Festivals in Wilmington, NC, and the Cape Fear region are widely anticipated annual celebrations that draw people from all over. The area is rich in culture and tradition, making it the perfect destination for festivals. With live music, food trucks, historic downtown streets, and great entertainment, there is something for everyone.
In this article we’ll share the best festivals in Wilmington, NC. We’ll include all the details like what the festival is, how it’s celebrated, where to go to have fun, and of course, a website where you can get more information. Please check the festival website for the most up to date information regarding the event(s). Without further a do, let’s get to it!
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N.C. Azalea Festival
The North Carolina Azalea Festival is a highly anticipated annual event in Wilmington, NC, and the Cape Fear region. It is a one week celebration that takes place in beginning to mid-April, when the azaleas are in full bloom, and attracts more than a quarter-million people each year.
The festival features a wide range of activities, including garden tours, street fairs, live entertainment, and a historic downtown parade. The festival’s main event is the parade, which is held on the second Saturday of the festival and is a highlight for both locals and visitors. The parade features floats, marching bands, and performers from around the region.
During the festival, the streets of downtown Wilmington are filled with food vendors, local artists, and family-oriented activities. There are also musical performances by local bands and nationally recognized artists, and admission to many of the events is free.
One of the festival’s most popular events is the Azalea Garden Tour, which showcases some of the most beautiful gardens in the area. The tour includes private gardens, historic homes, and public parks, and is a great way to experience the beauty of Wilmington in the spring.
Another popular event is the Street Fair, which is held on the first weekend of the festival. The fair features more than 300 vendors selling crafts, clothing, jewelry, and other items. There is also a children’s area with hands-on activities, a petting zoo, and face painting.
The festival also includes a variety of other events, including a street dance, a race, and a fireworks show from the famous North Carolina Battleship.
The North Carolina Azalea Festival is a true celebration of the beauty, culture, and history of Wilmington, NC, and the Cape Fear region. It is a family-friendly event that offers something for everyone, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting the area in the spring. If you’re considering visiting the Wilmington area to attend the N.C. Azalea Festival, read about all about this year’s event.
Riverfest
Riverfest is another popular festival in Wilmington, NC, and takes place in early October each year. The festival is a celebration of the Cape Fear River, which is a central part of Wilmington’s history and culture.
The festival takes place in Riverfront Park and stretches along Water Street and beyond. It is a two-day event and typically draws thousands of visitors from across the region.
One of the highlights of Riverfest is the live music, which is performed on various stages throughout the festival. The music ranges from local musicians to nationally known artists, and includes a variety of genres such as rock, country, blues, and jazz.
Another popular feature of the festival is the food and drink offerings. There are dozens of food vendors and trucks offering everything from classic fair food to local seafood and international cuisine. Visitors can also sample local beers, wines, and spirits, including bourbon tastings.
In addition to food and music, Riverfest boasts a wide variety of family-friendly activities. Children can enjoy hands-on activities, face painting, and a children’s play area. There is also a beer garden for adults and a juried art show featuring the work of local artists.
On Saturday night, Riverfest culminates with a fireworks show over the Cape Fear River, which is a spectacular sight to see.
Riverfest is a cultural street festival that celebrates Wilmington’s history, culture, and community. Admission to the festival is free, but visitors may need to purchase tickets for some of the activities and events. Overall, Riverfest is a great way to experience the best of Wilmington and the Cape Fear region. Check out this year’s event for up to date information.
The Cucalorus Film Festival
The Cucalorus Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Wilmington, NC, typically in November. The festival was founded in 1994 by a group of Wilmingtonians who were interested in showcasing independent and innovative films.
Cucalorus is a non-competitive festival, meaning there are no awards given out. Instead, the festival is focused on creating a space for filmmakers and film lovers to come together and share their work and ideas.
The festival features a wide variety of films, including feature-length films, documentaries, short films, and animated films. Many of the films shown at Cucalorus are made by up-and-coming filmmakers or are experimental in nature.
