Events March-April 2026

The Reveal: March  –  April
Our five highlights from this season’s calendar of events

March 14–21
Pleasure Island Spring Restaurant Week
The annual weeklong celebration of the Carolina Beach and Kure Beach dining scene is back, spotlighting dozens of local chefs and restaurants. Enjoy prix fixe menus and special dishes at promotional prices, with offerings varying by restaurant. It’s a great chance to sample the area’s coastal cuisine and discover new favorite spots. Event times and pricing depend on the restaurant and selections, with additional details announced closer to the dates.

March 28-29
Feast Wilmington
This weekend food-and-drink festival features 60+ chefs across events at Live Oak Bank Pavilion and other locations. Choose a weekend pass or individual tickets. Signature events include Craft + Cuisine (20 breweries paired with 20 chefs for tastings and music), the Riverside Pier Party (coastal cuisine, libations and entertainment along the Cape Fear River), and Brunch Elevated (brunch bites, Bloody Mary and mimosa bars, coffee creations and mocktails). Multiple ticket tiers available.

April 8–12
Azalea Festival
Wilmington’s signature spring celebration of art, gardens, history and culture, featuring multiple events across the city. Highlights typically include colorful parades, street fairs, home and garden tours, art shows, fireworks, concerts and the coronation of the Festival Queen and Princess. Admission varies by event, and exact schedules and ticket details are announced closer to the festival dates.

April 10–12
Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour
Enjoy a self-guided tour of Airlie Gardens and select private Wilmington gardens, showcasing a range of landscape styles. An official Azalea Festival event and one of the South’s longest-running garden tours, it’s known for spring blooms and warm hospitality. Tours run 10 a.m.–5 p.m. unless noted otherwise. Ticket price for 2026 is TBD; limited day-of tickets may be available.

April 30-May 1
Design NC 
This two-day spring event at Wilmington’s Cameron Art Museum celebrates design and decorative crafts, featuring inspiring talks, hands-on experiences, and networking for professionals, students, and design enthusiasts. The schedule includes Cocktails in the Courtyard, a Forum & Luncheon, and a Youth Forum for aspiring designers. As one of CAM’s signature fundraisers, it supports museum exhibitions, classes, public programs, and art education for more than 8,000 children each year. This year’s guest speakers include acclaimed interior designer Marshall Watson and lifestyle and design writer Blue Carreon.

Events
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

Mamma Mia!, March 5-7

Tift Merritt, March 14

KC & The Sunshine Band, March 15

The Peking Acrobats, March 18

Shenandoah, March 19

Aly & Aj – Places to Run Tour, March 20

Be Like Blippi Tour, March 21

Beethoven “Emperor” Piano Concerto, March 22

Samara Joy, March 28

Lucius, March 31

Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, April 14

Bert Kreischer, April 15-16

Piff the Magic Dragon, April 17

The Snow Queen, April 18-19

Jim Jefferies, April 24

Orff’s Carmina Burana, April 25

Lights, Camera, Music!, April 26

Kinky Boots, April 28-30

Cameron Arts Museum (CAM)
cameronartmuseum.org

Jazz at CAM, March 5, April 2

Mary’s Art Explorers: St Patrick’s Day, March 13

Suset Performance: Durty Dub’s Tribute to Charley Pride, March 19

Thalian Hall
thalianhall.org

The Fort Fisher Hermit, March 4

Three Italian Tenors, March 5

Basile’s “BasileLicious Wolrd Tour,” March 6

Miscat Cabaret Fundraise, March 6-8

Mutts Gone Nuts, March 7

1776 The Musical, March 13-15

Wilmington Theater Awards, March 25

Bluegrass Bash, March 27

Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Great American Crooners, March 31

The Hermit of Fort Fisher, April 2-12

The Wizard of Oz, April 10-19

Capitol Fools, April 14

Joshua Kane – Borders of the Mind, April 16

A Ride Through the Country, April 16-19

Women of Americana, April 20

The Chase Brock Experience, April 23

UNCW Kenan Auditorium
uncw.edu/seahawk-life/arts/presents

Wynona Wang and Friends, March 8

Ballet Magnificat! Presents The Call, March 8

42nd Jazz Fest Concerts, March 12-14

Beckwith Recital Series, March 15-16, April 12

Duo Karolina and Iwo, March 27

Celebrating Music through 250 Years and Beyond, March 31

From China to Appalachia, April 7

CHURCHILL starring David Payne, April 11

Wilmington Dance Festival, April 18

UNCW Dance Company presents Illuminate, April 24

World Ballet Company: Swan Lake, April 25

Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras, April 26

REGULAR EVENTS

Feb. 11–Apr. 26
Legends & Landmarks: Paintings and Drawings by James C. Horton
Bellamy Mansion Museum hosts 40+ original works by local artist James C. Horton, highlighting historic scenes tied to America’s story. The exhibit is free during museum hours (daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.). Check in at the Carriage House Visitor Center. Artwork is available for purchase.

