Ahh, May.... A mix of energy drives this beautiful time of year. In Wilmington, we're cruising quickly toward beach days, summer concert season, and endless outdoor activities. But, somehow, simultaneously, there's an air of calm, a sit-outside-and-enjoy-the-moment vibe that comes over most of us in this beautiful coastal town, where nature is prevalent and pretty showy in late spring.
Whatever your May "groove" might be - easing in, busting out, or somewhere in between - be sure to check out a few of these events in case the shoe fits!
Wilmington Jewish Film Festival
4.28 - 5.8
The Wilmington Jewish Film Festival entered the Port City’s cultural scene in October 2013 with a cheerful film celebrating Jewish songwriters’ contributions to Broadway musicals. The Jewish Film Festival runs from April 28th- May 8th. Numbered is an explosive, highly visual, and emotionally cinematic journey, guided by testimonies and portraits of Auschwitz survivors.
3rdAnnual Bluegrass Bash
5.3 @ 7:30pm
Thalian Hall- 310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington NC 28401 http://www.thalianhall.org/event/35979acaa849903ba7ae00173ce751a7#map
Pre-show party starts at 6:30pm before moving to the Main Stage at 7:30pm. Event will showcase local bluegrass artists, local beer, and local food from Wilmington’s amazing food trucks.
Carolina Strawberry Festival
5.3 @ 5:00pm-11:00pm
5.4 @ 10:00am-11:00pm
Historic Downtown Wallace- 100 NW Railroad St
http://www.carolinastrawberryfestival.com
In 2011, the Town of Wallace, led by a core group of leaders, brought the "Strawberry Festival" back to Wallace after 50 years. Each year, the Carolina Strawberry Festival has grown bigger and better. The Festival has a broad selection of Music & Events in Wallace that will entertain the entire family!
30thAnnual River to Sea Bike Ride
5.4- Check in/registration to begin @ 6:00 am with departure @ 7:00 am.
Starting location is 12 N Front Street.
https://www.wmpo.org/bike-month/
20-mile round-trip, casual-paced bicycle ride from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach on Wilmington’s River to Sea Bikeway. Participants are highly encouraged to pre-register. There is no charge, but t-shirts are available for purchase. Helmets are required and cyclists should give their bicycle a thorough safety inspection before the event. Participants must be able to ride 20 miles or arrange for their own transportation after the break at Wrightsville Beach Park
Sunset Cruise with Live Acoustic Music
5.4 @ 6:30pm
Wilmington Water Tours- 212 S Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401
https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/cruises/sunset-cruise-with-live-acoustic-music/
A one-of-a-kind music venue in Wilmington and this cruise is one of our most popular excursions. Grab a tasty cocktail or drink from our full bar and sit back and relax as you listen to live music from local musicians.
Brits at the Battleship, BMCCF 21stAnnual British Car Show
5.4 @ 9:00am-2:00pm
USS North Carolina Battleship Park, Wilmington- 1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401
https://www.bmccf.org/car-show/2019-brits-at-the-battleship/
Classic British motor cars will be on display with live music, tours of the battleship available, and a water taxi to downtown Wilmington.
20thAnnual Festival Latino
5.4-5.5 @ 11:00am- til dusk
Ogden Park- 615 Ogden Park Rd, Wilmington NC 28411
http://www.amigosinternacional.org/
Largest Latino Event in the Cape Fear Area, Food, Music, and fun for the whole family
Boogie in the Park Concert
5.5 @ 5:00pm-7:00pm
Kure Beach- 105 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC 28449
http://www.townofkurebeach.org/OFPP-activities-events.aspx
Wilmington Big Band performing at Boogie in the Park. Bring your beach chair or blanket and enjoy free, live music by the sea.
http://www.kraybill.org/wbb/docs/index.asp
10thAnnual Cape Fear Comedy Festival
5.9-5.12
Dead Crow Comedy Room + other Historic Downtown Venues
https://www.capefearcomedy.org
Entering its 10th year, the Cape Fear Comedy Festival is a non-profit locally operated organization in Wilmington, N.C. committed to enriching the performing arts community in the Cape Fear region.
