Wilmington Beaches Events Calendar
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Scroll through the calendar to discover exciting events happening year-round along the Wilmington Beaches. This coastal region is known for its vibrant beach-town spirit, rich maritime history, and welcoming community atmosphere—celebrating everything that makes Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, the Topsail area, and Wilmington so special.
Visit in the off season to enjoy some of the area’s best events, from family-friendly festivals and outdoor activities to surf competitions, historic tours, live music, holiday celebrations, seafood festivals, and local culinary experiences.
Whether you’re exploring the shoreline or heading into Wilmington's charming riverfront district, the Wilmington Beaches offer something memorable in every season.
📷: photo courtesy of Oceanfest
Surf City Independence Day Celebration
- Location: Soundside Park
- Starts: 12:00PM
- Ends: 11:00PM
Kick off your Fourth of July weekend with Surf City’s beloved annual Independence Day celebration! This family-friendly waterfront event at Soundside Park features:
- Live music starting at 6:00 PM
- A variety of food trucks
- Festive fun for all ages
- Spectacular fireworks display over the water at 9:00 PM
Bring lawn chairs or blankets, pack a cooler, and enjoy a classic coastal celebration right by the Intracoastal Waterway. The event is free and a perfect way to make memories during your beach vacation.
Info here: https://www.surfcitync.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1978
The 16th Annual Ocean City Jazz Festival
- Location: North Topsail Beach, NC (main lot at Island Drive & Carver Street)
- Starts: 4:00PM
The Music Fest, which takes place the weekend of the July 4th holiday, features local and nationally, recognized musicians.
City of Wilmington's Fourth of July Celebration
- Location: Riverfront Park, 10 Cowan Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Starts: 5:30PM
- Ends: 11:00PM
Wilmington throws down for America's 250th this year! A full evening of live music, family fun, and not one but two fireworks shows lighting up the Cape Fear River. This one's extra special, it's part of the nationwide America 250 celebration.
Fireworks light up the sky at 9 PM, launched from both Riverfront Park and a barge near the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, visible all along the Riverwalk.
5:30 PM — Gates open
6:15 PM — Performance by Mackenzi Morris and Joshua Alan Rupp, featuring the Theater for All chorus
7:30 PM — Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, presenting an America 250th Pops program including a new work by local composer Chelsea Loew
9:00 PM — Double fireworks show, launched simultaneously from Riverfront Park and a barge near the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
Good to know:
- Free and open to the public
- Best fireworks views along the nearly two mile Riverwalk, with Riverfront Park offering the closest vantage point
- Lawn seating available on the Great Lawn, beach chairs under 9 inches and blankets allowed
- City parking decks charge a $10 event fee after 4 PM, on street metered parking is free
- Boating safety zone in effect for 30 minutes after fireworks near the launch site
- Plan for 1 to 2 hour delays leaving downtown after the show
