Spring Things to Do in Wilmington, NC

Beaches, History and Outdoor Adventures for All

Find scenic beauty and countless ways to explore Wilmington and our island beaches in the spring. Get active outdoors with nature trails, state parks and eco-adventures, venture out on historical tours and cruises or see our blooming gardens. Hit the shores for days spent basking in the sun at our island beaches. Plan the ultimate trip to the best of the Carolina coast and find a different path to renewal from historic downtown Wilmington to our three island beaches.

Parade at Azalea Festival 2022

A Blooming Good Festival

Brilliant blooms and Southern culture take over Wilmington each year at the North Carolina Azalea Festival. Celebrate the state’s beloved event with garden tours, street fairs, concerts, a parade and more April 2-6. Enjoy live music on the riverfront with Justin Moore April 3 and Flo Rida April 4. Stroll downtown Wilmington and shop at more than 250 vendors during the Street Fair April 4-6 or step back into time with the Azalea Festival Historic Home Tour April 5-6. Then, head downtown for a spectacular fireworks show over the river.

Riverfront Park & Amphitheater Grand Opening

Live Music & Entertainment

Concert season kicks off waterfront at Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park. See national artists like Zach Top April 24, Michael Franti & Spearhead May 9, Teddy Swims May 14 and more to come. Bluegrass Bash returns to historic Thalian Hall March 28 with food trucks, craft beer tasting and live music. Catch intimate lakefront concerts at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater when acts like Judah & The Lion April 10 or Mat Kearney May 16 take the stage. Sample local brews while listening to bluegrass tunes at Satellite Bar and Lounge each Sunday. Laugh the night away at Dead Crow Comedy Room, Wilmington's only full-time comedy club. View various art exhibitions throughout downtown Wilmington during the monthly Fourth Friday Gallery Night.

Featured Events

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Jun 15

Free Summer Movies at the Lake

June 15, 2025 - August 31, 2025

Carolina Beach Lake Park

Jun 20

Cape Fear Blues Festival

June 20, 2025 - June 22, 2025

Rusty Nail Saloon

Jun 27

Cape Fear 7's Rugby Tournament

June 27, 2025 - June 29, 2025

nCino Sports Park

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

Spring Forward to Island Time

Hike miles of walking trails at Carolina Beach State Park including park ranger guided tours of the native Venus flytraps growing wild and blooming along the Flytrap Trail every Saturday at 10 a.m. Bring your pup along for a surfing adventure during the Surf Dog Experience May 17 in Carolina Beach. Rent kayaks and discover the uninhabited sanctuary of Masonboro Island or register for a SUP lesson with local outfitters like Cape Fear Paddleboarding and Wrightsville SUP in Wrightsville Beach. Grab a picnic basket and enjoy an outing at Kure Beach’s Fort Fisher State Recreation Area along the scenic six miles of protected shoreline, then go under the sea to explore the aquatic wonders at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Visit the Beaches

Guided Tours

Tours & Cruises

Explore the 230-block National Register Historic District aboard Springbrook Farms’ carriage tour to hear stories about Wilmington’s history and stately mansions. Go on a self-guided tour of Bellamy Mansion Museum or opt for a guided tour of the Latimer House Museum or Burgwin-Wright House. Register for a guided tour on the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA and catch a glimpse of how the ship’s sailors lived and worked. “Outlander” fans will want to check out Wilmington Water Tours’ Outlander in the Cape Fear Water Tour, a 1.5-hour cruise highlighting Wilmington’s history to the series on May 10. Sit back and relax on a sunset cruise with Cape Fear Riverboats. Or, head to our island beaches to enjoy scenic island cruises, tour private islands or go on guided eco-tours with area outfitters.

Discover Tours & Cruises

Interior of Prost Biergarten in Wilmington

Coastal Fare

Find award-winning fare and noteworthy restaurants too numerous to mention here from historic downtown to island beaches in our local foodie favorites guide. Visit RX Chicken & Oysters to savor fresh seafood including their farm-raised oysters, ‘Lucy Beas.’ Or, try G Prime Steak & Cellar, a luxury steakhouse featuring curated prime cuts, locally sourced seafood and more. After dinner, check out The Ibis, a Hi-Fi coffee and cocktail lounge in the Cargo District, or enjoy local and European craft brews on the garden patio at Prost Biergarten in downtown Wilmington. Pair handcrafted cocktails and ocean views on the Crystal Pier at Oceanic in Wrightsville Beach or at The Tropical, Carolina Beach's newest restaurant. In Kure Beach, try specialty cocktails at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill. Be sure to check out all the local spots to sip craft brews and cocktails in speakeasies, by marinas, on waterfront rooftops and piers.

Savor Local Flavors