Community Calendar

Wilmington Margarita Festival Brings a Margarita Tasting Competition to ChowTown Wilmington July 18, 2026
Wilmington, NC— Margarita lovers are invited to sip, savor, and vote at the Wilmington Margarita Festival on Saturday, July 18, 2026. This one-day event is the ultimate margarita tasting competition, bringing together 2,500 margarita lovers to help crown THE BEST MARGARITA in Wilmington.
Hosted by the International Margarita Organization, the festival features a head-to-head showdown between Wilmington’s top bars and restaurants. Attendees serve as judges, tasting a wide range of margarita styles — from sweet and sultry, to spicy and bold, to wild, out-of-this-world creations — and casting their vote for their favorite.
Each entry ticket includes TEN 3.5oz margarita samples, the largest pours allowed by law, each served over ice by participating Wilmington’s bars and restaurants. The winning bar or restaurant will receive $1,000 and ultimate bragging rights.
In addition to the margarita tasting competition, the Margarita Festival will feature a live DJ, street food vendors, a beer garden, and a chance to win a dream trip to Mexico. A portion of the proceeds supports children’s charities, allowing attendees to enjoy the festival while giving back.
How the Festival Works
Guests choose General Admission or VIP tickets for early entry and perks
Upon arrival, attendees receive a Margarita Sampling Card & Voting Chip
Guests sip through 10 margarita samples
Attendees can dance, eat, drink, and enter the Mexico trip raffle (proceeds go to charity)
Votes are cast to determine who takes the crown — and who wins the vacation
Event Details
Event: The Wilmington Margarita Festival
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Description: Margarita Tasting Contest, Live DJ, Food Vendors, Beer Garden, and a Trip Giveaway

Tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wilmington-margarita-festival-tickets-1981878818898?aff=ebdsoporgprofile#location

Experience the charm and creativity of coastal North Carolina at the Historic Downtown Wilmington Marketplace’s Sunday Artisan Market. Held weekly on Dock Street (between Front and 2nd Streets), just steps from the downtown Riverwalk, this open-air market brings together a thoughtfully curated collection of local artists, makers, and small businesses in the heart of Wilmington.

Each Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, visitors can stroll through a vibrant street market filled with handcrafted goods, original artwork, and unique artisan pieces. From fine art and pottery to woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and mixed media, the market showcases a diverse range of creative expressions. Every booth offers something one-of-a-kind, making it the perfect place to discover meaningful pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

The Sunday Artisan Market is ideal for tourists exploring Wilmington, locals seeking a relaxing and inspiring weekend outing, and anyone who values handmade, high-quality goods. Its central location makes it easy to pair with brunch, shopping, or a day along the waterfront. Guests can enjoy the energy of downtown, take a walk along the nearby Riverwalk, and connect directly with artists—learning about their craft and the stories behind their work.

Admission is free and open to the public. Come experience the creativity, meet the makers, and be part of Wilmington’s growing arts scene.

Location: Dock Street (between Front & 2nd Streets), near the Downtown Riverwalk
When: Every Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Admission: Free

This festival will include 5 independent bookstores from the region and 11 local artists and authors all offered inside of HiWIre Brewery's air conditioned coolness! This family friendly event will allow shoppers to comfortably explore area bookstores, artists, and authors. There is something for everyone!
Pop in, grab a drink, and start your shopping early.

Experience the charm and creativity of coastal North Carolina at the Historic Downtown Wilmington Marketplace’s Sunday Artisan Market. Held weekly on Dock Street (between Front and 2nd Streets), just steps from the downtown Riverwalk, this open-air market brings together a thoughtfully curated collection of local artists, makers, and small businesses in the heart of Wilmington.

Each Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, visitors can stroll through a vibrant street market filled with handcrafted goods, original artwork, and unique artisan pieces. From fine art and pottery to woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and mixed media, the market showcases a diverse range of creative expressions. Every booth offers something one-of-a-kind, making it the perfect place to discover meaningful pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

The Sunday Artisan Market is ideal for tourists exploring Wilmington, locals seeking a relaxing and inspiring weekend outing, and anyone who values handmade, high-quality goods. Its central location makes it easy to pair with brunch, shopping, or a day along the waterfront. Guests can enjoy the energy of downtown, take a walk along the nearby Riverwalk, and connect directly with artists—learning about their craft and the stories behind their work.

Admission is free and open to the public. Come experience the creativity, meet the makers, and be part of Wilmington’s growing arts scene.

Location: Dock Street (between Front & 2nd Streets), near the Downtown Riverwalk
When: Every Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Admission: Free

Experience the charm and creativity of coastal North Carolina at the Historic Downtown Wilmington Marketplace’s Sunday Artisan Market. Held weekly on Dock Street (between Front and 2nd Streets), just steps from the downtown Riverwalk, this open-air market brings together a thoughtfully curated collection of local artists, makers, and small businesses in the heart of Wilmington.

Each Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, visitors can stroll through a vibrant street market filled with handcrafted goods, original artwork, and unique artisan pieces. From fine art and pottery to woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and mixed media, the market showcases a diverse range of creative expressions. Every booth offers something one-of-a-kind, making it the perfect place to discover meaningful pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

The Sunday Artisan Market is ideal for tourists exploring Wilmington, locals seeking a relaxing and inspiring weekend outing, and anyone who values handmade, high-quality goods. Its central location makes it easy to pair with brunch, shopping, or a day along the waterfront. Guests can enjoy the energy of downtown, take a walk along the nearby Riverwalk, and connect directly with artists—learning about their craft and the stories behind their work.

