Events

Join Airlie Gardens as they host UnFROGetable 14th Annual Art in the Garden with larger than life toad-tastic sculptures nestled throughout the grounds. This year's exhibit features fancifully decorated colorful giant frogs placed for you to enjoy as part of your garden experience. They will even…

Autumn isn't complete without a trip to the Trask Family Farm Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, one of the biggest in the area where pumpkins are actually grown on the farm! Grab a wagon, shears, and hunt for your perfect pumpkin. Pick your pumpkin then stay and make a day of it with Wilmington's…

Pleasure Island, made up of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher, provides the perfect coastline for surf fishing and is home to the area's premiere land-based surf fishing tournament. Everyone is welcome to come and join this weekend of fall fishing for a chance to win over $30,000 in cash…

Experience and explore the wonders of Pleasure Island (comprised of Kure Beach and Carolina Beach) on a ten mile bicycle adventure. Welcoming bicycles of all types with helmets required, this leisurely (5-10 miles per hour) ride offers a chance to see all the island offers. Don't have a bike? Rent…

Join the fun of the spirited Monster Dash, a 5K trail run in Carolina Beach State Park celebrating Halloween and Great State Trails Day! All ages, levels of speed and ability can race along this rolling pine-laced single track with stunning water views. Participants have tons of interesting…

Join the knowledgeable guides from Cape Fear Bird Observatory and their partners for a family friendly fun nature walk! Meeting at the Greenfield Lake boathouse (near the tennis courts) for an informational session usually beginning at 9:00 AM followed by a narrated 60 minute stroll around the…

On the first and third Saturday of every month, from 10:00am to 11:30am dive into fascinating history, vibrant horticulture, and more during a leisurely walking tour at Airlie Gardens. Discover how original owners, Pembroke and Sarah Jones, first fashioned Airlie as a private space, as well the…

Held on the sandy shore just north of the Kure Beach Pier, enjoy yoga accessible for all both physically and financially. A short drive or bike ride from Carolina Beach, you are welcome to join a class whether you are a local or a visitor to Pleasure Island. Start time varies by date with…

Start your spooky Halloween season by running for your life in hilarious Zombie Run! Doomed participants navigate a non-timed 5K course with a flag belt while groups of costumed zombies stationed and hidden throughout the course try to pull flags from the runners' belts. Participants who complete…

Prepare to be amazed by the tranquility and breathtaking scenery along the northwest Cape Fear River and the Black River. Experience the beauty and natural history of the Cape Fear region during a four hour narrated nature cruise along these scenic, historic coastal rivers aboard the Henrietta…

Explore Carolina Beach State Park on a guided bird walk lead by park staff along Snows Cut Trail. No previous experience is necessary. Beginning at the Marina, the easy hike will be approximately two miles long over flat terrain lasting approximately two hours. Both novice and avid birders will…

Sit back and embrace the wondrous scenery of the Cape Fear waterways as you embark on this special adventure with Jill Peleuses of Wild Bird & Garden. Feel like a true explorer and bring your cameras and binoculars along and let the three bird experts on board help you identify different species…

What is more exciting than a wonderful cruise with a story unlike any other? Cruise the Cape Fear for 90 minutes and learn of the night, on a rare snowy evening, when the famed Steamer Wilmington encountered two Revolutionary soldiers' ghosts. Enjoy a tall tale first published in 1988, told by…

Join fellow art and nature lovers as North Carolina artists and artisans show their two and three dimensional creations throughout the splendor of the seven acre gardens, including sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, photographs, and more. There will also be over 80 booths providing a wide variety of…

Fun for everyone! Join special tours with educators discovering exemplary birding hotspots. Ideal for all experience levels including novice, most are walking, but there are special tours designed for those with mobility issues. Watch for some seasonal tours for example: Owl Prowls or Birding at…

Discover this enchanting secret gathering garden a short walk from historic downtown in the eclectic Soda Pop District. A collaborative effort by plant lovers, they are open four fun-tastic days during one long weekend each month with exciting offerings like food trucks; libations including beer…

Stroll through Airlie Gardens and enjoy millions of festive twinkling Christmas lights, holiday flowers and musical entertainment for the whole family. This beloved Wilmington event continues to enchant visitors year after year. Please plan ahead, online tickets must be purchased in advance and…

Cruise the Cape Fear River and experience the bright sights, Christmas sounds and tastes of the holidays. Listen to local musicians perform live holiday tunes while sampling yuletide cocktails and light appetizers. Enjoy the views of the sights of magical lights while cruising along the historic…

Enjoy Santa by the Sea as the Town of Carolina Beach becomes an island of lights with homes and businesses at their festive finest to get you in the holiday spirit. Stroll the famous Carolina Beach Lake Park decked in sparkling splendor beginning late November, and be treated to a host of fun…

Welcome Christmas Holidays on the shore with the family friendly festive giant Palm Tree Lighting! Join the fun of a seaside evening with festive light displays on the Carolina Beach Pier as well as a cozy indoor Holiday Pop Up Bar on Pier House Third Floor that will leave you merry and bright…

Providing the perfect coastline for surf fishing, Pleasure Island home to Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher, holds the area's premiere land-based team surf fishing tournament. Everyone is welcome to come and join this weekend of fishing for a chance to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes…