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

The action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Now audiences can experience Jurassic Park as never before: projected in HD and accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams' iconic score live to picture.

URL:
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3737425-0?pid=10303

Date and Time: On Saturday July 18, 2026 at 14:30 - 17:00

Venue details: Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College, 703 North 3rd Street, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401, United States

Category: Live Music | Concert

Price:
General Admission: USD 47.98

Join us for Live Music Sundays at Flytrap Brewing- this week we have local powerhouse Delia Stanley from 3–6 PM! Bringing a mix of high-energy rock, pop, and original songs, Delia always puts on a great performance.

Come hungry, too—Fusion Fries will be serving up their fresh-cut, loaded fry creations from 3–6 PM. The only thing better than a basket of fries? Pairing them with your favorite Flytrap pint.

Grab your friends and spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon with solid tunes, yummy food, and plenty of tasty brews!

Join the folks at Fermental as we celebrate the arrival of February with our weekly SUNDAY JAZZ JAM, hosted by local artist, Jay Killman.

5pm - 8pm

With a solid foundation of house musicians including Killman, Jon Hill, and Gabrielle Sánchez, this recurring renaissance of jazz welcomes all level of performers: students, professionals, and beginners.

Bring your instrument or bring your ear and enjoy a weekly session of jazz artists and jazz enthusiasts.

Family friendly. Pet friendly.
FREE parking available throughout the Cargo District

More info: 910.821.0362

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Host Jay Killman is a professional musician performing with a wide array of acts including jazz ensembles, singer songwriters, hip hop groups, and fusion bands. He is also an avid composer, arranger and teacher. He is currently an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. www.jaykillmanmusic.com

Soup to Nuts Live! presents The Little Mercies on Sunday, July 19th. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and show starts at 7:00 p.m. Reserve your seats by sending an email to soup@whqr.org or call 910-3431640 Ext 203 during regular business hours. ($10 suggested donation).

Got something to share? Join the folks at Fermental for our WEEKLY OPEN MIC, every Tuesday evening in the Cargo District.

STRINGS & THINGS is an opportunity to share a few songs, limericks, poetry, comedy, and more.
Bring you instrument to plug in and play. Every Tuesday. Every week. All skill levels. All genres. All fun.

Beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

ZEKE SMASH: BURGERS & BEYOND 12pm-8pm

Family friendly. Pet friendly. Free parking.
600 S. 17th St. Wilmington. NC 28401. 910.821.0362

Sunset Cruise with Live Music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday through October 25

Looking for a fun way to end your fun day in Wilmington? Look no further! Come aboard The “Wilmington”, our comfortable 49 passenger motor catamaran, for a Sunset Cruise on the Cape Fear River. Our full bar offers refreshments and snacks for all ages.

Whether you are looking for a special setting for a date night or looking to enjoy some quality time with family and friends, our Sunset Cruise is the perfect choice for an evening activity on the Cape Fear River.

This is a one-of-a-kind music venue in Wilmington and this is one of our most popular excursions, so be sure to book early! This is a 90 minute cruise $40. Boarding 15 minutes prior. Check our Tour Calendar for the featured musicians for each cruise.

Break out the neon, tease that hair, and get ready to rewind the clock to the raddest decade ever! Join us for Back in Time: 80’s Night on Friday, July 24th from 6–9 PM for a totally tubular evening of music, nostalgia, and fun. Classic 80’s music will be performed by Back Flash from 7-9PM, a best dressed contest with prizes, photo-ops, & more! Free entry!

Join the folks at Fermental as we celebrate the arrival of February with our weekly SUNDAY JAZZ JAM, hosted by local artist, Jay Killman.

5pm - 8pm

With a solid foundation of house musicians including Killman, Jon Hill, and Gabrielle Sánchez, this recurring renaissance of jazz welcomes all level of performers: students, professionals, and beginners.

Bring your instrument or bring your ear and enjoy a weekly session of jazz artists and jazz enthusiasts.

Family friendly. Pet friendly.
FREE parking available throughout the Cargo District

More info: 910.821.0362

*************************
Host Jay Killman is a professional musician performing with a wide array of acts including jazz ensembles, singer songwriters, hip hop groups, and fusion bands. He is also an avid composer, arranger and teacher. He is currently an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. www.jaykillmanmusic.com

Got something to share? Join the folks at Fermental for our WEEKLY OPEN MIC, every Tuesday evening in the Cargo District.

STRINGS & THINGS is an opportunity to share a few songs, limericks, poetry, comedy, and more.
Bring you instrument to plug in and play. Every Tuesday. Every week. All skill levels. All genres. All fun.

Beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

ZEKE SMASH: BURGERS & BEYOND 12pm-8pm

Family friendly. Pet friendly. Free parking.
600 S. 17th St. Wilmington. NC 28401. 910.821.0362