Check out the local celebrations in coastal NC. These are in order by date of occurrence.
NC 4th of July Festival | Southport & Oak Island
Friday, June 30 – Saturday, July 1, 2023 See detailed scheduled for locations
The N.C. 4th of July Festival is held annually in the City of Southport with many events also held in Oak Island. The festivities kick off with a Welcoming Ceremony on June 30 at 6:30 pm on the Fort Johnston lawn in Southport. Oak Island will hold its Welcoming Ceremony at 5:45 pm on July 1 at Middleton Park Extension followed by a free concert. July 1 also includes traditional Oak Island Beach Day activities such as games, music, food and fireworks. Other festival events in Southport include: Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Flag Raising Ceremony, Naturalization Ceremony, Parade, Arts and Crafts Market, Music and Entertainment, Freedom Flotilla and more fireworks.
Monday, July 3, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 9:25 PM Soundside Park – 517 Roland Ave., Surf City, NC Free Band – Jim Quick and the Coastline Band + Food Trucks + Fireworks at 9PM Parking details here
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 9:25 PM Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park, 10 Cowan St., Wilmington, NC Free | Food & Drinks available for purchase (no cash) This City of Wilmington’s family friendly event will include music featuring the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, other entertainment, kids activities, food, fireworks & more!
Stage Schedule: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm – Cumulus Media (entertainment) 6:30 pm – Rukus (musical entertainment) 7:30 pm – Wilmington Symphony Orchestra 9:05 pm – Fireworks will take place at 9:05 pm (best viewed along riverfront)
Food Food and beverages (soft drinks, beer & wine) will be sold at the park. No outside food or drink can be brought inside the park with the exception of water up to 1 gallon in a factory sealed or empty bottle.
Parking Parking is available on the street and in downtown parking lots. Street parking on July 4 is FREE. Parking Information
Cashless Payments This is a cashless event – no cash accepted. All food and beverage sales will ONLY accept debit, credit, or mobile pay (Apple Pay or Google Pay).
Seating for Lawn Area Beach Chairs (with legs no longer than 9 inches) and blankets will be allowed on the lawns.
Animals No animals allowed inside the venue with the exception of registered, working service animals.
Here is a complete guide to family-friendly summer concert series in and around Wilmington, NC. Be sure to double check on the linked websites below for up-to-date details!
Tuesday’s
Topsail
FREE
2023 Topsail Sounds Summer Concert Series will occur every Tuesday from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at Topsail Beach Town Center. Bring your lawn chairs and join for live music and fun!
2023 Mayfaire’s Sunset Music Series is every Wednesday night from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the plaza in front of Regal Cinema. You can purchase wine for half price on Wednesday at Coquina Fishbar. Brixx Wood Fired Pizza has a special $8 mix drink cocktail every Wednesday night and Fox and Hound offers $1 off bourbon & whiskey and $4 dark horse wine glasses. Alcohol is not allowed in the Plaza. We love pets, but please leave them at home.
2023 Sounds of Summer Concert Series occur Thursdays from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at Wrightsville Beach Park.
Bring your picnic, lawn chairs, and blankets for an evening of music and fun! Coolers are welcome, but no alcohol is allowed in Wrightsville Beach Park. Bring extra money to enjoy Cool Beans Wilmington and Sabino’s Italian ice, plus food trucks!
Date
Band
Thursday, June 15
Overtyme Band Good time rock & roll!
Thursday, June 22
ReSoul Band Wilmington’s hottest new dance / party band
Thursday, June 29
Southern Trouble Contemporary country/country rock, southern rock, with a few rock tunes and blues thrown in.
Thursday, July 6
Jack Jack 180 A blend of high-energy party, pop, and rock covers.
Thursday, July 13
Loud Music Company A heavy mix of seamlessly blended pop, rock, country, soul, and funk.
Thursday, July 20
Brown Dirt Cowboys Original music from Wilmington. We also cover everything from Elton to Avett Brothers.
Thursday, July 27
The Cruise Brothers Performs #1 hits from Motown to Nashville
All concerts are from 6 – 8 PM on the following Friday evenings by the Airlie Oak tree
Date
Band
Friday, June 2
TripleWide featuring Brett Johnson TripleWide from Wilson, NC plays funky, bluesy, rockin’, soulful tunes along with local artist Brett Johnson!
