Events

This September we will be joined by painters, Bruce Bowman and Sally Sutton, previously represented by New Elements Gallery. “From There to Here” will feature the vivid and colorful paintings of two artists.

Bruce’s painting style uses broad palette knives which allow his work to be quick and expressive and allows for the ability to create sharp edges and tight lines. His wet-on-wet application of paint creates an impasto technique providing dimension and texture. Bruce’s approach to painting is refreshingly opposite of his work as an architect, which requires accuracy and realism.

Sally enjoys the challenge of capturing light while experimenting with rich color combinations while contrasting them with deep shadows using brushstrokes that create movement and energy. Combining her love of nature with en plein aire painting, she strives to share her personal reflections of the locations with her viewers.

Join us in the gallery on Sunday, September 20th, 2-5pm for our Artist Reception. Enjoy special refreshments, meet our artists, and enjoy live music by violinist Shirley Lebo! This exhibit will run through November 1st, alongside a new selection of featured works by our 30+ Gallery Artists.

🌾 Grain to Oven Discovery

📅 Monday, October 5

🕥 10:30 AM–12:30 PM

💲 $25 per participant (ages 5+) making a pizza

👶 Ages 4 & under FREE

Celebrate the harvest season by discovering how wheat becomes fresh flour before making your own pizza. This interactive experience combines agriculture, science, history, and delicious fun.

REGISTER FOR OCTOBER 5th HERE!

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

In this 6-week series, you'll learn how to make vessels on the wheel from start to finish. No clay experience necessary! Whether you’ve never been on the wheel or if you’re simply looking to brush up on your skills, this will be a fun and informative class series meant to help you on your pottery journey. This is only $40/session, and includes a complimentary bag of clay for you to practice with! Payment plans are available at checkout.

Important Information:

• Included: personal instruction, clay, tools, supplies, glaze, firings, storage shelf for work (additional clay is available for purchase if needed)

• Instructor: Alyssa Vokes @bootspottery

• Theme: Basics - Mugs & Planters

• Who: Anyone aged 8 and older (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult also enrolled in the class)

• When: Mondays (10/5-11/9) | 6pm-8pm (6 sessions)

• Where: Bookworm Pottery - 707 S 16th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 CARGO DISTRICT LOCATION PLEASE REFER TO OUR PARKING MAP. There is paid parking next to DesignWorx and free street parking on Queen Street & 17th Street. We are in the green unit through the double doors down the hall.

• Cost: $240 per person. Independent studio time outside of class may be purchased at $5/hour until the end of the series.

• Class Type: Wheel-throwing (on the wheel)

We’re so excited to bring something special to North Topsail Beach this year! 🌊☀️⁣

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Join us every Tuesday from 9–1 PM for the North Topsail Beach Artisan Market — featuring amazing local makers, fresh coffee, lemonade, ice cream, and so many unique finds.⁣

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Whether you’re a local or just visiting the island, this will be the perfect way to spend your Tuesday morning supporting small businesses and discovering talented artisans. 🛍️✨⁣

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📍 Located across from Villa Capriani⁣

🗓 March 31 – October 27⁣

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Bring a friend, grab a treat, and come shop local with us! 🤍

LET’S TUESDAY Vinyl DJ Night every Tuesday at Satellite Bar & Lounge in Wilmington NC after work from 6:00-8:30pm

In this 8-week series, you'll learn how to make altered vessels on the wheel from start to finish. Some clay experience preferred (a good grasp on the basics of centering, pulling, and trimming). If you’re looking to advance your skills, this will be a fun and informative class series meant to help you on your pottery journey. This is only $40/session, and includes a complimentary bag of clay for you to practice with! Payment plans are available at checkout.

Important Information:

• Included: personal instruction, clay, tools, supplies, glaze, firings, storage shelf for work (additional clay is available for purchase if needed)

• Instructor: Nicole Boenigk @earthandempathyceramics

• Theme: Advanced forms (such as jars, wheel-altered baking dishes, pour-overs, etc.)

