Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this season.

MUSIC + SHOWS

The Wilson Center at CFCC
Wilsoncentertickets.com

Stars & Stripes, July 2

Diana Krall, July 8

Jaws in Concert, July 12

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, July 21

Todd Rundergren, July 22

Sal Vulcano, July 27

Henry Cho, August, 2

Chris Isaak, August 8

Three Dog Night, August 14

Roots & Boots, August 21

Brit Floyd, August 25

Cameron Arts Museum (CAM)
cameronartmuseum.org

Warren Darrell, July 3

Mary’s Art Explorers, July 10, 24, August 14, 28

Brian Gross, July 10

Artist Talk with Jerrell Gibbs, July 17

Robert Bosco, July 17

Perry Smith, July 24

Gallery Talk with Kirah Van Sickle, July 24

Theater for All Radio Show, July 31

Bill Alston, July 31

Artist Talk with Jeen Gray Mohs, August 7

Justin Lacy, August 7

Artist Talk, August 14

Champ Saint-Amand, August 14

Raphael Name, August 21

Roger Davist, August 21

Thalian Hall
Thalianhall.org

Friendship, July 1-5

Top Gun, July 1-2

The Sandlot, July 1-5

Wet Hot American Summer, July 5

The Life of Chuck, July 7-10

9 to 5 The Musical, July 17-27

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, July 21-25

Minions, July 21-25

Once Upon a One More Time, July 25-27

Bye Bye Birdie, August 1-3

Oklahoma!, August 14-24

UNCW Kenan Auditorium
uncw.edu

No Sleeves Magic, July 10

Donna Washington, July 17

Opera Wilmington, July 18, 20, 25, 27

Mad Science, July 24

Bright Start Theater Winnie the Pooh, July 31

No Sleeves Magic, August 7

Rumours ATL, August 8

Events

Wilmington’s 4^th of July Celebration
July 4
Celebrate Independence Day on the scenic Riverwalk with live music, family-friendly programming at Riverfront Park, and a concert by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. The night ends with a spectacular fireworks show over the Cape Fear River.

Battle for Independence Road Race
July 4
Kick off Independence Day with a morning race along scenic Gary Shell Cross City Trail. Runners can choose between a 5K or one-mile course. Awards follow shortly after the run.

Bibis Ellison Band: Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
July 10
Enjoy a high-energy evening at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk with the Bibis Ellison Band. Music kicks off at 6:30 p.m., followed by a dazzling fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Perfect for a family night out by the sea.

East Coast “Got-Em-On” King Mackerel Fishing
July 12–13
Compete or cheer on anglers at this popular annual fishing tournament at Carolina Beach Municipal Docks. Weigh-ins happen Saturday and Sunday with an awards ceremony wrapping up the weekend. Free for spectators; registration details online.

Tri-Span 5K & 10K
July 12
Race across three iconic bridges in this scenic Wilmington run. Both 5K and 10K courses offer views of the Battleship and Riverwalk. A Livestrong Mile is also available. Open to athletes of all abilities with shuttle options included.

Battleship Splash: Dock Dogs
July 17–20
Watch high-flying canine athletes compete in Dock Dogs events at Battleship Park. Enjoy events like Big Air, Speed Retrieve, and Extreme Vertical. Finals on Sunday showcase the most daring dogs in this crowd-pleasing, family-friendly event.

Bunting Public Banding Demo
July 19, August 9
Stop by Carolina Beach State Park between 7–11 a.m. to watch Painted Bunting banding in action. Hosted by the Cape Fear Bird Observatory, this free educational event offers a rare glimpse at these vibrant birds during nesting season.

Capt. Eddy Haneman Sailfish Tournament
July 25–26
Watch large sportfishing boats return to the marina after a day of sailfish competition during this prestigious tournament near Wrightsville Beach. Best viewing is from restaurants like Bridge Tender. Some events are private; registration details available online.

Carolina Beach Accessible Mats
Daily through August 31
Enjoy the shore with accessible beach mats placed along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. These seasonal mats allow easier access for people using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Free water wheelchairs are also available with advance reservations from the town recreation center.

CB100: Bathing Suit Exhibit
Daily through September 7
Celebrate 100 summers of swimwear at this unique exhibit at Fort Fisher. From beach bloomers to bikinis, view a vibrant collection of real suits and vintage ads that tell the story of seaside fashion and cultural shifts over the past century.

