Capefear-NC.com logo

Cape Fear area Festivals Events - 2025 Schedule

Cape Fear area Festivals Events - 2025 Schedule
Week of July 28, 2025 - August 3, 2025
Thursday, July 31st - Saturday, August 2nd
Bald Head Island

Visitors to Bald Head Island in the middle of the summer will be surprised and delighted to discover that the pirates have taken the beach by storm. The Bald Head Island Pirate Invasion is a fun and engaging annual event that brings some of North Carolina’s first visitors to vivid light through reenactments, a working pirate camp, and many more interactive exhibits and activities that everyone in the crew will adore.

Week of August 4, 2025 - August 10, 2025
Thursday, August 7th - Saturday, August 9th
Bald Head Island

The Bald Head Island or “Old Baldy” Lighthouse is distinguished along the Carolina coastline as one of the oldest lighthouses still standing in the country, and visitors can learn all about this history while having a ball at the annual National Lighthouse Day Weekend. Generally held in early August, this weekend-long event features an array of corresponding activities and attractions that shine a light on this special local landmark, and which provide hours of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Week of August 25, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Saturday, August 30th - Monday, September 1st
Bald Head Island

Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.

Week of September 1, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Saturday, August 30th - Monday, September 1st
Bald Head Island

Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.

Week of September 8, 2025 - September 14, 2025
Saturday, September 13th
Wilmington

Shoppers and sightseers can discover a world of goodies while taking in some of the most enticing scenery that Wilmington has to offer with a stop at the annual American Craft Walk. Held in the fall, this popular event features a wealth of local and regional artisans and craftsmen who are selling their wares in the heart of the downtown area.

Week of September 15, 2025 - September 21, 2025
Friday, September 19th - Saturday, September 20th
Carolina Beach

Both spectators and mariners will have a ball at this colorful celebration that celebrates life on the water in Carolina Beach. The Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival is a fun-filled weekened event that includes plenty of food and entertainment, and a competitive but family-friendly race in the cool waters of the Cape Fear region.

Week of September 29, 2025 - October 5, 2025
Saturday, October 4th - Sunday, October 5th
Wilmington

Second only to the springtime Azalea Festival in terms of size, activities and attendance, the annual Riverfest is an all-encompassing festival that celebrates life by the water. Featuring a lineup of events that include exhibits, vendors, competitions, kid activities, fireworks, and so much more, this family-friendly event ignites the Wilmington downtown area with miles of fun to go around.

Saturday, October 4th 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wilmington

Come explore Wilmington’s wild side while garnering a little knowledge about fire safety at this annual event that features ample ways to explore, learn, and have fun – especially for the Port City’s youngest residents and visitors. The Fire in the Pines Festival is a full day of activity and entertainment, with crats and games for kids, hayrides, food trucks, live music, animals, and so much more.

Week of October 13, 2025 - October 19, 2025
Friday, October 17th 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wilmington

Calling all brew fans – the Voracious Rare Beer Festival is the prime opportunity to discover a world of new flavors without ever leaving the heart of downtown Wilmington. Appropriately held in the month of October, this annual festival features plenty of great tastes to go around, with dozens of participating breweries and eateries, and ample reasons to raise a pint and toast the town.

Saturday, October 18th
Wilmington

The world of hops, grapes and grains is at your fingertips at the annual Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival – a fun event that features plenty of delectable tastes from the Cape Fear area and miles beyond. Held at the North Waterfront Park in the heart of Wilmington, this full afternoon-long festival features more than 100 craft breweries and wineries to discover, making it one of the most anticipated events for wine and beer lovers throughout the North Carolina coastline.

Saturday, October 18th - Sunday, October 19th
Ocean Isle Beach

Hungry visitors will want to bring along a big appetite for the North Carolina Oyster Festival, which is a popular annual event that offers a whole lot more than the staple shellfish. Featuring everything from BBQ and pizza, to music, arts, and crafts, this extensive festival has plenty of ways to delight attendees of all tastes, and of all ages.