March 6
Maker’s Mark Special Reserve Tasting – Spirit of the Cape Fear
This evening tasting features an exclusive Maker’s Mark Private Selection barrel, “Hometown Honey,” created with local partners. Guests enjoy bourbon insights from Master Distiller Blake Layfield, plus an open bar, food, music and a gift bag. VIP includes early entry, oysters and a meet-and-greet.

March 7, 8th 
Annual Neon Bike Brigade & After Party 
Decorate your bike and outfit with neon lights for a family-friendly nighttime ride in Carolina Beach. Spectators watch for free, and riders of all ages can join. After the brigade, head to the finish-line after party for food, drinks and dancing at Kindred Wedding and Events.

March 7–8
Coastal Comic Con
Coastal Comic Con takes over the Wilmington Convention Center with 150+ artists, vendors, guests and cosplayers. Families can enjoy games, contests and special appearances across two days. Sunday includes a children’s cosplay contest starting at 4 p.m. Ticket options vary by day and age.

March 12-15, April 9-12 
Enchanting Secret Wine Garden
Perennial Harbor opens its “secret” garden one long weekend each month in the Soda Pop District. Visitors can relax among native plants and enjoy rotating events such as workshops, live music and food trucks. Beer and wine are available with valid ID. Times and pricing vary by date.

March 14
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
This riverfront festival in historic downtown Wilmington features tastings of 150+ beers and bourbons (includes a souvenir glass), plus barbecue from top pitmasters—pulled pork, ribs, brisket, chicken and all the fixings. Expect tasting-theater seminars, BBQ exhibits, live music, a local beer garden and giant games. VIP entry runs 12–6 p.m.; general admission is 2–6 p.m. Valid ID required for beer/bourbon tasting. Plan ahead—this event is expected to sell out.

March 14
Big Bloomin’ Orchid Day
The Cape Fear Orchid Society will host its 17th annual Big Bloomin’ Orchid Day at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington. The event includes lectures on growing and reblooming orchids, a repotting demonstration, and more. Attendees can shop for hard-to-find orchids and orchid supplies. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Details at capefearorchid.org.

March 14
St. Patrick’s Lo Tide Run 5K Walk/Run & 10K
This St. Patrick’s-themed race returns with a flat, USATF-certified course and a festive vibe at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Choose a 10K or a timed 5K, plus a fun run option. Expect costumes, awards and an after-party. Registration details and exact 2026 times will be posted closer to race day.

March 15
Wilmington’s Shamrock Fest – St. Paddy’s Day Celebration
Head to The Bend for a free St. Patrick’s Day party featuring local vendors, handmade goods, treats and green-themed fun. Come with friends, browse the booths, and stick around for food and drinks on-site. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m., with plenty of time to keep the celebration going afterward.

March 20
A 250th: DAR Forgotten Patriots Plaque Dedication
A public America 250 plaque dedication will be held at Battleship NORTH CAROLINA’s Battleship Park to honor “Forgotten Patriots” of the Revolutionary War. The ceremony recognizes everyday contributors, including African Americans, Native Americans and women. Admission is free, and additional event details are expected closer to the date.

March 20
Airlie Blooms & Brews
Celebrate spring after hours at Airlie Gardens with food stations, live music and a special spring brew from Mad Mole Brewing, plus other beverages. Tickets include parking, food and two drink tickets, with a cash bar available. Stroll among peak-season blooms—azaleas, tulips and camellias—during this evening garden party. Advance tickets are required, and it may sell out.

March 26
A 250th: Wilmington Ladies Tea Walk Reenactment
Step into 1775 during a reenactment honoring Wilmington women who protested by burning tea in a solemn procession. Participants in period attire will walk from the Burgwin-Wright House area down Market Street to the riverfront for a ceremonial tea-caddy burning. Tea, cookies and speaker presentations follow. The event is free, but RSVP is requested by March 15.

April 10–12
Pleasure Island Team Surf Fishing Challenge
Pleasure Island hosts a premier land-based team surf fishing tournament along the oceanfront. Teams of up to four compete for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes, with fishing running from Friday at midnight through Sunday at noon. Spectators are welcome for free. Registration and entry-fee details will be posted closer to the event.

April 11–12
NC Azalea Festival Historic Home Tour
Explore a curated selection of Wilmington homes during this self-guided tour presented by the Historic Wilmington Foundation. Step inside distinctive architecture and enjoy a spring weekend of Southern hospitality. Tour hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and tickets can be used either day. Pricing for 2026 is TBD, with day-of tickets available at information booths.

April 18
Wilmington Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day at Long Leaf Park with live music, exhibitors, vendors and a Kids’ EcoZone, plus food and drinks for purchase. The festival typically features 70+ participating organizations and plenty of family-friendly activities. Admission is usually free, with 2026 details still to be announced. Check the event website and social channels for the latest schedule and updates.

April 24
Wings Over Carolina Beach Air Show
Enjoy a free coastal air show centered near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, with additional viewing along the beach. The program opens with the National Anthem and a flag ceremony by Civil Air Patrol cadets, followed by high-energy aerial demonstrations and a Warbird Thunder finale. Exact timing and full details will be released closer to the event. Bring chairs and make a day of it.