Each fall, Wilmington comes together to raise a glass at the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Live Oak Bank Pavilion in downtown Wilmington, this lively event blends coastal charm with craft culture for an unforgettable afternoon of tastings, tunes and community spirit.
Start your Festival Experience a Day Early
The Voracious, Cellar Sea and Shore Festival, hosted by the same group, happens a day earlier on October 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. and is designed for elevated palates. Enjoy a more intimate setting with the chance for up-close-and-personal conversations with the beer and wine representatives. Sample top selections, visit the champagne bar and indulge in oyster stations from local favorites like The Butcher’s Market, NSEA Oysters, Castle Street Kitchen and more. This is the ultimate date-night setting, so grab your tickets early before they sell out: https://www.lighthousebeerandwine.com/voracious-rare/
What to Expect
Held this year on October 18 from noon to 5 p.m., the festival features hundreds of local and regional breweries and wineries, live music and food. A ticket includes a tasting cup and access to unlimited samples. Choose from a VIP ticket, which offers the same perks as General Admission but with early access to the event — a great way to beat the crowds. There’s also a Designated Driver ticket, which is cheaper and allows entry into the event without access to drinks.
When purchasing a ticket, you can choose whether you want to explore the beer tents or sip your way through the curated wine section. Both are great options, but the beer ticket typically comes with more tasting opportunities. You can also purchase drink tokens at the event (5 for $5) if you’d like to sample options outside of your ticket.
The festival benefits the Carousel Center, which is a local organization that supports child advocacy efforts in the region, adding a great deal of heart to this high-spirited event. Grab your ticket here before they sell out: https://www.lighthousebeerandwine.com/the-beer-wine-festival/.
Tips for Attending
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Come prepared: Apply sunscreen and bug spray. The venue sits right by the Cape Fear River, and the open lawn offers little shade. If rain is in the forecast, the show will go on, so bring your rain gear and comfortable shoes for the grassy terrain.
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Hydrate and carb load: Don’t forget a pretzel necklace. This festival tradition is the perfect on-the-go snack between tastings and crucial for festival longevity. You can’t bring water or a water bottle into the event, but there are plenty of water stations to stay hydrated.
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Dress code: Wear your favorite festival attire! Historically, it has landed near Halloween, so don’t be surprised to see other groups dressed up in costume.
Getting There & Getting Around
Because of the nature of the event, rideshare or Uber is highly recommended. If you have a designated driver, street parking and nearby garages are available within walking distance of the pavilion. Note: all attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21+, and re-entry is not permitted.
Keep the Fun Going Downtown
After the festival wraps up, keep the good vibes flowing downtown.
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Eat: Stroll the Riverwalk and refuel at local favorites like The German Café in the Cotton Exchange, Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill on the river or I ❤️ NY Pizza for a quick slice.
- Drink: Dance the night away at The Husk, or opt for a more relaxed drink at The Eagle’s Dare or Tequila’s on the Waterfront.
- Walk it off: Wander the Riverwalk and watch the sun set over the Cape Fear River. Grab a bite to eat, a sweet treat or find a bench for a much-needed cool down. Check out our full guide on exploring the Riverwalk.
- Stay: Book a stay at one of the downtown hotels near the venue for easy access to all the action. View all the options and pick the best fit for your stay.
Bonus Stop: Lighthouse Beer & Wine in Wrightsville Beach
Round out your festival weekend with a visit to the Lighthouse Beer & Wine bottle shop that started it all. Located in Wrightsville Beach, this dog-friendly community hub features a massive selection of local and imported brews, a relaxed patio with yard games and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. It’s the perfect place to discover your next favorite pour and grab a six-pack for the journey home.
