Top Reasons to Visit Wilmington North Carolina in 2016

Recently voted Best Riverfront in America, Wilmington, North Carolina is home to breathtaking beaches, captivating attractions and exciting annual events. Tour the USS North Carolina, enjoy live music and beautiful blooms at the North Carolina Azalea Festival and celebrate your favorite holiday in our remarkable coastal city.

Make your hotel reservations today with the Holiday Inn on Market Street so that you can experience all that Wilmington has to offer in 2016!

Top Reasons to Visit Wilmington in 2016:

Voted Best Riverfront in America
In 2014, readers of USA Today and 10Best voted Wilmington, North Carolina the Best American Riverfront! Travelers from around the world fell in love with the cafes, bars and shops that line the Riverwalk, Wilmington's spectacular annual events and our captivating attractions including the USS North Carolina.

Wrightsville Beach
Enjoy breathtaking scenery and a vibrant social scene at Wrightsville Beach! From sunrise to sunset, Wrightsville Beach will captivate visitors with its clear waters and wide beach. Soak in the sunshine, build a sand castle and try out your favorite water sports at this family friendly beach along the Carolina Coast! From surf competitions to fishing tournaments to beautiful harbor cruises, there are activities and events happening year round in Wrightsville Beach.

USS North Carolina
Watch history come alive before your eyes as you walk the decks of the USS North Carolina. Battleship exhibits feature oral histories, photographs and mementos that paint a picture of the daily life and fierce combat that crews faced during World War II. Plan ahead so that you can enjoy special annual events at the Battleship. Celebrate Easter, Memorial Day, Halloween, Christmas and more aboard the USS North Carolina!

Outdoor Sports and Competitions
The Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon, PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon and Wrightsville Beach SUP Surfing Pro-Am are just a few of the exciting annual competitions held in Wilmington, NC. From surfing contests to fishing tournaments, there are athletic events for people of all interests and skill levels. Compete for your chance to win a prize or cheer on your favorite athlete!

North Carolina Azalea Festival
Celebrate spring Southern style at the best party in the South! The North Carolina Azalea Festival is Wilmington's premier event and the largest festival of its kind in the state. Every April, thousands of visitors join the local Wilmington community for a full week of natural beauty, live entertainment and family fun events at the NC Azalea Festival. Kick off the festival with the traditional arrival of Queen Azalea and let the celebration continue all week long with concerts, arts shows, street fairs and a spectacular parade.

Tours
Tour Wilmington by foot, horse-drawn carriage, trolley, boat and more! From historic walking tours to haunted ghost tours to exciting boat tours, Wilmington has it all! Plan a romantic night on the town for you and your loved one with a horse-drawn carriage tour or mesmerizing sunset cruise. Zip around the city on a Segway tour and learn about Wilmington's haunted past on a ghost tour.

Historic Downtown
Museums, theatres, shops, restaurants, bars and more! Whether you are planning a romantic getaway for you and your significant other or a week long family vacation, historic downtown Wilmington features special events and unique attractions for people of all ages and interests.

Fort Fisher Aquarium
Touch a live shark, meet an albino alligator, talk to a scuba diver and come face to face with a sea turtle at the Fort Fisher Aquarium. Voted one of TripAdvisor's Top 25 U.S. Aquariums and one of Travel Channel's Best U.S. Aquariums, the Fort Fisher Aquarium is a must see Wilmington attraction!

Wilmington International AirportTraveling to Wilmington has never been easier! There are now five nonstop flights to our beautiful coastal city. Delta and American Airlines have made it possible to fly directly to Wilmington, North Carolina from Atlanta, Charlotte, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Catch a flight today and book your stay at Wilmington's premier airport hotel. The Holiday Inn Wilmington located on Market Street offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport, free WiFi and free parking.

Holiday Celebrations
Celebrate your favorite holiday in Wilmington, North Carolina! July 4th fireworks, haunted Halloween attractions, Thanksgiving Day turkey trots, Christmas light displays and New Year's Celebrations are just a few of the exciting holiday events scheduled for 2016. Plan a romantic getaway with your significant other, a family friendly holiday adventure or a long weekend with your friends to experience the holidays in Wilmington, NC.

Wilmington NC Events

Wilmington NC April 2014 Events

Wilmington North Carolina April 2014 events include the North Carolina Azalea Festival, Easter celebrations, The Carolina Cup, expos, shows and more.

Enjoy an entire week of natural beauty and exciting entertainment at the North Carolina Azalea Festival, sample delicious chowder at the Pleasure Island Chowder Cook Off and hunt for Easter eggs at popular Wilmington attractions including Fort Fisher Aquarium and the USS North Carolina this April 2014. Get together with family and friends at the Rims on the River Vintage Car Show, race in the Carolina Cup and enjoy special performances at Thalian Hall. These are just a few of the exciting events coming up this April 2014 in Wilmington, NC. Mark your calendar so that you can join us at these spectacular Wilmington events.

