18 Things to Do in Wilmington NC This Week · September 24–27, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Cape Fear Latinos Festival and Parade

An annual celebration of Latin culture featuring live music, food, and a parade at Live Oak Bank Pavilion.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Live Oak Bank Pavilion, Wilmington

Oktoberfest at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Lederhosen, dirndls, beer, and live music at the Carolina Beach boardwalk for a beachside Oktoberfest celebration, all ages welcome.

Sunday, September 27, 2026 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Carolina Beach Pier, Carolina Beach

Riverfest

Wilmington's beloved annual waterfront festival returns with vendors, exhibits, live music, kid activities, and fireworks.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Sunday, October 4, 2026 · Downtown Wilmington

Music & Nightlife

The Wailers & Signal Fire

The legendary Wailers bring roots reggae to Waterline Brewing Co. for a lively Friday night show.

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

Ziggy Marley: Brightside Tour 2026

An intimate evening with reggae legend Ziggy Marley at Wilmington's beloved outdoor amphitheater.

Monday, September 28, 2026 · Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington

Jon Pardi: Gamblin' Man Tour 2026

Country star Jon Pardi brings his Gamblin' Man Tour to Wilmington's premier outdoor concert venue.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 · Live Oak Bank Pavilion, Wilmington

Arts & Culture

Emil Wakim Live at Dead Crow Comedy

Stand-up comedian Emil Wakim takes the stage for two nights at Wilmington's beloved comedy room.

Friday, September 25, 2026 – Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. 3rd St, Wilmington

Dracula

Thalian Association Community Theatre presents Dracula for a spine-tingling fall run at Historic Thalian Hall.

Friday, September 25, 2026 – Sunday, October 4, 2026 7:30 PM · Historic Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington

Barber Violin Concerto + Dvořák Symphony No. 9

The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra opens its 26|27 Classics Series with Stephan Jackiw on violin and Dvořák's beloved New World Symphony.

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

Osteological Articulation: Bone Cleaning 101

A hands-on workshop from Cape Fear Makers Guild exploring the science and craft of osteological articulation.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 7:00 PM · Wilmington

Waitress – The Musical

The Tony Award-winning musical Waitress arrives at Wilson Center for three nights, making history as the first Broadway musical led by four women in top creative roles.

Thursday, October 2, 2026 – Saturday, October 4, 2026 · Cape Fear Community College's Wilson Center, Wilmington

Free Events

Fourth Fridays Gallery Night

A free self-guided tour of 20+ downtown Wilmington galleries open after-hours with rotating exhibits and artists on-site.

Friday, September 25, 2026 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Downtown Wilmington galleries

Food & Drink

Docktober Fest at Oden Brewing

Oktoberfest-style beer festival at Oden Brewing to kick off the fall season in Wilmington.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Oden Brewing, Wilmington

Old Forester Bourbon Tasting & Social

A bourbon tasting social featuring Old Forester spirits at 9 N Front St in downtown Wilmington.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 6:30 PM · 9 N Front St, Wilmington

Family-Friendly

Battleship Alive!

A living-history event aboard the Battleship North Carolina with WWII reenactors, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences for all ages.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Battleship North Carolina, Wilmington

Outdoors & Active

Wilmington Run Club – Friday Morning Run

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

Friday, September 25, 2026 6:30 AM · Soda Pop District, Wilmington

Recess at the Lake

A community wellness day at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater combining fitness, wellness, recovery, and community for all.

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

Sports

Azalea Golf Classic

The NC Azalea Festival kicks off its 2027 planning season with the Azalea Golf Classic at River Landing in Wallace.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 · River Landing, Wallace, NC