Wilmington, NC’s First & Only Indie Comic Festival returns for its fifth year.

We proudly announce that Stone Soup Zine Fest is to return once again to Wilmington on August 9th, 2025. This exciting and entertaining annual pop-up market focuses and celebrates cartoonists, small press publishing, and indie artists from all over the East Coast. All are welcome to join us from Noon to 5pm at the Hannah Block Community Center at 120 South 2nd Street in downtown Wilmington. It is free to attend and is recommended for all ages interested in comic books and alternative art.

‘Zine’, short for magazine or fanzine, is an affectionate term for a non-commercial publication on many varieties of subjects and passions. This alternative form of art can be represented in many different ways, but the point is that it can be done by anyone and easily understood by everyone. Come discover this medium through our vendors. Many of the 45+ vendors draw their own stories, from action-adventure to auto-biographical to political and informational. If you are looking for something beyond the big name comic genres, then this is the place to come to. Find and meet your new favorite artist!

We are also very proud to be a supporter and partner of Encore Magazine, Wilmington’s voice for local arts for over twenty years before its hiatus in 2020. Other members of the community we are hosting at the event will include the Cape Fear Literacy Council and New Hanover County Public Library, both providing information and activities. We will also feature Current Coffee (located at 1222 South 3rd Street) onsite with pastries and coffee for sale.

At Stone Soup Zine Fest, you will find a variety of prints, apparel, poetry, pottery and more for sale, making this a truly one-of-a-kind market. Most of the subject matter is aimed towards teenagers to young adults, so parental discretion may be advised to younger children. It is a great event for those that are looking to inspire their creative child, or to find unique and affordable art. Admission is free, and we can't wait to see you there! See our updates and vendor showcase at our Instagram @stonesoupzinefest.