Swimmers who want to tackle the ocean waves of the Cape Fear shoreline can join in the fun of this annual race that launches from the heart of Carolina Beach. Featuring a 1.5 mile swim into the ocean, this competition that takes place on the sand is always a popular and entertaining event that will engage participants and spectators alike.
Head to the shorelines of Wrightsville Beach – one of the most popular surfing destinations in southern North Carolina – for this annual tournament that has become one of the most anticipated regional surfing events of the year. The O'Neill/ Sweetwater Pro-Am has grown over the years into one of the biggest surfing tournaments in North Carolina and along the East Coast, and spectators can catch an incredible show as they watch dozens of amateur and professional surfers from all around the world show their stuff on the local waves.
Wilmington is known as the “Port City” for a reason, and lifelong local mariners and visitors alike can celebrate this heritage with a stop at the Wilmington Boat Show. Featuring multiple events throughout town over the course of several days, this sprawling event features plenty of ways to discover the past, present, and future of Wilmington’s life along the water.
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 weakened event that includes plenty of food and entertainment, and a competitive but family-friendly race in the cool waters of the Cape Fear region.
Quickly becoming one of the most beloved fall events along the Carolina Beach shoreline, the Port City Ribfest welcomes thousands of people from all across the country who are eager to dig their teeth into some of the best BBQ on the beach and miles beyond. Featuring BBQ teams from all across the nation, this popular and famed festival is a great way to explore all the great flavors that flock to the coast, while having plenty of family fun just steps away from the sand.
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.
Wilmington is well-known for both its diverse cultural scene as well as its status as one of the biggest filming destinations west of Hollywood, and these two attributes are beautifully combined at the annual North Carolina Black Film Festival. Part of the Artfall Festivities in 2018, this annual festival features a wealth of talented African American filmmakers of all genres who will share their works to the delight of audiences and movie buffs everywhere.
The fall season is prime time when it comes to exceptional fishing, and anglers of all varieties can get their lines wet by participating in the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament. Based at the local Southport Marina and featuring tons of prizes for anglers who sign up every year, this multiple day fishing tournament is a great way to explore the expansive waters of the Cape Fear region while landing in some big cash prizes along the way.
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 Cape Fear area has its own unique style when it comes to food and fun, and visitors can get a big helping of this food-centric atmosphere by attending the annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach. Celebrating its 6th year in 2018, this festival that is perpetually growing in popularity features dozens of samples, tastings, contests, and more, which allows newcomers to dive into the local Wrightsville Beach food scene with gusto.
Go behind the scenes of one of the most famous attractions along the Cape Fear River with this in-depth tour of Wilmington’s most treasured landmark, the USS Battleship North Carolina. This special one-afternoon-only tour takes participants deep into the depths of the ship, and is an illuminating look into one of the most famous battleships of the World War II era.
Celebrating its 25th year in 2018, 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.
Celebrating its 25th year in 2018, the Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival is a weekend-long celebration of great food and fantastic music, with plenty to discover for visitors of all tastes. Featuring two stages that attract nationally recognized blues and jazz musicians from all across the country, this event is a music lover’s dream, and is a perfect opportunity to discover the wealth of flavors that call Kure Beach home.
Known as one of the most-watched and most intense competitions in the Cape Fear area and miles beyond, the Ironman 70.3 North Carolina puts athletes of all ages to the test with an incredible course that requires endurance and massive feasts of strength. Featuring a swim, bike ride, and run, this "point-to-point-to-point-to-point" event will wow spectators from all across the Cape Fear region with its incredible course, and incredible athletes who participate.
October is prime fishing time on the coastline of North Carolina, and visitors can join in the fun and enjoy a little competition with big potential prizes at the annual Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge. Known as one of the best land-based surf fishing tournaments on the beach, this annual competition is a great way to enjoy the fantastic fall fishing while potentially scoring thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
Calling all brew fans – the Voracious Rare Beer Festival is the prime opportunity to discover a world of new flavors without ever leaving the heart of downtown Wilmington. Appropriately held in the month of October, this annual festival features plenty of great tastes to go around, with dozens of participating breweries and eateries, and ample reasons to raise a pint and toast the town.
