Things to do in Wilmington
Things to do in Wilmington, newest first: events, festivals, parks and family days out, with dates, times and the organizer's own link.
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Art in the Arboretum turns 30 on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1
The 30th Art in the Arboretum, moved because of weather, runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 on Oleander Drive. More than 70 artists; $5, kids free.
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Things to do
Things to do in Wilmington this month: October 2026
October in Wilmington: Celebrate Downtown with Hocus Pocus Oct. 30, Big Dawg's Jekyll and Hyde Oct. 15-25, Book of Mormon Oct. 19-20, Airlie and museum nights.
Trails
Parks and trails in Wilmington
Wilmington runs about 40 parks, the 250-acre Greenfield Park and the 15-mile Gary Shell Cross-City Trail. Parks and Recreation: 910-341-7852.
Halloween
Halloween events in Wilmington 2026
Halloween 2026 in Wilmington: library movie nights, an adults-only planetarium show Oct. 23, the Eek! Week Festival and a downtown pumpkin hunt Oct. 31.
Christmas
Holiday lights and Christmas events in Wilmington 2026
Enchanted Airlie runs Nov. 27 to Dec. 21, Poplar Grove's Merry & Bright brings Santa on weekends, the Wrightsville Beach flotilla sails Nov. 28 and more.
Dogs
Dog-friendly Wilmington: dog park, trails and the leash rules
Where to take a dog in Wilmington: the city dog park at Empie Park, leash rules in city parks, Mayfaire's 3-mile loop, and where dogs are not allowed.
Free
Free things to do in Wilmington: parks, trails, museums, story times
Free in Wilmington: the Riverwalk, Greenfield Lake and Halyburton Park, the Arboretum, library story times, resident free days and free Sunday parking.
Cucalorus
Cucalorus Film Festival: dates, passes and venues in Wilmington
Cucalorus 32 runs Thursday, Nov. 19, to Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, in downtown Wilmington: about 90 films plus performances and parties. Passes on sale now.
Azalea Festival
NC Azalea Festival in Wilmington: 2027 dates, parade and street fair
The 80th North Carolina Azalea Festival runs Wednesday, April 7, to Sunday, April 11, 2027: parade, free street fair, concerts and fireworks.
Riverfest
Wilmington Riverfest: 2026 festival canceled, return set for 2027
Wilmington Riverfest is canceled for 2026 after a dispute over its downtown site. Organizers say the free October festival returns in 2027.