As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, we’re rushing to enjoy the last events of summer in downtown Wilmington. Now’s the time to squeeze in those fun summer events you may have missed! We love downtown Wilmington summer concerts, festivals, and cruises, and don’t miss the last farmers market days and tours before summer ends. Here are a few events you won’t want to miss:
Take a 4-Hour Black River Nature Cruise Before Summer Ends
Twice a month through October you can experience this peaceful, scenic cruise through the wilderness. The narrated nature cruise along the Northwest Cape Fear and Black Rivers is a step back in time! Old-growth cypress trees provide cover for gators, otters, and all sorts of rare birds. The Capt. J.N. Maffitt or Jacob’s Run leave from the Riverwalk on Wednesday mornings—check the schedule to reserve a seat.
Take Wilmington’s Favorite Cape Fear River Sightseeing Cruise
For a shorter tour that still gets you out on the river, take the one-hour narrated sightseeing cruise that offers the best view of downtown Wilmington! The Capt. J.N. Maffitt, John Knox and Jacob’s Run provide scenic cruises from the oldest continuously running cruise company in Wilmington. Learn about nature, history, and the film industry while you catch the last breezes of summer on the Cape Fear River.
Get to the dock a little early and pick up provisions for your cruise from Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill. This floating restaurant will pack the picnic you need to keep body and soul together on your cruise.
Tune in to the Annex Songwriter Session at Brooklyn Arts Center
Hear original acoustic music at the Annex Songwriter Session #10 Sept. 13, 2017 from 7 until 11 p.m. This family-friendly event includes the A&M Food Truck and the BAC cash bar, $5 admission.
Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Closes Out Summer
This great end-of-summer event at Wilson Center starts at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16, 2017. The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra will perform Pictures at an Exhibition featuring Ifetayo Ali-Landing on cello. The program includes Edouard Lalo’s Cello Concerto, and Mussorgsky Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
Don’t Miss the Tuesday Night Farmers Market and Tunes at Waterline Brewing Company
There are still a few weeks left for the Port City Farmers Market, which always includes live music and food trucks. The market is 5 to 8 p.m. rain or shine! On Sept 5, Mark Herbert will play from 5 to 7 p.m., and you can dine at Steviemack’s Intl. Food Co. On Sept. 12, Emily Musolino plays from 4-6 and you’ll enjoy dinner from Ramen a Go Go.
Wilmington Boat Show is Wilmington’s Last Boat Show of Summer
Admire more than 80 boat brands at the Port City Marina, Pier 33, the Wilmington Convention Center, and the Battleship North Carolina. There will be everything for the boat enthusiast: boat and marine industry exhibits, fishing and sailing seminars, kids’ activities, music, and food and drink. The boat show runs Sept. 8-10; hours are Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Fall Fest Antique Market & Yard Sale Says Goodbye to Summer
This antique market and yard sale at Legacy Architectural Market in downtown Wilmington will have up to 15 local vendors with antiques, crafts, furniture and more. Find your best deals of the season!
