Events

Create a one-of-a-kind mixed media canvas inspired by the Cape Fear River. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a sunset to inspire your work. All supplies will be provided, including canvases, tools, textiles, sponges and more. No experience is needed, and all ages are welcome. Registration is required here.

Meet the fierce, fearless, and legendary women who shaped Wilmington's colorful history—from rebels and revolutionaries to champions and legends. Their stories are funny, inspiring, and 100% true. Join us for this leisurely 90-minute walking tour of Historic Downtown Wilmington.

30-year resident Steven S. Little has led more than 500 local tours in just the last 3 years. This tour goes well-beyond the familiar landmarks to uncover remarkable lives too often left out of the history books. Perfect for locals and visitors alike.

Here are just some of the women you'll meet:

• The Spy and Her Final Voyage — A celebrated socialite risks everything for "the cause," but fate had other plans.

• The Woman Without a Name — An ordinary woman becomes an unwilling witness to the day Wilmington changed forever.

• The Two Elizabeths of the Port City — Two women from two different worlds become forever linked by one extraordinary mansion.

• The Undisputed World Champion - The remarkable woman who shattered barriers, capturing one of the world's most coveted titles.

Read more about - Badass Women of Old Wilmington A Historic Walking Tour

We are a market that promotes regenerative agriculture. Every single one of our farmers practice some aspect of regenerative farming.

It's a unique opportunity to be able to meet, know, and support the people who raise your food. We want to get back to these practices.

Come shop the market and support the people who work to provide your family with healthy food options, all while farming with practices that give back to the land.

Every Thursday 4-7PM

Surf City Market

Location: Surf City Brewing Company

When: Fridays from 5-8PM through October 30

Opening Day is April 18th!

Join us in celebrating our 23rd season as the heartbeat of Downtown Wilmington, where community and local flavor come together. We are dedicated to bringing you the freshest, locally grown produce, pasture-to-plate meats, farm-fresh eggs, and an array of delightful treats including local honey, roasted coffee, chocolates, fresh bread, muffins, cakes, jams and so much more.

We are a treasure trove of unique, handcrafted items from talented local artisans, ensuring that every visit reveals something special. We invite you to be a part of this cherished Wilmington tradition, where pride in our local culture and commitment to agricultural sustainability shine brightly. Come and discover the flavors of our community.

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• Located on Dock St. between 2nd St and Water St.

• Every Saturday, 8:00am – 1:00pm (rain or shine)

• Admission is free.

• Leashed pets welcome

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Thank you: Cumulus Media & Excite Credit Union

Art in the Arboretum returns October 10–11, 2026, from 10 AM–4 PM each day. Join the Friends of the Arboretum for a weekend of art, nature, and community. Join us for our 30th year!

Thrifting weather is back! Join us on 10/10 from 12-4pm

Scope our vendors on IG
@sugarspicefairyhair 🌈
@erica_eckel 🔮
@mars_stationery 🖋️
@the_sustainable_grind 🛹
@threads_by_sydney 👖
@alexaadams4159 ✨
@jawsjewelryco 🦈
@avasdoodadz 🕰️
@bendedsilver 🥄

POTTERY SALE!

Come spend the day with us and shop handmade pottery from local makers at Pelican Square shopping center at Ocean Isle Beach.

📍 Fat Cat Pottery – Seaside Studio
1641–1643 Seaside Road SW
Ocean Isle Beach, NC

🗓️ Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM–3:30 PM

Come shop local. Meet the makers. Take home something handmade. ❤️

Questions about the sale?
📧 rachel@fatcatpottery.com

The Craft Box is popping up every 3rd Saturday with DIY craft kits for ALL!

No sign ups, just show up
Pick your favorite kit
*Grab a drink from the bar
*Find a spot outside or in the taproom to get crafty!

Paint something, sew something, diamond paint away your feelings. Whatever your vibe, we have a kit for that!

Our current menu- www.thecraftboxllc.com

The Craft Box is popping up every 3rd Saturday with DIY craft kits for ALL!

Coastal Carolina Clay Guild Holiday Show & Sale

Free Event

Friday, October 23 - 5 pm - 8 pm Opening Reception w/music, food, and drink

Saturday & Sunday, October 24 - 25 - 10 am - 4 pm

Hannah Block USO

120 S Second St

Wilmington, NC

The Coastal Carolina Clay Guild is excited to announce its 19th Annual Holiday Show and Sale, set to take place from Friday, October 23, 2026, to Sunday, October 25, 2026. This festive event will be held at the historic Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center in downtown Wilmington.

