Top 3 Events this Weekend

More Unique Events

Thursday 7/2

• Southport Fourth of July Floatilla - Join the Southport Fourth of July Red, White and Blue Freedom Flotilla at its Southport venue.

• The Midnight Cowgirls - The Midnight Cowgirls bring their genre-blending country-rock sound to The Eagles Dare, with Jared Petteys opening the night.

• Stars & Stripes - Sophie Mok leads this American 250 celebration performance at Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College.

• Gianmarco Soresi: The Drama King Tour - Gianmarco Soresi brings his energetic stand-up tour to Dead Crow Comedy Room, with performances on July 1, 2026.

Friday 7/3

• Airlie Summer Concert Series - The Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series continues with The Cruise Brothers at Airlie Gardens.

• Surf City Independence Day Celebration - Celebrate Independence Day early with music by the Catalinas and fireworks at Soundside Park.

• A250th: Independence Day Fireworks & Boardwalk Blast - Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast brings classic rock, beach music, and fireworks to Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

• Wilmington Sharks Game & Fireworks - Watch the Wilmington Sharks take on the Kingsmen at Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium, followed by fireworks.

Saturday 7/4

• Brooklyn Arts Social District - Social District Saturday brings live music, pop-up entertainment, and more to the Brooklyn Arts Center district.

• Party in the USA: Tap Yard’s Independence Day Blowout - Tap Yard Wilmington hosts an all-day Independence Day celebration with wrestling, live music, and a hot dog showdown.

• Southport 4th of July Parade - The NC 4th of July Parade fills Southport with floats, performers, and community displays.

• Frequency Pool Party - Subsurface and The Eagles Dare bring back their Independence Day Bring Your Own Pool Party at The Eagles Dare.

• Pizza Eating Contest - Ponysaurus Brewing hosts a pizza eating contest with one whole cheese pizza, ten minutes, and glory on the line.

• 4th of July Symphony Pops Concert - The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra presents a free Fourth of July Pops Concert with fireworks at Catch a Show at Live Oak Bank Pavilion.

• Hot Dog Eating Contest - Barzarre hosts a competitive hot dog eating contest with prizes and bragging rights.

• City of Wilmington Firework Shows - Wilmington lights up with two simultaneous fireworks shows along the Cape Fear River from the Wilmington Riverwalk.

• July 4th on the Rooftop - Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar celebrates Independence Day with live music, fireworks, and rooftop views over Wilmington.

Sunday 7/5

• Live Music: Resoul - Marina Grill’s Music in the Boatyard welcomes live music and waterfront views at The Boatyard.

• Military Night Cape Fear Ghost Crabs Game - Military Night at Brooks Field features the Jacksonville Ospreys versus the Ghost Crabs with free admission for active military members.

• Excitable: A Tribute to Def Leppard - Excitable brings a high-energy Def Leppard tribute show to Bowstring Bar and Live Music.

• Live Music Sundays - Enjoy weekly live music in the garden at Kipos Hellenic Cuisine.

• Free Movies all Summer at the Lake - Carolina Beach Lake Park screens National Treasure as part of its free summer movie series.

Plan Ahead - Upcoming Events You Should Know About​

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

May- September 7- Boardwalk Carnival — The Town of Carolina Beach Boardwalk Carnival runs at Carolina Beach Boardwalk from May 20 through September 7, 2026, offering rides, games, boardwalk treats, and a lively coastal atmosphere all summer long.

7/3- A250th: Independence Day Fireworks & Boardwalk Blast - THIS WEEK Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast features classic rock and beach music from The Main Event, capped by fireworks over the beach strand in front of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Venue: Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

7/4- A250th: Wilmington's 4th of July Celebration! - THIS WEEK City of Wilmington’s family-friendly celebration includes music by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, entertainment, kids activities, food, and fireworks. Venue:

7/4- 4th of July Symphony Pops Concert - THIS WEEK Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra at Catch a Show at Live Oak Bank Pavilion, featuring patriotic favorites, a world premiere by Wilmington composer Chelsea Loew, special guest performances, and fireworks over the Cape Fear River.

7/9- Boots in The Boatyard w/ Morgan Hefferman - Join us for a high-energy evening of line dancing by the water at Marina Grill, perfect for all skill levels.

7/11- District Day July 2026 | Downtown Business Alliance - Explore Wilmington’s seven districts with free continuous trolley service and shop local deals and promos throughout the day.

7/12- Cargo District Summer Fest 2026 - Enjoy a summer festival in the Cargo District at The Cargo District Food Hall from 12–4 PM.

8/1- Capt’n Bills 80’s Tournament - Grab your best 80’s gear for a fun coed 4-person volleyball tournament at Capt'n Bills Backyard Grill and Volleyball Facility.

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

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