Orange Street ArtsFest

With so many talented artists in Southeastern North Carolina, it’s very fitting that there should be a festival showcasing their wares and talents. Held on Orange Street between Front and Second Streets in Historic Downtown Wilmington, the 22nd Annual Orange Street ArtsFest, the largest art festival in the area, takes place over the Memorial Day weekend, May 27 and 28, 2017. Artists also will be in the Hannah Block Historic USO building. Visitors are invited to tour the World War II exhibits displayed at the Hannah Block USO.

Among the art works displayed at Orange Street ArtsFest are ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture, cloth goods and much more. Food, a wine tent and a variety of live entertainment are offered also. Thalian Association, the Official Community Theater of North Carolina, produces this first-class event.

For more information visit http://wilmingtoncommunityarts.org/orange-street-artsfest-2.

Wilmington Riverfest in October

Another festival that takes place in downtown Wilmington is the Riverfest, which is scheduled for October 8-9, 2016. Wilmington Riverfest runs from the foot of Market Street to Cape Fear Community College. Currently drawing more than 100,000 people, Riverfest began in 1979 as a modest two-day event and has expanded to three fun and food-packed days.

Riverfest has over 200 craft and food vendors plus fireworks, continuous entertainment on two stages, the Great Waiters Wine Race, Run the River 8K Race, various exhibits and a children’s area.

Additional Riverfest activities include skateboard competitions, street dance, wakeboard competition and a musical Battle on the River by a number of bands, a film festival, and Art in the Garden tours of gorgeous private and public gardens enhanced by art and music.

During Riverfest, the Invasion of the Pirates is a kind of festival within a festival, beginning with the arrival of the “pirate ship” on Friday evening, followed by the Pirates Ball.

On Saturday, kids can participate in a treasure hunt and pirate costume contest.