• Who: Anyone aged 8 and older (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult also enrolled in the class)

• When: Wednesdays (10/7-11/25) | 6pm-8pm (8 sessions)

• Where: Bookworm Pottery - 707 S 16th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 CARGO DISTRICT LOCATION PLEASE REFER TO OUR PARKING MAP. There is paid parking next to DesignWorx and free street parking on Queen Street & 17th Street. We are in the green unit through the double doors down the hall.

• Cost: $320 per person. Independent studio time outside of class may be purchased at $5/hour until the end of the series.

• Class Type: Wheel-throwing (on the wheel)

Sign up now for the session

Illustrated Botanical Journals

Spend a relaxing evening studying and sketching botanicals to create a beautiful illustrated journal. Broaden your understanding of flowers and plants through guided lessons. Explore layouts, record observations and learn terminology. Experiment with graphite, pen and ink, colored pencil and watercolor. Botanical journaling can be a very meditative process that enhances creativity. Incorporating words, descriptions and feelings that arise through the process can make your experience even more personal.

Date/Time:

Thursdays, September 17th – October 8th, 6-8:30pm

Skill Level:

Adult: All Levels

Admission:

CAM Member $136 / Not-yet-member $170

Instructor:

Antoinette Vogt

Supplies:

$5 supply fee payable to the instructor.
Journal/sketchbook with mixed media paper that opens flat but is not spiral bound, apx 8’x10’. Examples: Stillman & Birn Beta series mixed media Sketchbook, Moleskin sketchbook, Canson Graduate Mixed Media sketchbook or similar. Handmade journals ok too.
Drawing pencils: 2H, H, HB, 2B, 4B
Faber-Castell Kneaded eraser
White eraser
Portable pencil sharpener
Fine liner (waterproof) i.e. Sakura pigma micron pens 005, 01, 02 & 03
Optional supplies to add color: color pencils, watercolor pencils, watercolors

In this 90-minute workshop, you'll get the chance to try your hand at wheel-throwing. No clay experience necessary! Come and enjoy a creative, messy evening with your friends, siblings, parents, or significant other. If you’re over 21, feel free to BYOB!

Important Information:

• Included: instruction, 2 balls of clay, tools, firings, 1 Polaroid photo per couple

• Who: Anyone aged 10 and older (children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent enrolled in the class)

• When: Fridays and Saturdays 6pm-7:30pm

• Where: Bookworm Pottery & Co. - 707 S 16th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 THE CARGO DISTRICT LOCATION There is paid parking next to DesignWorx and free street parking on Queen Street & 17th Street. We are in the green unit through the double doors down the hall.

• Cost: $140 per couple (you each get your own wheel to practice on

Surf City Market

Location: Surf City Brewing Company

When: Fridays from 5-8PM through October 30

The 1989 action drama, Riverbend, has been restored and recently praised for it's bold political edge. A black major (played by Steve James) and his men are on the run from a rigged court-martial and hide out in a small Georgia town where a cruel white sheriff is terrorising the black population. Together with Bell Coleman (played by Margaret Avery), they formulate a bold plan to fight for freedom and human rights.

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 🥄

pooky season, captured the old-fashioned way. 🖤📸
Studio Australis is back at our October Market for spooky tintype portraits during our favorite time of year.
Come dressed in something eerie, mysterious, witchy, gothic, ghostly, strange…or just wonderfully weird and have your portrait made using the historic tintype process. A one-of-a-kind keepsake that feels like it came straight out of another century.

🕯️ Sunday, October 11
📸 Appointments from 1–6 PM
🔗 Book your time here

Costumes encouraged. Spirits welcome. 👻

Homeschool Learning Series: Homeschool in The Gardens – August 26th

August 26 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina

🌿 Homeschool in The Gardens

📅 Wednesday, August 26

🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 💲

$25 per family

Pack your homeschool books, a picnic lunch, and a blanket for a relaxing day of outdoor learning. Families are invited to complete schoolwork while enjoying the beauty of The Gardens. Throughout the day, we’ll offer optional scavenger hunts, nature activities, crafts, read-alouds, guided garden tours, and opportunities to connect with other homeschool families.

