🗓️ Wilmington Events 11/13 - 11/16 2025

New Opening, Delectable Desserts, Holiday Lights, Vintage Fairs, and More!

Table of Contents

Top 3 Events this Weekend

The Southern Lights Premiere Party

(Sat) Experience a holiday wonderland of lights, wagon rides, and holiday characters at Johnson Nursery and Public Gardens.

Bourbon, Boots, & BBQ

(Sat) Savor bourbon cocktails, whole hog BBQ, and bluegrass at Green Acres. All proceeds support Historic Wilmington Foundation's mission to preserve and protect the irreplaceable historic resources of Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear region.

Divine & Delectable Dessert Fest

(Sun) Indulge in sweets, crafts, and treats at Waterline Brewing Co.

More Unique Events

Thursday 11/13

  • Paella Cooking Class – Learn to make your own gourmet paella in a hands-on cooking class with wine, held at Lamar Salada.

  • Whiskey & Chocolate Night – Sample four whiskeys paired with chocolates at Tap Yard Wilmington.

  • Movie Night: Matilda – Enjoy a cozy outdoor screening of Matilda with themed snacks at Dram Yard.

  • Jayson Arendt – Country artist and former UNCW baseball player Jayson Arendt performs live at Bowstring Burgers and Brew Yard.

Friday 11/14

Saturday 11/15

Sunday 11/16

Weekly Tidbit:

One of my favorite holiday experiences is back! Southern Lights is 30 minutes outside of Wilmington and has dazzling lights, private bonfire pits, hayrides to spot elves, snowball fights, a real Christmas tree maze, hot chocolate, a cash bar & more.

The Johnson family makes this experience really special. The father, David, embodies the spirit of Christmas, and it really transcends throughout. There’s something special about this that I just love!

Plan Ahead - Upcoming Events You Should Know About

11/14 - Beaufort Wine and Food Fall Festival - Fall air, music, and wine paired with the salty brine of local oysters. Join us as we celebrate the oyster! Prepared in a variety of ways: steamed, raw, fried - there's something for everyone.

11/15 - 12/23 Southern Lights the most magnificent display of dazzling lights and holiday activities. Enjoy lights, wagon rides spotting elves, fire pits + s’mores, 12 days of Christmas art walk, snowball fights, the Grinch’s maze, character meet and greets + more!

11/19 - Cucalorus Film Festival - 31st annual festival packed with 100+ independent and international films paired with a fringe-style selection of performance and installation art for a wide-ranging exploration of cinema and beyond.

11/29 - Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach - The 42nd annual dazzling boat parade, a "Day in the Park" celebration with various activities and vendors, and lively social gatherings. Decorated boats compete for awards like "Best in Show" and "People's Choice," making it a festive and engaging experience for all ages.

3/28 - 3/29 Feast Food & Drink Festival - Annual food and beverage festival that celebrates the region's culinary scene by featuring local chefs, breweries, wineries, and mixologists through various events like the Riverside Pier Party, Craft+Cuisine, and Brunch Elevated. All-inclusive tickets cover food, drinks, and entertainment. Use code whatsgood26 for 20% off

Thanks for reading! Talk to you again next week 👋 - Meg

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