Friday, June 16
ReSoul ReSoul is a hot new R&B band based inWilmington, NC covering the best danceable soul tunes from the 70s through today! Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Sade, Liz Wright, and many others.
Friday, July 7
Motel Soap Motel Soap performs primarily 70s & 80s pop & rock from bands such as Chicago, Toto, Journey, Steely Dan U2, The Beatles and more!
Friday, July 21
Jim Quick & Coastline Pulling from the threads of Soul, Blues, R&B, and Americana, Jim Quick and Coastline weave together their own genre of music known as Swamp Soul!
Friday, August 11
Bibis Ellison One of Airlie’s favorites, we are thrilled to welcome back Bibis Ellison! Her high-energy, power-packed vocals get the whole crowd dancing to the latest pop and covers!
Friday, August 18
Brown Dirt Cowboys The Brown Dirt Cowboys from Wilmington, NC play original music as well as covers of everything from Elton to Avett Brothers!
Friday, September 1
Signal Fire Signal Fire is a group of diverse musicians with a common goal, to spread unity through music. Hailing from the coastal town of Wilmington, North Carolina Signal Fire brings a unique blend of reggae/rock music to the masses.
*Check the website to verify
Costs: General Admission | $10* Children age 4-12 | $3* Children 3 and under | FREE Airlie Members | Admission Based on Membership Level
To purchase tickets, check out their website below. Members get priority booking.
Friday Night Live! on the Pier Summer Concert Series will be from 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase during the show. Wristbands to drink are $1, which will be donated to charities in our community.
Date
Band
Friday, June 2
Satisfaction (Rolling Stones)
Friday, June 9
Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi)
Friday, June 23
20 Ride (Zac Brown)
Friday, July 7
Breakfast Club (Classic 80′s)
Friday, August 4
Tuesday’s Gone (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Friday, August 11
Troubadour (70′s)
Friday, August 25
Guardians of the Jukebox (MTV Hits)
Friday, September 1
Departure (Journey)
*Check the website to verify
To keep up with all the details, check out the Facebook page for these events linked below!
2023 Hampstead Alive After Five Summer Concert series will occur every Friday at 6:30 PM at Kiwanis Park in Hampstead. Bring your lawn chairs and join us for live music, food trucks and fun!
Bands By the Beach Town of Oak Island’s Summer Concert Series will be hosted every Friday (two Saturdays) from 6:30 – 8:30 PMat Middleton Park. Parking is not charged during special events like these concerts!
Each year WilmingtonMom partners up with Elderhaus to provide a little Christmas spirit for participants in need at Elderhaus. Elderhaus is an adult day service in Wilmington, NC that helps seniors in our community live independently, while also receiving assistance where needed. This year, our list for Elderhaus participants were claimed in under 48 hours, so we asked other assisted living and nursing homes if they had residents in need – so our list has grown and we are excited to see how we can make these seniors feel the love and care from our community!
Want to Help?
Awesome! I’m excited you are interested in participating in “Adopt-A-Senior” & really appreciate your willingness to shop for a senior in need this Christmas.
First, please email wilmingtonmomnc@gmail.com the following information: – Your Full Name – Person below you’d like to shop (Please include which number – Ex: #1, female)
(Scroll down as their are several facilities listed)
Please ensure you get a confirmed email back BEFORE shopping. 🙂 **FYI: Those who have been strikes through have already been selected!**
Azalea Health & Rehab Center
Female
Gloria – Large Pants, socks, body wash, deodorant, peppermints, soft pony tail holders (black)
Joan F. – She loves to paint bird houses, she loves to do crafts to stay busy, Adult Coloring/Painting books & she is deaf, but reads well, Favorite candy is Reese’s Cups
Rene – Large pants and Large tops, socks, body wash, perfume
Renate: X-Large gowns, body wash, soap, lotion, red lip stick (patient stays in bed)
Sharon – Small pants, Small shirts, Mountain Dews are her favorite, Dove body wash or soap, deodorant & socks
Charlotte – perfume, body wash, Large shirts and Large bottoms, deodorant, magazines, and a doll baby
Susan – Large pajamas and Large tops, socks with grippers or bedroom slippers that come over hill
Start Shopping!
Feel free to write a card/note and include a family photo and any details you want to share. If you wish, please include your address as many would love to send a thank you card for your thoughtfulness.
Please no baked goods or food items (unless requested) as most have specialized diets.
