Spring Things to Do

Discover Spring Renewal in Wilmington

Find scenic beauty and countless ways to explore Wilmington and our island beaches in the spring. Get active outdoors with nature trails, parks and eco-adventures, or venture out on a historical tour or to 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 this spring and find a new path to recharge from river to sea.

Carolina Cup Stand Up Paddleboard Race

Can't-Miss Events

Try local food and craft beer pairings at Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine at North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher April 1. Take a yoga class on the upper deck of the historic Battleship NORTH CAROLINA during Battleship Yoga April 6, April 19 and May 2. Family Fun Day at the Bellamy Mansion Museum returns April 23 with face painting, crafts, live music and more. Be a part of all the SUP action at the Carolina Cup in Wrightsville Beach April 26-30. Those who enjoy artisanal coffee and tea drinks will want to check out the Wilmington Coffee Fest, featuring some of the region's best coffee roasters, tea suppliers and coffee shops April 29-30. In nearby Carolina Beach, take in the island's vibrant colors and shop local artisans during the Island Arts Festival May 5-6.

Parade at Azalea Festival 2022

A Blooming Good Festival

Brilliant blooms 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 12-16. Enjoy live music on the riverfront with Carly Pearce April 13 and Old Crow Medicine Show April 14. Wander along downtown Wilmington and shop at more than 250 vendors during the DGX Street Fair April 14-16 or take a step back in time with the Azalea Festival Home Tour April 15-16. Then, bring the family downtown for a spectacular fireworks show over the river April 15.

Riverfront Park & Amphitheater Grand Opening

Live Music & Entertainment

Enjoy concerts waterfront at Riverfront Park's Live Oak Bank Pavilion. See national artists like Chase Rice April 22, Walker Hayes April 29, Incubus May 23, Dave Matthews Band May 30-31 and more this season. Catch intimate lakefront concerts at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater when acts like Judah & the Lion April 22 or Ben Folds April 29 and more take the stage. Sample local brews while listening to bluegrass tunes at Satellite Bar and Lounge each Sunday or hear live local music at Eagle’s Dare during their Free Friday Concert series beginning May 5. 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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Apr 01

Flytrap Family Fun Day

April 1, 2023

Carolina Beach State Park

Apr 01

Herb & Garden Fair

April 1, 2023 - April 2, 2023

Poplar Grove Plantation

Apr 12

North Carolina Azalea Festival

April 12, 2023 - April 16, 2023

Wilmington

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Airlie Gardens Yoga

Celebrate Earth Day 4/22

Visit Long Leaf Park during the Wilmington Earth Day for free live music, kid's EcoZone, exhibitors, food trucks and more. Join Longwave Yoga for Earth Day Yoga in the Gardens, which takes place next to the nearly 500-year-old majestic Airlie Oak at Airlie Gardens. Then, head to Cameron Art Museum to enjoy FlowILM: Outdoor Earth Day Light, Sound & Movement program featuring live performances, educational activities and a light and sound installation created by local artists.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area 4 Wheel Drive Access Beach

Spring into Island Time

Savor some much-needed relaxation or gear up for an outdoor adventure to discover hidden treasures along our island beaches. Celebrate NC Year of the Trail and enjoy miles of walking trails at Carolina Beach State Park including sights of the native Venus flytraps growing wild and blooming along the Flytrap Trail. Take a guided tour of the trail with a park ranger every Saturday at 10 a.m. Bring your pup along for a surfing adventure during the Surf Dog Experience May 20 in Carolina Beach. Cheer on competitors from around the world during the Carolina Pro-Am SUP Surf competition April 21-23 in Wrightsville Beach. Grab a picnic basket and enjoy an outing at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area along the scenic six miles of protected shoreline or be on the lookout for Gemma, Kai and Ren, the newest trio of Asian small-clawed otter pups who were born earlier this year at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Visit the Beaches

Tour group in front of Hi-Wire Brewing

Tours & Cruises

Join Wilmington Bike & Brew Tours for a guided themed tour and journey through historic downtown on an easy-to-ride pedal assist bike. Explore the 230-block National Register Historic District aboard Springbrook Farms’ guided carriage tour to hear stories behind Wilmington’s history and stately mansions. Go on a self-guided tour of Bellamy Mansion Museum, 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. Sit back and relax on a sunset cruise with Wilmington Water Tours. Or, head to our island beaches to enjoy scenic island cruises, tour private islands or go on guided eco-tours with area outfitters.

Couple dines by the marina in Wrightsville Beach

Coastal Fare

Experience a dining scene that is a culinary dream. Find award-winning fare, noteworthy restaurants and delectable dining experiences too numerous to mention here from river to sea in our local foodie favorites guide. After dinner, sip on craft spirits at The Underfront Company, a new cocktail lounge located in historic downtown, or step into a 1920s inspired speakeasy at The Blind Elephant. Pair handcrafted cocktails and ocean views on the Crystal Pier at Oceanic in Wrightsville Beach or enjoy tiki drinks like the Surfer Rosa at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar in Carolina Beach. In Kure Beach, try specialty cocktails and chilled martinis at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill. Be sure to check out all the local spots to sip craft brews and cocktails.

Savor Local Flavors

Upper deck on houseboat in downtown Wilmington

Home Away from Home

Reserve a suite at full-service hotels and resorts and take advantage of amenities like oceanfront gardens and farm-and sea-to-table restaurants. Boutique area hotels offer a curated experience along the Wilmington Riverwalk or Historic District where area shopping and nightlife are just steps from the front door. Find oceanfront vacation rentals and a unique downtown offering at The Strands, Wilmington’s houseboat community moored at Port City Marina. Plan now for spring and summer.

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