Top 3 Events this Weekend

More Unique Events

Thursday 5/21

• City of Wilmington Demo Day — The City’s free, hands-on Demo Day to celebrate National Public Works Week with live equipment demonstrations, interactive exhibits, opportunities to meet City staff, and local food trucks.

• Third Thursday Night Market — The May Third Thursday Night Market at Market House Beer and Wine features an amazing vendor lineup, live music from 6–9 PM, and wine pours from 5–8 PM.

• Master Cocktail Class — This intimate Master Cocktail Class at End of Days Distillery offers a hands-on experience with expert mixologists crafting signature cocktails, with space limited to 14 participants.

• Sunset Performance Series: Alexis Raeana — Enjoy a free live performance by Alexis Raeana at Cameron Art Museum’s PNC USCT Park, where her powerful vocals and authentic artistry create a memorable sunset concert experience.

• The Gatsby Gala — Canterbury Stables hosts a 1920s-inspired Gatsby Gala in the Great Hall and on the scenic grounds, featuring an open bar, plated dinner, live DJ, dancing, and fundraising for local children’s programs.

Friday 5/22

• Doggy Date Night — Doggy Date Night at The Golf Barn is a fun-filled evening for guests and their furry friends.

• Linocut Workshop — Learn to design and cut your own rubber stamp at this beginner-friendly linocut workshop at Savard Beer & Board, with live music and all materials included.

• Boardwalk Blast Kickoff — The Carolina Beach Boardwalk kicks off the season with music and fireworks.

• Hiding Places — New York-via-North Carolina indie rock band Hiding Places returns to The Fuzzy Needle following the release of their debut album.

• Les Fontanelles w/ Finch & Duff — Les Fontanelles brings their harmony-driven coastal sound to Bourgie Nights with Finch & Duff.

• The ODD BALL Drag & Variety Showcase — The ODD BALL returns to The Barzarre for a competition-free night of drag, performance art, burlesque, comedy, music, and experimental acts.

Saturday 5/23

• 30th Annual Orange Street ArtsFest — The 30th Annual Orange Street ArtsFest at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center is a two-day downtown celebration of visual art, local makers, and community culture.

• Brooklyn Arts Social District — Brooklyn Arts Social District Saturday at Brooklyn Arts Center invites visitors to sip, shop, dine, and enjoy live music and pop-up entertainment throughout the district.

• Spring Adoption Event/Fundraiser — This spring adoption event/fundraiser at [venue not listed] offers adoptable pets, coffee and matcha, a pet-safe bouquet activity, and a rainbow bridge remembrance.

• Thrift at the Rift — Thrift at The Rift at The Rift features local vendors and DJ @spooky.kyd for an afternoon market experience.

• Tap Yard Watermelon Fest — Tap Yard Wilmington’s Watermelon Fest is a summer celebration with watermelon-themed fun, contests, drink specials, games, and live music.

• The Groove Market at Riverlights — The Groove Market at Riverlights brings together 35 local artists and makers, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly fun by the Cape Fear River.

• Jason Mraz — Jason Mraz brings his Still Yours Tour to the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College for an intimate solo performance featuring classic hits and new music.

• Wild Gnome Wellness Tea Ceremony with Horses — At Seabreeze Horse Connection, this mindful tea ceremony with horses offers a peaceful wellness experience focused on balance, movement, and reflection.

• 5K Turtle Trot: Memorial Day Edition — The Bald Head Island Conservancy’s Turtle Trot 5K fundraiser winds through maritime forest and beaches while supporting conservation and sea turtle protection efforts.

• Fish Fry — Ponysaurus Brewing’s all-you-can-eat Fish Fry in the beer garden features local fried catfish, classic sides, and plenty of drinks for Memorial Day weekend.

• Coffee & Clay: Sculpting Travel Mugs — This beginner-friendly pottery workshop at The Cozy Bookwyrm teaches participants how to make ceramic travel mugs from scratch, with clay, tools, and kiln firings included.

Plan Ahead - Upcoming Events You Should Know About​

4/3- 5/30 Upick Strawberries & Flowers - Pick strawberries and flowers while enjoying homemade ice cream, chocolate-covered strawberries, and strawberry cakes at Trask Family Farm.

Fridays May-July Free Concert Friday - A free, family-friendly concert series with live music and food trucks takes place at The Eagles Dare.

5/23-5/24 30th Annual Orange Street ArtsFest - THIS WEEKEND! A two-day downtown Wilmington arts festival featuring visual art, local makers, and handmade works, hosted at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center.

5/25- Annual Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Memorial Day Observance - Honor veterans and those who gave their lives in service at this free Memorial Day observance featuring a guest military speaker, honor guard, patriotic music, and a memorial wreath ceremony at Battleship North Carolina.

6/6- Carolina Beach Music Festival - Enjoy a full day of classic beach music with ocean views at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

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

Interested in getting in front of our audience? Let’s chat (I don’t bite!) [email protected]