With a historic downtown riverfront and three beautiful beaches, you’d be hard pressed not to find a festival or fun event fit just for you.
Home to filming sets of Iron Man 3 and We’re the Millers, Wilmington is NC’s very own mini Hollywood. Nicknamed Wilmywood, this Southern destination films a large number of movies and TV shows per year.
While there are countless activities hosted in Wilmington every year, we’ve narrowed down the top 11 to help you make your stay in Wilmington a memorable one.
Riverfront Farmers Market
If you’re looking for a market that sells goods ranging from jams, art, soaps, jewelry, baked goods, and much more—Wilmington’s longest-running Downtown Farmers Market is for you. This market showcases a lineup of farmers and artisans. Riverfront Farmers Market is held in downtown Wilmington, NC, on Saturdays from 8 AM-1 PM (rain or shine).
Best For: Foodies, sustainable shoppers, and families.
Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek
This producer-only market partners with unique vendors, including Lizzy Lou’s Family Farm, Lotus Haven Hives, Mutual Mycology, N-Sea Oyster Co., and Peaches & Cream. To support their mission of only selling what they produce, you can shop for local produce, flowers, meats, and shellfish to complete your grocery experience. This one-stop shop runs from 8 AM-1 PM year-round.
Best For: Foodies, sustainable shoppers, and families.
Concerts at The New Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Check out The Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park if you’re in the mood for live music with on-site food and beverages. It’s an uncovered 7,200-capacity concert venue located in Wilmington downtown’s Northside. Having staged more than 20 large-scale concerts to date, Live Nation manages this outdoor amphitheater and has seated, lawn ticketed, and VIP areas.
Best For: Music aficionados, couples, and friend groups.
Riverfront Park
The Riverfront Park is located at the northern end of the Riverwalk in historic downtown. This park is an ideal hang-out spot if you need a family-friendly activity. It’s equipped with a large plaza, green space, trails, gardens, and an award-winning water park.
Best For: Solo hikers and families looking for kid-centered activities.
Airlie Gardens
If you’re looking for a day trip that’s low-key and relaxing, Airlie Garden has a beautiful Pergola, three-tiered fountain, walking trails, wildlife, and historic structures. With thousands of blooms, it’s also an ideal, picturesque scene to host a special event or even attend a bird hike.
Best For: Nature lovers or couples searching for an outdoor wedding venue.
Dine at Delicious Restaurants
Voted #1 Best Al Fresco Dining Neighborhood, by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Wilmington’s River District has over 40 locally-owned restaurants, cafés, and pubs. With something for every taste palette, you can search for all food and drink options here.
Best For: Solo travelers, couples, seniors, family, and friends.
Boat Ride Over to Masonboro Island
Wrightsville Beach offers scenic tours on birding boat cruises of Masonboro Island and Bradley Creek. If you enjoy guided eco-cruises that increase conservation awareness about local wildlife and coastline habitats, this activity is for you. Common species discussed include Black skimmers, Brown Pelicans, and Gulls. You can schedule a boat tour here.
Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts, couples, seniors, family, and friends.
Attend a Yearly Event
If you’re in search for a festival to attend when visiting, there are a few events that happen in Wilmington, NC, every year:
- Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival – October 2022
- Azalea Festival – April 6, 2022 – April 10, 2022
- Cucalorus Festival – TBA
- Orange Street ArtsFest – TBA
Best For: Solo travelers, couples, seniors, family, and friends.
Expand your holidays and plan your vibrant vacation to Wilmington, NC, this year!
If you’re ready for fun-filled days — check out more things to do, places to stay, and events Wilmington, NC has to offer here as well as Wilmington’s most-visited attractions.