Southport Kid Friendly Events - 2025 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.

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.

Join The Children’s Museum of Wilmington May 17th from 9 AM to 12 PM for our annual Family Farm Day! Come on down to The Children’s Museum of Wilmington for a fun-filled morning at our annual Family Farm Day! Enjoy lively line dancing, meet friendly farm animals, and take home a special garden-themed surprise to grow on your own. From fuzzy bunnies to curious goats, our barnyard friends can’t wait to say hello! Tickets are $5 for members and $15 dollars for non-members. Reserve your tickets today

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.

Let the youngest members of your crew enjoy an afternoon music festival that’s just for them by making a date with Kidstock: 3 Hours of Peace, Love & Kids' Music. This family-friendly event that is held in the town of Wilmington features a number of kid-oriented bands, entertainment, vendors, games, and a wealth of other activities that have kids grinning from ear to ear all afternoon long.

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.

Let the youngest anglers in the crew enjoy a special fishing tournament that’s designed just for them with this annual event that ties in with the annual Jolly Mon King Classic. The Jr. Jolly Mon - Rock the Dock event is for anglers who might be too young to compete in the big multiple day tournament, but who still want to drop a line and discover just how much fun fishing can be.

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.

Join us at The Children's Museum of Wilmington on June 7th from 9am-12pm for our Big Backyard Bash, a morning of fun in the sun to kick off your summer! Splash around in our outdoor water play area, including giant bubbles, sensory bins, and water toys! Be sure to wear your swim suit or clothes that can get wet and bring a change of clothes and a towel. Prefer the shade? We also will have a palooza of activities in the museum! Create art with the power of the sun and learn more about our most important star! Join us to make solar prints (workshops every half hour) and bracelets that change color when exposed to the UV rays of the sun. Then beat the heat and try some indoor mini golf! We'll have three holes of CMOW mini golf for you to try. Finally, create a work of art of your favorite summer treat with Ice Cream Art! Tickets are $5 for members and $15 for non-members and go on sale May 10th.

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.

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.

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.

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 4^th 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 4^th 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.

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 4^th of July celebrations on the coast.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celebrating its 31st year in 2025, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.

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.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.

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.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.

Head to one of the Cape Fear region’s most charming and historic destinations just north of the Wilmington city limits for this annual event that adds a little extra sparkle and fun to the holiday season. A Merry Little Christmas Festival is held at the Poplar Grove Plantation, and is a fun-filled celebration that will delight visitors of all ages with a host of holiday activities and events.

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.

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.

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 North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.

Head to one of the Cape Fear region’s most charming and historic destinations just north of the Wilmington city limits for this annual event that adds a little extra sparkle and fun to the holiday season. A Merry Little Christmas Festival is held at the Poplar Grove Plantation, and is a fun-filled celebration that will delight visitors of all ages with a host of holiday activities and events.

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 North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.

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.

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.

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.