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.
Classic cars and armfuls of candy happily combine at the Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat – an annual Halloween event that is hosted by the Sun Coast Cruisers. During the spooky celebration, attendees can enjoy a world class collection of vintage cars of all varieties and of all eras, while filling up their candy bags along the way. The end result is an entertaining time for car fans and kids of all ages, and a great opportunity to celebrate the Halloween holiday in a wholly unique and engaging way.
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.
Take a peek into some of the most beautiful and historic homes of famed downtown Wilmington with this unique annual tour that combines the scenery of the season with a little bit of history. Since 1973, the yearly Old Wilmington Candlelight Tour has become a popular event with visitors and locals alike, as it shines a light on some of the most festive and beautiful residences that the centuries-old Port City has to offer.
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.
Ties up your laces and get ready for one of the biggest running and fitness events that the Cape Fear area has to offer! The annual Battleship Half Marathon, 10K and 5K is a popular running event that attracts active visitors from all across the county and beyond, and which provides a perfect opportunity to explore the local landscape of the southern N.C. coastline while enjoying a little competitive fun.
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.
Take a peek into some of the most beautiful and historic homes of famed downtown Wilmington with this unique annual tour that combines the scenery of the season with a little bit of history. Since 1973, the yearly Old Wilmington Candlelight Tour has become a popular event with visitors and locals alike, as it shines a light on some of the most festive and beautiful residences that the centuries-old Port City has to offer.
The Cucalorus Film Festival has been going strong for nearly 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.
Take a peek into some of the most beautiful and historic homes of famed downtown Wilmington with this unique annual tour that combines the scenery of the season with a little bit of history. Since 1973, the yearly Old Wilmington Candlelight Tour has become a popular event with visitors and locals alike, as it shines a light on some of the most festive and beautiful residences that the centuries-old Port City has to offer.
Take a peek into some of the most beautiful and historic homes of famed downtown Wilmington with this unique annual tour that combines the scenery of the season with a little bit of history. Since 1973, the yearly Old Wilmington Candlelight Tour has become a popular event with visitors and locals alike, as it shines a light on some of the most festive and beautiful residences that the centuries-old Port City has to offer.
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.
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.
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.
Take a peek into some of the most beautiful and historic homes of famed downtown Wilmington with this unique annual tour that combines the scenery of the season with a little bit of history. Since 1973, the yearly Old Wilmington Candlelight Tour has become a popular event with visitors and locals alike, as it shines a light on some of the most festive and beautiful residences that the centuries-old Port City 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.
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.
Head to one of the Cape Fear region’s most charming and historic destinations just north of the Wilmington city limits for this annual event that adds a little extra sparkle and fun to the holiday season. A Merry Little Christmas Festival is held at the Poplar Grove Plantation, and is a fun-filled celebration that will delight visitors of all ages with a host of holiday activities and events.
Head to one of the Cape Fear region’s most charming and historic destinations just north of the Wilmington city limits for this annual event that adds a little extra sparkle and fun to the holiday season. A Merry Little Christmas Festival is held at the Poplar Grove Plantation, and is a fun-filled celebration that will delight visitors of all ages with a host of holiday activities and events.
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.
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.
Discover one of the prettiest regions of the coastal Cape Fear area with this annual event that always attracts runners, walkers and joggers from all across the region and well beyond. The Carolina Beach State Park Half Marathon & 5K is a fun and yet competitive race that features some of the best scenery on the beach, and which is open to visitors of all ages and abilities.
On January 15, 1865, the Cape Fear region was the site of one of the most important Civil War battles along the North Carolina coastline, the Battle of Fort Fisher. Marking the end of the Civil War and the fall of the Cape Fear area, visitors can learn all about the history of this battle - and watch as that history comes to life - at this annual event that commemorates the anniversary of this important moment in time.
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.
