Revered as one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the state, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival is a big event that attracts visitors from all along the coastline and miles beyond to the charming town of Southport. Boasting a parade, a fair-style collection of vendors, a myriad of shows and activities, and a stunning display of fireworks over the water, this annual event lives up to its reputation as one of the most beloved 4th of July celebrations on the coast.
Revered as one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the state, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival is a big event that attracts visitors from all along the coastline and miles beyond to the charming town of Southport. Boasting a parade, a fair-style collection of vendors, a myriad of shows and activities, and a stunning display of fireworks over the water, this annual event lives up to its reputation as one of the most beloved 4th of July celebrations on the coast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pleasure Island is inherently known for celebrating life on the water, and at this holiday event, spectators and participants alike will enjoy a glowing show in one of the prettiest corners of the waterfront Cape Fear region. The Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla is an annual tradition that rings in the holidays with plenty of dazzling style, and which is sure to charm and delight anyone with a front-row seat along the Intracoastal Waterway.
For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has reigned supreme as one of the biggest and best festivals along the southeast coastline, and newcomers are welcome to join in the fun to experience full days of vendors, live music, parades, and other events that shine a spotlight on the lively city of Wilmington. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has emerged as one of the most anticipated events in the state, and the celebration attracts visitors from all over the world who want to discover how enchanting the Cape Fear region can be.
Take advantage of an opportunity to see some of the most prestigious and breathtaking gardens in the downtown Wilmington area and beyond with this special tour that coincides with the annual Azalea Festival. The Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour is an annual tour that has been featured in multiple publications like Southern Living magazine, and which introduced garden fans to some of the most stunning landscapes that the Cape Fear area has to offer.
-
Cape Fear Blues Festival
June 19th, 2026 - June 21st, 2026 -
North Carolina Treasures Weekend
June 19th, 2026 - June 21st, 2026 -
Poplar Grove Open Air Market
June 24th, 2026 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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...
Appreciate resort style amenities and handsome sunsets in this 2BR/2BA Oceanview Condo! Direct beach access, community pool, tennis court, and cabana, this condo has it all!Recently Updated! The ultimate hideaway awaits you in this cavernous...
- Wrightsville Beach
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6
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...