Admission is free and open to the public. Come experience the creativity, meet the makers, and be part of Wilmington’s growing arts scene.

Location: Dock Street (between Front & 2nd Streets), near the Downtown Riverwalk
When: Every Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Admission: Free

Jack Johnson: SURFILMUSIC traces the journey from his early days making 16mm surf films with friends on Oahu’s North Shore to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in modern music. Through rare archival footage and present-day reflections, the documentary explores how surfing, filmmaking, friendship, and the ocean inspired the songs that launched his career and helped shape modern surf culture.

Experience the charm and creativity of coastal North Carolina at the Historic Downtown Wilmington Marketplace’s Sunday Artisan Market. Held weekly on Dock Street (between Front and 2nd Streets), just steps from the downtown Riverwalk, this open-air market brings together a thoughtfully curated collection of local artists, makers, and small businesses in the heart of Wilmington.

Each Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, visitors can stroll through a vibrant street market filled with handcrafted goods, original artwork, and unique artisan pieces. From fine art and pottery to woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and mixed media, the market showcases a diverse range of creative expressions. Every booth offers something one-of-a-kind, making it the perfect place to discover meaningful pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

The Sunday Artisan Market is ideal for tourists exploring Wilmington, locals seeking a relaxing and inspiring weekend outing, and anyone who values handmade, high-quality goods. Its central location makes it easy to pair with brunch, shopping, or a day along the waterfront. Guests can enjoy the energy of downtown, take a walk along the nearby Riverwalk, and connect directly with artists—learning about their craft and the stories behind their work.

Admission is free and open to the public. Come experience the creativity, meet the makers, and be part of Wilmington’s growing arts scene.

Location: Dock Street (between Front & 2nd Streets), near the Downtown Riverwalk
When: Every Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Admission: Free

Peace, Love, & Grooveline. This August 15th marks 57 years since the original Woodstock festival, and we're celebrating the only way we know how... with Groovestock! Spend the day enjoying flower-powered Grooveline THC beverages, hanging out on The Cannabus, shopping local vendors, gabbing food from Smash N Dash & Well Fed Ed food trucks, rocking your best tie-dye, catching live music from the Possum Casserole from 4–6 PM and...make sure to get here early for a Jimi Hendrix inspired National Anthem performance by Bradford Dawson! Meet us under the bridge on August 15 from 12-6PM for a groovy day of good drinks, immaculate vibes, great music, and far-out flavors from Grooveline beverages.

Experience the charm and creativity of coastal North Carolina at the Historic Downtown Wilmington Marketplace’s Sunday Artisan Market. Held weekly on Dock Street (between Front and 2nd Streets), just steps from the downtown Riverwalk, this open-air market brings together a thoughtfully curated collection of local artists, makers, and small businesses in the heart of Wilmington.

Each Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, visitors can stroll through a vibrant street market filled with handcrafted goods, original artwork, and unique artisan pieces. From fine art and pottery to woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and mixed media, the market showcases a diverse range of creative expressions. Every booth offers something one-of-a-kind, making it the perfect place to discover meaningful pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

The Sunday Artisan Market is ideal for tourists exploring Wilmington, locals seeking a relaxing and inspiring weekend outing, and anyone who values handmade, high-quality goods. Its central location makes it easy to pair with brunch, shopping, or a day along the waterfront. Guests can enjoy the energy of downtown, take a walk along the nearby Riverwalk, and connect directly with artists—learning about their craft and the stories behind their work.

Admission is free and open to the public. Come experience the creativity, meet the makers, and be part of Wilmington’s growing arts scene.

Location: Dock Street (between Front & 2nd Streets), near the Downtown Riverwalk
When: Every Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Admission: Free

Experience the charm and creativity of coastal North Carolina at the Historic Downtown Wilmington Marketplace’s Sunday Artisan Market. Held weekly on Dock Street (between Front and 2nd Streets), just steps from the downtown Riverwalk, this open-air market brings together a thoughtfully curated collection of local artists, makers, and small businesses in the heart of Wilmington.

Each Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, visitors can stroll through a vibrant street market filled with handcrafted goods, original artwork, and unique artisan pieces. From fine art and pottery to woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and mixed media, the market showcases a diverse range of creative expressions. Every booth offers something one-of-a-kind, making it the perfect place to discover meaningful pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

The Sunday Artisan Market is ideal for tourists exploring Wilmington, locals seeking a relaxing and inspiring weekend outing, and anyone who values handmade, high-quality goods. Its central location makes it easy to pair with brunch, shopping, or a day along the waterfront. Guests can enjoy the energy of downtown, take a walk along the nearby Riverwalk, and connect directly with artists—learning about their craft and the stories behind their work.

Admission is free and open to the public. Come experience the creativity, meet the makers, and be part of Wilmington’s growing arts scene.

Location: Dock Street (between Front & 2nd Streets), near the Downtown Riverwalk
When: Every Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Admission: Free