The best September festivals and events around Wilmington

September brings plenty of reasons to get out and explore Wilmington and the surrounding coast.

This month's calendar includes live music along the Cape Fear River, family-friendly festivals, outdoor races, markets and some unique experiences you won't find every weekend. Whether you're looking for plans with friends, a family outing or something completely different, there's plenty happening throughout the month.

Here are some September events around Wilmington worth adding to your calendar.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: September's event calendar is packed with live music, festivals, markets, races and special experiences throughout Wilmington and the surrounding beaches.
• The details: Events take place throughout the month, from Labor Day weekend through the final days of September.
• Why it matters: With summer crowds beginning to ease and fall approaching, September is a great time to experience Wilmington's entertainment, waterfront and outdoor scene.
• The more you know: Several events require advance tickets or registration and may sell out, so make plans early.

Live music and entertainment

American Aquarium in Concert

North Carolina-bred band American Aquarium brings its Southern rock sound to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater for a lakeside concert under the stars. Led by BJ Barham, the band heads to Wilmington while touring in celebration of its latest release, "New Ways to Lose."

• Address: 1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington
• Date: 7 p.m. Sept. 4
• Phone: (910) 632-5093

Good to know: General admission tickets begin at $38, and doors open before the show.

Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast

Carolina Beach wraps up its summer fireworks series with one final celebration before Labor Day. Too Much Sylvia will perform live at the Boardwalk Gazebo before fireworks light up the sky over the beach.

• Address: Cape Fear Boulevard and Carolina Beach Avenue North, Carolina Beach
• Date: Music begins at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Sept. 4
• Phone: (910) 458-2977

Good to know: The event is free for spectators, with food and drinks available for purchase.

Reggae on the Pier

Spend an evening along the Cape Fear River with The Movement, Pepper and Kash'd Out during one of the summer's biggest reggae concerts. The waterfront setting puts concertgoers steps away from nearby food and drink options.

• Address: 18 Harnett St., Wilmington
• Date: 5 p.m. Sept. 6

Good to know: General admission is $50. Arrive early for a better view of the stage and river.

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs in Concert

Mike Campbell, founding member and lead guitarist of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, brings The Dirty Knobs to Wilmington for a night at the Wilson Center. Campbell has spent decades performing, writing and recording music and now takes the stage with his carefully selected group of musicians.

• Address: 703 N. Third St., Wilmington
• Date: 7 p.m. Sept. 13
• Phone: (910) 362-7999

Good to know: Tickets begin at $44, and doors open at 6 p.m.

Festivals, markets and special events

LEGO Fan Expo – Brick Convention

LEGO fans of all ages can spend the weekend surrounded by massive builds, professional LEGO artists and thousands of bricks when Brick Convention makes its first visit to Wilmington. Guests can admire elaborate creations, meet professional builders and get hands-on with their own LEGO creations.

• Address: 10 Convention Center Drive, Wilmington
• Date: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Sept. 12-13

Good to know: Tickets start at $15 plus fees or $20 at the door. Children ages 2 and younger are free.

Wilmington Coffee Fest

Coffee lovers can discover new roasts and connect with Wilmington’s local coffee community during this two-day celebration at Azalea Station. Friday kicks off with a free Latte Art Throwdown, while Saturday’s street fair features free coffee tastings, tea, baked goods and local artisans. Visitors can also sample and vote for their favorite hot and cold coffees. 

• Address: 1502 Castle St., Wilmington
• Date: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 19 

Good to know: Friday’s Latte Art Throwdown is free, and Saturday’s street fair includes free coffee tastings.  

Water Street Evening Market

Spend a Friday evening browsing local vendors along the Wilmington Riverwalk. The Water Street Evening Market brings together locally crafted goods, food trucks, DIY opportunities and entertainment along the river between Market and Princess streets.

• Address: Water Street between Market and Princess streets, Wilmington
• Date: 5-9 p.m. Sept. 18

Good to know: The market is free to enter, and free parking begins at 6:30 p.m.

Hey 23: A Call Back to Tree Hill

Fans of "One Tree Hill" can return to Tree Hill for a weekend celebrating the Wilmington-filmed show's 23rd anniversary. The three-day reunion includes a Friday pep rally, State Championship Basketball Game Reunion, opportunities for cast photos and autographs and an official Saturday night after-party.

• Address: 1121 S Front St., Wilmington
• Date: Sept. 18-20; times vary by event

Good to know: Prices vary by event, and additional cast members and details will be announced closer to the reunion. Events are expected to sell out.

