Region > Downtown

Downtown Wilmington, NC, is bordered on the West by the Cape Fear River. One of Downtown Wilmington’s main attractions is the Historic District, with it century old homes, lovingly preserved. Here you find horse drawn carriage rides, wonderful restaurants, museums and unique shopping. To the North is the downtown campus of Cape Fear College and Wilmington’s brand new Convention Center. There is a lot to explore downtown.

Holiday Events In Wilmington, NC 2023

From caroling by horse drawn carriage to holiday lights, Wilmington, NC is aglow with holiday festivities, events and celebrations through New Year’s Eve.

Front Street

Summertime Free Family Fun-2018

Wilmington has a lot to offer besides its beautiful and wide sandy beaches. There are many weekly activities that kids will enjoy, as well as parents and grand parents. Many of these events are free of charge and are held during the day or the early hours of the evening. So get out there and enjoy Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Downtown and Wrightsville Beach with the family.

Wine and Design of Leland

503 Old Waterford Way Suite 107
Ph: 910.679-4750

Painting With A Twist

Painting With A Twist is a fun way to be creative, enjoy friends and leave with your own work of art. Instructions are provided along with all the materials you will need. You bring your own beverage and snacks.

5732 Oleander Drive
Ph: 704-307-1668

Wine and Design of Wilmington

Wine and Design of Wilmington, NC is the place for fun and creativity, painting your own work of art while enjoying the company of friends and good wine.

1319 Military Cutoff Road Suite JJ
Ph: 910.679.4750

Captain Charles Robbins’ Cape Fear River Adventures

Captain Robbins’ Cape Fear River Adventures offers guided excursions and camping trips  on the Cape Fear River and Black River near Wilmington, NC.

Riverwalk between Orange and Anne St.
Ph: 910-620-0296

Sail Wilmington—Sailing Charters and Tours

When you sail the Cape Fear River with Captain Alan, you will have a whole new vantage point of Wilmington, NC, and the surrounding natural region. You’ll experience how the first arriving sailors felt as they coasted up the river with the tide. Sailboat rental, excursions, tours and weddings on the water under sail.

227 S Water Street
Ph: 910-538-8884

Battleship North Carolina

Stories told through oral histories, photographs, and mementos as you experience the Battleship NC and the exhibits throughout the ship as history comes alive.

#1 Battleship Road
Ph: 910.251.5797

Cape Fear Museum of History And Science

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is the oldest history museum in North Carolina. Since its founding in 1898, the Museum has grown and changed. It began collecting confederate relics, and now collects images and artifacts that help us understand the history, science and cultures of the region.
814 Market Street
Ph: 910.798.4350

Hannah Bloc Theater and Community Arts Center — 120 S 2nd Street  •  Ph: 910-341-7860