Gift wrap is strongly encouraged! The same wrapping paper will also help identify whose gifts belong to which senior. Also, please write their initials on the outside of each present!
Drop-Off Directions
Please drop-off items at Azalea Health and Rehab Center 3800 Independence Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412 Please drop-off all items before December 23, 2022
Cedar Cove Assisted Living
Female
Peggy – Slippers (Size 7-8), loves Peppermint
Linda – Necklace, loves Russell Storen
Fannie – Large coat/jacket, loves Butterscotch
Pauline – Medium PJ’s, loves Snickers
Faith – Large Jacket, loves Snickers
Alberta – Size 18 Jeans, Loves Three Muskateers
Judith – XL Red pants and XL shirt, loves Macaron
Beth – Size 8/5 Slippers, loves Three Muskateers
Donna – Colored Pencils, loves Three Muskateers
Norma – XL Pajamas and Nightgown, loves Three Muskateers
Carole – XL Robe (long), loves Three Muskateers
Paula – Medium Slippers, loves M&M’s
Kathleen – Pocketbook, loves Butterfingers
Debra – 7/8 Socks, loves Butterfinger
Female/Memory Care
Mary Alice – Baby doll, Soft Chocolate
Mary L. – Crossword Puzzles, Chocolate
Margie – Baby doll, Dum Dums
Alee – Baby doll, Dum Dums
Judy – Baby doll, Dum Dums
Mildred – Sweater (Size Medium), Diabetic, Graham Crackers
Mike S. – Leather glove with fur inside (Large), Milky Way
Donald – Slippers (10.5), Snickers
Henry – Small coat/jacket, Mr. Goodbar
Jerome – Medium Sweatpants, M&Ms
Husslen – XL T-shirts, orange slices
Joseph – 35W/30L jeans, Three Muskateers
Ruben – Socks (9-10), M&M’s
Dwayne – XL Slippers, Slice oranges
Kevin – XL hoodie, carmel
Jr. Murphy, 3X PJ Set, Baby Ruth
Willie – Large coat, Miky Way
Ray – Medium T-Shirts, Milky Way
Leon – Dove bodywash, Peppermint
Tommy – Large hoodie, colored pens, Mr. Goodbar
Fredrick – Socks (9-10), Peppermint Sticks
Male/Memory Care
Duc – Size 9 Slippers, Lollipops
Bill – Large Sweatpants, Chocolate candy
Jimmy – Large T-Shirts, Large sweatpants, Lollipops
Alfred – 2X T-shirts 2X sweatpants, Skittles
Dwight – Large Sweaters and sweatpants, Lollipops
Charles – Size 9 Slippers, Lollipops
Thomas – Medium T-Shirts and Medium Pajamas, Lollipops
David – X-Large sweatpants, Lollipops
Henry – XL Pajamas, Chocolate Candy
Start Shopping!
Feel free to write a card/note and include a family photo and any details you want to share. If you wish, please include your address as many would love to send a thank you card for your thoughtfulness.
Please no baked goods or food items (unless requested) as most have specialized diets.
Gift wrap is strongly encouraged! The same wrapping paper will also help identify whose gifts belong to which senior. Also, please write their initials on the outside of each present!
Drop-Off Directions
*Notate on the gift if it’s for Memory Care side* Please drop-off items at Cedar Cove Assisted Living and Memory Care 4200 Jasmine Cove Way, Wilmington, NC 28412
Drop off can be 12/14/2022 between 9am & 2pm for the Residents Christmas Party or Please drop-off all items before December 23, 2022 – ask for Belinda Jones
Cypress Pointe Health and Rehab
Female
Carolyn – Tissues in packs, Medium top, Size 9 shoe, loves suckers & gummies
Lilli – X-Small top, Small bottom, Slippers (Size 8)
Natalie – Medium top, Large bottom
Betty – Slip on shoe (Size 9), Medium or Large housecoat with front zipper
Alicia – 3X gowns with no zipper or ties, long
Clarida – XXS top, XS bottom, blanket
Linda – 2X top, Large bottom, slippers (Size 8), blanket
Maria- Small or Medium top, slippers (Size 8)
Francina – Small top, slippers (Size – asking), Small bottom, blankets, snacks, suckers & gummies
Dorothy- books, Large bottom, Large top, baskets for organization, better shampoos?, better body wash
Celia – Large top, Large bottom, snacks, slippers (Size 8)
Feel free to write a card/note and include a family photo and any details you want to share. If you wish, please include your address as many would love to send a thank you card for your thoughtfulness.