Oktoberfest on the Beach

Celebrate the start of fall with beer, polka and beachside fun at Carolina Beach Pier. The family- and dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebration includes live music from an oompah band, a seaside pumpkin patch, stein-holding contest and German-inspired food and drinks.

• Address: 1800 Carolina Beach Ave. N., Carolina Beach
• Date: Noon-5 p.m. Sept. 27

Good to know: Admission is free, with food, drinks and other offerings available for purchase.

Races and outdoor events

Pier-2-Pier Open Water Swim Race

Swimmers can take on approximately 1.7 miles of open water during the annual Pier-2-Pier Swim Race at Wrightsville Beach. The course runs between Johnnie Mercers Pier and Crystal Pier around marker buoys, with the starting point determined on race day based on the ocean current.

• Address: 23 E. Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach
• Date: 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 19

Good to know: Spectators can watch for free. Individual registration is $55. 

Beach 5K & One Mile Fun Run/Walk

Welcome fall with a run along the shore at Wrightsville Beach. Serious runners can tackle the timed 5K, while families and casual participants can join the one-mile fun run and walk, with both events starting and finishing on the sand at Johnnie Mercers Pier.

• Address: 23 E. Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach
• Date: 5K begins at 9:05 a.m.; one-mile fun run/walk begins at 9:15 a.m. Sept. 20

Good to know: Spectators can attend for free, while runners and walkers must register online.

YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon

A Wrightsville Beach tradition since 1979, the YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon challenges athletes with a 1,350-meter swim, 11.5-mile bike ride and 5K run. Youth participants can compete in shorter swim, bike and run distances.

• Address: 321 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach
• Date: 6:50 a.m.-approximately 10 a.m. Sept. 26
• Phone: (910) 251-9622

Good to know: Spectators can watch for free, but participants should register early because the race can sell out.

History and unique experiences

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Ghost Hunt & Tour

Experience a different side of one of Wilmington's best-known landmarks during an overnight paranormal investigation aboard Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. The experience includes a daytime tour, VIP access to areas typically closed to the public, paranormal investigation equipment, snacks and refreshments.

• Address: 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington
• Date: 8 a.m. Sept. 19

Good to know: Tickets begin at $150, and participants must be at least 16 years old. Advance planning is recommended because the event can sell out.

Warbirds History Restored Tour

Two iconic World War II-era aircraft will make a four-day stop at Wilmington International Airport. Visitors can see B-29 DOC, one of only two B-29 bombers still airworthy and flying today, alongside the P-51 Gunfighter, a D Model Mustang and one of about 150 remaining from wartime production.

• Address: 2022 Control Tower Drive, Wilmington
• Date: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Friday; noon-4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 24-27 

Good to know: Ramp and cockpit tour admission is $10 per person or $20 per family. Flight experiences are also available separately.

Battleship Alive!

See Battleship NORTH CAROLINA come to life as World War II living history interpreters reenact the daily duties and drills of sailors who served aboard the ship. Visitors can interact with interpreters, ask questions and get a closer look at what life was like aboard a World War II battleship.

• Address: 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington
• Date: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26
• Phone: (910) 399-9100

Good to know: The program is included with regular Battleship admission.

Movies on the Fantail

Settle in for an outdoor movie night in one of Wilmington's most unusual settings. Battleship NORTH CAROLINA will screen "They Were Expendable" on the ship's fantail, where guests can bring lawn chairs, food and beverages and enjoy a movie overlooking the Cape Fear River.

• Address: 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington
• Date: Sept. 26; doors open one hour before the movie

Good to know: General admission is $10. Movie start time varies based on the time of year, so check the event schedule before heading out.

FAQs

What events are happening in Wilmington in September 2026?

September events around Wilmington include concerts at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater and the Wilson Center, Wilmington Coffee Fest, Brick Convention, the "One Tree Hill" reunion, outdoor races, Battleship programs and Oktoberfest on the Beach.

Are there free events in Wilmington this September?

Yes. Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast, the Water Street Evening Market and Oktoberfest on the Beach are free to attend. Several races also offer free admission for spectators.

What family-friendly events are happening in Wilmington in September?

Families can check out Brick Convention, Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast, the Warbirds History Restored Tour, Battleship Alive! and Oktoberfest on the Beach.

What festivals are happening around Wilmington in September?

September festivals and special events include Wilmington Coffee Fest, the Water Street Evening Market and Oktoberfest on the Beach, along with several other celebrations throughout the month.

Do I need tickets for September events in Wilmington?

It depends on the event. Concerts, Brick Convention, the Battleship ghost hunt and several other experiences require tickets, while events such as the Water Street Evening Market and Oktoberfest on the Beach are free to attend. Check individual event details and purchase tickets early when required.