4thAnnual Lip Sync for a Cure
5.10 @ 6:00pm
Ironclad Brewery- 115 N 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401
https://www.ironcladbrewery.com
The 4th Annual Lip Sync for A Cure at Ironclad Brewery in downtown Wilmington, NC, features celebrity judges. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
4thAnnual Marina Day
5.11 @ 10:00am- 4:00pm
Carolina Beach State Park- 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
https://www.ncparks.gov/carolina-beach-state-park/events-and-programs/4th-annual-marina-day
There will be classic boats on display, safety demonstrations, vessel safety checks, boating information and the Underwater Archaeology will be on site with displays and information. There will also be kayaks and paddle boards and much, much, more. Food truck vendors will be on site for lots of food and refreshments.
Bestival
5.11 @ 11:00am-5:00pm
Waterline Brewing Company- 721 Surry St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Every year for over 30 years, encore's annual readers choice awards, the official and longest-running Best of Wilmington, has been an ongoing celebration of local culture, including recognition of businesses, eateries, bars, goods, services, people, media, arts, and entertainment. In 2019 we will be turning our annual celebration of winners into an all-day arts and craft, food truck and beer festival at Waterline Brewing, underneath the Cape Fear Bridge, along Surry Street.
USA Beach Wrestling Nationals
5.18 @11:00am
Carolina Beach
https://www.ncwrestling.org/page/show/986183-nc-beach-wrestling-state-championships-
The USA Beach Wrestling National Championships will return to Carolina Beach again in 2019 along with the 10th Annual NCUSA Beach Wrestling State Championships. And .... the 3rd Annual USA Belt Wrestling National Championships! "Belt" Wrestling is sanctioned by the UWW as an associated style of wrestling, and is very popular in many other countries
27thAnnual Greek Festival
5.17 @ 11:00am- 10:00pm
5.18 @ 11:00am- 10:00pm
5.19 @ 11:00am- 6:00pm
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church- 608 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
http://www.stnicholasgreekfest.com/schedule.html
The Greek community of Wilmington, NC shares its culture, faith, and heritage including food, music, dancing, a marketplace and cooking demonstrations by hosting the 26th Annual Greek Festival. This festival held at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is an annual event that draws thousands from New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and surrounding counties.
Wilmington Wine and Food Festival
5.17-19
Bellamy Mansion Museum- 503 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
http://www.wilmingtonwineandfood.com/
The Wilmington Wine & Food Festival brings together top area chefs with the best of the wine, beer, and spirits industry to celebrate and advance public appreciation for great food and drink. The festival provides a diverse range of epicurean experiences showcasing the area's unique and rich culture and history.
Airlie Summer Concert Series
5.17 @ 6:00pm-8:00pm
Airlie Gardens- 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
http://airliegardens.org/events-news/purchase-tickets/concert-tickets/
Airlie’s 2019 Summer Concert Series begins May 17th and runs every 1st and 3rd Friday through September 20th. Concerts are from 6pm-8pm each scheduled evening and are open to the general public. ADVANCED TICKETS ONLY!
Rims on the River Car Show
5.18 @ 11:00am
Front Street
http://www.rimsontheriver.com/
Festivities begin Friday May 17th, with a taste of local entertainment and fun at our various partner venues, bars and restaurants. Welcome to Rims weekend! Saturday the 18th is Car Show Day, participants are invited to come down beginning at 9:00AM to get admitted and parked, with the show starting at 11:00AM to the public.
Kidstock 2019
5.18 @ 12:00pm-3:00pm
Wrightsville Beach Brewery- 6201 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
https://www.facebook.com/events/273980170218386/
Did you miss our kids concert event Lollipopalooza in September? Well, we're doing another one in the Spring...KIDSTOCK!Join us for 3 hours of peace, love and kids music by Broccoli Brothers Circusfor an afternoon of fun!!Vendors, games and other activities to be announced. Check back for more details.
Planetarium: From Dream to Discovery: Inside NASA
5.25 @ 2:00pm
Cape Fear Museum- 814 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Free When humans dare to dream, we create truly amazing things! Full dome film from Museum of Science, Boston.
Port City Salsa Splash 2019
5.30
Various Locations- https://www.portcitysalsasplash.com/schedule.html
https://www.portcitysalsasplash.com
We are excited to present the 8th Annual Port City Salsa Splash in beautiful Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. We invite you to our piece of the North Carolina coast to put your toes in the sand by day and then put your dancing shoes on by night! The highlight of the weekend is the opportunity to dance aboard the USS North Carolina Battleship -- a truly unique experience! Find the balance of relaxation and excitement as you enjoy a weekend combining your passion for dance and a getaway at the beach. We look forward to seeing you!