Events May-June 2025
02 May 2025
The Reveal: May – June 2025
Our five highlights from this issue’s calendar of events
May 3
Surf & Skate Adaptive Athletes: Life Rolls On
Experience the healing power of the ocean at this adaptive surfing and skating event, designed to boost confidence and freedom for athletes of all abilities. With over 40 beach wheelchairs, 3,000 square feet of accessible beach mats at Carolina Beach, and a newly expanded Mike Chappell Skate Park, this inclusive event is inspiring for participants and spectators alike. Join the joy of this national tour!
May 16-18
Sea Jam Swing Weekend
Swing into summer at Sea Jam! Hosted by the Cape Fear Swing Dance Society, this high-energy weekend welcomes dancers of all levels—whether you're a beginner or an expert, solo or with a partner. Events take place at various venues, culminating in a farewell dance at the Wrightsville Beach Pavilion. Follow their social media for updates. Registration details coming soon.
May 17-18
CB100: Muralfest
Celebrate Carolina Beach’s Centennial with a plein air painting festival at Carolina Beach Lake Park! Artists will create large-scale works on plywood canvases, which will remain on display through the summer before a September auction. Enjoy live music and treats from the Celtic Creamery Ice Cream Truck during this creative weekend. More details to come.
May 17
Surf Dog Experience
Watch dogs ride the waves—or let your pup join in—at this fun-filled event at Carolina Beach! No prior surfing experience is needed, and softboards and life jackets are provided (or bring your own). Owners can even hop in the water to surf alongside their dogs. Bow Wow-a-Bunga!
May 23
Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
Kick off summer with Carolina Beach’s weekly fireworks display, starting the Friday before Memorial Day and running every Thursday through Labor Day weekend. The best viewing spot is the beach strand near the historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk, where live music at the Gazebo stage starts at 6:30pm, followed by fireworks at 9pm. Check their website and social media for updates.
Event Calendar
Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this season.
April – July
Bourgie Nights Concerts
An intimate venue hosting traveling and local musicians, offering unique cocktails, craft beer, and wine, with special celebrations like DJ discos and wine dinners.
April – September
CB100: Bathing Suit Exhibit
A retrospective of century-old beachwear at the Carolina Beach Centennial, showcasing historical swimwear from bloomers to bikinis, and discussing influences from world events.
April – September
CB100: Centennial Celebration
A series of events celebrating Carolina Beach's 100th anniversary, including tours, special menus, sculptures, music festivals, and more.
Sundays through November
HDWM Artisan Market
Browse handcrafted art, jewelry, and goods from over 30 rotating local artisans in Historic Downtown Wilmington. Live music included.
May 3
35th Annual River to Sea Bike Ride
Enjoy a leisurely 20-mile round-trip ride from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach along NC Bike Route #1. Open to all skill levels, this popular event requires helmets and advance registration.
CB100: Sandcastles Competition
A sandcastle competition to celebrate the Carolina Beach Centennial at the Boardwalk Gazebo with festive food and prizes.
Astronomy Adventures
Join the Cape Fear Astronomy Society at Carolina Beach State Park for a free stargazing event featuring telescopes and expert guidance. The program begins at sunset and depends on
clear skies.
Bird Bonanza!
Celebrate local birdlife at the New Hanover County Arboretum with hands-on activities, expert talks, and live hummingbird banding. Perfect for bird lovers of all ages!
CB100: 'Human100' Aerial Beach Photoshoot
Celebrate the Carolina Beach Centennial with a historic aerial photoshoot, where participants form the number "100" on the beach. Free high-quality images will be available afterward.
May 4
Rock the Dock: Bluewater Summer Music
Enjoy live music every Sunday from 4–8 p.m. at Bluewater’s waterfront patio with scenic Intracoastal views.
May 7 – October
Summer Jazz Series at the Mansion
Relax with live jazz on the historic Bellamy Mansion grounds on the second Wednesday of each month. Wine and beer available for purchase.
