19 Things to Do in Wilmington NC This Week · July 2–5, 2026

Free Events

America 250: 4th of July Symphony Pops Concert

The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra performs a free outdoor concert at Riverfront Park celebrating America's 250th anniversary, featuring soprano Melissa Wimbish and conductor Peter Askim.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 5:30 PM (Gates Open) · Riverfront Park & Live Oak Bank Pavilion, Wilmington

Run Con Sazón Weekly Community Run

Wilmington's Latino-rooted community run club meets every Wednesday evening at Wrightsville Beach for a 2.5-mile route with all paces welcome.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 7:00 PM · 321 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach

PCYP July Networking at The Elia

Port City Young Professionals hosts its monthly in-person networking event at The Elia, with free food, business card exchange, and community connections.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 5:30 PM · The Elia, Wilmington

Festivals & Special Events

North Carolina 4th of July Festival

One of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the state, featuring a parade, vendors, shows, activities, and fireworks over the water in charming Southport.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 · Southport, NC

Freedom Fest at Waterline Brewing

A 4th of July celebration at Waterline Brewing Co. featuring live music and festive fun at one of Wilmington's beloved craft breweries.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 1:00 PM · Waterline Brewing Co., 721 Surry St, Wilmington

Arts & Culture

Cinematique presents "Psycho"

The Cinematique summer film series kicks off with two screenings of Hitchcock's Psycho at Jengo's Playhouse — a cinephile's summer treat.

Friday, July 10, 2026 4:00 PM · Jengo's Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington

Science Fiction Book Club – The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

Cape Fear Makers Guild hosts a sci-fi book club discussion of Joe Haldeman's classic The Forever War — a great way to connect with literary-minded locals.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 7:00 PM · Cape Fear Makers Guild, Wilmington

Come From Away

Tony Award-winning musical presented by Opera House Theatre Company runs July 16–26 at Thalian Hall — a not-to-miss theatrical event of the summer.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 · Thalian Hall, Wilmington

Music & Nightlife

North Carolina Symphony – Stars & Stripes

The NC Symphony performs a patriotic Stars & Stripes concert celebrating America 250 at the Wilson Center.

Thursday, July 2, 2026 7:30 PM · Wilson Center @ CFCC, Wilmington

Blackberry Smoke: Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour 2026

Southern rock legends Blackberry Smoke bring their 2026 tour to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater for a summer night show.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 · Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington

Dierks Bentley: Off The Map Tour 2026

Country superstar Dierks Bentley brings his Off The Map Tour to Live Oak Bank Pavilion for a big-venue summer night.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 · Live Oak Bank Pavilion, Wilmington

Sports

O'Neill/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Tournament

One of the biggest surfing tournaments on the East Coast, drawing amateur and professional surfers from around the world to the waves at Wrightsville Beach.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 · Wrightsville Beach, NC

Date Night

Saltwater Stories – Immersive Dining: Sea Breeze Edition

An immersive dining experience hosted by Voyce Bistro and Wilmington Color that takes guests on a journey through the history of Wilmington's coastal community.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 · Wilmington

Jazz at the Mansion: Crescent Moon

The beloved Jazz at the Mansion summer series returns with Crescent Moon performing in the stunning setting of the Bellamy Mansion Museum gardens.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 6:30 PM · The Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market Street, Wilmington

Food & Drink

Do The Red, White & Brew Pub Crawl in Wilmington

A festive Independence Day pub crawl through downtown Wilmington's best bars and breweries.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 4:30 PM · The Underfront Co., Downtown Wilmington

Music Trivia at DrumTrout Brewing – Women's Social Club

The Women's Social Club Wilmington hosts music trivia night at DrumTrout Brewing — a great excuse to gather with friends over craft beer.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:00 PM · DrumTrout Brewing, Wilmington

Family-Friendly

Splash Pad Playdates with FIT4MOM

Join FIT4MOM Wilmington every Thursday after Stroller Strides for post-workout splash pad fun at Long Leaf Park — free community connection for moms and kids.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 · Long Leaf Park Splash Pad, Wilmington

Outdoors & Active

Strides 360 Evening Workout Class

FIT4MOM Wilmington adds a new Tuesday evening workout class at Long Leaf Park — stroller-optional, all fitness levels welcome.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 6:00 PM · Long Leaf Park, Wilmington

Terra Sol Summer of Sol – Power Flow & Restorative Sound Bath

Terra Sol Sanctuary launches its Summer of Sol schedule in the Castle Street District with new weekly offerings including Power Flow Wednesdays and Restorative Sound Bath.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 6:30 PM · Terra Sol Sanctuary, Castle Street District, Wilmington