● Opening Reception: Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5 PM to 8 PM

● Continues: Saturday, October 24 from 10 AM to 4PM and Sunday, October 25, from 10 AM to 4 PM

● Location: Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center, 120 S 2nd St, Wilmington, NC

● Admission: Free

Join us for a weekend filled with creativity and community spirit! The Holiday Show and Sale will feature a diverse array of handcrafted pottery and ceramic artwork created by talented local artisans. Whether you're looking for unique holiday gifts, home décor, or one-of-a-kind art pieces, you'll find a wide selection to choose from for every budget. Attendees will enjoy live music, refreshments, and a pottery raffle benefiting the Good Shepherd Center.

“We’re thrilled to bring together our community and showcase the incredible talent of local clay artists,” said Andrea Beyrer, former President of the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to support local artisans and find unique gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.”

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the beauty of handcrafted art and support local artists. Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to experience the creativity and craftsmanship that the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild has to offer!

For more information about the event, please visit coastalcarolinaclayguild.org or contact us at coastalcarolinaclayguild@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram, @coastalcarolinaclayguild, for updates and sneak peeks of featured artists!

About the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild: The Coastal Carolina Clay Guild (a 501-C3 Non-Profit) was founded in 2007, by a group of Wilmington potters who fostered a desire to promote and support a ceramic arts education for their members and the surrounding community.

🚨 SEPTEMBER 5TH IS COMING! 🚨

We’re getting closer, and we are SO ready to bring the collector community back together! 🙌🔥

📍 American Legion Post 10 — Wilmington, NC

📅 Saturday, September 5th

⭐ VIP Doors: 9 AM

🎉 General Admission: 10 AM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly!

We’re focused on creating an experience filled with quality vendors, incredible finds, and real connections with people who genuinely love the hobby.

Whether you’re a longtime collector or just getting started, come spend your Saturday with Carolina Sports Promotions and see what our community is all about! 💥

Fall Fest is taking over the entire Cargo District for one big Sunday of music, makers + fall fun.

Wander throughout the district for local artisans, live music, food + drinks, carnival games, face painting, line dancing, painting pumpkins, + shop specials happening all afternoon.

Bring the kids. Bring your friends. Come hungry + stay awhile!

CARGO DISTRICT FALL FEST
Sunday, October 25th | 12-4 PM
Cargo District • Wilmington, NC
Family friendly + free to attend

This pop-up card show takes over a busy mall corridor, creating an easy, browse-at-your-own-pace experience with plenty of foot traffic and casual conversation. It’s a good stop for collectors and casual shoppers alike, especially if you enjoy looking through tables of sports cards, memorabilia, and related finds in a setting where you can compare items, ask questions, and see what turns up.

Attention Vendors: Applications are now open for the 2026
Really Cool Stuff Holiday Market.
Thank you for your applications and support!

A Small Business Saturday Celebration In The Heart Of Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC - November 28, 2026

Kick off the holiday shopping season with A REALLY COOL CHRISTMAS! The event will have amazing vendors, live music, street decorations, and “day of” surprises.
REALLY COOL STUFF is celebrating SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY by hosting many of the area's finest artisans and vendors. The event will take place in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington.
We encourage you to explore and experience the many small neighborhood businesses at the festival and located downtown.

November 28, 2026 from 11am-4pm
We are planning a special day full of fun and surprises,
we hope to see all of you there!

Wilmington Christmas Extravaganza

Sponsored by: Leafguard, Patio Enclosures, The Pet's Table, & Renewal by Anderson.

Calling all Christmas-loving shoppers, we are bringing the holiday magic to the coast! Join us for the 1st Annual Wilmington Christmas Extravaganza at the beautiful Wilmington Convention Center on December 12th & 13th for a two-day indoor holiday shopping experience full of festive fun, local finds, and Christmas cheer!

Vendors: https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=49733

Shop your way through 150 indoor vendors featuring holiday gifts, boutique finds, handmade goods, home décor, treats, accessories, and so much more! Bring the whole family to enjoy pictures with Santa, live music, festive photo moments, and all the holiday vibes under one roof.

What to Expect:
150 Indoor Vendors
Pictures with Santa
FREE Face Painting
Christmas Tree Display
Jewelari Charm Bar
Linked Ever After Permanent Jewelry
Sunkissed Charm Bar
Trucker Hat Bar by 596 Designs
The Wandering Bloom Hair Tinsel
Spunky Fantasy Services
The Bair Foundation (NP)
Wilmington Railroad Museum (NP)
Live Music (TBA)
Holiday Finds + Unique Gifts
Festive Family Photo Backdrops
Holiday Themed Adult Beverages

And so much more!

Location: Wilmington Convention Center
10 Convention Center Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401

Dates: December 12th & 13th
Admission: $7 — good for BOTH days!
Parking: Wilmington Convention Center Parking Deck $3–$11 for all-day parking

Grab your friends, bring the family, and come kick off the Christmas season with us in Wilmington! We cannot wait to see you there!

SAT 9am-4pm

SUN 10am-4pm