In addition to film screenings, Cucalorus offers a range of other events and activities, such as filmmaker workshops, panel discussions, and parties. There is also a special program for youth filmmakers, called the “Emerging Filmmakers Program,” which gives young filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work and learn from professionals in the industry.
Cucalorus is known for its laid-back and inclusive atmosphere, and many filmmakers and attendees describe it as a “family” or a “community.” The festival takes place in various venues throughout historic downtown Wilmington, including the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, the Browncoat Theatre, and the Jengo’s Playhouse.
The festival is named after the cucalorus, a film-making tool used to create a dappled lighting effect. The name reflects the festival’s commitment to creativity and experimentation.
Overall, The Cucalorus Film Festival is a must-attend event for film lovers and anyone interested in experiencing the creative energy and community spirit of Wilmington.
The Wilmington Wine and Food Festival
The Wilmington Wine and Food Festival is an annual event that takes place in May in Wilmington, NC. The festival is a celebration of food, wine, and spirits from the Cape Fear region and beyond.
The festival features a wide variety of events and activities, such as wine tastings, food pairings, chef demonstrations, and educational seminars. There is also a grand tasting event where attendees can sample a wide variety of wines and spirits from local and international wineries and distilleries.
One of the highlights of the festival is the chefs’ showcase, which features some of the best local chefs preparing their signature dishes for attendees to sample. The festival also features a variety of food vendors and food trucks, offering a range of cuisine from barbecue to seafood.
In addition to food and drink, the Wilmington Wine and Food Festival also includes live entertainment, such as live music and other performances. There are also activities for children, such as face painting and a children’s play area.
The festival takes place in various venues throughout Wilmington, including the Wilmington Convention Center and the Bellamy Mansion. There are also events that take place outdoors, such as the “Bubbles, Brews, and Street Eats” event, which features food trucks, craft beer, and live entertainment.
The Wilmington Wine and Food Festival is a great way to experience the best of the local food and drink scene in Wilmington and the Cape Fear region. Tickets to the festival typically sell out quickly, so it’s best to purchase them in advance. Overall, the festival is a fun and delicious event that foodies and wine lovers won’t want to miss.
The Cape Fear Festival of Trees
The Cape Fear Festival of Trees is an annual event held in Wilmington, NC, during the holiday season. This event is hosted by Lower Cape Fear Hospice and is a fundraiser for their hospice care services.
The festival features a spectacular display of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and other holiday decorations. Each tree and wreath is sponsored and decorated by a local business, organization, or individual, and attendees can vote for their favorite tree in various categories.
In addition to the stunning display of trees and decorations, the festival also includes a holiday marketplace where vendors sell unique gifts and crafts. There are also various activities for children, such as face painting, visits with Santa, and storytime.
One of the highlights of the festival is the gala and auction event, where attendees can enjoy food and drink while bidding on their favorite trees and wreaths in a live auction. The festival also includes a raffle, with the chance to win various prizes.
The Cape Fear Festival of Trees is a beloved holiday tradition in Wilmington, and it draws visitors from all over the region. The festival is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, enjoy beautiful decorations, and support a good cause. All proceeds from the festival go towards the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, which provides compassionate care and support to patients and their families during end-of-life care.
The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is an annual event that takes place in Wilmington, NC, typically in the March. As the name suggests, the festival is a celebration of two things that are quintessentially Southern – bourbon and barbecue and throw in some beer for good measure.
The festival features a wide variety of bourbons and whiskeys, as well as, beer from local and national distilleries and breweries. Attendees can sample different types of bourbon and learn about the distilling process. There are also bourbon tastings and educational seminars led by experts in the industry.
In addition to the bourbon, the festival also features delicious barbecue from some of the best local and regional pitmasters. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of barbecue styles, from classic Southern-style pulled pork to Carolina-style barbecue and everything in between. There are also food vendors and food trucks offering a range of other Southern cuisine, such as fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens.
The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival also includes live entertainment, such as live music and other performances. There are also activities for children, such as face painting and a children’s play area.
The festival typically takes place at the Riverfront Park in historic downtown Wilmington, providing a beautiful setting for the event. Admission to the festival includes a souvenir tasting glass for bourbon samples, as well as access to all of the festival’s events and activities.
