Memorial Day Weekend in Wilmington and Island Beaches
Memorial Day is the perfect time for a road trip or vacation to Wilmington and our Island Beaches. Kick off your summer with a holiday calendar full of kid-friendly activities, Memorial Day events and time spent at the beach. Visit Wilmington's area historic sites to learn more about Wilmington's significant role in military history from the Revolutionary War through WWII and honor those who served and died for our country.
Things to Do
Wilmington Events
- Enjoy live music from Boyz II Men at Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park May 26.
- Root for the home team as the Wilmington Sharks take on the Holly Springs Salamanders May 26.
- Add an artistic twist to your vacation with Orange Street ArtsFest May 27-28 in historic downtown. Explore works ranging from pottery, jewelry and glass from more than 90 artists or grab a beverage from the wine and beer tent and nosh on old-fashioned fair food.
Island Happenings
- Savor good tunes and great food with live music at SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar in Carolina Beach May 26-28.
- Pack a blanket and head to Carolina Beach Lake Park to watch “Minions: The Rise of Gru” during Free Summer Movies at the Lake May 28.
- In nearby Wrightsville Beach, pair a delicious meal with live music and scenic views at Bluewater Waterfront Grill or Oceanic May 28.
Indoor Activities
- Explore aquatic wonders and marine life habitats at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
- Let the kids learn and use their imagination with hands-on exhibits at the Children's Museum of Wilmington or the Wilmington Railroad Museum.
- Join Cape Fear River Boats for a sightseeing cruise aboard the Henrietta and sit back and relax on the lower-level covered deck.
- Play indoor laser tag or get competitive at the arcade at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park.
- Adults will enjoy touring historic home museums or unwinding with a trip to Prana Salt Cave or Native Salt Cave and Wellness.
Discover Military History
Honor the men and women who died in service with a visit to one of the many historic sites in Wilmington and our island beaches. Tour the celebrated WWII Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, explore the site of the Civil War's largest amphibious battle at Fort Fisher State Historic Site and step onto the nearby Moores Creek National Battlefield Saturday or Sunday to learn more about the area's role in the Revolutionary War. Then, visit Cameron Art Museum's new United States Colored Troops Park to see their newest outdoor sculpture, Boundless, which commemorates the USCT who fought on the museum's grounds during the Battle of Forks Road in the Civil War.
Food & Drinks
Al fresco meals with a view abound in our coastal destination, and these are just a sampling. Sip on fanciful cocktails at Sauce’d or take in spectacular sunsets while enjoying sharable appetizers at Elijah's Restaurant. Enjoy seasonal flavors and fresh seafood with sweeping ocean views on the topside patio at Hurricane Alley's in Carolina Beach or dig into po'boys, fresh fish tacos, fried seafood platters on the dog-friendly patio at Riverview Restaurant in Kure Beach. Watch boats navigate the Intracoastal Waterway while you dine outdoors at Bridge Tender or Fish House Grill in Wrightsville Beach. Staying in a vacation rental? Bring the feast to you with steamer pots from Cape Fear Boil Company or Topsail Steamer.
Places to Stay
Whether you're looking for a luxury vacation rental fit for the whole family, a seaside resort with full-service amenities, an oceanfront inn with picture-perfect views of the water or a historic bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown, you'll find the perfect place for your getaway this Memorial Day Weekend. Area accommodations are in high demand, particularly on holiday weekends, so book now for the best selection.
For even more fun things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Wilmington and Island Beaches, check out the calendar below, which is updated daily as new events are announced.