Wilmy Weekly: April 3

Azalea Festival, The Poor Man's Garden Party, parades, street fairs, and more!

April showers bring…. well, pollen, hummingbirds, and, of course, the annual Azalea Festival! Wash it all away this weekend with a packed schedule featuring beautiful flowers and even better memories…

  • 👀 What’s Happenin’ in Wilmington this week

  • Our first in-person event!

  • 💃 Azalea Festival, garden parties, Sunset Live Music Series, and more!

  • 🍻 Local Spotlight: The Eagle’s Dare

  • 🚚 Food Trucks and This Week’s Live Music

  • 📽️ Street closures this weekend for the annual Azalea Festival

Let’s get to it!

Hang out with Wilmy Weekly! 🎉 

We’re just 13 days away from our first ever in person event!

Here's the deal… we're throwing a non-awkward meetup for young professionals in Wilmington who are tired of their coworkers being their only friends. And yes, there's booze involved (one free drink with your ticket).

What you can expect:

  • A room full of other people in their 20s/30s who also want to meet cool humans

  • A chance to finally meet your future best friend/business partner/drinking buddy

  • One drink ticket (because liquid courage is real)

What’s Happenin’ in Wilmington 👀

Thursday, April 3

  • A Reading with Gabrielle Calvocoressi at UNCW: Poet and UNC-Chapel Hill professor Gabrielle Calvocoressi once said “I’m going to make it. Because I have to. Because I want to.” Mark your calendar and do the same for this evening’s free reading of their latest work at 7pm! The event is free and open to the public at Kenan Hall, room 1111.

  • Grown Folx Book Fair at Hi-Wire Brewing: Looking for your next beach read? Luckily, The Roasted Bookery is bringing their selection to you this weekend for their pop-up book fair! Peruse a selection of adult and young adult titles, handmade jewelry and art from 5:30-9:00pm.

  • Fondue Fundraiser at Little Dipper Fondue: Craving something sweet? Little Dipper Fondue is ready to feed your sweet tooth in more ways than one this weekend with their MS Quarters for a Cure fundraiser. The event will run from 5-9pm and proceeds will benefit Multiple Sclerosis research.

  • God of Carnage at Thalian Hall: A Tony Award-Winning show is coming to Wilmington! Catch this Brooklyn-based comedy at Thalian Hall tonight at 7:30pm. Tickets are available here!

  • Open Mic Night at The Bend: Waiting for an opportunity to let your inner star shine? You’re just who The Bend is looking for! Local musician James Souden is there to help make your dreams come true and beckon you into the local music scene at this fun venue from 7-10pm. Singing not your thing? No worries, there will be cocktails and good company, too!

  • Beginner Painting Class at The Fat Pelican: Get in touch with your creative side with Kaylea for a beginner-friendly painting class for singles and couples! Free beer or wine is included with your ticket and can be purchased at this link!

Friday, April 4

  • Azalea Festival Street Fair at Front Street: The Azalea Festival Street Fair will have something for everyone this weekend on Front Street. Make your way through downtown Wilmington as you check out more than 150 vendors, live performers, a beer and wine garden, and more! This event is free to the public.

  • The Poor Man’s Garden Party at The Eagle’s Dare: Kick off your weekend and the Azalea Festival the right way with a fresh take on Wilmington’s famous garden party! This is a free, family-friendly event that will feature food trucks, live music, and great drinks! Stop by from 5-11pm.

  • Sunset Live Music Series at The Boatyard: Live music, local vendors, and handcrafted drinks? What more could you ask for! The Boatyard is bringing their FREE weekly Sunset Live Music Series back this Friday from 6-9pm. Listen to something great, drink something delicious, and look at something beautiful… All in the same spot.

  • Night Tour at The Burgwin-Wright House: Take a trip back in time with a night tour at The Burgwin-Wright House to experience colonial Wilmington! The candlelit evening is a ticketed event with limited space so get yours now! The tour begins at 8pm.

  • Flo Rida w/ Mike Posner: Flo Rida and Mike Posner are in town to kick off the Azela Fest weekend. The show starts at 5 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion, and tickets are still available.

  • Queen’s Dance Party at Wilmington Convention Center: Pull out your crowns, folks! Head to the Wilmington Convention Center for a night among royalty! Tickets include the opportunity to dance the night away, snack on hors d’oeuvres, and mingle with Queen Azalea, Miss North Carolina, the Azalea Festival Queen’s Court, and more! Tickets are available here.

  • Beer Garden Party at Fermental: Get ready to dress up in your garden-party-best for a floral-themed evening! Taste free wine, snack on light bites from the best of Wilmington’s food trucks and listen to something local — all starting at 4pm. This event is free, family-friendly, and pet-friendly.

Saturday, April 5

  • Alt-Zalea Fest 2025 at The Brooklyn Arts District: Celebrate the 10th year of the Alt-Zalea music fest in The Brooklyn Arts District! This year’s festival will boast 94 acts and 14 different locations — this is something you won’t want to miss! The event is 12-8pm. Check out more information here!

  • Azalea Festival Parade at Front Street: Rose parades are out but Azalea parades are so in! Line the streets of downtown Wilmington or catch the sights on your local news channel starting at 9:30am.

  • Slow Art Day at Cameron Art Museum: Feel like your life is moving too fast these days? You’re not alone. Join the Cameron Art Museum for an opportunity to slow down and challenge yourself to experience new artwork! This self-guided activity is free with admission to the museum.

  • Flow to Flow: A Yoga & Writing Workshop at terra sol sanctuary: Strengthen your mind-body connection with terra sol sanctuary Flow to Flow workshop! Move through an asana yoga practice and then get in touch with your inner self for the creative writing portion of the workshop. Tickets are $20 and are available now. The workshop begins at 6:30pm.

