Events: May-June 2026

The Reveal: May  –  June 2026
Our five highlights from this season’s calendar of events

May 1-3
NC Black Film Festival
Celebrate independent Black cinema at this annual festival featuring narrative, documentary, short and animated films by African American filmmakers. The event brings together filmmakers, film lovers and community members for screenings, conversations and special events across several Wilmington venues, including Jengo’s Playhouse, CAM and Thalian Hall. Check online for passes, tickets and updated schedules.

May 15
TEDxAirlie
TEDxAirlie returns to Wilmington with the theme “A Community in Bloom.” Featuring 17 speakers from a range of industries and backgrounds, the event promises a full day of thought-provoking talks, fresh perspectives and inspiring conversation. This popular gathering is expected to sell out quickly, so plan ahead if you want to attend.

June 13
Bluegrass in the Grove
Spend the day at Poplar Grove Plantation enjoying bluegrass, folk music and traditional dance tunes in a scenic outdoor setting. This family-friendly event offers a relaxed way to enjoy live music while taking in the charm of one of the area’s most picturesque historic properties. Bring a chair or blanket, find a spot on the lawn and settle in for a full day of music and community.

May 23-24
30th Annual Orange Street ArtsFest
Wilmington’s largest downtown arts festival returns with work by more than 90 artists from across the region. Stroll through historic downtown as you browse paintings, pottery, jewelry and more, with plenty of opportunities to meet artists and shop one-of-a-kind pieces. Live entertainment, festival food and a lively street-fair atmosphere make this a favorite spring tradition.

June 6
40th Annual Carolina Beach Music Festival
Dance barefoot in the sand at one of the longest-running beach music festivals in the country. With a lineup featuring beach music favorites like The Tams, Band of Oz and Jim Quick & Coastline, this all-day event offers a nostalgic mix of live music, ocean breezes and classic Carolina summer fun. Bring your beach chair and get ready for a feel-good day by the sea.

MUSIC + SHOWS

Live Oak Bank Pavilion
liveoakbankpav.com

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
greenfieldlakeamphitheater.com

The Wilson Center at CFCC
wilsoncentertickets.com

Cameron Arts Museum (CAM)
cameronartmuseum.org

Thalian Hall
thalianhall.org

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

Fourth Fridays Gallery Nights
artswilmington.org/four-fridays

REGULAR EVENTS

May 1-25
A250th: “When Are We US?” Pop-Up Exhibit
Visit the Wilmington Railroad Museum for this special pop-up exhibit exploring how the United States has been shaped by history, civil rights and the ongoing struggle for citizenship. Presented as part of the America 250 commemoration, the exhibit is included with museum admission and runs through May 25.

May 3
Boogie in the Park Concert Series
Grab a lawn chair and head to Kure Beach Ocean Front Park for the return of this free outdoor concert series. Held on the first and third Sundays through October, Boogie in the Park brings live music, dancing and a family-friendly atmosphere to the shore.

May 7-10, June 11-14
Perennial Harbor
This tucked-away gathering space in the Soda Pop District pairs native plants with wine, beer, food trucks, workshops and live music. Open one long weekend each month, it’s a charming spot to unwind close to downtown.

May 8
Outlander in the Cape Fear Walking Tour
Step into the world of Outlander on this guided downtown walking tour led by local historian Hunter Ingram. Starting at the Burgwin-Wright House, the 90-minute experience explores Wilmington locations connected to the beloved series and the history that inspired it.

May 9
Art in the Harbor Way Gardens
Stroll through Harbor Way Gardens to admire blooming roses, local plein air paintings, sculptures and the Children’s Fountain. Artists will be on hand to discuss and sell their work, and visitors can also learn more about pollinators from a local beekeeper.

May 9-10
USA Beach Wrestling Nationals
Watch top athletes compete on the sand in this high-energy championship event at Carolina Beach. Wrestlers from across the country will battle for national titles and a chance to advance to the Beach Wrestling World Championships.

May 13
Birding at Airlie Gardens
Join Airlie Gardens for a guided birding outing designed for all experience levels. These popular tours highlight seasonal bird activity and offer a fun way to explore the gardens with expert educators. Advance registration is required.

