Fall Things to Do in Wilmington, NC

Seek New Landscapes

With mild temperatures and smaller crowds, autumn is the perfect time to experience the undeniable charm of Wilmington's historic neighborhoods and three island beaches just minutes away. Set sail on a Cape Fear River cruise, tour the historic district on a horse-drawn carriage ride or embark on a self-guided tour of downtown Wilmington. Explore our lively arts scene, wander through scenic parks and gardens or sip local brews and craft cocktails with a view. Escape to three island beaches and hit the water with private cruises to uninhabited islands or guided kayak eco-adventures and then join a local foodie tour to savor coastal flavors. Wilmington in fall is a blend of relaxation, culture and natural beauty waiting to be explored.

Cape Fear Kite Festival

SEASONAL EVENTS

Celebrate fall with outdoor concerts and thrilling events all season long. Enjoy riverside concerts with big headliners like Vampire Weekend Oct. 8, Lainey Wilson Oct. 20 and more at Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Celebrate One Tree Hill's premiere anniversary with a pep rally, scavenger hunt, basketball game and more Sept. 20-22. Visit Oct. 5-6 for downtown Wilmington’s Riverfest to shop regional artisans, enjoy live music, catch a spectacular drone show and more. In nearby Carolina Beach, cheer on participants during the Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival Sept. 20-21. Watch as athletes from all over the world compete in the 15th annual IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina starting in Wrightsville Beach and finishing in downtown Wilmington Oct. 19. Catch high-flying fun including spectacular kite displays, family-friendly activities and more during Kure Beach’s Cape Fear Kite Festival Nov. 1-3.

Featured Events

from:

to:

Find events

Sep 20

Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival

September 20, 2024 - September 21, 2024

Carolina Beach Yacht Basin and Marina

Sep 21

YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon

September 21, 2024

Parking: Wrightsville Beach Town Hall

Sep 28

Pier-2-Pier Open Water Swim Race

September 28, 2024

Johnnie Mercers Pier & Crystal Pier

See All Events

Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival

FOODIE EVENTS & TOURS

Food enthusiasts will want to check out Wilmington and Island Beaches’ unique food tours and local tasting events. Feast on authentic German food and special craft brews during Waterman's Brewing Company's Oktoberfest Sept. 21. Sample delicious burgers at participating restaurants during the Port City Taste Burger Week Sept. 16-22. Pair your brews with food and live entertainment at the Voracious Rare Beer Festival Oct. 25 and the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival Oct. 26. Join Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours for their Downtown Wilmington Tasting Tour, featuring stops at some of downtown’s top restaurants to enjoy tastings of signature entrees, drinks and more. Or, check out the annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach to sip and savor more than 35 food, wine and beer offerings Nov. 2 at Wrightsville Beach’s Bluewater Waterfront Grill.

Savor Coastal Flavors

Couple walking with dog at Carolina Beach State Park on Flytrap Trail

PARKS, GARDENS & TRAILS

Discover seasonal blooms at the New Hanover County Arboretum, where you’ll find seven acres of scenic greenery including a koi fish water garden and a Japanese tranquility garden. Stroll through the 67 acres of Airlie Gardens, one of the South’s premier gardens. Find nine sites along the NC Birding Trail in Wilmington, including Greenfield Park, where cypress trees, shrubs and magnolias offer a habitat for a variety of birds. Set sail for an uninhabited island on an eco-adventure or hop on a scenic sunset cruise with Cape Fear River Boats or Wilmington Water Tours to take in natural sights from the Cape Fear River. Find natural beauty in our island beaches from a state park to protected shorelines. Explore nearly nine miles of trails strolling or hiking along the water and through long-leaf pines at nearby Carolina Beach State Park. Take a nature walk along Fort Fisher State Recreation Area’s Basin Trail in Kure Beach, or walk or jog along the popular Wrightsville Beach Loop to take in scenic sound, channel and town sites.

Explore Parks & Gardens

Sculpture commemorating USCT at Cameron Art Museum

HISTORIC & ISLAND TOURS

Wilmington's historic homes take you on a journey through the city's storied past via interactive exhibits or guided tours at Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, the Latimer House Museum or Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design. Find more than 35 historically significant spots on a self-guided tour of Wilmington’s African-American heritage. Discover World War II history and explore the country's first “American World War II Heritage City” by touring Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, moored across the river from downtown’s Riverwalk. Celebrate the arts at Cameron Art Museum visiting the rotating indoor exhibits and outdoor art park. Be sure to visit the museum’s United States Colored Troops (USCT) Park, the nation's first dedicated park honoring the USCT soldiers who once fought on museum grounds during the Civil War Battle of Forks Road.

WB Oyster

Cruise along the waterways of Carolina Beach on an island-style floating Tiki Boat or sip and pedal while taking in the sunset views with Sea Legs Pedal Pub. Set out on a private charter to an uninhabited island to experience a catered seafood boil with Epic Excursions in Wrightsville Beach. Sail the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway with Wrightsville Performance Sailing or Blockade Runner Sailing Center. Join Kayak Carolina in Kure Beach for a guided sunrise paddle tour or rent kayaks and embark on your own adventure to Zeke’s Island, a National Estuarine Research Reserve home to a variety of waterbird nesting areas, local wildlife and salt marshes.

Experience History & Water Tours

Places to Stay

When traveling, choosing where to stay is half the fun! Discover beachfront vacation rentals fit for the whole family or charming bed and breakfasts in the heart of historic downtown for the perfect couples getaway. No matter your vibe, Wilmington and its island beaches offers a diverse array of accommodations to suit every traveler.