25 Things to Do in Wilmington NC This Week · May 14–17, 2026

Arts & Culture

CAM After Dark: Gallery Talk with Niki Hildebrand

An after-hours gallery talk at Cameron Art Museum featuring artist Niki Hildebrand in conversation about her work.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 6:30 PM · Cameron Art Museum

The Wild Party

Opera House Theatre Company presents The Wild Party, running May 14–24 at Thalian Hall.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:30 PM · Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts

Encore Chorale of Cape Fear Concert

The Encore Chorale of Cape Fear presents a choral concert at St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 3:00 PM · St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church

One Tree Hill House Tour at 'Raven' Airbnb

Limited-time private tours of Raven, the One Tree Hill-themed Airbnb in Wilmington, running May 19–29 with snacks and behind-the-scenes stories.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 · Wilmington, North Carolina

Do The Right Thing – Film Screening

A screening of Spike Lee's classic film Do the Right Thing at Jengo's Playhouse.

Friday, May 22, 2026 · Jengo's Playhouse

Festivals & Special Events

Historic Wilmington Foundation Preservation Awards Ceremony

The annual Preservation Awards Ceremony celebrating historic preservation efforts in downtown Wilmington.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 6:00 PM · Downtown Wilmington

Wilmington Greek Festival

Three-day celebration of Greek culture featuring authentic food, live music, folk dancing, cooking demos, church tours, and a marketplace; admission $5.

Friday, May 15, 2026 · Wilmington

TEDxAirlie

A TEDx event held in Wilmington featuring speakers and ideas worth spreading, hosted at CFCC Union Station Conference Center.

Friday, May 15, 2026 9:30 AM · CFCC Union Station Conference Center

PCYP May Networking Social at Beau Rivage

Port City Young Professionals hosts a networking social at Beau Rivage with free food, giveaways, and members bring one free guest.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 · Beau Rivage, Wilmington

Music & Nightlife

Sea Jam Swing Weekend

A multi-day swing dance weekend at the historic Hannah Block USO/Community Arts Center, running Friday through Sunday.

Friday, May 15, 2026 · Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center

Future Islands

Indie synth-pop legends Future Islands play two back-to-back nights at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater.

Friday, May 15, 2026 · Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Judy Collins with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra

Folk legend Judy Collins performs accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra at the Wilson Center; tickets from $47.98.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 7:30 PM · The Wilson Center, CFCC

Earth, Wind & Fire

R&B and funk icons Earth, Wind & Fire bring their electrifying show to Live Oak Bank Pavilion on the Wilmington riverfront.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 8:30 PM · Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Soundwavves House Music Event at Wrightsville Beach

Wilmington's house music collective Soundwavves hosts an outdoor evening event at Wrightsville Beach, 6–10 PM.

Sunday, May 24, 2026 6:00 PM · Wrightsville Beach

Free Events

Water Street Market

Sunny Day Markets hosts the Water Street Market in downtown Wilmington.

Friday, May 15, 2026 · Water Street, Downtown Wilmington

Cape Fear Makers Guild Open House

The Cape Fear Makers Guild hosts an open house — come explore their makerspace and meet members.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 6:30 PM · Cape Fear Makers Guild

Fourth Friday Gallery Walk

On the fourth Friday of every month, 20+ downtown galleries open their doors 6–9 PM for a free self-guided art tour across multiple neighborhoods.

Friday, May 22, 2026 6:00 PM · Downtown Wilmington

Date Night

Spring Social at Wine Knot Sky Bar

Live Free Coaching Collective hosts a curated spring social at Wine Knot Sky Bar featuring light bites, drinks, and meaningful connections.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 4:00 PM · Wine Knot Sky Bar, Wilmington

Canterbury Stables Presents: The Gatsby Gala

A Great Gatsby-themed gala event at Wrightsville Beach — dress to impress for a night of roaring '20s elegance.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 6:30 PM · Wrightsville Beach

Food & Drink

Ponytails and Pints

A casual gathering at Savard Beer & Board for drinks and community.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 5:30 PM · Savard Beer & Board

Circle Pit BBQ Pop-Up

Local pop-up BBQ outfit Circle Pit returns to the window at Out of The Weeds Commissary Kitchen, May 21–22 starting at 6pm.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 6:00 PM · Out of The Weeds Commissary Kitchen

Saltwater Stories Dinner Series at Voyce

A summer dinner series hosted inside Voyce, a Black-owned restaurant led by two-time James Beard Award nominee Chef Keith Rhodes, blending upscale Coastal Carolina cuisine with storytelling.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Voyce Bistro, Wilmington

Outdoors & Active

Yoga on the Pier at Crystal Pier

Start your morning with yoga on the pier at Wrightsville Beach — $10 drop-in, sign-up required at yogasalt.com.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · Crystal Pier, Wrightsville Beach

Masonboro Island Yoga & Boat Cruise with Terra Sol

A magical morning on Masonboro Island combining a boat cruise and a 30-minute gentle yoga session with Terra Sol Sanctuary staff; boat pickup at 10:15am.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:15 AM · Masonboro Island (boat pickup at Wildlife Ramp)

Nature Lovers Hike (Easy Level)

A social easy-level nature hike organized by Fun and Social Somethings Out About Town — all are welcome.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 9:00 AM · Wilmington