Today
in Wilmington
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher announced names for its triplet Asian smallclawed otters born in December after thousands of votes, with Nyx (the smallest), Baloo (the fastest) and Bodhi (the longest) reflecting each pup’s personality; the young otters will soon join their public habitat. Port City Daily
- ➤ The Carolina Beach Wing Crawl will let locals sample wings at 11 restaurants plus punch cards will be available at The Tropical between 1 and 2 p.m., supporting local charities and featuring a People’s Choice Award. WWAY
- ➤ Girl Scout Cookie Weekend is underway Feb. 20-22 as Girl Scouts across central and eastern N.C. sell cookies online (with free shipping on orders of six to 12 packs) and in person at local booths to fund troop programs. WWAY
- ➤ Special Olympics New Hanover County invites locals to join its upcoming Polar Plunge and Run event, designed to bring the community together for active participation with further details to be provided soon. WECT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The North Carolina First in Freedom Festival kicks off today statewide to honor the nation's 250th anniversary with events including a pancake breakfast in Burgaw, Kids Olympics at the Children's Museum in Wilmington, and guided tours at historic sites with Moores Creek National Battlefield as the central location. WWAY
- ➤ The National Garden Bureau named 2026 the Year of the Hot Pepper — prompting Wilmington restaurants to serve hot chicken at Four Corners Wrightsville Beach and spicy dishes at Szechuan 132 and Indian Flavors. Locals can also try hot sauces from Cast Iron Kitchen and Sea Monster Sauces. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Today, the State Archives’ traveling exhibit One Day Wonder opens at Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will move to Moores Creek National Park on Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (featuring historic documents). WWAY
- ➤ Lilah Pate, star of The Runarounds, has rediscovered her love of singing after working with local music producers and touring with the show. She said her renewed passion is a boost for her growing career, which will soon include more film projects (from her interview on 1on1 with Jon Evans). WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Hanover County launched a new Station 13 at 4860 Castle Hayne Road on Jan. 5 and held a ceremonial hose untying on Feb. 18 to mark replacing a 40‐year‐old PFAS-affected station (built in 1983) with an 11,500 sqft facility designed for improved firefighter safety. Port City Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Coastal Horizons in Wilmington sees about 700 daily patients amid the state's first-year report on a five-year mental health overhaul. The center received nearly $1 million to expand infant mental health and opioid treatment services plus state plans include new urgent care centers and mobile programs to meet growing needs. FOX Wilmington
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 5,500 athletes are set to run in the 16th annual Novant Health Wilmington Marathon on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7 a.m. across Wrightsville Beach, Greenfield Lake and downtown Wilmington, featuring a half marathon, 5k and 1-mile kids run (organizers predict substantial community benefits). FOX Wilmington
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Danny Gokey Concert with We Are Messengers and Jon Reddick
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Odell Williamson Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience uplifting performances that celebrate faith and community.
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Jack and Jill Rise & Run 5K
9 a.m. — Long Leaf Park — Registration fees apply — A heart-pounding 5K supporting children's education and advocacy in the Wilmington community.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What looks like talent is often careful preparation.
~ Ryan Holiday
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