Spring Things to Do

Seasonal Happenings

Find adventure all season long in the city, at the beach and beyond. Listen to live music at Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design's Summer Jazz Series the second Thursday of each month through September. Head to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for firework displays, family-friendly fun and live entertainment during the weekly Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast, which kicks off May 27. Discover handmade works of art including watercolor paintings, jewelry, paper creations and more at Orange Street ArtsFest May 28-29. In Kure Beach, see history come to life at Fort Fisher June of 1862 June 11. This family-friendly event will feature reenactors, artillery firings, special tours and more.

Enjoy live music waterfront at Riverfront Park's Live Oak Bank Pavilion. See musical superstars like Dierks Bentley June 3, Fitz and The Tantrums June 4, Maren Morris June 17, The Black Crowes June 18 and more this season. Or, enjoy live local music at Friday Night Live! On the Pier at Port City Marina select Fridays beginning May 27. Sample local brews while listening to bluegrass tunes at Satellite Bar and Lounge each Sunday. Spend an evening at The Wilson Center to see broadway musicals like SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical June 1-2 or music legends Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo June 28. Laugh the night away at Dead Crow Comedy Room, Wilmington's only full-time comedy club. On the fourth Friday of every month, view various art exhibitions throughout downtown Wilmington during a Fourth Friday Gallery Night. Catch local and regional acts at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater like Bela Fleck May 24, Michael Franti & Spearhead June 24-25 and Stephen Marley June 30. 

Memorial Day Weekend 

Whether you want to relax oceanfront or discover local festivals and events, you’ll find activities the whole family will enjoy during a vacation to Wilmington and our island beaches. Dive into our destination’s rich military history with a visit to Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, Fort Fisher State Historic Site and area historic sites. Enjoy fireworks and live music oceanfront or explore the waterways with area outfitters. Kick off your summer at the coast.

Springtime Meets Island Time

Savor some much-needed relaxation or gear up for an outdoor adventure to discover hidden treasures along our island beaches. 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. Bring your binoculars and search for migrating birds during their Fourth Wednesday Bird Walk. Grab a picnic basket and enjoy an outing at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area along the scenic six miles of protected shoreline or go under the sea at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and be sure to check out their newest exhibit featuring Atlantic White Shrimp.

Take a Tour

Immerse yourself in the storied past and rich culture of Wilmington and its island beaches, either on your own or with a guide. Learn island history while savoring local flavors during a Tasting History Tour through Carolina and Kure Beach. Explore the 230-block National Register Historic District aboard Springbrook Farms’ guided carriage tour to hear stories behind Wilmington’s stately mansions. Discover what life was like during the colonial and Victorian eras as you ride past homes or stop by on your own for a self-guided tour of the Bellamy Mansion, Latimer House or Burgwin-Wright House. Or, explore the district self-guided on foot or during a walking tour with Tour Old Wilmington.

Coastal Fare

Experience a dining scene that is a culinary dream. Sample award-winning fare at locally owned restaurants like Seabird, manna ave. 123 or PinPoint Restaurant. Savor mouth-watering burgers and steaks at the South Front District's newest restaurant, True Blue Butcher & Barrel. In addition to an on-site butcher shop, the restaurant also features a bar offering more than 200 high-end spirits. Enjoy stunning sunsets as you dine outdoors on the riverfront at The George on the Riverwalk or Smoke on the Water. Watch the surfers as you dine on the Crystal Pier at Oceanic Restaurant in Wrightsville Beach, or see boats come in as you dine marina-side at Stoked in Carolina Beach. Head to Kure Beach to find big Caribbean flavor at Jack Mackerel's Island Grill.

The Perfect Place to Stay

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. From historic bed and breakfasts and modern full-service hotels to oceanfront vacation rentals and resorts, you'll find accommodations for every vacation and budget. Plan now for spring and summer travel as vacation rentals and waterfront lodging are in high demand.