Food Festivals Lineup
The area plays host to food and drink festivals throughout the year, from regional dishes to international fare. Here are some of them to explore.
N.C. Blueberry Festival
This annual celebration in downtown Burgaw highlights the significance of blueberries in Southeastern North Carolina. It includes artisan vendors, fresh local blueberries, children’s activities, food trucks, beer and wine, live music, a blueberry recipe contest, and more.
When: June 20-21, 2025
Where: 106 E. Wilmington St., Burgaw
Info: ncblueberryfestival.com
Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival
Beer and wine samples flow at this annual event benefiting the Carousel Child Advocacy Center. Live music and food round out the day.
When: Oct. 18, 2025
Where: Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St.
Info: lighthousebeerandwine.com/the-beer-wine-festival
N.C. Oyster Festival
This year marks the 44th anniversary of the Brunswick County festival of all things oysters. Visitors can experience a variety of foods, crafts, contests, children’s activities and musical performances as well as the event’s signature oyster shucking contest.
When: Oct. 18-19, 2025
Where: Town Center Park, 11 E. 2nd St., Ocean Isle Beach
Info: ncoysterfestival.com
St. Stanislaus Polish Festival
This annual fall festival offers authentic Polish food such as pierogi, stuffed cabbage and kielbasa, along with traditional music, dancing and Polish wares for sale.
When: Nov. 1, 2025
Where: St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 4849 Castle Hayne Road
Info: ststanspolishfestival.org
Taste of Wrightsville Beach
The festival showcases Wrightsville Beach’s diverse fare with over 40 local cuisine, beer, wine and spirit tasting booths. Celebrity judges rate their favorite dishes, and participants choose the People’s Choice Awards.
When: Nov. 1, 2025
Where: Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach
Info: weekendmealsonwheels.org/taste-of-wrightsville-beach
Festival Latino
This festival celebrates Latin American flavors, featuring food vendors, traditional dances, and free dance lessons.
When: Nov. 8-9, 2025
Where: Ogden Park, 615 Ogden Park Drive
Info: facebook.com/FestivalLatinoILM/
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
A day-long event of more than 60 beers, over 40 bourbons and barbecue for tastings, with games and live music to round out the festivities.
When: March 2026
Where: Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St.
Info: wilmington.beerandbourbon.com
Feast Wilmington
A weekend of showcasing the area’s culinary and beverage scene. It features tastings from top local restaurants, craft breweries and live music.
When: March 2026
Where: Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St.
Info: feastwilmington.com
Wilmington Greek Festival
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church hosts an annual food and cultural festival in May. The weekend-long festival includes food, traditional music and dancing, church tours, a marketplace and cooking demonstrations.
When: May 2026
Where: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 608 S. College Rd.mag
