May 2014 Wilmington NC Events

May 2014 Wilmington events feature Cinco de Mayo festivities, Mother's Day Celebrations, athletic events, fireworks, free movies at Carolina Beach Lake and more!

Enjoy an exquisite culinary experience at the Wilmington Wine and Food Festival, bike 20 miles from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach in the 25th Annual River to Sea Bike Ride and compete in the Carolina Beach Double Sprint Triathlon this May 2014. These are just a few of the exciting events coming up in Wilmington, North Carolina. Make plans with family and friends so that you can join in on the excitement at these Wilmington events!

Visiting from out of town? Our local Wilmington hotel partners offer spacious guest rooms, complimentary breakfast and complimentary internet!

Wilmington NC May 2014 Events:

Wilmington Wine and Food Festival
May 2-4, 2014
An exquisite culinary paring benefiting the Open Gate Domestic Violence Shelter & The Bellamy Mansion Museum. Bringing together top area chefs with notable wines and wine makers from around the world to celebrate and advance public appreciation for great wine and food. Don’t miss these exciting events and the opportunity to sample over 200 different wines and beers throughout the weekend paired with scrumptious bites from many of our best locally owned restaurants, caterers, and food trucks. Purchase tickets online or through our many local participating wine shops. Call 910-251-3700 for more information.

25th Annual River to Sea Bike Ride
May 3, 2014
The 25th Annual River to Sea Bike Ride features a 20 mile casual-paced bicycle ride from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach on Wilmington's River to Sea Bicycle Route - North Carolina Bike Route 1. Mark your calendar today so that you can participate in this Wilmington, North Carolina event with family and friends. Visit www.rivertoseabikeway.com for more information.

Cinco de Mayo Eve Lunch Cruise
May 4, 2014 at 2PM
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held on May 5th. It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War, and today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Come on board a day early for a lunch cruise that features beautiful views of the famous Cape Fear River, relaxing afternoon breeze, lunch catered by Front St Brewery and Mexican Beer and Margarita Specials. Call 800-979-3370 for tickets.

Cape Fear Comedy Festival
May 7-10, 2014
The Cape Fear Comedy Festival is a four day Independently run live comedy festival held on May 7th-10th in Wilmington, North Carolina.  What does 'independently run' mean?  It means that two guys, both comedians, run the festival without the influence of agents or funding from corporate entities. The Cape Fear Comedy Festival will also feature multiple opportunities for comedians to network and meet other comedians participating in the festival. Visit www.capefearcomedyfestival.com for more information.

Mother's Day Lunch Cruise in Wilmington
May 11, 2014
Celebrate Mother's Day with a scenic cruise aboard Henrietta III on the Cape Fear River. The cruise will be narrated by the Captain, followed by lunch. Enjoy crisp tossed salad, french rolls, premium meats, cheeses, breads, potato salad, butter cookies, coffee and tea. Make this Mother's Day a memorable one for the entire family. Call 910-343-1611 for tickets.

Carolina Beach Double Sprint Triathlon
May 11, 2014
The very first "Formula 1" or super sprint style triathlon in the U.S. The Carolina Beach Double Sprint is now taking over from the Kure Beach Double Sprint. After a 1 year absence from the Pleasure Island, we are bringing it back. Competitors start out with a 375 meter ocean swim. Upon exiting the water, participants put on their running gear at the "Beach Transition Area" and run 1.5 miles to the "Bike Transition Area". Participants then complete a 20K bike ride on a closed course.  Then it's back on with the running gear for the 1.5 mile run back to the "Beach Transition Area".  Participants complete the race by once again swimming the 375 meter course. Click here for additional information.

Wilmington Greek Festival
May 16-18, 2014
The Greek community of Wilmington, NC shares its culture, faith, and heritage including food, music, dancing, a marketplace and cooking demonstrations by hosting the 22nd Annual Greek Festival. This festival held at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is an annual event that draws thousands every year. Visit www.stnicholasgreekfest.com for more information.

Fireworks by the Sea in Wilmington
May 23, 2014 - David Dixon Trio & The Cut
May 29, 2014 - Mighty McFly
Enjoy free fireworks by the sea on the beach near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk at sunset every Thursday night during the Summer Months. The fireworks and gazebo entertainment are free and open to all, weather permitting. The fireworks will begin at 9PM and the gazebo entertainment begins at 6:30PM. Be sure to arrive early to grab your spot at the gazebo or on the beach.

Orange Street Arts Festival
May 24 - 25, 2014
Wilmington's largest downtown Arts Festival returns for its 19th year this Memorial Day weekend. Over 55 artists from the area and around the state, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee will show Oil & Watercolor paintings, Pottery Jewelry, Wood, Glass, and Paper Creations on Orange Street between Front and Second, and inside the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center. When viewing the artists inside the public is invited to tour the lobby museum. The lobby has been restored to its 1943 appearance complete with a self guided tour of the WWII exhibits. There will be Food Vendors, a Wine Tent and live entertainment featuring some of your favorite Thalian Association performers adult and youth performers. Call 910-632-2285 for more information.

Free Movies at the Carolina Beach Lake
May 25, 2014 - Frozen
Enjoy Free Movies at the Lake Sunday nights throughout the summer at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Bring your chairs and find a spot on the lawn where the whole family can enjoy newly released movies. This is a true summertime treat for adults and kids alike. Popcorn, candy, soft drinks, cotton candy, and more will be for sale at the movies - and all for a reasonable price. Bring your own food and beverages as well. Stay in tune for additional movies playing this summer!

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events