Southport Outdoor & Nature Events - 2020 Schedule

Brave Cape Fear residents can enjoy an oh-so refreshing dip while supporting a very worthy local cause at the first annual “Freezin’ For A Reason” Polar Plunge fundraising event that benefits Special Olympics Brunswick County. Taking place at Middleton Park on Oak Island, the public is invited to join in the fun and show off their fearlessness with this engaging outing that will literally give participants the chills.

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.

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.

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.

The skies over Carolina Beach are brimming with stars and natural wonders, and visitors and locals alike can learn more about this beautiful canopy by attending the Star Party at Carolina Beach State Park. Free and undeniably fun for stargazers of all ages, the Star Party features plenty of events including outdoor shows, telescope viewings, vendors, and other activities to help starry-eyed visitors discover all there is to know about this distinct and always stunning nightly display.

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.