May 14-17
Warbirds History Restored Tour
History and aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss this four-day visit from two iconic World War II aircraft: the B-29 DOC and the P-51 Gunfighter. Tour the planes on the ground or book a flight experience for a rare chance to see these historic warbirds in action at ILM.

May 15-17
Sea Jam Swing Weekend
Swing into summer with this lively dance weekend hosted by the Cape Fear Swing Dance Society. Open to all skill levels, Sea Jam features events at several venues and wraps up with a farewell dance at the Wrightsville Beach Pavilion.

May 15-17
Wilmington Greek Festival
Enjoy authentic food, music, dancing and marketplace shopping at this beloved annual celebration at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. With family recipes, cooking demonstrations and a convenient drive-through option, it’s a flavorful weekend tradition.

May 16-17   
Muralfest
Celebrate public art and creativity at Carolina Beach Lake Park, where artists will paint large plywood murals during this colorful weekend event. The finished works will stay on display through the summer before being auctioned in September.

May 16
A250th: Moores Creek Paddle
Paddle through history on this guided outing at Moores Creek National Battlefield. Led by Cape Fear River Watch and Friends of Black River, the trip offers a rare chance to experience the waterway much as it was during the Revolutionary era.

May 16
Stoked To Go Out Pier-to-Pier Swim
Catch the action as swimmers race the open ocean between Crystal Pier and Johnnie Mercers Pier. This nearly 2-mile event is exciting for participants and spectators alike, with viewing spots all along the beach.

May 22
Boardwalk Blast Kickoff
Carolina Beach kicks off its summer music and fireworks season with this festive evening at the Boardwalk Gazebo. Live music starts at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks over the beach at 9 p.m.

May 22 and Thursdays through summer
Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
Summer officially begins with Carolina Beach’s weekly fireworks show and live music series at the boardwalk. Bring the family, enjoy the band at the gazebo and stay for fireworks over the ocean. Concert lineups change weekly, so check online before you go.

May 23 and Saturdays through Oct. 3
Carolina Beach Market
Spend Saturday mornings at Carolina Beach Lake Park browsing local produce, handmade goods and artisan crafts. With live music and plenty of food vendors, it’s an easygoing way to shop local by the water.

May 27-30
Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament
This annual catch-and-release tournament combines serious sport fishing with coastal fun for participants and spectators. Head to Seapath Yacht Club for weigh-ins, tournament activity and a celebration of offshore angling and marine conservation.

May 30
A250th: Fort Fisher’s Artillery Program Day
Visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site for a free day of public programming centered on historic artillery. More details will be announced closer to the event, but expect an engaging look at military history in one of the region’s most storied locations.

May 30
CFCC Riverfront Boat Show
Held along the Cape Fear River, this longtime favorite showcases wooden boats, fiberglass vessels, marine suppliers and hands-on demonstrations. Spectators can stroll the Riverwalk, watch judging and talk with boat builders throughout the day.

May 30
A250th: Port City Highland Games
Experience a full day of Scottish heritage, athletic feats and live entertainment at the Port City Highland Games. From caber tossing and pipe bands to dancing, clan gatherings and the British car show, this festive event offers something for the whole family.

June 1-Sept. 30
The Butterfly House at Airlie Gardens
Step inside Airlie’s seasonal Butterfly House and see native North Carolina butterflies fluttering through a lush enclosed habitat. While you’re there, explore the nearby Pollinator Garden for even more blooms and winged visitors.

June 6
America 250: Stars & Stripes
Celebrate 250 years of American history through music and dance at the Wilson Center. Presented by the Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts, this performance journeys through eras of American creativity in a visually rich, family-friendly showcase.

June 11 and Thursdays through July 30
Concerts in the Park
Pack a picnic and head to Wrightsville Beach Park for this free weekly summer concert series. With live bands, open-air dancing and room to spread out on the lawn, it’s a relaxed way to enjoy a Thursday evening.

Sundays through Oct. 25
HDWM Artisan Market
Browse handmade art, jewelry and other locally crafted goods from more than 30 rotating vendors in Historic Downtown Wilmington. Live music adds to the relaxed Sunday atmosphere.