Week of October 27, 2025 - November 2, 2025
Saturday, November 1st 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Castle Hayne

The Cape Fear region is a unique coastal community that’s known for its variety of global influences, and visitors can get a first-hand look at this worldly flavor by attending the annual Polish Festival. Held in the smaller region of Castle Hayne, this family-oriented and fun festival features a wealth of food, music, arts and crafts, beverages, and more to provide a hefty sampling of everything this distinctive culture and heritage has to offer.

Week of November 3, 2025 - November 9, 2025
Friday, November 7th - Sunday, November 9th
Kure Beach

With fall winds at their peak, the annual Cape Fear Kite Festival is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to be awed by a colorful display of kites of all varieties. Held at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area on the Cape Fear coastline, this impressive event is always a crowd pleaser, with an unforgettable overhead show that will make everyone look to the skies.

Week of November 17, 2025 - November 23, 2025
Wednesday, November 19th - Sunday, November 23rd
Wilmington

The Cucalorus Film Festival has been going strong for 30 years, and this annual film festival is well known as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Cape Fear region and well beyond. Renowned as one of the largest film festivals in the southern United States, this multiple day event features a wealth of films, shorts, live entertainment, music, and many more ways to celebrate Wilmington’s reputation as the Hollywood of the East Coast.

Week of November 24, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Monday, December 1st - Sunday, December 21st 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Wilmington

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Saturday, November 29th
Wrightsville Beach

Get a jumpstart to your holiday celebrations with this annual event that is always a crowd pleaser for visitors and local Cape Fear residents like, The NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach is an enchanting evening that combines holiday celebrations with the allure of the coastline, courtesy of a festive boat parade, fireworks, and so much more.

Week of December 1, 2025 - December 7, 2025
Monday, December 1st - Sunday, December 21st 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Wilmington

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Friday, December 5th - Saturday, December 6th
  • Saturday, December 13th - Sunday, December 14th

Wilmington

Head to one of the Cape Fear region’s most charming and historic destinations just north of the Wilmington city limits for this annual event that adds a little extra sparkle and fun to the holiday season. A Merry Little Christmas Festival is held at the Poplar Grove Plantation, and is a fun-filled celebration that will delight visitors of all ages with a host of holiday activities and events.

Friday, December 5th - Friday, December 12th
Southport

Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.

Week of December 8, 2025 - December 14, 2025
Monday, December 1st - Sunday, December 21st 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Wilmington

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Friday, December 5th - Friday, December 12th
Southport

Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.

Saturday, December 13th - Sunday, December 14th
  • Friday, December 5th - Saturday, December 6th

Wilmington

Head to one of the Cape Fear region’s most charming and historic destinations just north of the Wilmington city limits for this annual event that adds a little extra sparkle and fun to the holiday season. A Merry Little Christmas Festival is held at the Poplar Grove Plantation, and is a fun-filled celebration that will delight visitors of all ages with a host of holiday activities and events.

Week of December 15, 2025 - December 21, 2025
Monday, December 1st - Sunday, December 21st 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Wilmington

Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.

Week of March 9, 2026 - March 15, 2026
Saturday, March 14th 11:00 AM
Wilmington

Head to the scenic Riverfront Park in the heart of Wilmington to celebrate St. Patty’s Day with style by attending the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival. A local tradition for roughly 20 years, this annual event features a world of ways to show your Irish spirit thanks to a bustling combination of food, drinks, music, activities, and plenty of great times to go around.

Week of April 6, 2026 - April 12, 2026
Wednesday, April 8th - Sunday, April 12th
Wilmington

For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has reigned supreme as one of the biggest and best festivals along the southeast coastline, and newcomers are welcome to join in the fun to experience full days of vendors, live music, parades, and other events that shine a spotlight on the lively city of Wilmington. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has emerged as one of the most anticipated events in the state, and the celebration attracts visitors from all over the world who want to discover how enchanting the Cape Fear region can be.

Cape Fear Map
Wilmington Sunset Beach Ocean Isle Beach Holden Beach Oak Island Bald Head Island Southport Kure Beach Carolina Beach WrightsvilleBeach
Bald Head Ferry

The Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal is the gateway to exploring the small, but popular paradise of Bald Head Island. Located on the northern edge of the roughly 5 square mile island, and bordering the Cape Fear River, the terminal deposits visitors...

