Community Calendar

Explore the waters on a custom pontoon boat around Masonboro Island and Wrightsville Beach. Captained by a naturalist ,this one hour trip provides a combination of natural history and local flora and fauna ecology

Join us for a public tour of Boundless, a sculpture by NC artist Stephen Hayes commemorating the United States Colored Troops and their fight for freedom led by Daniel Jones, CAM Cultural Curator.

The 1989 action drama, Riverbend, has been restored and recently praised for it's bold political edge. A black major (played by Steve James) and his men are on the run from a rigged court-martial and hide out in a small Georgia town where a cruel white sheriff is terrorising the black population. Together with Bell Coleman (played by Margaret Avery), they formulate a bold plan to fight for freedom and human rights.

The Friends of the New Hanover County Arboretum and the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension present the 30th annual Art in the Arboretum Show and Sale this year, inviting art lovers to immerse themselves in a weekend of creativity surrounded by the beauty of our 7-acre arboretum.

The festival runs through the weekend, on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Explore the art displays, and enjoy food from local food trucks. General admission is $5, with tickets available at the gate. Admission is free for children 12 and under, military members with current ID, and current Friends of the Arboretum members.

Proceeds from this event support the Arboretum's projects and Cooperative Extension programs. A vital part of Extension’s horticulture program, the New Hanover County Arboretum advances horticultural knowledge and environmental stewardship through a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and other plants. The arboretum serves as a living classroom for all residents, students, and green industry professionals, providing research-based education and practical training with an emphasis on plants adapted to the unique conditions of southeastern North Carolina.

A much-anticipated annual tour of 8 historic homes in the downtown Historic District, first floor only, rain or shine. The homes have been restored, preserved, renovated (kitchen), and will now be shared with guests on the tour. Proceeds benefit Wilmington non-profits through the Residents of Old Wilmington Grants Program.

The Fire in the Pines Festival focuses on environmental education and highlights the importance of fire to our native longleaf pine forests. This free to attend event will have something fun for everyone!

-Kids activities including crafts, games, and educational opportunities
-Fire equipment, including multiple fire trucks, a bulldozer, a marshmaster and more!
-Hay-rides throughout the park
-Fire, nature, and other conservation related tables and displays
-Live music by Folkstone Stringband
-Food trucks
-Entertainment including jugglers and honey sampling!
-And for the finale, a live fire demonstration!

Parking will be located at LifePoint Church (on College & 17th St) and a free trolley is available to ride over!

Explore the waters on a custom pontoon boat around Masonboro Island and Wrightsville Beach. Captained by a naturalist ,this one hour trip provides a combination of natural history and local flora and fauna ecology

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

The Friends of the New Hanover County Arboretum and the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension present the 30th annual Art in the Arboretum Show and Sale this year, inviting art lovers to immerse themselves in a weekend of creativity surrounded by the beauty of our 7-acre arboretum.

The festival runs through the weekend, on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Explore the art displays, and enjoy food from local food trucks. General admission is $5, with tickets available at the gate. Admission is free for children 12 and under, military members with current ID, and current Friends of the Arboretum members.

Proceeds from this event support the Arboretum's projects and Cooperative Extension programs. A vital part of Extension’s horticulture program, the New Hanover County Arboretum advances horticultural knowledge and environmental stewardship through a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and other plants. The arboretum serves as a living classroom for all residents, students, and green industry professionals, providing research-based education and practical training with an emphasis on plants adapted to the unique conditions of southeastern North Carolina.