RankNC – Discover North Carolina's Best: Reviews, Rankings & Insights

Search
Close this search box.

Best Events and Festivals In The Greater Wilmington Area

Best Events and Festivals In The Greater Wilmington Area - North Carolina Azalea Festival - Wilmington, NC
North Carolina Azalea Festival - Wilmington, NC

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through our links we may be compensated at no cost to you.

Discover the best events and festivals in the Greater Wilmington area, where excitement and community spirit abound year-round.

From lively music festivals showcasing local talent to cultural celebrations honoring the region’s heritage, there’s always something happening in this vibrant coastal community.

Join in the festivities, make memories, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Greater Wilmington.

RankNC's Top Picks

Experience the excitement, creativity, and camaraderie of these beloved events, which showcase the best local arts, cuisine, and heritage.

From lively music festivals to family-friendly fairs, these annual celebrations offer something for everyone to enjoy.

1. North Carolina Azalea Festival

Wilmington

Join the festivities at the North Carolina Azalea Festival, an annual celebration of spring held in downtown Wilmington. Featuring parades, concerts, art shows, and garden tours, the festival showcases the beauty of the region’s azaleas and highlights the rich heritage and culture of the community. Don’t miss the Queen’s Coronation Ceremony and the Azalea Garden Tour, two of the festival’s most popular events.

Best Events and Festivals In Wilmington, NC - North Carolina Azalea Festival
North Carolina Azalea Festival

2. Riverfest

Wilmington

Experience the excitement of Riverfest, a beloved street fair held along the banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. Featuring live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and a fireworks display, Riverfest offers fun for the whole family. Stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the festive atmosphere while sampling local cuisine and shopping for unique handmade goods.

3. Cape Fear Craft Beer Week

Wilmington

Raise a glass to craft beer at Cape Fear Craft Beer Week, an annual celebration of the region’s thriving craft beer scene. Featuring brewery tours, tap takeovers, beer tastings, and special events, Cape Fear Craft Beer Week offers beer enthusiasts the opportunity to explore new brews and connect with local brewers. Don’t miss the Beer and BBQ Festival, a highlight of the weeklong celebration.

4. Wilmington Wine & Food Festival

Wilmington

Savor the flavors of the Greater Wilmington area at the Wilmington Wine & Food Festival, a culinary celebration showcasing the region’s finest wines, beers, and gourmet cuisine. Featuring tastings, wine dinners, cooking demonstrations, and culinary competitions, the festival offers foodies and wine lovers the chance to indulge in delicious fare and learn from top chefs and winemakers.

5. Carolina Beach Music Festival

Carolina Beach

Dance the day away at the Carolina Beach Music Festival, an annual beachside bash featuring live music, dancing, and fun in the sun. Held on the shores of Carolina Beach, the festival showcases the best in beach music with performances by top bands and artists. Pack your beach chair and cooler and join thousands of music fans for a day of toe-tapping tunes and beachside revelry.

6. Cucalorus Film Festival

Wilmington

Celebrate independent cinema at the Cucalorus Film Festival, an internationally recognized film festival held annually in downtown Wilmington. Featuring screenings of indie films, documentaries, and shorts, as well as filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and parties, Cucalorus offers film lovers the chance to discover new talent and engage with the global film community.

7. Wilmington Beer Week

Wilmington

Raise a pint to Wilmington Beer Week, a weeklong celebration of craft beer held at breweries, bars, and restaurants throughout the Greater Wilmington area. Featuring tap takeovers, beer dinners, brewery tours, and special releases, Wilmington Beer Week offers beer enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the region’s vibrant beer culture and sample a wide variety of brews.

8. N.C. Jazz Festival

Wilmington

Swing into the N.C. Jazz Festival is an annual celebration of jazz music held in downtown Wilmington. The festival featuring performances by top jazz musicians and bands worldwide offers jazz enthusiasts the chance to enjoy live music in various styles, from traditional to contemporary. Don’t miss the Late Night All-Star Jam Session, a highlight of the festival’s lineup.

9. Wilmington Wine Festival

Wilmington

Uncork the fun at the Wilmington Wine Festival, a weekend-long celebration of wine held in downtown Wilmington. Featuring tastings, wine dinners, seminars, and live entertainment, the festival offers wine lovers the chance to discover new varieties and learn from top winemakers. Sip and savor your way through the festival’s events and raise a glass to the region’s burgeoning wine scene.

10. Cape Fear Comedy Festival

Wilmington

Get ready to laugh at the Cape Fear Comedy Festival, an annual stand-up comedy showcase in downtown Wilmington. Featuring performances by comedians from around the country and local talent, the festival offers comedy lovers the chance to enjoy live shows, improv performances, and comedy workshops. Grab your friends and get ready for a weekend of laughs and hilarity.

Conclusion

From music and film festivals to food and beer celebrations, the Greater Wilmington area offers various events and festivals throughout the year.

Whether you are a music lover, foodie, or film buff, you’ll enjoy plenty of exciting activities in this vibrant coastal destination.

Plan your visit and experience the best local culture and community at these must-attend events and festivals!

Picture of The Doirons

The Doirons

Our mission is to get you to encounter the unlimited potential that North Carolina has to offer and experience it to the fullest. RankNC is designed to be a source of research, inspiration, and ideas for those who refuse to settle for anything less than an extraordinary time. On this website, we will openly and passionately share the very best that NC has to offer as my family and I continue to discover this beautiful state.
Editorial Process:


Experts make our reviews before being written and come from real-world experience and research. Read our editorial process here.

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which can compensate us at no cost to you if you purchase from our partners. We’ve personally researched, used, and stand behind these products. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

Greater Wilmington Area Quick Links
Scroll to Top