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Cape Fear area Lessons & Educational Events - 2026 Schedule

Cape Fear area Lessons & Educational Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of June 15, 2026 - June 21, 2026
Friday, June 19th - Sunday, June 21st
Bald Head Island

North Carolina, and specifically Bald Head Island, is renowned for a wealth of treasures including historical sites and landmarks, a vibrant cultural scene, and plenty of unique things to eat and drink, and visitors can experience all of these treasures and more at the annual North Carolina Treasures Weekend. Traditionally held in early June, this weekend is a toast to the wonderful things that Bald Head Island has to offer, and features a wealth of food, art, history, and spirits to please everyone in the party.

Week of August 3, 2026 - August 9, 2026
Friday, August 7th - Sunday, 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 31, 2026 - September 6, 2026
Saturday, September 5th - Monday, September 7th
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 7, 2026 - September 13, 2026
Saturday, September 5th - Monday, September 7th
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.

Saturday, September 12th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 17th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 24th 8:00 PM

Wilmington

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

Week of September 21, 2026 - September 27, 2026
Saturday, September 26th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 5th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wilmington

Battleship Alive! is an interactive living-history event that brings the historic World War II-era Battleship North Carolina to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on educational experiences. Held several times each year aboard the ship in Wilmington, the event allows visitors to step back in time as living-history interpreters portray sailors, officers, and military personnel carrying out daily duties and drills that would have taken place during the battleship’s active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Guests can watch demonstrations, interact with reenactors, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of life aboard one of the most decorated battleships of the war.

Week of October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026
Saturday, October 10th 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 12, 2026 - October 18, 2026
Saturday, October 17th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, September 12th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 24th 8:00 PM

Wilmington

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

Week of October 19, 2026 - October 25, 2026
Saturday, October 24th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, September 12th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 17th 8:00 PM

Wilmington

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

Week of October 26, 2026 - November 1, 2026
Saturday, October 31st 8:30 AM
Southport

There’s a lot to enjoy at the annual Classic Cars n’ Rock n’ Roll Cruise-In – a cool car show that’s held in the heart of Downtown Southport, and which features much more than the array of gorgeous and vintage automobiles. Featuring activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, this annual event that is brimming with live music, contests, and other activities is sure to be a crowd pleaser for the car lovers in your crew, and anyone who wants to dive into the community spirit of this coastal town.

Week of November 9, 2026 - November 15, 2026
Saturday, November 14th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wilmington

Go behind the scenes of one of the most famous attractions along the Cape Fear River with this in-depth tour of Wilmington’s most treasured landmark, the USS Battleship North Carolina. This special one-afternoon-only tour takes participants deep into the depths of the ship, and is an illuminating look into one of the most famous battleships of the World War II era.

Week of November 30, 2026 - December 6, 2026
Friday, December 4th - Saturday, December 12th
Southport

Southport is brimming with enchanting residences that have been standing for hundreds of years, and during this special holiday tour, visitors will be treated to an inside look of some of the community’s most famed and eye-catching homes. The WinterFest Tour of Homes is a delightful tour that takes place in conjunction with the annual WinterFest Festival, and which presents a chance to see some of the most stunning local homes decked out in holiday style.

Friday, December 4th - Saturday, 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 5th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday, September 26th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wilmington

Battleship Alive! is an interactive living-history event that brings the historic World War II-era Battleship North Carolina to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on educational experiences. Held several times each year aboard the ship in Wilmington, the event allows visitors to step back in time as living-history interpreters portray sailors, officers, and military personnel carrying out daily duties and drills that would have taken place during the battleship’s active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Guests can watch demonstrations, interact with reenactors, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of life aboard one of the most decorated battleships of the war.

Week of December 7, 2026 - December 13, 2026
Friday, December 4th - Saturday, December 12th
Southport

Southport is brimming with enchanting residences that have been standing for hundreds of years, and during this special holiday tour, visitors will be treated to an inside look of some of the community’s most famed and eye-catching homes. The WinterFest Tour of Homes is a delightful tour that takes place in conjunction with the annual WinterFest Festival, and which presents a chance to see some of the most stunning local homes decked out in holiday style.

Friday, December 4th - Saturday, 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.

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

Just across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington, the town of Belville has quietly cultivated one of the region's finest hidden gems for nature lovers and community gatherings. Situated directly opposite the western banks of Eagles Island on the...

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...

Spacious Beachy Bungalo One Block From t...

*Top Unit Only* I live in the bottom units. Upstairs, greets you with a enormous front porch with outdoor seating, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room with a pull-out couch. Including a kitchen with bar area, dining room with a sizable table, and...

  • Carolina Beach
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
Dry Dock Inn

Welcome to the newly renovated Dry Dock Inn, your perfect Carolina Beach retreat. Just steps from the sand and boardwalk, our inn combines modern updates with coastal charm for an unforgettable stay. From effortlessly comfortable individual rooms to...

Steps to the Sand in Carolina Beach, Sle...

Summary:Just one block from Carolina Beach, “Steps to the Sand” is a roomy 4BR, 3.5BA townhome ideal for families and groups. Accommodating up to 10 guests, it features 4 king beds, bunk beds, and ample living space. Savor covered decks on every...

  • Carolina Beach
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
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...