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Wrightsville Beach History Events - 2026 Schedule

Wrightsville Beach History Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of September 7, 2026 - September 13, 2026
Saturday, September 12th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 17th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 24th 8:00 PM

Wilmington

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

Week of September 21, 2026 - September 27, 2026
Saturday, September 26th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 5th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wilmington

Battleship Alive! is an interactive living-history event that brings the historic World War II-era Battleship North Carolina to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on educational experiences. Held several times each year aboard the ship in Wilmington, the event allows visitors to step back in time as living-history interpreters portray sailors, officers, and military personnel carrying out daily duties and drills that would have taken place during the battleship’s active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Guests can watch demonstrations, interact with reenactors, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of life aboard one of the most decorated battleships of the war.

Week of October 12, 2026 - October 18, 2026
Saturday, October 17th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, September 12th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 24th 8:00 PM

Wilmington

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

Week of October 19, 2026 - October 25, 2026
Saturday, October 24th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, September 12th 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 17th 8:00 PM

Wilmington

The Poplar Grove Plantation Ghost Hunt offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of southeastern North Carolina’s most historic and reportedly haunted sites after dark. Held at the historic Poplar Grove Plantation in Scotts Hill, just north of Wilmington, the event combines local history, folklore, and paranormal investigation in an immersive overnight experience. Participants are invited to explore the plantation’s 1850s manor house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the generations of families, workers, and residents who lived on the property throughout its long history.

Week of October 26, 2026 - November 1, 2026
Saturday, October 31st 8:30 AM
Southport

There’s a lot to enjoy at the annual Classic Cars n’ Rock n’ Roll Cruise-In – a cool car show that’s held in the heart of Downtown Southport, and which features much more than the array of gorgeous and vintage automobiles. Featuring activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, this annual event that is brimming with live music, contests, and other activities is sure to be a crowd pleaser for the car lovers in your crew, and anyone who wants to dive into the community spirit of this coastal town.

Week of November 9, 2026 - November 15, 2026
Saturday, November 14th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wilmington

Go behind the scenes of one of the most famous attractions along the Cape Fear River with this in-depth tour of Wilmington’s most treasured landmark, the USS Battleship North Carolina. This special one-afternoon-only tour takes participants deep into the depths of the ship, and is an illuminating look into one of the most famous battleships of the World War II era.

Week of November 30, 2026 - December 6, 2026
Friday, December 4th - Saturday, December 12th
Southport

Southport is brimming with enchanting residences that have been standing for hundreds of years, and during this special holiday tour, visitors will be treated to an inside look of some of the community’s most famed and eye-catching homes. The WinterFest Tour of Homes is a delightful tour that takes place in conjunction with the annual WinterFest Festival, and which presents a chance to see some of the most stunning local homes decked out in holiday style.

Friday, December 4th - Saturday, December 12th
Southport

Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.

Saturday, December 5th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday, September 26th 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wilmington

Battleship Alive! is an interactive living-history event that brings the historic World War II-era Battleship North Carolina to life through reenactments, demonstrations, and hands-on educational experiences. Held several times each year aboard the ship in Wilmington, the event allows visitors to step back in time as living-history interpreters portray sailors, officers, and military personnel carrying out daily duties and drills that would have taken place during the battleship’s active service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Guests can watch demonstrations, interact with reenactors, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of life aboard one of the most decorated battleships of the war.

Week of December 7, 2026 - December 13, 2026
Friday, December 4th - Saturday, December 12th
Southport

Southport is brimming with enchanting residences that have been standing for hundreds of years, and during this special holiday tour, visitors will be treated to an inside look of some of the community’s most famed and eye-catching homes. The WinterFest Tour of Homes is a delightful tour that takes place in conjunction with the annual WinterFest Festival, and which presents a chance to see some of the most stunning local homes decked out in holiday style.

Friday, December 4th - Saturday, December 12th
Southport

Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.

Week of April 5, 2027 - April 11, 2027
Wednesday, April 7th - Sunday, April 11th
Wilmington

For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has reigned supreme as one of the biggest and best festivals along the southeast coastline, and newcomers are welcome to join in the fun to experience full days of vendors, live music, parades, and other events that shine a spotlight on the lively city of Wilmington. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has emerged as one of the most anticipated events in the state, and the celebration attracts visitors from all over the world who want to discover how enchanting the Cape Fear region can be.

Cape Fear Map
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