Visiting from out of town? Make reservations at one of these premier Wilmington hotels where you will enjoy complimentary breakfast and free wifi. We look forward to seeing you at these Wilmington events.

Wilmington NC Events in April 2014: 

North Carolina Azalea Festival
April 9 - 13, 2014
The North Carolina Azalea Festival is Wilmington’s premier annual event! Each April, a full week of natural beauty, big-name entertainment, festive galas, fun family events and Southern hospitality come together to showcase the charms of the Wilmington area. Enjoy concerts, fairs and special events at this incredible Wilmington event. Everywhere the blooming azaleas offer colorful testimony to the rich heritage of coastal Carolina. The Southeast Tourism Society selected the North Carolina Azalea Festival as one of its Top 20 Events, for the second year in a row. Call 910-794-4650 for more information.

18th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook Off
April 12, 2014 from 11:30AM - 5PM
The 18th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook Off features chefs from the restaurants of Pleasure Island, Monkey Junction and Wilmington. Bring your family and your appetite because YOU vote on the Best Chowder! Spend the day at the beach sampling delicious chowder, listening to live music and playing games with the kids. There will also be hotdogs, funnel cakes, soft drinks, beer and wine for sale. Come to the beach for the weekend and spend the day at the Pleasure Island Chowder Cook Off. Call 910-458-8434 for more information.

City Ballet presents The Sleeping Beauty
April 12, 2014
Visit Thalian Hall April 12th for City Ballet of Wilmington's Sleeping Beauty at 2:30PM and 7PM. This original version will be a beautiful fully staged production with gorgeous costumes, backdrops, and some exciting new twists to the story. City Ballet's Sleeping Beauty will inspire all ages and instantly transports you into a magical world of fantasy and adventure. A beloved fairy tale where a kingdom is challenged and virtue is put to the test. Call 910-632-2285 for tickets.

Easter Egg Hunt Carnival
April 18, 2014 from 10AM - 2PM
Hippity Hoppity down the Battleship trail for a fun Spring event with continuous games and egg hunts throughout the day. Make sure to bring your camera and take pictures with Buddy the Battleship Bunny. Offered again this year is a slower paced hunt area for kids who need a less stressful environment or for children with special needs who choose a slower paced environment. Admission for the Easter Egg Hunt Carnival only $5 per person, kids 2 and under are free. Call 910-251-5797 for more information.

Alligator Egg Hunt at Fort Fisher Aquarium
April 18 - 19, 2014
Join us at Fort Fisher Aquarium for the 2014 Alligator Egg Hunt. Kids get to see a live baby alligator and learn about these fascinating animals. They create their own special alligator egg basket and then search for candy filled “alligator eggs.” Limited space is available. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Call 800-832-FISH for tickets.

Easter Bunny Drawn Tours
April 18 - 20, 2014 from 10AM - 10PM
Experience the picturesque beauty of Spring 2014 in historic downtown Wilmington. Our world's largest 'Easter Bunnies' will take you on a 'Bunny' drawn tour of Wilmington. Tours start at Water & Market Streets and they include free surprises for children. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 per child under 12. Reservations are not required. Call 910-251-8889 for more information.

Rims On The River Vintage Car, Hot Rod, & Motorcycle Show
April 18-20, 2014
Rims on the River is an annual event in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. Cars and motorcycles dating 1980 and older, line the streets of the historic downtown area, with the Cape Fear River and the diverse collection of retail stores as their backdrop. The event has drawn a wide array of cars from the entire southeast region of the state, as well as a few neighboring states, totaling approximately 600 vehicles on display last year and approximately 40,000 attendees. As always the event is free and open to the public. Musical entertainment will be welcoming this year’s attendees to our event, as well as to our downtown area. For more information, visit www.RimsOnTheRiver.com.

The Carolina Cup
April 23-27, 2014
The 2014 Carolina Cup kicks off the race season with 4 courses: a kids race, the Harbor Island Recreational “fun” race, a Money Island open race and the dreaded Graveyard Elite Race. In 2012, the Carolina Cup was the largest race on the East Coast with over 400 paddlers competing in the first day of races. In 2013, we had over 600. The Ocean of Hope Cancer Awareness Paddle will be on Sunday. Expect clinics by Danny Ching, Jimmy Terrell, Larry Cain, Jaime Mitchell and PaddleFit. Plan a 5 day weekend and bring the whole family!

2014 Cape Fear Tattoo & Arts Expo
April 25 - 27, 2014
The Cape Fear Tattoo & Arts Expo is becoming one the Carolina's cornerstones in artistic exhibition. The 4th Annual Cape Fear Tattoo & Arts Expo will be centrally located in historic downtown Wilmington. Enjoy dining, museums and of course the Carolina Beaches! The Cape Fear Tattoo & Arts Expo has fun for the whole family all weekend. This convention is open to the public. There will be tattoo contests, art showcases, seminars, art fusions and much more.