Please no baked goods or food items (unless requested) as most have specialized diets.
Gift wrap is strongly encouraged! The same wrapping paper will also help identify whose gifts belong to which senior. Also, please write their initials on the outside of each present!
Drop-Off Directions
Please drop-off items at Cypress Point Health and Rehab 2006 S 16th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 Please drop-off all items before December 23, 2022
Elderhaus
Elderhaus participants have all been spoken for but I’m awaiting new lists from other nursing facilities in the area. Please check back!
Female
CC – Female – Needs Yarn, toiletries, and socks
VH – Female – Needs body wash and Pajamas size small
EH- Female – Needs lotions, socks, and any clothing size medium
JC – Male – Needs clothing Size Large, socks, toiletries
WLJ – Male – Needs Pajamas- Size Medium
FP – Male – Clothing size Medium, toiletries
JW – Male – Needs clothing Size XL
WJ – Male – Needs clothing size XL
DE- Male – Clothing Size Large
JK- Male – Clothing Size 2X
BL- Male – Toiletries, clothing size XL
MT- Male – Large print Word Search Books; Men’s dress hats; he’s a SHARP dresser
WW- Male – Clothing 2X
LW- Male – Clothing Size Large
Drop off Details
Please Drop-Off Items between December 10 – December 23, 2022
Elderhaus (newest looking building) 1320 N College Rd, Wilmington, NC
Monday – Friday; 8 AM – 5PM
Drop Off box located once you enter the automatic doors. If there isn’t enough room, please ring the door bell to the left of the box. The receptionist can also take gifts.
Looking for a unique Christmas or birthday gift for a child in the Wilmington area? I have you covered! Feel free to send Santa or Grandma this list. These experiences are truly the gifts that keep on giving all year around.
Check out the top suggestions below along with all the details:
# 1 – NC Aquariums Annual Membership
Members receive unlimited free admission for one or two years at all three North Carolina Aquariums (Fort Fisher, Roanoke Island and Pine Knoll Shores), plus discounts or free admissions to reciprocal zoos and aquariums nationwide!
Family memberships receive free admission for two adults named on the card and their children or grandchildren under the age of 18.
Curator members receive the same Family benefits, plus free admission for one guest per visit (perfect for babysitter or grandparents).
Members also receive free walk-on admission at Jennette’s Pier, gift shop and program discounts AND reciprocity with 150+ Other Zoos & Aquariums, which means FREE admission into the NC Zoo in Asheboro, NC (worlds largest natural habitat zoo). This is the one reason why we get this pass every year. It pays for itself!
Annual Pass Cost: $89 Basic family, but check out the website for other options.
Insider Tip*We ask for this membership each year from our family for Christmas because it’s the perfect indoor activity and we visit the NC Zoo at least once a year. It pays for its self!
# 2 – AirleGardens
Your membership to Airlie Gardens brings insider perks and rewards; including, advanced member-only ticket offers and year-round fun. Your support as a member helps the Garden continue to be a valued local attraction and allows Airlie to provide public programs, education and special events to our community.
Current Members: Please DO NOT renew your membership more than 60 days prior to your current expiration date. You will receive an emailed and mailed renewal notice as a reminder starting 60 and 30-days prior to your expiration.Your Membership Card will be mailed to you, please allow 7-14 business days for processing. Use your E-receipt to redeem membership benefits immediately.
Annual Pass Cost: $75 – family See website for other options
Insider Tip* Enchanted Airlie tickets are offered to members first in October. This allows you to get the time and date you wish to attend without the hassle of logging in early in hopes of securing a ticket. Also, depending on which membership level you get, your tickets will be free or discounted.
# 3 – Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park really is the only place in town that offers so many activities for kids in one place. Dry activities include Jungle Golf (outdoor putt-putt), mini bowling, spin zone, laser tag, arcade, rock climbing wall, outdoor go karts, Kid Jungle Gym (for kids 8 years and under). The waterpark has 2 body water slides, a large wave pool and lazy river, The Super Bowl slide, The Sidewinder, The Rapid Racer and Volcano (check out my Jungle Rapids post) and also a large Kids Splash zone with several slides.
