Wilmington, NC Kid Friendly Events - 2026 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.

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.

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 4th of July celebrations on the coast.

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.

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 4th 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 4th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Treat the servicemen and servicewomen in your crew to a day and evening of family fun that they won’t soon forget at this annual event that is designed to honor our military personnel. The MAD Southport Military Appreciation Day is a fun-filled day of activity that allows the local community to show their support for members of the military and their families by showcasing all the fun things to see and do in the city of Southport.

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.

Wilmington Coffee Fest is an annual celebration of coffee culture that brings together coffee roasters, cafés, baristas, bakers, artisans, tea vendors, and coffee enthusiasts from across the region for a weekend of tastings, competitions, education, and community engagement. Held in Wilmington’s Cargo District, the festival showcases the people and businesses behind the area’s growing specialty coffee scene while providing visitors with opportunities to sample a wide variety of coffees, discover new brands, and learn more about the craft of coffee roasting and preparation.

The Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta is an annual community festival and paddling competition that brings together teams, spectators, businesses, and local organizations for a weekend of fun, teamwork, and friendly competition along the Carolina Beach waterfront. Organized by The Island Men, a nonprofit volunteer organization serving the Pleasure Island area, the event features colorful dragon boat races in which teams of paddlers compete in traditional 45-foot-long dragon boats while a drummer keeps the crew synchronized. The regatta has grown into one of the region’s signature waterfront events, attracting participants from across southeastern North Carolina and beyond.  

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.

Battleship Alive! is an interactive living-history event that brings the historic World War II-era Battleship North Carolina to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on educational experiences. Held several times each year aboard the ship in Wilmington, the event allows visitors to step back in time as living-history interpreters portray sailors, officers, and military personnel carrying out daily duties and drills that would have taken place during the battleship’s active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Guests can watch demonstrations, interact with reenactors, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of life aboard one of the most decorated battleships of the war.

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.

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.

There are a lot of surprises, activities, and hours of fun waiting at Sunset at Sunset – a unique fall festival that takes place in the heart of Sunset Beach. Featuring a wealth of vendors, kids’ games and activities, and fantastic music and food all day long, this festival shines a spotlight on how much fun the small town of Sunset Beach can be during the beautifully relaxed fall season.

The BHI Surf Fishing Tournament is an annual fishing competition that brings anglers of all ages to the shores of Bald Head Island for a weekend of surf fishing, camaraderie, and coastal recreation. Held along the island’s oceanfront beaches, the event features both adult and youth divisions and offers participants the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and awards in multiple species categories, including red drum, bluefish, sea mullet, black drum, trout, and pompano. Organized by Bald Head Island Surf Fishing Tournament, LLC, the tournament is designed to celebrate North Carolina’s rich surf fishing tradition while encouraging participation from both experienced anglers and newcomers to the sport.

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.

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.

Well known as one of the longest running events in the Port City area, the annual Cape Fear Fair & Expo has been going strong for decades, and is one of the most fun celebrations that the town of Wilmington has to offer. Taking over the grounds of the Wilmington Airport, this expansive festival features rides, exhibits, food, shows, and entertainment al all varieties to create a truly memorable experience for fun-loving visitors of all varieties.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Start the holiday season with style and plenty of community spirit by attending the annual Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting in the heart of Wilmington. This annual event is a community celebration that features plenty of music, refreshments, and a glittering tree lighting, and is a great opener to the festive spirit of Wilmington during the holidays.

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 small coastal town of Oak Island has a big dose of holiday spirit, and visitors can ring in the Christmas season in style by cheering on the annual Christmas by the Sea Parade. Held in the heart of town, this annual event that features the efforts of local businesses and celebrations is a merry way to enjoy the coastal community while starting off the holiday season with plenty of cheer.

The Carolina Beach Holiday Market is an annual seasonal shopping event that brings together local artists, makers, crafters, and small businesses for a festive day of holiday shopping along the Carolina Beach waterfront. Held at Carolina Beach Lake Park as part of the community’s holiday celebrations, the market offers visitors the opportunity to browse a wide variety of handcrafted goods, artwork, jewelry, home décor, specialty foods, gifts, and other unique items created by local vendors. The family-friendly event has become a popular destination for residents and visitors seeking distinctive holiday gifts while supporting local businesses and artisans.

Battleship Alive! is an interactive living-history event that brings the historic World War II-era Battleship North Carolina to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on educational experiences. Held several times each year aboard the ship in Wilmington, the event allows visitors to step back in time as living-history interpreters portray sailors, officers, and military personnel carrying out daily duties and drills that would have taken place during the battleship’s active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Guests can watch demonstrations, interact with reenactors, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of life aboard one of the most decorated battleships of the war.

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.

Southport is well known as a coastal community with a wide array of holiday traditions, and the Light Up the Night Christmas Fire Engine Parade is easily a local favorite, with plenty of cheer to go around. Hosted by the more than 100-year-old Southport Fire Department, and featuring floats, trucks, and colorful displays of all varieties, this crowd pleasing event is a great way to get in the holiday spirit with a little coastal style.

Celebrate the season in true coastal style with this annual event that has become a tradition for Southport locals and frequent visitors alike. The Southport Christmas Flotilla features a beautiful array of decorated vessels of all varieties that are decked out for the holidays, and which pay homage to the maritime spirit that is inherent in this small coastal town.

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!

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 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.

Feast Wilmington is an annual food and beverage festival that showcases the culinary talent, craft beverages, and vibrant dining culture of the Wilmington area. Held at the scenic Live Oak Bank Pavilion along the Cape Fear River, the festival brings together more than 70 chefs, 20 breweries, wineries, distilleries, and beverage makers for a weekend of tastings, pairings, live entertainment, and waterfront celebrations. Designed for food lovers of all kinds, Feast highlights the flavors, creativity, and hospitality that have helped establish Wilmington as one of North Carolina’s premier culinary destinations.

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.

Jump start your Holden Beach spring and summer vacation with this annual festival that provides plenty of good times along the shoreline. The Days at the Dock Festival is an unofficial kick-off to the prime visitor season, and features a wealth of arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, and fun and games for all ages that will make everyone in the family fall in love with the lively and engaging atmosphere of Holden Beach.