$25

Wilmington, we know you’ve been making something.
Now you know where we’ll be watching.

📍 Eagle’s Dare
📅 October 15th, 2026

A night of short films, music videos, and unexpected creations made right here in Wilmington.

🎬 Short Films
🎵 Music Videos
🌀 Unexpected Creations

If it was shot and made in Wilmington, we want to see it.

Bring us the weird. The stuff you made because you just had to make it.

SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN NOW.
DEADLINE: 10.5.2026

Hosted by Honey Head Films

Against political resistance and industry skepticism, Latino director and playwright, Luis Valdez pushes Chicano storytelling from the fields to the film screen with La Bamba and Zoot Suit. His storytelling has crafted iconic works that challenge, celebrate, and expand America’s story. This documentary is an enlightening biography and defiant assertion of Chicano identity.

There will be a community discussion with the filmmaker and community partners after the screening. This screening is brought to you by South Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium, Cucalorus Film Foundation, and WHQR.

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

Wondering where we will 🐝 DJing our next public party? Join us Saturday October 17th at @satellitebarandlounge for a Retro Dance Party with some spooky season vibes. Satellite will debut their Halloween decor in time for our party. Can’t wait to see! 😍👻🎃🕷️

🤎FALL MARKET🤎

Save the date! Join us on October 18th from 12–4PM for our 6th annual Fall Market. Come shop local + hang with us 🤎✨🎃

On the Fourth Friday of every month, galleries and art spaces in downtown Wilmington open their doors for an after-hours celebration of arts and culture. From 6–9 p.m., explore more than 20 participating galleries and creative spaces throughout the downtown area.

Discover a wide range of artistic genres—including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, metals, ceramics, mixed media, and more.

This free, self-guided tour invites you to enjoy rotating exhibitions at your own pace. Many galleries also feature the artist on-site, ready to talk about their work and creative process.

Check the website for participating galleries

Upcoming 2026 Fourth Friday Dates

September 25
October 23
November 27
December 18*

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 @ THE BREWERY! Bring the family for a day full of fun! 🍁

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

Come celebrate Halloween with us at the B.A.D. Boo Bash! 🎃👻 Bring the whole family out for a fun, family-friendly day of trick-or-treating, shopping, entertainment, food & drink specials, and a costume contest at Chow Town!

🍹 Parents, you can grab a drink and walk around while the kids trick-or-treat! Come dressed up, bring your candy buckets, and spend Halloween hanging out with us in the Brooklyn Arts Social District. 🕷️🧡

Costumes encouraged for kids AND adults! 🎃✨

DareDevil Improv Comedy presents: The Dynamo Show!

A monthly showcase of Wilmington’s finest actors, improvisors and comedians with one goal: to bring you the freshest and funniest talent to take the stage in a revolving menu of comedy shows chosen by YOU, the audience!

1st Thursday of the Month

8pm

Waterline Brewing Co.

721 Surry St.

A magical display of serious kite flyers sharing their sky art at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for the 20th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival presented by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. See incredible shapes, sizes, styles and of course colors as they float, soar and ride the air. Book a stay at one of our many hotels, motels and rental properties!

​Free Admission. Free parking and transport from Blakeslee Air Force Base Recreation Area Saturday & Sunday. Handicap accessible with support from Ocean Cure!

Festivities begin at Friday afternoon at the​ Kure Beach Pier with a sneak peak of kites in flight! Friday evening at dusk on the Carolina Beach Beachfront catch ‘CB Aglow' featuring lighted ground displays, fairy flutter flags, bubble waves and the 'Sand Glow Disco' neon dance party and a drone show!