The season pass includes access to the waterpark, which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Once the water park closes, your pass will allow you ONE free dry activity every Sunday between 4PM – 9PM from October – March (excludes laser tag). Children 2 and under are free and do not need an annual pass.
Insider Tip* Jungle Rapids offers a discounted ticket for $160 if purchased before December 31, 2022. After that date, season passes increase to $180+. Keep in mind children 2 and under are free and do not need passes to the waterpark.
#4 – DefyWilmington
Defy is a indoor trampoline park that has basketball
Let them get in on the crazy fun happening at DEFY all year long with our Black Friday Annual Pass. Get 90 minutes of Flight Time every day — all for way less than $1 a day! Don’t miss out on our biggest deal of the year!
An Annual Family Membership at The Little Gym of Wilmington, NC enables your child to participate in weekly classes. Each time they attend, they’re presented with opportunities to master new skills and accomplishments. As a parent, you benefit as well! Membership allows you to take advantage of several special privileges, including:
Participation in Priority Enrollment
Member Discounts:
Awesome Birthday Bash parties
Camps
Events & More Fun
Annual Membership Cost: $50 *Note that the $50 grants you access to membership perks – classes are typically $85 per month
If you have a train lover on your hands, this may be the best place in town for you! The Wilmington Railroad Museum is a fun interactive museum located in downtown Wilmington along the riverfront. Watch and learn about trains and how important they were to the Port City long ago.
Coach/ Individual| $50: Free admission for 1 person for a year + 10 % Gift Shop discount + Annual Membership Reception
Club Car/ Family | $80: (Best Value) Free admission for 4 persons for a year + 10 % Gift Shop discount + Annual Membership Reception
Pullman Pass | $150 : Free admission for 4 persons for a year + 10 % Gift Shop discount + Annual Membership Reception + 10 free passes for friends/relatives
Private Car | $250: Free admission for 4 persons for a year + 10 % Gift Shop discount + Annual Membership Reception + 20 free passes for friends/relatives
Railroad Baron | $500: Free admission for 4 persons for a year + 10 % Gift Shop discount + Annual Membership Reception + 20 free passes for friends/relatives + Limited Edition ACL History Book
Champion | $1,000: Free admission for 4 persons for a year + 10 % Gift Shop discount + Annual Membership Reception + 10 free passes for friends/relatives + Limited Edition ACL History Book + Sponsorship for you or your company
A very inexpensive and worthwhile annual membership. If you have a child 5 and under, this is a must. Stop by the Resource Room, which is free to use any time (to non-members as well). If you are a member, enjoy
Insider Tip* Just buy this one. It’s worth every bit of $5.
# 9 – Fit For Fun
Do you ever dream of taking your kid to a indoor facility full of toys that they can play with for hours and that you don’t have to clean up or put away afterward? If so, Fit For Fun is the place for you. Open for kids 5 and under, this large building has ever Fisher Price toy you can dream of, rooms filled with toys and even a fenced in playground perfect for the little tots to explore.
If you’ve never been before, go check it out! For just $5, you can explore the center and see if an annual membership would be something you’d enjoy! They also have special events and activities – check out the calendar on the website.
Wait! Before you decide you have been to the museum a few times and scroll on, did you know this membership actually gives you access to A LOT more cool museums other than the Cape Fear Museum?
Nationwide reciprocal admission to more than over 750 participating arts, cultural, historical and children’s museums along with botanical gardens and science and technology centers through North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM).
Insider Tip* Check out all of the other museums you gain access to with this pass including Discovery Place in Charlotte, Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, and so many other throughout the nation!
Other memberships to look into:
Carowinds – Located about 3.5 hours from Wilmington – Carowinds has a fantastic annual pass with water park, rollar coasters and a kids section all included. If you have family near Charlotte or visit that area often – I highly recommend checking it out.
NSEA Swim@ Earl Jackson Pool – A local year-around pool located downtown offers an annual membership for $40 for the whole family!
YMCA Membership at the Y gives you access to all YMCA facilities Nationwide. You also get member pricing for all of our programs including afterschool, preschool, soccer, basketball, eSports and more. Each branch of the YMCA has different features but at our Nir Family YMCA offers a basketball gym, racquetball courts, indoor pool. They also have cardio equipment, weights, and lots of fitness classes. In addition, they offer child watch during select hours so your children can be cared for while you have time to use the facility.
