Wilmington Events Guide: Fall & Holiday 2026

Wilmington’s event calendar is packed from September through December, with major concerts, theater productions, food and beverage festivals, cultural celebrations, outdoor events, and holiday traditions happening throughout the city.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, looking for live music, or simply want to enjoy more of what the Port City has to offer, here are some of the biggest events currently scheduled between now and the end of 2026.

Event information was compiled on September 14, 2026.

September 2026

Koe Wetzel

September 16
Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Country-rock artist Koe Wetzel performs at Live Oak Bank Pavilion.

Pixies

September 16
Wilson Center

The alternative rock band Pixies comes to the Wilson Center for an evening of live music.

Wilmington Coffee Fest

September 18–19
Wilmington

This annual celebration of coffee culture brings together local and regional coffee shops, roasters, bakers, artisans, and coffee enthusiasts.

Widespread Panic

September 18–19
Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Widespread Panic returns to Wilmington for a two-night concert experience on the riverfront.

ARTFall Art Show and Sale

September 18–26
Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center

A juried exhibition and sale featuring work by established and emerging artists.

Flytrap Brewing Pumpkin Patch Grand Opening

September 19
Flytrap Brewing

Includes a market, food trucks, live music, and Flytrap’s annual pumpkin patch.

Porchfest

September 19
Downtown Wilmington

Porchfest features local musicians performing on porches throughout the historic downtown area.

Foreigner: Celebrating Fifty Years

September 20
Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Foreigner celebrates five decades of music with a live performance at Live Oak Bank Pavilion.

Charley Crockett with Durand Jones & The Indications

September 21
Live Oak Bank Pavilion

A night of country, blues, soul, and Americana music on the Wilmington riverfront.

Dracula

September 25–October 4
Thalian Hall

A suspenseful theatrical adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic by Thalian Association Community Theatre.

Cape Fear Latinos Festival and Parade

September 26
Live Oak Bank Pavilion

This annual celebration highlights Latino culture, music, food, dance, and community throughout the Cape Fear region.

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra: Barber Violin Concerto and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9

September 26
Wilson Center

The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra opens its 2026–2027 season with an evening of classical music.

Airlie Gardens Fall Events

September–December
Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens hosts seasonal experiences including the Butterfly House, UnFROGettable: Art in the Garden, and other rotating programs and exhibitions.

Riverfront Farmers Market

Saturdays through November 21, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Dock Street

Local produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, coffee, honey, and artisan products.

October 2026

Jon Pardi with Alexandra Kay and Sadie Bass

October 1
Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Country music comes to Wilmington with Jon Pardi and special guests.

Waitress

October 2–4
Wilson Center

The popular Broadway musical Waitress comes to the Wilson Center for multiple performances.

Andy Frasco & The U.N.

October 2
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

An energetic evening of blues, rock, funk, and live improvisation at Greenfield Lake.

Lettuce

October 4
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

The funk and soul band performs at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater.

Vitamin String Quartet and Girl Named Tom

October 6
Wilson Center

A unique performance combining string arrangements with the vocal harmonies of Girl Named Tom.

The Doobie Brothers

October 6
Live Oak Bank Pavilion

The legendary rock band performs live on the Wilmington riverfront.

North Carolina Symphony: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

October 8
Wilson Center

The North Carolina Symphony continues its Wilmington series with an evening of classical music.

Trampled by Turtles with The Last Revel

October 8
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

An evening of folk, bluegrass, Americana, and roots music.

Whitney Cummings

October 9
Wilson Center

Comedian Whitney Cummings brings her stand-up tour to Wilmington.

Indigo Girls

October 11
Wilson Center

The acclaimed folk-rock duo performs at the Wilson Center.

Rodrigo y Gabriela

October 16
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

The celebrated guitar duo brings its acoustic, Latin-influenced sound to Greenfield Lake.

Ty Myers with Brent Cobb and Benny G

October 16
Live Oak Bank Pavilion

A night of modern country and Americana music.

Evan Honer with Zach Seabaugh

October 17
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

The rising singer-songwriter performs live at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater.

The Book of Mormon

October 19–20
Wilson Center

The award-winning musical comedy comes to Wilmington for two performances.

The Hip Abduction with Coyote Island

October 21
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

A live performance featuring tropical, reggae, and alternative influences.

Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival

October 24
Live Oak Bank Pavilion

One of the region’s largest beer and wine festivals features hundreds of local and regional beverages, live music, food, and festival activities. The event benefits the Carousel Child Advocacy Center. Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival

Ghostbusters in Concert

October 24
Wilson Center

Watch the classic film accompanied by a live musical performance.

Nightmare on the Pier with ALLEYCVT

October 30

The Pier at Port City Marina

This Halloween EDM experience brings rising bass artist ALLEYCVT to Wilmington’s waterfront for an evening of live music, professional sound and lighting, supporting performers, and costumes overlooking the Cape Fear River.

Halloween Events

Late October
Various Wilmington locations

Wilmington typically hosts Halloween parties, costume events, haunted tours, family activities, and seasonal events throughout downtown, local attractions, and surrounding beaches. Event details should be confirmed closer to the date.

November 2026

Spamalot

November 7–8
Wilson Center

The award-winning musical comedy comes to the Wilson Center.

Switchfoot with Anberlin

November 7
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

The rock bands perform together at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater.

The Elovaters

November 11
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

The Elovaters bring their coastal reggae-rock sound to Wilmington.

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

November 13
Wilson Center

Country music legend Marty Stuart performs with his band.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

November 20
Wilson Center

A Wilmington holiday tradition, Mannheim Steamroller brings its signature Christmas concert to the Wilson Center.

Nina West

November 21
Wilson Center

Drag performer and entertainer Nina West brings her live show to Wilmington.

Thanksgiving Weekend Events

Late November
Various Wilmington locations

Thanksgiving weekend traditionally includes holiday markets, seasonal shopping events, family activities, and the beginning of Wilmington’s Christmas programming.

December 2026

Wilmington Holiday Parade

December 6 or 7, date to be confirmed
Downtown Wilmington

The annual Wilmington Holiday Parade brings floats, marching bands, performers, and holiday spirit to downtown. The City of Wilmington’s official event listing should be checked for the confirmed 2026 date and route. City of Wilmington Holiday Parade

Christmas at The Cove

November 10–January 31
The Cove Riverwalk Villas

The Cove’s holiday season includes festive décor, themed stays, and seasonal experiences overlooking the Cape Fear River.

Holiday Pops

December
Wilson Center

The North Carolina Symphony’s holiday programming is expected to include its annual Wilmington Holiday Pops performance. The final date should be confirmed through the Wilson Center or North Carolina Symphony calendar.

Leslie Odom Jr.

December 17
Wilson Center

Actor and vocalist Leslie Odom Jr. performs at the Wilson Center.

Holiday 5K, 10K and 13.1-Mile Race

December 19
Halyburton Park

A holiday-themed race event for runners and walkers of multiple experience levels.

Holiday Markets and Seasonal Events

December
Downtown Wilmington, Airlie Gardens, local businesses, and surrounding beaches

Throughout December, Wilmington offers holiday markets, light displays, seasonal performances, shopping events, Christmas tours, family activities, and special dining experiences.