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- 🗓️ Wilmington Events 8/21 - 8/24 2025
🗓️ Wilmington Events 8/21 - 8/24 2025
Back to School Festivities, Ghost Hunting, and Tons of Nostalgia
Megan Rowe
August 21, 2025
Table of Contents
Top 3 Events this Weekend
 | The Retro Show: Pokemon Cards and Video Games(Sat) Retroscape is bringing you an event that brings two passions of ours together: Pokemon Cards and Video Games! Come check out a show of 30+ tables, nostalgia, good vibes, and yummy snacks and drinks |
 | Back to School Carnival(Sat) EA big back to school bonanza with face painting, a reptile rescue, build a buddy, a DJ, kids vendors, and more activities at Brunswick Beer and Cider. |
 | Back to School Beach Cleanup(Sat) Help protect our coast by teaming up with the Fort Fisher Aquarium, the cleanup is a great way to support ocean conservation and sustainability. |
More Unique Events
Thursday 8/21
Vendor Market – Enjoy live music, food, drinks, and local vendors at Biggers Market.
Single and Social ILM August Event – Casual hangout for Wilmington singles ages 28-49 at Jimmy's.
Summer Boardwalk Blast Music Series - Live music, fireworks, and fair games at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.
Friday 8/22
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Ghost Hunt & Tour – Explore one of NC’s most haunted locations aboard the USS North Carolina.
4th Friday Gallery Walk – Self-guided tour of art exhibitions throughout Wilmington's galleries along the Riverwalk.
Frank Grant & The Feelin - FREE LIVE MUSIC @ Sunset Live Music Series – Free soulful riverfront concert at Marina Grill.
Ur Invited Social Club // The Rift – Social meetup with drinks, vendors, and live music for ages 21–35 at The Rift.
Saturday 8/23
Moletastic Book Fair – A cozy book market with beer, food, and tunes at Mad Mole Brewing.
Copper Head Beer Relay – 20K trail race through the woods with beer and team fun at Briar Patch property.
Back to School – A boozy night of cocktail specials and retro jams at The Starling Bar.
DEI Hire Comedy – Free stand-up comedy show hosted by Jonathan Hicks at Laws & Libations.
Sunday 8/24
School of Rock Summer 2025 End of Season Shows – Student rock performances all day long at Bowstring Burgers and Brew Yard.
The Wave Market in The Boatyard – Local vendor market with music and riverside views at Marina Grill.
Drag Me to BINGO – Fabulous drag performances and bingo at Tempo.33.
Stained Glass Scallop Shell Workshop – Learn stained glass techniques and create your own piece at The Cozy Bookwyrm.
 | Tidbit of the Week: Dram Tree Tavern is one of my favorite off-the-beaten-path spots in Wilmington. It’s tucked off a side road near Greenfield Lake and feels like a cool, spacious, outdoor forward spot in mountainous Vermont. They’re super dog friendly, have huge neighborhood vibes, and a good food menu. |
Plan Ahead - Upcoming Events You Should Know About
5/23 - 8/29 - Summer Boardwalk Blast Music Series (Thursdays): Live bands and at the Carolina Beach Gazebo Stage followed by fireworks
5/25 - 8/31 - Summer Movies at the Lake (Sundays): Every Sunday at dusk bring your chair or blanket for a family friendly movie projected on the masssive outdoor screen at Carolina Beach Lake
9/26-9/27 - Wilmington Coffee Fest - Enjoy all things coffee while supporting local non-profits from Latte Art Throw Downs to their Street Fair.
10/4 - Wilmington River Fest: Vibrant annual celebration that takes over downtown with live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, fireworks, and more!
10/18 - Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival: This is the beer and wine event of the year– more breweries, wineries, and delights than you can possibly sample in a day. Don’t forget live music and delicious food, all in one amazing venue supporting the Carousel Child Advocacy Center.
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]