Events March-April 2024

Event Calendar

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

MUSIC + SHOWS

The Wilson Center at CFCC
Wilsoncentertickets.com
Peking Acrobats, March 2
Rhapsody in Blue, March 10
Fortune Feimester, March 15 
Step Afrika!, March 16
Bruce Hornsby and Ymusic, March 20
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, March 22
Masquerade, March 23
50th Anniversary of Prairie Home Companion, March 24
Shawn Colvin & KT Tunstall, April 11
Dinosaur World Live!, April 13
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, April 25
Harp and Soul, April 27
CineMagic: Songs from the Silver Screen, April 28

Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex
brooklynartsnc.com
The Steel Wheels, March 26
Brandy Clark, April 23

Cameron Arts Museum (CAM)
cameronartmuseum.org
Jazz at CAM: Angela Bingham Trio, March 7
Not-So-Silent Auction, March 9
Artist Talk with Beverly Smith, March 14
Resiliencey Kids, March 16
The Art of Food, March 20
Sunset performance series: Mary D. Williams, March 21
The Wilmington Big Band, April 4

Thalian Hall
Thalianhall.org
11th Annual Wilmington Theater Awards, March 20
The Irish Comedy Tour, March 21
Right in the Eye, March 24
6th Annual Bluegrass Bash, March 29
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, April 5-14 
Blood Done Sign My Name, April 16
Dorothy Gillespie, April 19 and 21
Trailblazing Women of Country, April 20
Derina Harvey Band, April 27

UNCW Kenan Auditorium
uncw.edu/seahawk-life/arts/presents
Chamber Music Wilmington presents Poulenc Trio, March 3
Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras, March 10
Port City Poetry Jam featuring Dasan Ahanu, March 15
Big Band Concert, March 22
Wilmington Dance Festival, April 12
Les Ballets Trockadero, April 27

EVENTS

20th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick's Lo Tide Run 5K Walk/Run & 10K 
March 16
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the 20th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick's Lo Tide Run. Participants, whether clad in Irish attire or not, can choose between the invigorating 10k Run or the more leisurely 5k Run/Walk on a flat course certified by USATF. This event, a St. Patrick's Day Celebration and tribute to two remarkable men, concludes with an awards ceremony and an after-party, promising a delightful blend of athleticism and camaraderie.

Spring Festival 
March 24
Embrace the arrival of spring at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area's family-friendly Spring Festival. Stroll through educational booths offering free games and prizes, enjoy a family-friendly magic show, explore arts and crafts, and let the little ones bounce in a house of excitement. This promises to be a day of tremendous fun for the whole family.

Joyful Flowers: Ikebana Flower Exhibition 
March 29-30 
At the New Hanover County Arboretum, embark on a visual journey through the exquisite world of Japanese floral arrangements at the Ikebana Flower Exhibition. Celebrating its 42nd year, the exhibition, created by members of the Wilmington chapter of Ikebana International, showcases the delicate art of Ikebana and includes a captivating display by the Cape Fear Bonsai Society. Ikebana demonstrations on Saturday add an interactive element to this free exhibition. Visit ikebanawilmington.com for more information.

Azalea Firecracker Cruise 
April 6
Wind down after the Azalea parade with a touch of elegance on the Azalea Firecracker Cruise by Wilmington Water Tours. Cruise the Cape Fear River in style, savoring catered hors d’oeuvres and enjoying a front-row view of the majestic fireworks display around 9pm. This evening promises to be the perfect post-parade celebration during Wilmington's fun-filled NC Azalea Festival.

Herb & Garden Fair 
April 6
Indulge your passion for gardening at the area's largest and longest-running garden event, the Herb & Garden Fair. Poplar Grove's grounds will be a haven for plant enthusiasts, offering a diverse selection of locally grown plants, garden art, accessories, artisan crafts, and local foods. Tickets are available online or at the event, promising a day of horticultural bliss.

Battleship Yoga 
April 10
Elevate your yoga experience with a backdrop of the storied Wilmington skyline and the beautiful setting sun on the deck of the historic Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Join the expert Yoga Village instructors for an all-levels practice in a unique setting, providing a truly unforgettable view of Wilmington's skyline. This individually ticketed drop-in Yoga Series is an opportunity to experience Namaste like never before.

