Upcoming events β€” May & June 2026

Free

First Friday Art Walk

πŸ“… Fri Jun 6 Β· 6:00 PM

πŸ“ Downtown Wilmington galleries

Explore Wilmington's gallery scene on the first Friday of every month. Free, open to all, and a relaxed way to spend an evening in the arts district.

Live music

Carolina Beach Music Festival

πŸ“… Sat Jun 6 Β· Gates open 10:00 AM

πŸ“ Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Cape Fear Blvd, Carolina Beach

The 40th annual edition of the longest-running beach music festival in the US still held on the sand. A full day of classic beach music with The Tams, Band of Oz, Jim Quick and Coastline. Rain or shine. Children 10 and under free.

Community

Hi-Wire Brewing Wilmington Pride

πŸ“… Sun Jun 7 Β· 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

πŸ“ Hi-Wire Brewing, 1020 Princess St, Wilmington

The 6th annual Pride celebration at Hi-Wire Brewing β€” a full day of community, a vendor market, and a drag show on the outdoor stage to close out the evening.

Performance

Six: The Musical at Wilson Center

πŸ“… Fri Jun 12 – Sun Jun 14 Β· Multiple showtimes

πŸ“ Wilson Center at CFCC, 703 N 3rd St, Wilmington

The hit West End and Broadway musical about the six wives of Henry VIII reimagined as a pop concert. Tickets at wilsoncentertickets.com.

Community

Family Pride Festival

πŸ“… Sat Jun 13 Β· 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

πŸ“ Long Leaf Park, Shelter 4, Wilmington

A family-friendly outdoor celebration hosted by the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast. Games, crafts, music, food, and community. Free and open to all.

Performance

Gypsy: The Musical at Thalian Hall

πŸ“… Wed Jun 17 – Sun Jun 21 Β· Various times

πŸ“ Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St, Downtown

The classic American musical comes to historic Thalian Hall for a multi-night run. Tickets and full schedule at thalianhall.org.

Live music

Cape Fear Blues Festival

πŸ“… Fri Jun 19 – Sun Jun 21

πŸ“ Multiple venues, Wilmington

The 29th annual festival featuring local, regional, and national blues acts at The Rusty Nail and under an outdoor beer tent. Friday $10, Saturday $30, Sunday free. One of the best music weekends of the summer.

Live music

Cape Fear Swing Dance β€” Weekly Social

πŸ“… Every Thursday Β· 7:00 PM

πŸ“ Hannah Block USO, Corner of 2nd & Orange St

Weekly Lindy Hop lessons and social dancing at the historic Hannah Block USO. No partner or experience needed. $15–20 per person. One of Wilmington's most joyful recurring events.

Outdoors

Firefly 5K β€” Summer Series

πŸ“… Wed May 27, Jun 24 & Jul 29 Β· 7:00 PM

πŸ“ 4099 S 17th St, Wilmington

A free three-race summer series from the Wilmington Road Runners Club held across New Hanover County. A great active date idea β€” registration closes at race time.

Wilmington Greek Festival

πŸ“… Fri May 15 – Sun May 17 Β· All day

πŸ“ St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 608 College Rd

One of the most anticipated annual events in the Cape Fear region. Authentic Greek food, live music, traditional dancing, and culture for the whole family. Free admission.

Live music

Cape Fear Swing Dance β€” Thursday Social

πŸ“… Every Thursday Β· 7:00 PM

πŸ“ Hannah Block USO, Corner of 2nd & Orange St

Weekly Lindy Hop lessons and social dancing at the historic Hannah Block USO. Beginners always welcome β€” no partner needed. $15–20 per person.

Dance weekend

Sea Jam 2026

πŸ“… Fri May 15 – Sun May 17

πŸ“ Downtown Wilmington

A full weekend of swing dancing by the seaside from Cape Fear Swing Dance Society. Live bands, workshops, and social dances across multiple downtown venues.

Free

First Friday Art Walk

πŸ“… First Friday of every month Β· 6:00 PM

πŸ“ Downtown Wilmington galleries

Explore Wilmington's vibrant gallery scene on the first Friday of every month. Free and open to all β€” a relaxed and creative date night strolling through the arts district.

Performance

Live at Thalian Hall

πŸ“… Ongoing Β· Various dates & times

πŸ“ 310 Chestnut St, Downtown Wilmington

700+ shows a year at one of America's oldest operating theatres β€” Broadway, concerts, comedy, and film. Check thalianhall.org for the full calendar.

Food & drink

Wilmington Wine Walk

πŸ“… Monthly Β· 5:00 PM

πŸ“ Historic Downtown District

Stroll through the historic district sampling wines from local restaurants and shops. A relaxed, social evening perfect for a date with no fixed agenda.

Outdoor

Memorial Day Weekend at Wrightsville Beach

πŸ“… Sat May 23 – Mon May 25

πŸ“ Wrightsville Beach

The unofficial kick-off to summer. Head to Wrightsville Beach for the holiday weekend β€” sunshine, live music at nearby bars, and the best beach on the NC coast.

Live music

Live Oak Bank Pavilion β€” Summer Series

πŸ“… May – September Β· Various dates

πŸ“ Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park

Wilmington's premier outdoor concert venue on the Cape Fear River. Check the summer schedule for national touring acts in a stunning waterfront setting.

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