Over 80 professional flyers display kites of all shapes and sizes! These larger than life creations take flight and fill the sky Saturday and Sunday in Kure Beach at historic Fort Fisher. The view just over the dunes is visible all the way to the NC aquarium.

Saturday & Sunday enjoy a boutique festival featuring music, local food trucks, wine, locally-brewed craft beer and locally-distilled craft rum tastings. Kids activities and fun food round out the festival.

Check social media for updates.

After 20 years of chronicling his Puerto Rican family, a director and his mother face devastating losses. Through tears and laughter, they craft animations that bring their loved ones back to life, discovering that every act of creation is also an act of letting go.

There will be a community discussion with the filmmaker and community partners after the screening. This screening is brought to you by South Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium, Cucalorus Film Foundation, and WHQR.

Join Us for Shipwreck H-D’s 2nd Anniversary Bash: Sound Off Competition!

Two years on the road, and we’re just getting started! Shipwreck H-D is excited to invite the entire Harley-Davidson community and all motorcycle enthusiasts to our 2nd Anniversary Party on Saturday, November 7th, starting at 12 PM.

This isn't just a party; it's a statement. We're celebrating our milestone with an adrenaline-pumping, King of the Hill-style Sound Off Competition. Think you have the most powerful audio system? Prove it!

Watch (and hear!) as the loudest bikes go head-to-head for the crown and ultimate bragging rights.

But the rumble is just the beginning. The day is designed for the whole family and the entire biker community to enjoy:

-Audio Competition: The main event! Witness high-caliber sound systems and cheer for your favorites.
-Food Trucks: Fuel your day with delicious local food from a variety of trucks.
-Local Vendors: Explore unique goods and services from vendors in the Wilmington area.
-Outdoor Games: Show off your competitive spirit with fun games and challenges.
-Raffle Items: Get your tickets for a chance to win incredible prizes throughout the day!

Whether you’re a long-time Harley owner, dreaming of your first bike, or just love great audio and community vibes, this is an event you won't want to miss. Admission is open to all!

The Arty Party is BACK! Join us on November 7 from 6–9 PM for our signature arts fundraiser. Enjoy a night of art appreciation, live performances, music, food, and drinks. You won’t want to miss this year’s “Café des Artistes." Mark your calendars and get ready to party! 🥂🎨

Told entirely from the perspective of its avian protagonist, Hen follows a chicken who escapes an industrial farm only to find herself navigating the pecking order of a crumbling seaside restaurant in Greece. As she fights to protect her eggs, she becomes an unwitting witness to the complex human lives around her as the restaurant is caught up in greed, smuggling, and the migrant crisis.

global community of independent media artists – building financial and creative careers through project funding, workforce development programs, project development support, exhibition, education, and residencies.

Cucalorus centers storytellers and media makers as dynamic contributors to engagement and impact in the world.

The Southern Lights at The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina

A Holiday Tradition You’ll Look Forward to Every Year

Experience the magic of the season at The Southern Lights, where thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays, delicious food, and unforgettable moments come together to create one of Eastern North Carolina’s favorite holiday traditions.

Wander through beautifully illuminated botanical gardens, climb aboard our Elf Quest Wagon Ride, explore the Holiday Maze, challenge your family in the Snowball Arena, roast s’mores by the fire, and enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer.

Whether you’re continuing a cherished family tradition, planning a festive date night, or gathering with friends and coworkers, The Southern Lights offers a memorable Christmas experience for guests of all ages.

Every ticket purchased supports The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, a nonprofit botanical garden dedicated to improving lives by cultivating inspiration.

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!

Always Looking explores the work of photographer Titus Brooks Heagins and the challenging questions his photos pose about the systemic neglect of society’s most vulnerable communities of color. Humanizing yet confrontational, Titus’ photographs document the overlooked: people who, through some intersection of poverty, race or gender/sexual identity, exist as outsiders.

Grab a drink at the Jengo's bar at 6:30 PM before the film starts. This is a co-partnership screening with the Cameron Art Museum.

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