Southern food experts can put their taste buds to good work at the Annual Step Up For Soldiers Backyard BBQ Cook-off – a yearly event that focuses on a competitive yet fun BBQ competition. Held along the lake at Carolina Beach, this fundraiser is a great way to enjoy a big helping of local eats, an array of great music, and plenty of good times with fellow food fans.
For 21 years, Wilmington locals and visitors alike have flocked to the edge of the waterfront downtown to enjoy one of the town’s favorite springtime celebrations, the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. This yearly celebration has become a favorite way to ring in St. Patrick’s Day with style, and is a wonderful precursor to Wilmington’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival, which immediately follows the colorful parade.
Head to the scenic Riverfront Park in the heart of Wilmington to celebrate St. Patty’s Day with style by attending the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival. A local tradition for roughly 20 years, this annual event features a world of ways to show your Irish spirit thanks to a bustling combination of food, drinks, music, activities, and plenty of great times to go around.
Beer lovers can enjoy a full week of sampling brews, food, live music and more when they pop into an event or two that corresponds with the Cape Fear Beer Week. Held annually in the spring, this week-long event takes place at venues, breweries and restaurants all across the Wilmington area and beyond, and is a fine opportunity for beer lovers to explore all the tempting flavors of the Cape Fear region.
Beer lovers can enjoy a full week of sampling brews, food, live music and more when they pop into an event or two that corresponds with the Cape Fear Beer Week. Held annually in the spring, this week-long event takes place at venues, breweries and restaurants all across the Wilmington area and beyond, and is a fine opportunity for beer lovers to explore all the tempting flavors of the Cape Fear region.
For more than 25 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.
For more than 70 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.
Celebrate the arrival of warm weather and sunny days along the waterfront with a stop at the always engaging Southport Spring Festival. This two-day festival that takes place in late March features a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, and is sure to be a highlight of any getaway to the coastal Cape Fear region.
Celebrating its 27th year in 2020, the Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival is a weekend-long celebration of great food and fantastic music, with plenty to discover for visitors of all tastes. Featuring two stages that attract nationally recognized blues and jazz musicians from all across the country, this event is a music lover’s dream, and is a perfect opportunity to discover the wealth of flavors that call Kure Beach home.
Celebrate the beauty of Oak Island while learning a little bit about what makes this coastal environment and community so unique at this annual festival that features a range of corresponding events for visitors of all ages. The Oak Island Earth Day Festival showcases a wide array of family and Earth friendly activities, and is a great opportunity to learn how to help the environment, while discovering the gorgeous coastal landscape of Oak Island and the Brunswick Islands.
Kids of all ages will have a ball while learning a little bit more about our precious planet at the annual Earth Day Celebration which is held in the heart of Wilmington. During this special afternoon event, the Hugh MacRae Park in the central region of the Port City will be transformed into a fun, festival atmosphere complete with exhibits, drinks, food, and live music, which all combine to provide an educational yet entertaining day that kids and adults alike will adore.
Discover the wild side of Southport at this educational and enlightening annual event that puts the stunning landscapes of coastal North Carolina in the spotlight. NatureFest Southport is a fun event that is held during the spring when the weather is ideal for explorations, and which features a wealth of activities to appeal to visitors of all ages who want to learn more about the local Southport environment.
Enjoy a full day of feasting, live music, entertainment, games, food, and so much more with a fun-filled stop at the at the Kure Beach Street Festival. This enticing street fair that’s put on every year by the Town of Kure Beach showcases the beauty of this small coastal town, as well as all the fun things that are found in this hopping vacation destination.
Food lovers will have a blast discovering everything that this famed seafood community has to offer at the annual Taste of Calabash. Celebrating its third year in 2018, and quickly becoming one of Calabash’s most popular festivals, this annual event features arts and crafts, children’s activities, music, and plenty of fresh fare to go around, creating a delightful atmosphere that will appeal to everyone in the crew.
Celebrate the arts and culture of southern North Carolina while enjoying a leisurely exploration of one of its most charming inland towns during this annual event that puts local art and music in the spotlight. The Woodsong Porch and Art Stroll is a fun and self-guided tour of the Shallotte art scene, and features a wealth of ways to have fun with more than 20 local artists, food and drink vendors, and live music.
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.
Indulge in a city that’s full of great tastes at the annual Wilmington Wine & Food Festival. Partnering with a number of corresponding events, including a Bourbon & BBQ Derby Cocktail Party on Friday and a Bubbles, Brews and Street Eats on Sunday, this multiple day festival celebrates all things delicious in the Port City.
Celebrating its 45th year in 2020, the Rims on the River Car Show has become an annual tradition for area car fans, thanks to its incredible display of vintage rides from all across the globe. Held on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Wilmington, this extensive expo will fascinate car fans of all ages and interests.
Going strong for more than 20 years, the Annual Orange Street ArtsFest is a great way for newcomers to discover the myriad of talented artists who live, work and thrive in the coastal Cape Fear region. Featuring dozens of artists, live entertainment, food, and many more enticements, this annual festival that celebrates its 25th year in 2020 is a must for art lovers everywhere.
Memorial Day on Bald Head Island is a true celebration that will introduce newcomers and longtime vacationers alike to all the amazing things to do and see in this island community. Known as the official kick-off to the summer season, the Memorial Day Weekend Celebration features a wealth of hikes, watersports, art-centric events, and plenty of good food and great times to encourage everyone to escape to the beach and join in the fun.
Memorial Day on Bald Head Island is a true celebration that will introduce newcomers and longtime vacationers alike to all the amazing things to do and see in this island community. Known as the official kick-off to the summer season, the Memorial Day Weekend Celebration features a wealth of hikes, watersports, art-centric events, and plenty of good food and great times to encourage everyone to escape to the beach and join in the fun.
A world of flavor and fun is waiting at the Wilmington Greek Festival, which is one of the most unique and anticipated global events of the year in the Cape Fear region. Featuring an abundance of authentic food, music, dancing and more, this weekend-long festival is a fun way to discover the Greek culture while enjoying an engaging time that will delight family members of all ages.
Going strong for more than 30 years, the Carolina Beach Music Festival ushers in the summer season with a full day and night of great music that is just steps away from the sand. Billed as the "the biggest and only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the North Carolina coast" by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, this annual festival is a great way to experience the sights, sounds, and all-around fun of this popular beach town while enjoying some great music along the way.
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.
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 reputations as one of the most beloved 4th of July celebrations on the coast.
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 reputations 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.
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.
Both spectators and mariners will have a ball at this colorful celebration that celebrates life on the water in Carolina Beach. The Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival is a fun-filled weakened event that includes plenty of food and entertainment, and a competitive but family-friendly race in the cool waters of the Cape Fear region.
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.
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.
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.
Water lovers of all ages and all varieties will have a ball exploring the fun and educational Southport Wooden Boat Show. Held in the peak of fall, this annual celebration brings together talented boat makers and mariners to showcase a stunning display of wooden boats, while providing a little history on Southport’s maritime heritage and life on the water.
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.
Serving as a cornerstone of the annual NC Holiday Flotilla, the Wrightsville Beach Festival in the Park is a great opportunity for visitors to explore just how much fun this coastal town can be when the holiday season is in full swing. With a fair-like atmosphere and plenty of activities to entertainment both children and parents alike, this full-day festival is a great way to get out and enjoy a little fun while celebrating the excitement of the holidays.
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.
