 02/06/2027
- 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.
[/list]
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BAD (Brooklyn Arts District) Day Music & Arts Festival 2026
Starts: 11/14/2026 - Ends: 11/14/2026
Explore a vibrant day through night celebration during the premier BAD (Brooklyn Arts District) Music & Arts Festival. Listen to tunes from two outdoor stages featuring bluegrass, funk, reggae, and more with headliners Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band, Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country and more. After the sun sets, the party continues with more nighttime festivities. Stroll through the free to enter N 4th Street Village alive with arts and crafts vendors and more fun while you feast on delicious refreshments. Elevate your vibes with wellness experiences like yoga and breathwork. From streetside creativity to late night revelry, celebrate the wild, free spirit of the Brooklyn Arts District! See Website for details.
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2026 Veteran's Day Parade
Starts: 11/07/2026 - Ends: 11/07/2026
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: 11/11/2026 - Ends: 11/11/2026
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 check website for USS North Carolina.
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Enchanted Airlie 2026
Starts: 11/27/2026 - Ends: 12/21/2026
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 28th. Please contact Airlie Gardens for special reservations| Snacks and beverages available for purchase.
Nightly 1-Hour Timed Tickets Begin: 5:30pm | 6:30pm | 7:30pm | 8:30pm
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Haunted Rooms of America - Bellamy Mansion
Starts: 04/04/2026 - Ends: 12/11/2026
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. 4/4/2026, 6/12/2026, 8/22/2026, 10/23/2026, 12/11/2026
Price: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
Please check website to confirm details and times.
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Hidden Battleship Tour
Starts: 02/28/2026 - Ends: 11/14/2026
Explore the un-restored 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. Multiple dates. When: 2/28/2026, 3/28/2026, 4/18/2026, 11/14/2026
See website for details
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Bluegrass in the Grove
Starts: 06/13/2026 - Ends: 06/13/2026
Poplar Grove Plantation will be holding their 1st Annual Bluegrass Festival hosted by Dear MariBella & the PigKickers and featuring seven local artists picking and strumming to old and new music.Bring your families, chairs, blankets, and umbrellas. Food trucks & beer garden on site.
Saturday, June 13th from 11AM -8 PM
see their website for more details
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Liam Strong Charity Beach Run
Starts: 09/20/2026 - Ends: 09/20/2026
What better way to welcome Fall than an inspiring Seashore 5K or Family Friendly Fun Run/Walk? Serious runners love the timed 5K, with beach lovers of all ages the One Mile Fun Run/Walk.The Liam Strong Charity Beach Run was created to honor our son, Liam Fredric Batten, who we lost at 6 months to childhood cancer. We want to honor Liam and give back to all of the doctors and nurses at N.C. Children's Hospital that are so special to our family. Feel the sun on your face and the salty wind in your hair starting and finishing on the sand at the iconic Johnnie Mercers Pier. See you at the Pier!
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22nd Annual NC Blueberry Festival
Starts: 06/19/2026 - Ends: 06/20/2026
The event kicks off with live music from 7:00 - 10:00 pm Friday night, June 19. Saturday is a full day of activities starting with a 5k run & Tour De Blueberry. The Festival officially opens at 9:00am featuring a Street Fair with Arts & Craft Vendors, Car & Truck show, Beer & Wine Garden and so much more! Blueberry Bake Sales, and, of course, plenty of fresh Blueberries for sale! See website for more details.
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City of Wilmington Independence Day Celebration
Starts: 07/04/2026 - Ends: 07/04/2026
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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Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Starts: 06/11/2026 - Ends: 07/30/2026
Get ready for a lively night of music the whole family will enjoy at Wrightsville Beach Park on Thursday nights. Bring your picnic, chairs, & blankets for an evening of fun! Coffee, frozen treats, & food trucks will be on site. This is a Pet-friendly event, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome!
Free to attend
6:30 - 8:00pm
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Summer fun at the Wilmington KOA + Paint N Sip
Starts: 08/14/2026 - Ends: 08/15/2026
College students moving back in means taking some time together when you can! Cool treats, crafts, barrel train rides, Pool parties with DJ Capt Mike, Kids Paint n Sip (juice), Paint N Sip (adults only-BYOB) and Kimchi Taco Food Truck on site!
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Celebrating S'mores!!
Starts: 08/07/2026 - Ends: 08/08/2026
National S'mores Day is August 10 so we will celebrate a few days early!! Sweet treat by the pool on Friday and on Saturday a S'more craft and Chocolate and S'more Food Truck ($) will be on site. Yummy!!
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Father's Day Fun Run - Good Hops - Will Run For Beer
Starts: 06/20/2026 - Ends: 06/20/2026
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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Carnival at the KOA Weekend
Starts: 06/05/2026 - Ends: 06/06/2026
Summer is off! And what better way to celebrate than to have a Carnival! Popsicles, games, crafts, DJ Capt Mike music & karaoke, and train rides! OH MY!!
