21 Things to Do in Wilmington NC This Week · May 28–31, 2026

Music & Nightlife

Initialize Duo Live at Ted's

Live performance by Initialize Duo at Ted's, part of the downtown Wilmington live music scene.

Friday, May 29, 2026 · Ted's, Wilmington

Mahalia at Thalian Hall

British R&B singer-songwriter Mahalia performs at the historic Thalian Hall in an intimate live theatre setting.

Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31, 2026 · Thalian Hall, Wilmington

ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN: More Songs To Learn & Sing

British post-punk legends Echo & The Bunnymen open Greenfield Lake Amphitheater's summer season on their 'More Songs To Learn & Sing' tour.

Monday, June 1, 2026 · Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington

Jelly Roll – The Little Ass Shed Tour

Country-rap superstar Jelly Roll brings his massive 'Little Ass Shed Tour' to Live Oak Bank Pavilion for one of the biggest shows of the summer.

Monday, June 8, 2026 7:00 PM · Live Oak Bank Pavilion, Wilmington

Arts & Culture

A Writers' Café: Building Our Local Writing Community

A community gathering for writers of all levels hosted by the Wilmington Write to Publish Group to connect, share, and build a local literary community.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 1:30 PM · Wilmington

Cousins Entertainment Presents: Straight Out Of Jervay

A live performance event celebrating Wilmington's Jervay community, hosted at the Wilmington Sportsman Club.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 7:00 PM · Wilmington Sportsman Club, Wilmington

Guys & Dolls Sr.

A live senior production of the classic musical Guys & Dolls performed at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center.

Friday, June 5, 2026 · Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, Wilmington

Women's Social Club Book Club – June Meeting

WSC Wilmington's June book club meets at The Vine to discuss 'The Mad Wife' by Meagan Church over half-off small plates and good company.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 · The Vine, Wilmington

Free Events

Cape Fear ArtXchange Sunday Art Market

Weekly outdoor art market at Cape Fear ArtXchange featuring local artists and makers in a pop-up format.

Sunday, May 31, 2026 12:00 PM · Cape Fear ArtXchange, Wilmington

Love Island Watch Party

Weekly Love Island watch parties every Sunday at Ponysaurus Brewing ILM, with free apps, themed drinks, and a reserved spot for fans.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 8:00 PM · Ponysaurus Brewing ILM, Wilmington

Festivals & Special Events

NETWORKINGILM POP UP

A pop-up networking event on Castle Street connecting local professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 3:00 PM · 1502 Castle Street, Wilmington

WDI Leadership Forum: State of Downtown & Advancing Wilmington's Next Chapter

Wilmington Downtown Inc.'s Economic Development Luncheon and Leadership Forum at the Wilmington Convention Center, featuring city council members and county commissioners.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 · Wilmington Convention Center, Wilmington

Carolina Beach Music Festival

Going strong for over 30 years, the Carolina Beach Music Festival is a full day and night of beach music steps from the sand — billed as the only beach music festival held directly on the NC coast.

Saturday, June 6, 2026 10:00 AM · Carolina Beach

Young Professionals Council Meeting

The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals Council holds its quarterly social gathering with impactful speakers for professionals ages 21–40.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 5:30 PM · Wilmington

Food & Drink

Wilmington Coffee Crawl

A self-guided month-long coffee adventure across 10+ local Wilmington coffee shops — your pass gives you a $5 credit at each participating shop to explore at your own pace.

Friday, May 29, 2026 · Wilmington (multiple coffee shops)

Dinner at Far From France

The Women's Social Club Wilmington hosts a group dinner outing at Far From France, a local dining spot for members and new friends.

Thursday, June 4, 2026 · Far From France, Wilmington

Korean Cooking Class at Leland Brewing Company

Hands-on Korean cooking class hosted at Leland Brewing Company — a unique opportunity to learn Korean culinary techniques paired with craft beer.

Thursday, June 4, 2026 6:30 PM · Leland Brewing Company, Leland

Outdoors & Active

Beach Yoga with Salty Dog Yoga Surf

Beach yoga every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 AM at Tennessee Avenue beach access in Carolina Beach — $15, free parking, bring a blanket.

Friday, May 29, 2026 7:00 AM · Tennessee Avenue Beach Access, Carolina Beach

2nd Quarter Halyburton Park Cleanup

Volunteer-led park cleanup at Halyburton Park organized by the Plastic Ocean Project — a hands-on way to give back to Wilmington's green spaces.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 3:00 PM · Halyburton Park, Wilmington

Intro to Systema Workshop

An introductory workshop in Systema, the Russian martial art, held at Greenfield Park — open to all fitness levels.

Saturday, June 6, 2026 10:30 AM · Greenfield Park, Wilmington

Family-Friendly

The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show

A touring stunt dog show featuring incredible canine athletes performing jaw-dropping tricks and routines — fun for the whole family.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 7:00 PM · Wilmington