May 8 – August 28
Oceanic Summer Music Series
Enjoy live music every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon on Crystal Pier at Oceanic Restaurant.
May 9
25th Annual Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman Fishing Tournament
A day of fishing, food, and fun for those with disabilities at Kure Beach Pier. Pre-register for groups of five or more.
Outlander in the Cape Fear Walking Tour
Take a guided tour through historic Wilmington, tracing the footsteps of Claire and Jamie Fraser from Outlander. Led by historian Hunter Ingram.
May 10
Outlander in the Cape Fear Water Tour
Sail along the Cape Fear River with historian Hunter Ingram on this Outlander-themed river cruise.
May 10-11
USA Beach Wrestling Nationals
Watch top athletes compete in U17, U20, and Senior Men’s & Women’s Beach Wrestling Championships in Carolina Beach.
May 16-18
Wilmington Greek Festival
Celebrate Greek heritage with authentic food, music, dancing, a marketplace, and cooking demonstrations at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
May 17
Family Farm Day
Children’s Museum of Wilmington hosts a fun farm day with animal meet-and-greets, face painting, and a petting zoo.
April 19
Greenfield Lake Family Nature Walks
A family-friendly nature walk guided by Cape Fear Bird Observatory, focusing on local wildlife.
May 17-18
Seaside Soccer Classic
A youth soccer tournament featuring over 300 teams, held at various parks in New Hanover County.
May 17
Spring Pop Culture Fest
A celebration of pop culture with over 40 vendors, live music, food trucks, and more in historic downtown.
May 17
Stoked To Go Out Pier-to-Pier Swim
A 2-mile ocean swim between Johnnie Mercers Pier and Crystal Pier with awards in various age categories.
May 24-25
Orange Street ArtsFest
Wilmington’s largest arts festival with over 90 artists, food, wine, and live entertainment in the historic downtown.
Sundays, May 25-Aug 31
Free Summer Movies at the Lake
Free outdoor movies at Carolina Beach Lake Park, with snacks available for purchase and family-friendly films.
May 28-31
Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament
A catch-and-release fishing tournament promoting marine conservation, with events for participants and spectators.
May 31-June 1
Carolina Sand Blast Beach Soccer Tournament
A unique beach soccer tournament with boys and girls divisions in a 4v4 format.
May 31
Port City Highland Games
Traditional Scottish games, music, dancing, and the Annual Cape Fear British Car Show.
May 31
British Motor Club of Cape Fear 26th Annual Car Show
A classic car show benefiting paws4vets with Scottish-themed festivities and entertainment.
June 1
Folkstone String Band in Concert
A bluegrass and Americana concert as part of the Boogie in the Park series.
June 1-8
Port City Music Festival
A week-long classical music concert series featuring national and local artists at various venues.
Mondays, June 2-August 18
Turtle Talks at Kure Beach
Educational talks about local sea turtles and conservation efforts at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park.
June 3-Aug 26
Turtle Talks at Wrightsville Beach
Weekly educational talks about nesting sea turtles and their conservation at Wrightsville Beach.
June 06-Sept
Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series
A family-friendly outdoor concert series with dining and dancing at Airlie Gardens, held on select Fridays.
June 7
15th Annual Flytrap Frolic
Join the free, familyfriendly Flytrap Frolic at Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden to learn about native carnivorous plants in their natural wetland habitat. Enjoy guided hikes, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, and great photo opportunities.
June 07
Carolina Beach Music Festival
A beach music festival featuring live bands and beachy vibes, held on the sand at Carolina Beach.
June 07
Sunflower Maze: Trask Family Farms
Explore sunflower mazes and pick flowers at Trask Family Farms, with a festival planned for June 14.
June 14
10th Annual Father's Day
Fun Run 5K(ish)
A trail 5K run through Carolina Beach State Park, followed by a celebration with awards and beer for participants.
June 27-29
Cape Fear 7's Rugby Tournament
A large summer rugby tournament with teams from across the country and internationally.
