This Week

Cape Fear Blues Festival

  • Friday, June 9th - Sunday, June 11th
Wilmington

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.

Week of June 26, 2023 - July 2, 2023

North Carolina 4th of July Festival

  • Saturday, July 1st - Tuesday, July 4th
Southport

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 4th of July celebrations on the coast.

Week of July 3, 2023 - July 9, 2023

North Carolina 4th of July Festival

  • Saturday, July 1st - Tuesday, July 4th
Southport

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 4th of July celebrations on the coast.

Fourth of July Celebration

  • Tuesday, July 4th
Bald Head Island

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.

Week of July 31, 2023 - August 6, 2023

Bald Head Island Pirate Invasion

  • Friday, August 4th - Sunday, August 6th
Bald Head Island

Visitors to Bald Head Island in the middle of June 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.

Week of August 28, 2023 - September 3, 2023

Labor Day Weekend and Cookout

  • Friday, September 1st - Sunday, September 3rd
Bald Head Island

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.

Week of September 11, 2023 - September 17, 2023

American Craft Walk

  • Saturday, September 16th 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wilmington

Shoppers and sightseers can discover a world of goodies while taking in some of the most enticing scenery that Wilmington has to offer with a stop at the annual American Craft Walk. Held in the fall, this popular event features a wealth of local and regional artisans and craftsmen who are selling their wares in the heart of the downtown area.

Week of September 18, 2023 - September 24, 2023

Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival

  • Friday, September 22nd - Saturday, September 23rd
Carolina Beach

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 weekened event that includes plenty of food and entertainment, and a competitive but family-friendly race in the cool waters of the Cape Fear region.

Week of October 16, 2023 - October 22, 2023

North Carolina Oyster Festival

  • Saturday, October 21st - Sunday, October 22nd
Ocean Isle Beach

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.

Week of October 23, 2023 - October 29, 2023

Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival

  • Saturday, October 28th
Wilmington

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.

GooseBumps in the Grove

  • Saturday, October 28th - Sunday, October 29th 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wilmington

The Poplar Grove Plantation witches are ready to throw down for another infamous family-friendly festival with the annual GooseBumps in the Grove. This year, the historic site will celebrate Halloween with two days of over 75 arts and craft vendors, trick or treating with the vendors, Mr. Twister's balloon creations, Mr. Mark's Monster Mash sing-a-long, visits from the barnyard crew, vintage-themed carnival games and so much more for only a $5 entry fee.

Week of October 30, 2023 - November 5, 2023

Cape Fear Kite Festival

  • Friday, November 3rd
Kure Beach

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.

Festival Latino

  • Saturday, November 4th - Sunday, November 5th
Wilmington

There’s a world of fun to discover at the Festival Latino, which is an event that celebrates a multi-cultural atmosphere with a wealth of food, music, and entertainment. From special activities designed for kids to dancing lessons and live music, this lively event is a great way to discover the unique global flavors and influences that are found right in the heart of the Cape Fear area.

Week of November 13, 2023 - November 19, 2023

Cucalorus Film Festival

  • Wednesday, November 15th - Sunday, November 19th
Wilmington

The Cucalorus Film Festival has been going strong for more than 25 years, and this annual film festival is well known as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Cape Fear region and well beyond. Renowned as one of the largest film festivals in the southern United States, this multiple day event features a wealth of films, shorts, live entertainment, music, and many more ways to celebrate Wilmington’s reputation as the Hollywood of the East Coast.

Week of November 20, 2023 - November 26, 2023

Enchanted Airlie

  • Friday, November 24th - Thursday, December 21st
Wilmington

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.

Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake

  • Friday, November 24th 7:00 PM
Carolina Beach

Once the Thanksgiving feasting and festivities are complete, head over to the heart of Carolina Beach for this annual tradition that signifies the beginning of the holiday season for Pleasure Island residents and visitors alike. The Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake celebration lives up to its name as the official light-up ceremony that starts a long season of celebration in Carolina Beach and miles beyond.

Christmas by the Sea

  • Saturday, November 25th 5:00 PM
more dates....
Carolina Beach

Head to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for a festive atmosphere that will inspire everyone to embrace the relaxed holiday spirit along the coastline. The annual Christmas by the Sea event is a multiple day celebration of colorful lights, cookies, storytelling, treats, and so much more, and is a great way for holiday visitors to explore this charming community in truly jolly style.

Week of November 27, 2023 - December 3, 2023

Enchanted Airlie

  • Friday, November 24th - Thursday, December 21st
Wilmington

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.