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

There’s an ocean of adventures waiting for visitors at the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Featuring a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go karts, arcade, and so much more, veritably every visitor...

Tahiti at Island Breeze of CB Unique sta...
4.6
(24)

Welcome to our Polynesian inspired bungalow with a comfortable queen wicker bed, kitchenette, native wall art, dining table, and your private bath with shower. Tahiti features a sizable kitchenette complete with refrigerator/freezer, microwave and...

  • Carolina Beach
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based...

Experience coastal living at 'Hangin' At...

New to the Hobbs Realty rental program for 2025, this beautiful 2nd-row duplex is the ideal location for your next island vacation! This 3 bedroom/3 bathroom gem is refreshed and modern with coastal decor, an open floor plan, and natural light. Not...

  • Holden Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 9
Airlie Gardens

Arlie Gardens is home to a stunning collection of natural gardens and eye-catching artworks which continually impresses visitors to the Wilmington area. Established in 1901, and originally used as a private garden for the wealthy Pembroke family...

2nd row home close to beach, sleeps 8, i...

Beach Bungalow - 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath House, Sleeps 8 Beach Bungalow-Life at the beach just got better with this 4 bedroom/2 bath, Like New home! Ideally located on a corner lot with beach access directly across the street and ocean vistas from your...

  • Oak Island
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Shallotte River

Sandwiched in between the towns of Shallotte, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach, the Shallotte River and the Shallotte Inlet are popular attractions for water lovers who want to explore the local watery terrain outside the Atlantic Ocean. Renowned...

Cape Fear & Brunswick Islands Fishing Guide

Whether a visitor lands in the inland regions of Wilmington and mainland New Hanover County, or the coastal vacation hotspots of Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach, fishing is always readily available – and celebrated – in the Cape...

Activities for Kids in the Brunswick / Cape Fear Area

From the sunny beaches to the educational museums and attractions, the Cape Fear region is seemingly designed for kids. The towns that dot this coastal region are filled with tempting options for the young and young-at-heart, which includes cool...

The 7 Best Fishing & Beach Carts for 2025

For families travelling to the beach, or fishermen carrying tackle/coolers, a beach cart can be the best purchase of your vacation. These carts feature extra-wide wheels to move across soft sand, even when loaded. Carts are often built for specific...

City Club Suite - Downtown #54 Henry Mil...
5.0
(10)

Our guests say this is a hidden gem in historic downtown Wilmington! This one-bedroom suite features a private bath, kitchen, and temporary membership to Wilmington's exclusive City Club. Appreciate a comfortable living room complete with desk...

  • Wilmington
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 2
Greenfield Lake Park

Greenfield Lake Park is known as one of Wilmington’s coolest and most scenic destinations, and is a vast public park that’s located just south of the historic downtown area. Located on the western edge of Greenfield Lake, and just a...

Top 10 Attractions for Cape Fear, NC

Creating a list of the “must see” attractions during a vacation to the Cape Fear area can be a difficult task. With 300 years of history, a brilliant natural landscape, and an array of activities, it can seem impossible to do and see it...

Comfortable & Affordable, 3 Bdrm/1 Bath ...

Reel Thrill-Enchanting 3 bedroom/1 bath, beach bungalow convenient to the Intracoastal, stores, eateries, and the beach. Walking distance to the beach-roughly an 8 min. walk.2 Queens, 1 Twin, 1 Rollaway Bed, and 1 Queen sleeper couch. Ceiling fans...

  • Oak Island
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7
Cape Fear area Surfing Guide

Surfing is big in the Cape Fear area, and it’s a sport that has been enjoyed by decades of locals and vacationers alike. With gentle summertime waves that are perfect for beginners, and larger and more challenging swells that can make an...

Caswell Beach

Visitors who love a quiet beach town, a dash of history, and a sunny location that’s close to a variety of Cape Fear attractions will fall in love with Caswell Beach. This small community that’s tucked away on the eastern edge of Oak...