Considered Wilmington’s largest fall festival, Wilmington Riverfest was first held in 1979. The festival was created by a group of Wilmington residents interested in showcasing downtown Wilmington and the Cape Fear River.
The two-day Culture Street Festival returns to downtown Wilmington during the first weekend of October.
Here’s what you need to know about this free, family-friendly event.
what’s happening?
The festival will be held on Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th along Front Street between Chestnut Street and Orange Street in downtown Wilmington. The festival will feature craft sales, concession stands, a children’s play area, and entertainment. This year, instead of fireworks, a new addition to the festival will be an open sky drone show. Per City of Wilmington ordinance, pets are not allowed on the property during Riverfest.
Entertainment/Events
Open Sky Drone Show: The show will be held on October 5th at 8:30 p.m. The best place to watch is the Wilmington Riverwalk. Prohibit boats from entering the area while the drone is in flight. This will stop the drone.
Kids Zone: The Kids Zone area will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and will feature inflatables, rides, stage events and other children’s activities. More information: Stacey Bell (Secretary@wilmingtonriverfest.com).
Street Fairs: At street fairs, local arts and crafts artisans display paintings, wood carvings, jewelry, sculptures, and more. There will also be food stalls offering turkey legs, waffle cones, popcorn and more.
Antique Car Show: Held October 5th in conjunction with the Cape Fear Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America.
Classic Car Show: Held on October 6th in conjunction with Sun Coast Cruisers, a family car club in southeastern North Carolina.
More: Wilmington festival replaces fireworks with drone show, sparks explosive controversy
band
Here are some of the bands that will be performing.
SouLe & the SuperBand – A five-piece Wilmington band playing classic soul and dance music, a homage to the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown, Dog Star Chaos Rose Rebellion, alternative, pop-punk, grunge, and more. Burdett Band Double Cherry Pie, Southport Musician/Band Audio Melt is a rock and metal band from Wilmington, Cliff Wheeler Band, and three-time Carolina Country Music Association Award Winner.
Where can I park?
Free on-street metered parking is available throughout the weekend. Paid parking is available in the parking deck/garage and private parking lot.
Handicap parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is located on Front Street between Brunswick Street and Hanover Street and North Second Street between Brunswick Street and Hanover Street.
No traffic will be permitted beyond the barricades without an approved permit from Riverfest.