The Bourbon & BBQ Festival is a great way to experience the best of Southern cuisine and spirits in Wilmington and the Cape Fear region. Tickets to the festival typically sell out quickly, so it’s best to purchase them in advance. Overall, the festival is a fun and delicious event that bourbon and barbecue lovers won’t want to miss.
Cape Fear Blues Festival
The Cape Fear Blues Festival is an annual event held in Wilmington, NC, that celebrates the rich history and culture of blues music. The festival typically takes place over a weekend in June and features a variety of live music performances, workshops, and other events.
One of the highlights of the Cape Fear Blues Festival is the live music performances, which take place at various venues throughout the city. The festival attracts both local and national blues musicians, providing a diverse range of blues styles and sounds. Performances take place on both indoor and outdoor stages, including at local bars, restaurants, and outdoor amphitheaters.
In addition to the live music, the Cape Fear Blues Festival also includes workshops and educational events for blues enthusiasts. Workshops cover a range of topics, including blues history, songwriting, and guitar techniques. There are also opportunities for attendees to meet and learn from the festival’s performers.
The festival typically kicks off with a Blues Cruise on the Cape Fear River, where attendees can enjoy live music while taking in views of the city from the water. The festival also includes a Blues Brunch, which features live music and a delicious brunch menu.
The Cape Fear Blues Festival is a popular event that draws blues enthusiasts from around the region. The festival has been a staple in Wilmington’s music scene for over 25 years and continues to showcase some of the best blues talent in the country. Whether you’re a die-hard blues fan or simply appreciate good music, the Cape Fear Blues Festival is a must-see event in Wilmington, NC.
The Wilmington Coffee Fest
The Wilmington Coffee Fest is an annual event that takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina. The festival celebrates the rich coffee culture of the city and the region, bringing together local coffee shops, roasters, and other coffee-related businesses to showcase their products and services.
During the festival, attendees can participate in a variety of activities, such as coffee tastings, workshops, and demonstrations. There are also live music performances, food vendors, and other entertainment options for attendees to enjoy.
The Wilmington Coffee Fest is typically held in the spring and tickets are usually available for purchase in advance. The festival has been running since 2017 and has grown in popularity each year, drawing coffee enthusiasts from across the region to experience the best of Wilmington’s coffee scene.
Carolina Beach Music Festival
The Carolina Beach Music Festival is an annual event that takes place in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. The festival celebrates beach music, which is a genre of music that originated in the coastal regions of the Carolinas and Virginia in the United States.
The festival typically features live music performances from beach music artists, as well as food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and other entertainment options. Attendees can expect to hear a range of beach music styles, such as shag music, rhythm and blues, and soul.
The Carolina Beach Music Festival has been running since 1985 and is organized by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. The festival is typically held in June and attracts thousands of visitors from across the region.
Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival
The Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival is an annual event that takes place in Kure Beach, North Carolina. The festival celebrates the rich seafood, blues, and jazz cultures of the region, and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The festival typically features live music performances from local and national blues and jazz musicians, as well as a variety of seafood vendors offering fresh seafood dishes. Attendees can also enjoy craft beers and other beverages, as well as arts and crafts vendors and other entertainment options.
The Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival has been running since 1994 and is organized by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. The festival is typically held in October and is a two-day event.
The festivals in Wilmington, NC, and the Cape Fear region are a great way to experience the true Southern hospitality and culture. With so many festivals throughout the year, there is always something to do. Admission tickets and ticket prices vary by festival, and latest news and updates can be found on festival websites or by signing up with an email address.
Come Join the Fun!
The festivals in Wilmington, NC, and the Cape Fear region offer something for everyone, from cultural street festivals to food and drink festivals. With the area’s rich history, beautiful beaches, and amazing historic downtown, it is no wonder that these festivals draw such large crowds. Whether you are a music lover, foodie, or art enthusiast, you will find a festival that is perfect for you. So come and join the group of Wilmingtonians who know how to throw a great party and experience the magic of these festivals for yourself.