Star Party: Sun & Moon 
April 12 
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the night sky at the Star Party: Sun & Moon, a family-friendly astronomy event by the Cape Fear Museum and Carolina Beach State Park. Telescopes set up by the Cape Fear Astronomy Society offer glimpses into the celestial wonders. The event, themed around the Sun & Moon in honor of the April Solar Eclipse, includes vendors, activities, and a fascinating journey through the cosmos. Parking will be in the Marina area, and attendees are advised to bring a flashlight and bug repellent.

CFCC Riverfront Boat Show 
April 13
Held on the picturesque banks of the Cape Fear River, the CFCC Riverfront Boat Show is a longstanding tradition attracting thousands of visitors. The show features a wide variety of wooden boats in 10 judging categories, including kayaks and skiffs. Spectators can enjoy boat building demonstrations, try their hand at a Knot-tying Challenge, and engage in conversations with the Boat Builders about their creations. This is a must-attend event for boating enthusiasts.

NC Science Festival Celebration 
April 13
Celebrate the wonders of science at the Children's Museum's NC Science Festival Celebration. This educational event focuses on future technologies, new medical advancements, and environmental engineering, providing children with engaging experiences that ignite curiosity. Special ticketing is required for this event, and details will be available closer to the date. Plan ahead, as this event is sure to sell out.

Spring Local Craft Market 
April 13
Embrace the spring weather amidst spectacular gardens at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, featuring over 20 local artists and artisans. The manicured acre of gardens provides a scenic backdrop for this event, and the historic house, jail, visitor center, and art gallery will remain open for the duration. Details for this delightful spring market will be available closer to the event.

Pleasure Island Spring Surf Fishing Challenge 
April 13-14
Explore the art of surf fishing at the Pleasure Island Spring Surf Fishing Challenge, held in the scenic locales of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher. This premier land-based surf fishing tournament welcomes both teams and solo anglers aged 21 and above, offering a chance to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes. Stay tuned for registration details as the event draws near.

Outlander in the Cape Fear Water Tour 
April 14
Embark on a historic journey with the Outlander in the Cape Fear Water Tour, a river cruise themed around the popular podcast. Hunter Ingram, a local historian and the creator of Burgwin-Wright Presents and Outlander in the Cape Fear, will guide participants through the fascinating history essential for understanding the internationally bestselling book and beloved video series. Tickets for this unique river cruise sell out quickly, so plan ahead to secure your spot.

Wilmington Earth Day 
April 20
Celebrate Earth Day in style at the Wilmington Earth Day Celebration. This vibrant event at Legion Sports Complex offers free live music, an array of food options, beer, a Kids' EcoZone, and more than 70 different exhibitors. Dogs are allowed at the event and park (excluding the Kids' EcoZone and Exhibitor tents), making it a family-friendly day of eco-conscious festivities. Keep an eye on their website and social media for the latest updates and happenings.

5K and One Mile Fun Run: Race for the Planet 
April 21
Participate in the excitement of the 5K and One Mile Fun Run: Race for the Planet, a race that welcomes participants of all skill levels. The flat course, beginning and ending at the Aquarium, offers a scenic route through Fort Fisher with breathtaking views of the ocean, maritime forest, and the majestic Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Whether you're a serious runner or a leisure walker, the no-pressure atmosphere and stunning surroundings make this race a fantastic choice for families. Plan ahead, as this in-person race is expected to sell out.

Ocean Front Pirate Flicks 
April 26 – May 10
Delve into free Friday night family fun with the Ocean Front Pirate Flicks, a series of rollicking outdoor pirate movies at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park. Bring your lawn chair or blanket for a delightful evening of family-friendly entertainment. Details for this cinematic adventure will be available closer to the event, promising a trio of unforgettable pirate tales under the stars. townofkurebeach.org

Kure Community Fest
April 27
Expect live music and performers, children's and family activities with local businesses, groups, and non-profits, games, food trucks, local art and craft vendors, a dunk tank, and more.