17 Things to Do in Wilmington NC This Week · October 1–4, 2026

Family-Friendly

Bark in the Park

Free annual canine competition featuring high-flying disc dogs, activities, and fun for the whole family — especially the four-legged members — at Wrightsville Beach.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 11:00 AM · Wrightsville Beach

Pumpkins & Purrs

A fall family event in downtown Wilmington combining pumpkins and cats — a purr-fect seasonal outing for animal lovers.

Sunday, October 11, 2026 12:00 PM · Downtown Wilmington

Food & Drink

Oktoberfest Under the Bridge

The 11th Annual Oktoberfest hosted by Waterline Brewing Company brings authentic Bavarian eats, craft brews, and live music all day long beneath the iconic bridge.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (gates open 12:00 PM) · Waterline Brewing Company, Wilmington

Arts & Culture

Rocky Horror Shadowcast at Eagle's Dare

Kick off Halloween season with Pineapple-Shaped Lamps presenting a free Rocky Horror shadowcast performance at The Eagle's Dare.

Friday, October 2, 2026 8:00 PM · The Eagle's Dare, 420 N 3rd St, Wilmington

Waitress

The Tony Award-winning musical celebrating four women in its top creative slots comes to the Wilson Center for a multi-night run at Cape Fear Community College.

Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026 7:30 PM · Cape Fear Community College's Wilson Center, Wilmington

Whitney Cummings at Wilson Center

Comedian and actress Whitney Cummings brings her stand-up show to the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College.

Friday, October 9, 2026 7:00 PM · Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington

BARRICADE BOYS: Broadway Party

West End stars bring a high-energy Broadway party show to Thalian Hall for a Sunday matinee performance.

Sunday, October 11, 2026 2:00 PM · Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington

Music & Nightlife

Andy Frasco & the U.N.

High-energy rock and soul act Andy Frasco & the U.N. take the stage at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater for a Friday night show.

Friday, October 2, 2026 · Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington

The Doobie Brothers: Walk This Road Tour

Rock legends the Doobie Brothers bring their Walk This Road Tour to Live Oak Bank Pavilion for a Tuesday night concert.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 8:00 PM · Live Oak Bank Pavilion, Wilmington

Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney

A world-class tribute concert celebrating the music of Paul McCartney comes to historic Thalian Hall for one night.

Friday, October 9, 2026 7:30 PM · Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington

SOE Soirée – House Music Night

Four hours of local house music from Curtiss, Light Blue Lights, and Matt Lloyd in an intimate 21+ late-night setting — tickets just $10 with code 'HOUSE.'

Friday, October 9, 2026 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM · S.O.E., Wilmington

Free Events

Creative Castle First Friday Art Walk

A coalition of Castle Street businesses launches Creative Castle with a free all-day First Friday art walk along the Castle Street Arts District.

Friday, October 2, 2026 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Castle Street Arts District, Wilmington

Date Night

Aroma Flow at Terra Sol

A fragrant yoga flow class at terra sol sanctuary timed perfectly before or after the Castle Street First Friday Art Walk — enter to win a 5-class package.

Friday, October 2, 2026 6:00 PM · terra sol sanctuary, Castle Street District, Wilmington

October Book Club at Wine Knot Sky Bar

The Women's Social Club reads The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires over wine at the rooftop Wine Knot Sky Bar — the perfect spooky-season social.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 6:00 PM · Wine Knot Sky Bar, Wilmington

Outdoors & Active

Carolina Beach Dive Bar History Tour

The Women's Social Club leads a guided dive bar history tour of Carolina Beach with Wilmington Walking Tours — a fun way to learn local lore.

Friday, October 9, 2026 · Carolina Beach

Climb Out of the Darkness Walk

Team FIT4MOM Wilmington joins this community walk supporting Postpartum Support International, raising awareness for perinatal mental health — all are welcome.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Wilmington

Flight Club Arm Balances & Inversions Series – YogaSalt

A 3-part yoga workshop series exploring arm balances and inversions through drills, movement, and play — sign up at yogasalt.com.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM · YogaSalt, Wilmington