Making Legends Local Gala
April 26, 2014
You are invited to attend the 11th Annual Making Legends Local Gala to benefit the Carousel Center, Inc. The Red Carpet Reception begins at 6PM and the Stage Show begins at 8PM. Visitors can expect both live and lip syncing performances that will span the Broadway's spectrum. The Making Legends Local gala is the Carousel's Center's largest fundraising event of the year. Join us at Thalian Hall for this exciting Wilmington event. Call 910-256-9888 for ticket information.

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events

Wilmington NC Events April 2013

Wilmington North Carolina April 2013 events include the North Carolina Azalea Festival, Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert, a Wilmington boat show, festivals, races, and more!

April 2013 Wilmington NC events are presented by favorite Wilmington attractions and organizations. Plan ahead so that you can attend the North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington concerts, races, shows, and more. Visiting Wilmington from out of town? Make your hotel reservations today at the Staybridge Suites Wilmington or the Holiday Inn Wilmington hotel.

Are you attending an upcoming April event that is not on our list? Submit your event details today so that we can share them with our fans!

Wilmington NC Events - April 2013

2013 North Carolina Azalea Festival
April 10 - 14, 2013
The North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington, North Carolina is the largest festival of its kind in the state. Enjoy a full week of natural beauty, big-name entertainment, festive galas, fun family events and Southern hospitality at this premier Wilmington event. The Festival's concerts, fairs, and special events attract hundreds of thousands of people each year. Start planning today so that you can enjoy this incredible Wilmington event. Click here for more information.

Lynyrd Skynyrd in Wilmington NC
April 11, 2013 at 7PM
Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform LIVE in Wilmington, North Carolina on April 11, 2013 at the North Carolina Azalea Festival. Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed Southern Rock groups of the 1970's. Do not miss your chance to see Lynyrd Skynyrd on stage in Wilmington this April 2013.

Beer Dinner at Front Street Brewery
April 11, 2013 at 6:30PM
Join Brewmaster Kevin Kozak as he hosts a culinary tour of North Carolina-grown meats, fish and produce and pairs 5 courses with 5 Front Street Brewery beers. This dinner will feature Front Street Brewery's collaboration beer with NoDo Brewing Company - a North Carolina Oyster Stout made with local oysters from Eagle Island! All a part of NC Beer Month. Call 910-251-1935 for more information.

The Avett Brothers in Wilmington NC
April 12, 2013 at 7PM
The Avett Brothers will perform at the North Carolina Azalea Festival this April 2013! Join us at Festival Site - Cape Fear Community College for this exciting live concert in Wilmington. Enjoy an energetic, heartrending, cutting edge concert with family and friends.

Azalea Festival Parade
April 13, 2013 from 9AM - 12PM
The NC Azalea Festival will welcome over 100,000 people to this exciting, annual Wilmington event. Enjoy floats, marching bands, clowns, horses, and more at this North Carolina Festival event. The Azalea Queen and her court, as well as the Azalea Princess will make an appearance in the 2013 NC Azalea Festival Parade.

Rims on the River in Wilmington NC
April 19 - 21, 2013
Rims on the River is an annual event in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. Cars and motorcycles dating 1980 and older line the streets of the historic downtown area, with the Cape Fear River and the diverse collection of retail stores as their backdrop. This event has grown into a premier show, drawing a wide array of cars from the entire southeast region of the state, as well as a few neighboring states. Visit the Rims on the River Facebook page for more information.

14th Annual Cape Fear Community College Boat Show
April 20, 2013 from 9:30AM - 4:30PM
The CFCC Boat Show is an annual celebration of the craft of boat building. Held on the banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, CFCC's boat show attracts thousands of visitors every year. The event will feature a wide variety of wooden and fiberglass boats, including kayaks, skiffs, and boats from the Simmons Skea Skiff Club. Call 910-362-7403 for more information.

2013 5K Race for the Planet in Wilmington NC 
April 21, 2013
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher brings you the fifth annual 5k Race for the Planet this April 2013. Celebrate your health and Earth Day by running or walking the greenest race around. Runners and walkers receive organic t-shirts, FREE admission to the aquarium on race day, reusable shopping bags, and wildflower bib numbers ready for planting. Call 910-458-7468 for more information.

The Carolina Cup in Wilmington NC
April 25 - 28, 2013
Kick off the 2013 season with 4 Carolina Cup Courses! There will be a kids race, a recreational fun race, an open race, and an elite race. In 2012, the Carolina Cup was the largest race on the East Coast with over 400 paddlers competing in the first day of races. Be part of the 2013 event to make it bigger and better than ever before.

2013 Annual Street Festival in Kure Beach
April 27, 2013 from 11AM - 9PM
Enjoy delicious festival food, arts & crafts, and LIVE entertainment including a clown, balloon sculptures, and face painting. Stick around til the end of the night for a spectacular fireworks show.

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events