2024 Spring Events and Festivals in Coastal North Carolina

Spring is here, and everyone is getting ready for the exciting lineup of spring events and festivals happening around coastal North Carolina. If you’re in town for one of the popular annual events or looking for things to do during your stay, we’ve compiled a list of the best events in town. So, check in to your Sea Scape vacation rental and check out these local events going on this spring!

Featured Spring Events

Get to know Wrightsville Beach at our most popular events and festivals this spring! From flowers to history to culture, there are tons to look forward to during your stay.

North Carolina Azalea Festival (Wilmington)

April 3-7, 2024

https://ncazaleafestival.org

Blossom into the spring with the North Carolina Azalea Festival. This multi-day event entertains you with a parade, street fair, concerts, and more. Check out other events coinciding with the festival, including the Historic Home Tour and Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour.

Star Party at Carolina Beach State Park

April 8, 2024

https://www.capefearmuseum.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=2607&month=12&year=2023&day=28&calType=0

Look up! The night sky above Coastal North Carolina is an excellent vantage point for watching the annual solar eclipse. Head down to Carolina Beach State Park to stargaze through telescopes, learn about astrology, and hear out-of-this-world stories!

CFCC Riverfront Boat Show (Wilmington)

April 13, 2024

Calling all boat lovers! Join the crowds gathering on the CFCC Wilmington Campus riverfront to watch a parade of creative boats built by locals and students. Enjoy your own boating fun when staying at one of our boat-friendly vacation rentals in Wrightsville Beach.

Art at The Harbor Way Gardens

May 4, 2024

https://www.harborislandgardenclub.com/events.html

See coastal North Carolina depicted through the eyes of talented local and regional artists. Watch live paintings by Plein Air Artists and support your favorite artists by purchasing their work as a souvenir of your trip. Check out the gardens to see what new blooms and sculptures are installed for the season.

North Carolina Black Film Festival (Wilmington)

May 16-19, 2024

https://www.blackartsalliance.org

Immerse yourself in the film-making world. The North Carolina Black Film Festival spotlights films, documentaries, series, and other visuals produced by upcoming and established Black Filmmakers. This annual event helps preserve Wilmington’s legacy at ‘Hollywood East’ thanks to the numerous films and shows created in the area.

Holidays at Battleship North Carolina

May & June

https://battleshipnc.com/programs-and-events/

What better way to show your patriotism than celebrating military holidays at one of the most iconic wartime vessels! Battleship North Carolina hosts commemorative events for Memorial Day (May 27) and Flag Day (June 14). Spectators are invited onboard for speeches, remembrance, and more.

Spring Events for Foodies

Spring brings tons of freshness to the Wrightsville Beach food scene—from fresh ingredients to fresh ideas for culinary creations. Save your appetite for these food-inspired events.

Cape Fear Craft Beer Week

March 22-31, 2024

https://capefearcraftbeerweek.com

The Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance has been hard at work since 2016, spotlighting craft breweries in the Coastal North Carolina area. This is the perfect time to check out local craft breweries near Wrightsville Beach and support restaurants that feature local brews on the menu. You’ll find new flavors, discounts, and special brew-inspired events.

Annual Herb and Garden Fair

April 6-7, 2024

https://poplargrove.org/festivals/herb-garden-fair/

Time to put your vacation home kitchen to use! Pick out fresh ingredients for cooking a meal at home or sourcing unique plants to cultivate in your own garden at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation. This garden fair has everything you need to satisfy the itch of your green thumb.

Island Men Mac & Cheese Cook-Off (Carolina Beach)

April 20, 2024

https://theislandmen.com/event/macandcheese/

See who will take home the Golden Noodle Trophy this year! This annual festival brings out the best chefs in the area who know a thing or two about making Mac and cheese. Indulge in the gooey goodness with specialties like seafood, spicy, and vegetarian Mac.

Wilmington VegFest

April 21, 2024

https://vegfestexpos.com/wilmington-vegfest/

Healthy eating isn’t just a trend. It’s a lifestyle! It’s one food festival where you won’t have to feel guilty about pigging out. Order grub from vegetarian food trucks, attend a yoga session, and expose the kids to this healthy lifestyle in the family fun zone.

Wrightsville Beach Farmer’s Market

Every Monday starting May 15, 2024

https://www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/183/Farmers-Market

This seasonal farmers market rolls every year in the spring. Set aside one Monday morning to visit the Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex and shop more than 40 vendors. You’ll find fresh produce grown locally, seafood caught right off the NC coast, and even crafts from local artisans.

Sports and Active Events in Spring

Get up and get out this season with exciting events and festivals for active visitors. If you’re craving competition, you’ll have a blast participating in (or simply watching) these events.

Water sports events

Wrightsville Beach adds a competitive edge to the water sports fun. Watch professional surfers ride the waves at the annual Carolina Pro-Am SUP Surf (April 21). Participate in the Carolina Cup (April 24-27) for a six-mile SUP race around Harbor Island. Fishing enthusiasts can admire the trophy catches at the Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament (May 29-June 1).

Local Marathons

Spring is the perfect weather to lace up your running shoes and go for a jog around the scenic vistas of Coastal North Carolina. Start training to participate in the following races:

• Willie Stargell 5K Road Race (Wilmington) – April 13, 2024
• Tinted Turtle Trot 5K and 1 Mile Run (Carolina Beach) – April 21
• NC Aquarium Race for the Plant (Kure Beach) – April 24

Local Music Events

Enjoy the sound of spring with local music festivals around Coastal North Carolina.

Carolina Beach Music Festival (Carolina Beach)

June 1, 2024

https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaBeachMusicFestival/

Get your boogie on at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Spend the day listening to live bands providing the perfect soundtrack set to the scenic Carolina Beach.

Port City Music Festival (Wilmington)

June 4-June 11, 2024

http://www.portcitymusicfestival.org

This music festival features a lineup of free concerts happening around Wilmington. Attend shows by various symphonic musicians playing classics by Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, and more.

Are you ready to experience the popular spring events and festivals in coastal North Carolina? Book local accommodations with Sea Scape Properties available during your spring travel dates.