Jun 23 Tuesday
Wilmington’s beloved free-to-the-public performances return with something truly special, The Shakespeare Dream Festival —where visitors and locals alike gather for free, family-friendly performances of the Bard’s most beloved works under the stars at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Cape Fear Shakespeare – 34th Season Shakespeare Dream Festival Celebration! • A Midsummer Night’s Dream – CF Shakespeare on the Green • 12th Night, or What Evah – The Shakespeare Youth Company • The Shakespeare Dream Garden
Jun 24 Wednesday
Under the shade of the Magnolias and Oaks of Historic Poplar Grove is one of Wilmington’s longest running outdoor markets, now in its 18th year. Stroll the grounds of a pre-revolutionary war site, visit with the Artists of the Grove or sign up for workshops, order a specialty coffee or icy cold lemonade and shop for farm fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, food and beverages of all types as well as artisan crafted goods. We are family and dog friendly with loads of free parking and never a fee for the Wednesday market. The 1850’s manor house is open for touring as are The Shoppes at Poplar Grove, home to Grumpy Grandpa’s Coffee, Queen Esther Herbal Teas and The Hive on the Hill mercantile and gift shop. The market runs every Wednesday from 9-1 from May 20th until August 26th for the 2026 season. Poplar Grove is a non-profit organization dedicated to Education, Conservation and Preservation. Please visit our website at www.poplargrove.org to learn more or follow us on Facebook at farmersmarketpoplargrove or poplar_grove on Instagram to join in our journey.
Jun 25 Thursday
Mr. Scooter is a Wilmington, North Carolina–based storyteller, rapper, and children’s librarian who brings books to life through high-energy performances that blend hip-hop, humor, and audience participation. He is the creator of Book Wrangler and Rap Battle of the Books and has released two children’s albums as Melvil Dewey – International Library Hip Hop Superstar.
Jun 26 Friday
Jun 27 Saturday
Local Film History River Cruise -June 27 10 am and Noon
There’s nothing quite like the Wilmington film industry, and its story is one made for the big screen. Join Wilmington Water Tours and film/TV writer Hunter Ingram for a cinematic river cruise through the history of local film, with behind-the-scenes insight into local projects like “Firestarter,” “Dawson’s Creek,” “One Tree Hill,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “Iron Man 3,” “The Conjuring,” “Scream,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and the newest addition to ILM’s Hollywood legacy, Netflix’s “The Waterfront.” This is our most popular cruise yet!
This is a 90 minute cruise $40. There is a second cruise at Noon on this date as well. Boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure.
Jun 28 Sunday
History Buffs Dream Cruise!Set sail through centuries of history on this immersive cruise led by acclaimed historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle. Each month, Dr. Fonvielle explores a different era of Wilmington and Cape Fear’s fascinating past — from early European exploration to the rise of the port city, to the dramatic battles and blockades of the Civil War. A gifted storyteller and local expert, Dr. Fonvielle brings depth, detail, and personality to every tale, all while cruising the scenic Cape Fear River.
Whether you are a lifelong history buff or just curious about the forces that shaped this region, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn while enjoying a relaxing, scenic cruise. Topics rotate monthly, so every trip offers a new perspective on Wilmington’s place in American history. Call our office for monthly topics.
Our boat, the Wilmington is a 49 passenger motor catamaran with a full bar with refreshments for all ages and a restroom on board. We offer 360 degree views of .our historic riverfront and the beauty of the river. This is a 90 minute cruise $45. Boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure.