While traveling in the United States, do not forget about one state: North Carolina. This region features many beautiful cities that will be worth your time. One of them is Wilmington, a port city that provides easy access for you to escape to the beaches of Cape Fear Coast. Once you set foot in Wilmington, make a stop at Airlie Gardens. All the fatigue you feel from your trip will fade away as you take in the idyllic views of the lakes and the colorful flowers. To have the ultimate fun with your loved ones, visit Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park that features a water park along with go-karts, laser tag, and other entertainment options. Wilmington, like many other cities across the country, is also known for its festivals. Read on to find out about the top festivals in Wilmington, North Carolina.
1. North Carolina Jazz Festival
The first festival on the list—and probably one of the most popular—is North Carolina Jazz Festival. All jazz lovers are cordially invited to indulge in spectacular jazz performances that are brought to you by talented artists. For the whole three days, you can enjoy different types of jazz—from Latin jazz and mainstream jazz to traditional jazz and smooth jazz. Breathe in the vibrant atmosphere and celebrate the diversity that is presented by this particular music genre.
North Carolina Jazz Festival
Address: Hotel Ballast, Wilmington, NC, USA
Website: North Carolina Jazz Festival
Takes place: February
Price: From 45 USD
2. Wilmington Fall Wine & Beer Walk
Are you ready for the Wilmington Fall Wine and Beer Walk next Sunday, Sept. 24? Sample some of the best wines, beers and...
Posted by Visit Wilmington, NC and Beaches on Friday, 16 September 2016
Okay, who does not love wine and beer? If you come to Wilmington at the end of September, you will have the opportunity to sample the city’s finest beers and wines. Take all your loved ones with you to enjoy this special occasion. The good news about this festival is that it takes place in the downtown area. So you can sip your favorite beer and wine, then later on tour the surrounding neighborhood, and marvel at historic buildings scattered all over the place.
Wilmington Fall Wine & Beer Walk
Address: Historic Downtown, Wilmington, NC, USA
Website: Wilmington Fall Wine & Beer Walk
Takes place: September
Price: 16 USD
3. Riverfest
Another compelling reason to visit Wilmington with your gangs, especially if they consist of little children, is this special family-oriented festival called Riverfest. Taking place during the first weekend of October each year, Riverfest attracts thousands of visitors, both locally and internationally. The little ones can enjoy playing and having fun in a children’s play area. After, you can take them with you to visit the craft vendors, the food stalls, and more. There will also be fireworks and special exhibits. All you need to do is head to Water Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington. The festival goes all the way from Water Street to Cape Fear Community College.
Riverfest
Address: Water St, Historic Downtown, Wilmington, NC, USA
Website: Riverfest
Takes place: October
Price: Free
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4. American Craft Walk
Posted by American Craft Walk Wilmington NC on Sunday, 15 April 2018
Enjoy an artsy Saturday if you travel to Wilmington in September by attending the annual American Craft Walk, which is a free event, and admire a collection of art pieces from various artists. There will be over 80 vendors that span from Orange Street to Walnut Street. Expect to see beautiful ceramics, sculptures, scanographs, and paintings, among others.
American Craft Walk
Address: 103 S Front St, Wilmington, NC, USA
Website: American Craft Walk
Takes place: September
Price: Free
5. Cucalorus Film Festival
It’s 1978 and Margo Crane, a 15-year-old part-Native teen, must take to the Stark River on an odyssey. Haroula Rose’s...
Posted by Cucalorus Festival on Sunday, 10 November 2019
Calling out to all movie buffs, wherever you are, you would not want to miss taking part in this highly anticipated festival. Taking place in downtown Wilmington, Cucalorus Film Festival boasts over 100 movies from many countries across the globe that have entertained thousands of culture and movie enthusiasts, particularly those who would like to connect and talk about movies, share innovative ideas, and collaborate. The festival focuses on world cinema, music videos, and emerging filmmakers who wish to showcase their production to an excited audience like you.
Cucalorus Film Festival
Address: 815 Princess St, Wilmington, NC, USA
Website: Cucalorus Film Festival
Takes place: November
Price: From 75 USD
6. Summer Harvest Festival
Posted by Farmers Market at Poplar Grove on Thursday, 20 June 2019
In September, it is no longer the season of summer as fall has already made its way to bring other beautiful colors to people’s lives. To celebrate the end of summer, the city of Wilmington holds a special event called Summer Harvest Festival. Participants include tons of crafts and art vendors and several farmers who wish to showcase their hard work and talent. You can buy delicious food from the food trucks, enjoy carnival games, and ride a wagon. Some activities may come with additional charges.
Summer Harvest Festival
Address: Poplar Grove Plantation, Wilmington, NC, USA
Website: Summer Harvest Festival
Takes place: September
Price: 5 USD
7. Airlie Summer Concert Series
Airlie Gardens has been previously mentioned as one of the must-visit attractions in Wilmington. Let the beauty of the garden take your breath away one more time when you are attending the Airlie Summer Concert Series. Unlike many other concerts, this series of events is rather cozy and casual and takes place on an open lawn. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks so that you can have a picnic while enjoying the musical performances.
Airlie Summer Concert Series
Address: Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC, USA
Website: Airlie Summer Concert Series
Takes place: May to September
Price: 0 - 10 USD
8. North Carolina Azalea Festival
Celebrate the rich history and culture of Wilmington with the local people by attending North Carolina Azalea Festival that lasts for five days. If you want to see how excited the people are to welcome summer the Southern way, this is your chance. There will be parades, street fairs, fireworks, and live concerts.
North Carolina Azalea Festival
Address: 5725 Oleander Dr B7, Wilmington, NC, USA
Website: North Carolina Azalea Festival
Takes place: April
Price: Free
9. Recovery Rock Fest
Guess who just joined in on the lineup?! https://www.facebook.com/travisshallowmusic/
Posted by Recovery Rock Fest, Nonprofit on Sunday, 22 September 2019
Music plays such an important role in our lives—this is an undeniable truth. To some of us, music keeps us energized during work or study, and to some others, music helps in the process of recovery, whatever kind it is. Through this festival, you can see how music has inspired a lot of people to consider music as a way to overcome addiction.
Recovery Rock Fest
Address: Hugh MacRae Park Shelters 5 & 6, Wilmington, NC, USA
Website: Recovery Rock Fest
Takes place: November
Price: Free
10. Fire in the Pines Festival
Posted by Fire in the Pines Festival on Monday, 19 March 2012
Last but not least, Fire in the Pines Festival, an annual event that takes place every October, completes the list of the top festivals to be visited in Wilmington. Unlike the other festivals mentioned in this article, Fire in the Pines Festival is specially organized to raise awareness about protecting and restoring the environment. Interactive exhibits and presentations are parts of the festival. You will gain insights into how controlled burning has stopped the longleaf pines from disappearing and what to do to always have a stock of clean water.
Fire in the Pines Festival
Address: Halyburton Park, Wilmington, NC, USA
Website: Fire in the Pines Festival
Takes place: October
Price: Free
Festivals add more fun to your vacation in Wilmington
Other than attractions and the remarkable beauty of nature, Wilmington offers something more—in the form of festivals that you should definitely attend. Visit the city as many times as possible throughout the year because every time you are having a vacation here, you are going to create different yet all the same beautiful memories.
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