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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! Sweet treats by the pool, face painting, tie-dye ($), play in the foam, Wheelz Pizza ($), Billy Boucher's Bluegrass Band, and candy bar bingo by the pool. Come and join the fun!
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Independence Day Celebration 2026 - AMERICA 250!!
Starts: 07/03/2026 - Ends: 07/05/2026
Come and stay with us for Independence Day and the 250th birthday of America!! The fun will start on Friday and continue until Sunday. Pool party and karaoke by the pool, Face painting, Kimchi taco Truck ($), tie dye, barrel train rides, candy bar bingo, Johnny C's Dogs, Brats & Red Hots ($), Foam machine, and launch a rocket!! We hope to see you!
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Labor Day 2026
Starts: 09/04/2026 - Ends: 09/06/2026
Book your stay early and join us Labor Day weekend for a great end of Summer celebration! Don't miss the fun! Ice Cream Social, face painting, tie dye, train rides, Wheelz Pizza Truck ($), music, our annual Glow party and foam.
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Father's Day weekend at the Wilmington KOA 2026
Starts: 06/19/2026 - Ends: 06/21/2026
Father's Day and Summer Solstice 6/21! Come and enjoy the great outdoors with Dad! Root Beer Floats, Movie, Kimchi Taco Truck, DJ Capt Mike by the pool, Father's Day Olympics, craft, and donuts for dad on Sunday morning.
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Car show weekend
Starts: 07/11/2026 - Ends: 07/11/2026
Join us in celebrating cars! We will have a selection of vehicles on display on Saturday, craft time. If you have a special car, let us know, and maybe we can add you to the display!
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Celebrate Soccer
Starts: 07/17/2026 - Ends: 07/18/2026
Let's celebrate soccer during the Soccer Finals Weekend! Movie night, face painting, craft time, music and Karaoke with DH Capt Mike, Kimchi Taco Food Truck on site ($), foam machine and maybe even a soccer ball kicking contest. Stay tuned!!
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Daily Eagles Island Cruises
Starts: 02/13/2026 - Ends: 12/27/2026
From$8 - $24The perfect blend of education and relaxation—ideal for locals wanting a fresh perspective or visitors looking to soak up Wilmington's soul. This scenic 50 minute narrated cruise is very informative about the history and workings of the Cape Fear River and our historic waterfront in downtown Wilmington with close up views of the Battleship. Enjoy 360 degree views of unspoiled nature and a variety of wildlife daily while our Captain will delight you with anecdotes about the Cape Fear River and our historic town. The even hour cruises go North on the River and you see the historic riverfront and then some nature as we go up the Cape Fear River. The odd hour cruises go South to the State Port and you will learn some maritime history of the area. A full cash bar with snacks and refreshments for all ages is available onboard. You can also bring your own snacks if you wish (please, no drinks).You can stay onboard for the next cruise and do both directions for $36. Just let the office or first mate know and they will hook you up with a ticket.
See website for dates and booking.
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A250th: Colonial Wilmington & The Revolution Walking Tour
Starts: 03/13/2026 - Ends: 12/11/2026
Join Wilmington's oldest historic house for an exciting walking tour of historic downtown Wilmington with riveting stories of how life was lived in Colonial times. The ninety minute tour departs from the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, covers historic streets and uneven terrain and returns to the starting place as you learn about how the American Revolution swept across the Cape Fear. Please call to reserve your spot for this popular tour.
Multiple dates - Please see website for details-
3/13/2026, 6/12/2026, 9/11/2026, 12/11/2026
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O'Neill/ Sweetwater Pro-Am
Starts: 07/06/2026 - Ends: 07/12/2026
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.
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American Craft Walk
Starts: 09/12/2026 - Ends: 09/12/2026
Come stroll Historic Downtown Wilmington's picturesque streets and view colorful and creative works of art in a variety of mediums at Wilmington's largest outdoor art show and sale. Don't miss your chance to pick up some of these one-of-a-kind local pieces from over 90 talented artists. Please visit website for details and time.
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YMCA Pier 2 Pier Open Water Swim Race
Starts: 09/19/2026 - Ends: 09/19/2026
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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Cape Fear Kite Festival 2026
Starts: 11/06/2026 - Ends: 11/08/2026
A magical display of serious kite flyers sharing their sky art at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for the 19th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival presented by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. See incredible shapes, sizes, styles and of course colors as they float, soar and ride the air. Friday through Sunday- See website for details.
- Price: Free for Spectators
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Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series
Starts: 06/05/2026 - Ends: 09/04/2026
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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Valentine's Weekend 2027
Starts: 02/12/2027 - Ends: 02/14/2027
Book a deluxe cabin for Valentine's weekend (2/12 - 2/14) and receive a special treat in your cabin upon arrival. Care Camp Raffle for Valentine prize on Sunday 2/14.