  • Tunes & Blooms at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Tune in for an afternoon of live music and games presented by Wilmington Grill! The event begins at 12pm and is a free, family-friendly experience. Food and alcohol will be available for purchase.

Sunday, April 6

  • Dead on the Deck at Katy’s Grill and Bar: Katy’s and Deadheads everywhere will be “awakening the VIBES” this weekend with Dead on the Deck. A variety of local artists will be performing from 2-10:30pm and refreshments will be available for purchase.

  • Spring Plant Sale at Hobby Greenhouse Club: Let this weekend inspire you to get back in your garden, Wilmington! Check out the biannual plant sale from 12-5pm for a chance to green your thumb. All plants are grown by club members and will offer a unique variety.

  • Spring Vendor Market at Shea’s Riverview: We’re going to the chapel, and we’re…. going to shop until we drop! Join Shea’s Riverview, a local wedding venue, for a curated selection of wedding vendors including eats, sips, beauty treatments, and permanent jewelry! Stop by from 10am-3pm.

Will you be attending any of these events?

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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK:
The Eagle’s Dare — A One-Stop-Shop for a Great Time!

They say that those who dare, win… at The Eagle’s Dare, you have nothing to lose. No matter the occasion, The Eagle’s Dare is here to push the limit and offer something to the community that no one else does!

Check their extensive event calendar any day of the week to find something new to try — from burlesque shows, to live comedy, to Drag Brunch, The Eagle’s Dare has something for everyone! Looking for a more lowkey night? Don’t worry — you can enjoy their beer garden, food trucks, or even line dancing lessons throughout the week!

📍420 N 3rd Street

Wilmy Weekly Tip: No tickets for the Azalea Festival? No worries. Check out The Poor Man’s Garden Party instead Friday Night!

Featured Food Deal of The Week:
50% Off Tacos & Potstickers @ The Vine Wine Bar and Eatery

Whether you’re craving a Mexican staple or a new spin on an Asian classic, The Vine has a deal for you this weekend! Stop by Sunday from 4-9 pm for 50% off tacos and potstickers! If a liquid diet is more your thing, don’t worry, they have that, too! Enjoy $3 mimosas, $8 margaritas, and $8 smoked old fashions.

📍25 N 3rd Street

LIVE MUSIC 🎸 

Friday

  • Seven Mile Post | The Moto’s | 7-10pm

  • Wilmington Distillery | Wes Sayer | 4-7pm

Saturday

  • Wilmington Distillery | Frank Grant & The Feelin’ | 10pm

  • Circa 1922 | Live Piano Music | 6:30-9:30pm

  • Bowstring Burgers and Brewyard | Vincent Antone w/ Phyphr and FROGGY P | 8pm

  • Fermental | Roadside Saints | 7pm

Sunday

  • Live at Ted’s | Liz Longley | 4-6pm

  • Fermental | Sunday Jazz Jam w/Jay Killman | 5pm

FOOD TRUCKS
This Week’s Featured Food Trucks 🚛 

SMASH N DASH:
April 4 — Edward Teach Brewery — 12pm to 7pm

KIMCHI TACO:
April 3 — 929 N Front Street — 11am to 1pm

April 3 — Broomtail Brewing — 5pm to 8pm

April 4 — Flying Machine Brewing — 5:30pm to 8:30pm

April 5 — Wilmington Brewing Company — 5pm to 8pm

EASTSIDE:
April 3 — Mad Mole Brewing — 5pm to 8pm

April 4 — Broomtail Brewing — 5pm to 8pm

April 5 — Flytrap Brewing — 12pm to 4pm

CHEF DRIVEN:
April 3 — DrumTrout Brewing Company — 5:30pm to 8:30pm

April 4 — The Bend — 5pm to 8pm

WILMINGTON NEWS AND UPDATES

Several streets to close during Azalea Festival: Keep an eye on the traffic downtown this weekend in Wilmington! As the city welcomes the Azalea Festival back for its 25th year, several streets downtown will be closed to accommodate the festival’s two biggest events: the Street Fair and Azalea Festival parade.

Wrightsville Beach dog policy under review: Your furry friends could get more fun in the sun next season! The Town of Wrightsville Beach dog restriction policy is currently under review. The current policy limits dogs on the beach from April 1 to September 30, but this could be changing soon. The Town will be releasing more information as it becomes available.

2025 Race for the Planet scheduled for Earth Day weekend: Clear your calendar and lace up your running shoes! The annual 5k or 1-mile run for the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is open for registration for walkers and runners this Earth Day weekend — think GREEN as you plan your race! Register here to participate on April 27.

Wilmy Weekly’s 30 Days of 30 Businesses

We’re diving in on week 3 of Wilmy Weekly’s 30 days of 30 local businesses spotlight series!

1 local business every day. For 30 days.

And we want to hear from you!

What are your favorite local businesses you want to see featured?

Restaurants, experiences, insurance, lawyers, realtors, venues, barbers, salons, tours, gyms, etc. Nothing’s off limits.

Reply directly to this email and let us know who you want to see featured.

WEATHER 🌡️ 

Thursday
67🌡️78 | ☀️ | 🌧️17% | 💨 SW 11 mph

Friday
65🌡️79 | 🌤️| 🌧️14% | 💨 SW 14 mph

Saturday
68🌡️78 | 🌤️ | 🌧️9% | 💨 SW 15 mph

Sunday
68🌡️78 | ☀️ | 🌧️7% | 💨 SW 20 mph

Monday
53🌡️78 | ☀️ | 🌧️76% | 💨 SW 19 mph

🌊🌡️ Ocean temperature = 61.9°F

Today’s newsletter was written, edited, and published by Jade, Nic, and Trenton.

See you next week!

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