11 September . 2024
Wilmington Fall Festivals
Wilmington’s Fall Festivals
September and October are loaded with fun, some funky and mostly family friendly things to do. Make your plans now!
September 13 – 14: The Latte Art Showdown & Coffee Fest
Enjoy coffee samples and meet the best coffee roasters, coffee shops, tea suppliers, and all-things-coffee-related while supporting local baristas, roasters and non-profits. Check the schedule and head to Wilmington’s Cargo District for this java-themed fest.
September 14: Port City Jerry Day
This charitable event supports the United Way of the Cape Fear Area and presents the enduring music of the Grateful Dead presented by a variety of cover bands and headliner, Hyryder. Gates open at 5; music starts at 5:30.
September 14: American Craft Walk
The American Craft Walk is Wilmington’s largest outdoor art show and sale featuring more than 100 of the region’s finest artists of handmade and homemade items. Stroll along downtown streets as you discover fine artists displaying jewelry, pottery, fiber, photography, glass and more.
September 18 - 21: Cape Fear Native Plant Festival
Learn more about our region’s native plants with evening speakers on September 18, 19, and 20 at the New Hanover County Arboretum. On Saturday, September 21st, visitors can shop at local plant vendors throughout the Cape Fear Region. September 20 - 21: Ocean Fest Oysterpalooza & Music Festival
Enjoy a night in Surf City with oysters, beer and wine, local eats, and killer live music from some of the region’s top bands. An entry ticket includes a dozen oysters!
September 20 – 21: Carolina Beach Dragon Beach Regatta
Witness costumed teams racing dragon-themed watercraft. Kickoff party with live music is 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Seawitch Cafe & Tiki Bar; races on the 21st.
September 21: Oktoberfest at Watermans Brewing Company
Waterman's Brewing Company celebrates the opening day of Munich's Oktoberfest. Costumes are encouraged; enjoy German food, German oompah music and beer, of course! Waterman’s is near Wrightsville Beach.
September 21: Cape Fear Latino Festival
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Riverfront Park/Live Oak Pavilion, downtown. From 2 to 8, enjoy this family-friendly festival celebrating local Latino and Hispanic culture with live music and dance performances, children’s games, food trucks and more.
September 28: Pier Palooza Music Festival
Pier Palooza Music Festival on the Pier at Port City Marina downtown brings an unforgettable night of music with The Vegabonds from Nashville, TN, alongside Wilmington's own The Blue Footed Boobies and Machine Gun Band.
October 5: Wilmington Pottery Festival
Fat Cat Pottery hosts the annual Pottery Festival at picturesque Trask Family Farm. From 10 to 4, enjoy all things pottery, with local and regional potters, artists and enthusiasts for demonstrations, workshops and shopping.
October 5: Pets in the Park
The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce hosts this family-friendly celebration of pets and pet-friendly businesses at Carolina Beach Lake Park. From 10 to 2 enjoy live music, an "ask the vet" booth, food trucks, face-painting, pet costume and trick contests, giveaways and a mimosa and beer garden. PleasureIslandNC.org.
October 5: Fire in the Pines
This annual festival raises awareness about controlled burns in the longleaf pine ecosystem. From 10 to 3 at Halyburton Park, Fire in the Pines features activities for kids, fire equipment on display, hayrides, educational exhibits, live tunes from the Folkstone String Band, food trucks, raptor shows and, for the festival's grand finale, a live fire demonstration.
October 5 - 6: Riverfest
Wilmington's biggest annual fall festival Riverfest runs through Historic Downtown Wilmington along Front Street between Chestnut and Orange Street. It features a fab street fair with food booths and craft vendors, along with a children's entertainment, live music and a car show.
October 19: Wilmington Oktoberfest
This celebration of Bavarian food, beer and culture is hosted at the Ogden Tap Room from Noon to 7. Enjoy live polka and Blaskapelle (brass band, think: oompah) along with German food, brew and of course the festival's beloved "wiener dog" races.
October 19 - 20: North Carolina Oyster Festival
This Ocean Isle Beach festival was founded in 1978 and features kids' activities, arts and crafts, live music and contests that include oyster shucking, oyster eating and oyster cooking. And, lots and lots, or should we say “bushels and bushels” of oysters. NCOysterFestival.com.
October 25 - 26: Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival
Lighthouse Beer & Wine hosts this annual and huge festival featuring dozens of breweries and wineries. From Noon to 5, at Live Oak Bank Pavilion downtown. Live music adds a party vibe, with proceeds benefiting the Carousel Child Advocacy Center.