Pick Your Own Flowers
Weekly, Wed–Sun through July 31
Wander the flower fields at Trask Family Farms to hand-pick blooms like sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos. Enjoy the shaded barn, fresh produce, drinks, and ice cream. 

Pleasure Island Pirate Cruise
Weekly, Tues & Fri through August 29
Set sail on a pirate-themed boat adventure from Carolina Beach Marina. Families will love this interactive cruise with storytelling, treasure hunts, arts and crafts, and onboard refreshments. Every child gets a share of the loot after outsmarting a mischievous pirate.

Turtle Talks at Carolina Beach Lake Park
Weekly on Tuesdays through July 29
Learn about sea turtle conservation at this educational talk by the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project. Held at Carolina Beach Lake Park as part of Family Night festivities. Discover nesting habits and how to help protect these endangered animals.

Story Time by the Sea
Weekly on Wednesdays through August 13
Gather with fairytale friends for a magical morning of stories, crafts, and games at Kure Beach’s Ocean Front Park. Kids will love meeting the Princess and friends each week. Don’t forget your camera for these sweet summer memories.

Turtle Talks at Kure Beach
Weekly on Mondays through August 18
Learn all about sea turtles from local experts at the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park. This free educational talk covers nesting habits and conservation efforts. Space is limited and seating is first come, first served.

Kure Beach Market
Weekly on Tuesdays through August 19
Shop local at this charming open-air market by the sea featuring handmade crafts, produce, and more. Located at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park, the market welcomes families and leashed pets to enjoy a relaxed morning with a view.

Historic Boardwalk Tours
Weekly on Tuesdays through August 26
Take a guided stroll with the Federal Point Historic Preservation Society along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Learn fascinating stories of the past during this one-hour walking tour. Cash only, with suggested phone reservations. Meet near the Hampton Inn.

Turtle Talks at Wrightsville Beach
Weekly on Tuesdays through August 26
Get informed about local sea turtles at the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. Learn from the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project about nesting behaviors, safety tips, and conservation efforts during this free, family-friendly indoor event.

Oceanic Summer Music Series
Weekly, Thurs & Sun through August 28
Dine seaside while enjoying live music on the Crystal Pier at Oceanic Restaurant. Local musicians perform every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Free Summer Movies at the Lake
Weekly on Sundays through August 31
Watch free, family-friendly movies under the stars at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy snacks or bring your own picnic. Films begin at dusk and change weekly, offering a classic summertime experience.

Butterfly Releases at Airlie Gardens
Weekly on Tuesdays through September 2
Experience the magic of live butterfly releases at Airlie Gardens. Learn about the butterfly life cycle from educators, then watch butterflies take flight. Held at the Butterfly House, with access to the nearby Pollinator Garden. Tickets required in advance.

Summer Jazz Series at the Mansion
Second Wednesday monthly through September
Enjoy smooth live jazz on the grounds of historic Bellamy Mansion. Bring chairs or blankets and relax under the stars with drinks and snacks available for purchase. A family-friendly evening of music and ambiance. In case of rain, concert is canceled.

HDWM Artisan Market
Weekly on Sundays through October 26
Stroll through historic downtown Wilmington and browse handmade goods by 30+ rotating local artisans. Shop for art, jewelry, and crafts while enjoying live music in a laid-back Sunday market setting. Note: No market June 8, Riverfest, or Thanksgiving weekend.

Birds of a Feather Art in the Garden
Daily through December 31
Wander through Airlie Gardens and discover whimsical, oversized bird sculptures throughout the grounds. Created by local artists, these colorful installations are part of a fun scavenger hunt and included with regular garden admission.

Dubtown Cosmonauts: Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
August 8
Enjoy a funky, high-energy set from the Dubtown Cosmonauts followed by fireworks on the beach. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo, with fireworks lighting up the sky at 9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and groove.

Dani Kerr & Friends: Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
August 21
Dani Kerr & the Skeleton Krew bring their soulful rock vibe to Carolina Beach for a night of powerful ballads and upbeat jams. Live music begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. on the beach strand.

The Main Event: Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
August 29
Cap off the summer with a high-energy performance by The Main Event playing classic rock and beach favorites. Fireworks follow at 9 p.m. near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.