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

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

Free health screenings and vision screenings with the Novant Community Care Cruiser, CFCC nursing students, and the Wilmington Lions Club

School supply giveaways

Guided treks along the St. Francis Way nature trail

Camping demo by Cub Scout Pack #205

Games and music directed by UNCW’s Exercise Science Student Association

A fire truck display from New Hanover County Fire and Rescue

Water and bike safety resources provided by New Hanover County Health and Human Services
On-site assistance from Medicaid and WIC representatives
Anti-bullying, school safety, and youth violence intervention information by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office
Information on crisis intervention, justice services, and mental health by Coastal Horizons

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

In Kingdom of the Evening, filmmaker and surfer Kepa Acero returns to Morocco 15 years after an unforgettable solo adventure to reunite with Yassine—now known as Snoopy Style, a beloved local surf guide whose life has evolved alongside the changing coastline of Taghazout. It's a moving story of friendship, memory, and the passage of time.

Then, lighten the mood with Fun Island, a charming travelogue from Wilmington filmmaker Jason Andre. When a dream surf trip takes an unexpected turn during the COVID era, two friends find themselves stranded in quarantine on the aptly named "Fun Island," proving that even the best-laid adventures rarely go according to plan.

Together, these films remind us that the best surf stories aren't just about chasing waves—they're about the people you meet and the memories you make along the way.

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

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