Wilmington, NC Festivals Events - 2023 Schedule

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 ready for an event that will have you dancing the night away at this special affair that is celebrating its 11^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 13^th 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.