🗓️ Wilmington Events Labor Day Weekend '25

Fireworks, Island Adventures, and Last Hurrahs

Author

Megan Rowe
August 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Top 3 Events this Weekend

The Final Summer Boardwalk Blast

(Fri) Typically on Thursdays, this final Boardwalk Blast in Carolina Beach is ending summer with a bang. Enjoy live music, fair food, ride, games, and fireworks.

Labor Day Bash in the Boatyard

(Sat) Live music, cold drinks, and local vendors by the waterfront.

Fins Up Festival

(Sun) Supporting the Non-profit, Friends of Wrightsville Beach, enjoy a day of bands, environmental exhibits, and vendors at Waterman’s Brewing. This is one of the last events they’re hosting before closing in September.

More Unique Events

Thursday 8/28

  • Summer Music Series - Live music from Heather and Ben at the Oceanic

  • Sip and Paint - Channel your inner artist amongst the animals at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

  • Live Music - Enjoy free music from Jesse Stockton at Wilmington Distillery

Friday 8/29

  • Island Hopper Cruise - Discover the hidden treasures of local islands as you sail through picturesque waters

  • Will Evans LIVE - Folk-inspired grooves and roots energy from Will Evans. Venue: Waterman's Brewing

  • Brian Posehn (Special Event) - A night of comedy with Brian Posehn of "The Big Bang Theory." Venue: Dead Crow Comedy Room

Saturday 8/30

Sunday 8/31

Tidbit of the Week: 

I just picked up my pottery I painted at The Cozy Bookwyrm. They’re a new pottery spot in the South Front District. It’s the second sister location to Bookworm Pottery in the Cargo District best known for their pottery throwing classes.

It’s an open, airy studio with indoor and outdoor space to get creative. I like that they have drop in times instead of advanced ticketed reservations so its the perfect spontaneous activity. It’s ranges from $20 - $60, so it makes a great alternative to catching up over drinks and you get to create something that lasts a life time. Love them!

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.

11/2 - Applearchy Ciderfest: For the love of apples, this one of Leland’s largest events held at Brunswick Beer and Cider. Indulge in lots of ciders, apple inspired treats, and food trucks. This festival is a staple of fall and will also have live music, vendors, and kid friendly activities.

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

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