Island of Lights Christmas Parade

  • Friday, December 1st 7:30 PM
Carolina Beach

Pleasure Island residents and visitors of all ages are invited to join in the fun and celebrate the start of the season at this event which is always a crowd-pleaser, and a surefire way to get into the holiday spirit. The Island of Lights Christmas Parade always features a wave of creative and colorful floats, bands, and holiday cheer, and is a free and fun event that lights up the heart of the Cape Fear coastline.

Week of December 4, 2023 - December 10, 2023

Enchanted Airlie

  • Friday, November 24th - Thursday, December 21st
Wilmington

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.

Christmas by the Sea

  • Saturday, December 9th 5:00 PM
more dates....
Carolina Beach

Head to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for a festive atmosphere that will inspire everyone to embrace the relaxed holiday spirit along the coastline. The annual Christmas by the Sea event is a multiple day celebration of colorful lights, cookies, storytelling, treats, and so much more, and is a great way for holiday visitors to explore this charming community in truly jolly style.

Week of December 11, 2023 - December 17, 2023

Enchanted Airlie

  • Friday, November 24th - Thursday, December 21st
Wilmington

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.

Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty

  • Friday, December 15th 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Kure Beach

Your heart will grow three sizes this year, just like the Grinch himself, at this event that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with young and old grinches alike. The Kure Beach Holiday Whoobie Whatty is a kid-friendly and family-friendly event that features plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit, from arts and crafts, to cookie decorating, to a viewing of the famous movie that bears this green Christmas icon’s name!

Christmas by the Sea

  • Saturday, December 16th 5:00 PM
more dates....
Carolina Beach

Head to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for a festive atmosphere that will inspire everyone to embrace the relaxed holiday spirit along the coastline. The annual Christmas by the Sea event is a multiple day celebration of colorful lights, cookies, storytelling, treats, and so much more, and is a great way for holiday visitors to explore this charming community in truly jolly style.

Week of December 18, 2023 - December 24, 2023

Enchanted Airlie

  • Friday, November 24th - Thursday, December 21st
Wilmington

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.

Week of January 22, 2024 - January 28, 2024

East Coast Shag Classic

  • Thursday, January 25th - Sunday, January 28th
Carolina Beach

Get ready for an event that will have you dancing the night away at this special affair that is celebrating its 11th year in 2023. The East Coast Shag Classic is a celebration of classic and North Carolina-based beach music and dancing with a host of events that range from raffles to social mixers to concerts to keep everyone entertained and on the dance floor.

Week of February 19, 2024 - February 25, 2024

Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge

  • Saturday, February 24th - Sunday, February 25th
Currie

The small community of Currie, North Carolina, has a remarkable history that predates the formation of America, and new visitors can learn all about this storied legacy at this unique event that combines history with miles of fun. The Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge is an annual event that pays homage to the first Patriot victory prior the Declaration of Independence, the Halifax Accord and the war for Independence, and is an interactive tour of the battle, and how it shaped the formation of America.

Week of February 26, 2024 - March 3, 2024

NC Rice Festival

  • Friday, March 1st - Saturday, March 2nd
Belville

Head to the small town of Belville for this enticing festival that will delight visitors of all ages. The NC Rice Festival is a fun and engaging waterfront celebration that features plenty of activities for everyone in the crew. From arts and crafts vendors, to live music, to a cooking contest where rice is the star ingredient, this day-long festival brings a lot of downhome community spirit to a pretty corner of coastal North Carolina.

Week of March 18, 2024 - March 24, 2024

Cape Fear Craft Beer Week

  • Sunday, March 24th - Tuesday, April 2nd
Wilmington

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.

Week of March 25, 2024 - March 31, 2024

Cape Fear Craft Beer Week

  • Sunday, March 24th - Tuesday, April 2nd
Wilmington

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.

Week of April 1, 2024 - April 7, 2024

Cape Fear Craft Beer Week

  • Sunday, March 24th - Tuesday, April 2nd
Wilmington

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.

North Carolina Azalea Festival

  • Wednesday, April 3rd - Sunday, April 7th
Wilmington

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.

Annual Herb and Garden Fair

  • Saturday, April 6th - Sunday, April 7th 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wilmington

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.

Week of April 29, 2024 - May 5, 2024

Healthy Kids Day

  • Tuesday, April 30th
Wilmington

Get active while enjoying the start of the beautiful spring and summer weather that the Port City is known for by attending the always fun and highly energized Healthy Kids Day. Celebrating its 13th year in 2024, this annual event has a focus on getting outside, getting active, and having a ball that will resonate with kids of all ages, and which will show just how much fun exploring Wilmington can be.

Victory Beach Vacations

Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach.   When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation.   Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott.   For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.”   Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly.   Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier.   A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.”   Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni