18 Things to Do in Wilmington NC This Week · September 17–20, 2026

Music & Nightlife

ZZ Top

The iconic Texas rock trio brings their classic riffs to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater for a one-night show.

Friday, September 18, 2026 · Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Widespread Panic

The legendary jam band plays two nights at Wilmington's largest outdoor music venue, Live Oak Bank Pavilion.

Friday, September 18 – Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Jared Freid Live at Dead Crow Comedy

Stand-up comedian Jared Freid performs a special event engagement at Wilmington's beloved Dead Crow Comedy Room.

Friday, September 18 – Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. 3rd St

The Wailers & Signal Fire at Waterline Brewing

The Wailers and Signal Fire bring reggae energy to Waterline Brewing Co. for a live concert on the waterfront.

Friday, September 25, 2026 6:00 PM · Waterline Brewing Co., Wilmington

The Reverend Horton Heat at The Eagle's Dare

Psychobilly legend The Reverend Horton Heat brings high-energy roots rock to The Eagle's Dare in downtown Wilmington.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 5:00 PM · The Eagle's Dare, Wilmington

Food & Drink

Wilmington Coffee Fest

The annual celebration of specialty coffee culture brings roasters, baristas, tastings, and the beloved Latte Art Showdown to the Cargo District for a full weekend.

Friday, September 18 – Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Cargo District, Wilmington

Arts & Culture

ARTfall Art Show and Sale

ARTfall showcases outstanding original artwork by emerging and established artists at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center with an opening reception on September 18.

Friday, September 18 – Friday, September 26, 2026 10:00 AM · Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street

Barber Violin Concerto + Dvořák Symphony No. 9 – WSO Opening Night

The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra opens its 26|27 Classics Series with violinist Stephan Jackiw and conductor Peter Askim at the Wilson Center.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 7:30 PM · Wilson Center @ CFCC

Avenue Q

Panache Theatrical Productions stages the adult puppet musical Avenue Q at Thalian Hall through September 27.

Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 · Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Waitress at Wilson Center

The history-making musical Waitress, led by four women in the top creative slots, comes to Cape Fear Community College's Wilson Center for a multi-night run.

Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026 · Cape Fear Community College's Wilson Center

"From There to Here" Exhibit: Featuring Bruce Bowman & Sally Sutton

A new painting exhibition by Bruce Bowman and Sally Sutton opens at Art in Bloom Gallery with an artist reception on Sunday, September 20.

Friday, September 18 – Sunday, November 1, 2026 · 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington (Art in Bloom Gallery / Mayfaire)

Outdoors & Active

Wilmington Run Club – Soda Pop District Friday Runs

Join Wilmington Run Club every Friday morning at 6:30 AM for a 3-mile route through the Soda Pop District to the Riverwalk — all paces welcome.

Friday, September 18, 2026 6:30 AM · Soda Pop District, Wilmington

Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta

Teams of paddlers compete in colorful 45-foot dragon boats along the Carolina Beach waterfront in this annual community festival and paddling competition.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 8:00 AM · Carolina Beach

Recess at the Lake Powered by REV

A community wellness and fitness event at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater bringing together fitness, wellness, recovery, and community for a day outdoors.

Sunday, September 27, 2026 8:00 AM · Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Sports

Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon

One of the nation's longest-running sprint triathlons, organized by the YMCA of Southeastern NC, returns to Wrightsville Beach for a day of swim-bike-run competition.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 7:00 AM · Wrightsville Beach

Free Events

September Adopt A Highway Cleanup

Plastic Ocean Project Volunteers host a community highway cleanup — a hands-on way to give back and keep Wilmington's coastline beautiful.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 10:00 AM · Wilmington area

Art in the Yard – Carolina Beach

The Island Art Association hosts its 5th annual free outdoor art event with 60+ local artists at Carolina and Kure Beach over two days.

Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, September 20, 2026 10:00 AM · Carolina Beach / Kure Beach

Family-Friendly

Coffee Walk + Talk

FIT4MOM Wilmington, 4th Trimester Mission, and Sip N Stroll host a free community walk with coffee for moms in the 4th trimester and beyond — all stages welcome.

Friday, September 25, 2026 10:00 AM · Wilmington