Things To Do in Wilmington NC
by Brook Hall on January 24, 2020
No matter the time of year, there is guaranteed to be something FUN happening here in our coastal town!
WINTER
One of the largest traditional jazz events in the southeast, the 40th Annual NC Jazz Festival, from January 23rd through January 25th, is a sure way to beat the blues of the season.
Shake off the chill at the Wilmington Coffee Fest on February 1st, where you will find the finest purveyors of coffee, roasters, and distributors in Wilmington at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center.
Discover the tastes of Wilmington during Encore Winter Restaurant Week, from January 29th to February 9th, where local restaurants “sample their wares” with fixed price offerings from their menus.
Experience Wilmington’s cultural side on February 9th with Jazz at the CAM: Andrew Bernstein Trio, at the Cameron Art Museum, where you can take in the art exhibits and listen to live jazz in the CAM cafe.
Celebrate St. Patty’s Day in Historic Downtown Wilmington at Riverfront Park at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival. After 2 decades, the event has become a local tradition to express the spirit of the Irish with plenty of food, drinks, music, and other activities to ensure a great time for all!
Even during the slower months of the year, our great city offers many great attractions!
SPRING
Here in Wilmington, the NC Azalea Festival has been running for one week in April every year since 1948. Homes with extraordinary landscapes are nominated for the self-guided Garden Tour. Big-name artists perform at the Main Stage Concert Series, which have included Carrie Underwood, Nelly, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Snoop Dogg in the past. There is a pageant each year, and local young girls dress up as “Azalea Belles” with hoop skirts and parasols who can be seen all around town.
The Wilmington Greek Festival takes place in May. Indulge in this cultural experience as you eat tasty Greek food, enjoy dancing and music, and shop for all things Greek. This event is hosted at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church located at 608 S. College Rd.
SUMMER
The Downtown Sundown Concert Series runs each Friday night on the river in Downtown Wilmington May through August. Talented tribute bands take the stage and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. And the best part about the concerts is that they are FREE!
On the 4th of July don’t miss the parade and fireworks along the Cape Fear River during the annual City of Wilmington Fourth of July Celebration.
FALL
Riverfest is a historic family-friendly street festival along the Cape Fear River that falls in October of each year. Enjoy hundreds of vendors, food trucks, and even live music along the Riverfront from sun-up to sun-down!
Don’t miss the annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach! Find a spot with great views of the Intracoastal Waterway to watch this holiday-themed parade of boats go by! This beloved event happens the weekend after Thanksgiving of each year.
Want to get into the holiday spirit, while taking in a beautiful landscape and views? Purchase tickets to Enchanted Airlie hosted by Airlie Gardens every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Take a self-guided tour through the gardens to see the lights, music, and displays in the breathtaking gardens.
There is truly something for everyone here in Wilmington, and we hope you will take the opportunity to enjoy all that our area has to offer!
