Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Good Shepherd Center prepared for at least 100 people to seek shelter Monday night as dropping temperatures and rough weather moved in — staff encouraged guests to check weather forecasts and support local neighbors. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is hosting a pop-up market today at Cape Fear Christian Church (10 a.m. to noon) to offer families fresh produce, snacks and beverages without ID requirements. The event supports local efforts for over 33,000 neighbors facing food insecurity. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ City officials said resurfacing at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex at Empie Park will begin this week — courts 14-18 first, then courts 9-13 and the center court, with signs posted to keep players updated as work lasts three to four weeks. FOX Wilmington
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Band of Horses and Dinosaur Jr. will perform as part of the REV Rocks concert series this summer; they are scheduled for July 16 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater (Band of Horses will play Everything All the Time and Dinosaur Jr. will feature Where You Been). Port City Daily
- ➤ Wilmington’s long-running Azalea Festival was named one of the 10 best flower festivals nationwide after finishing No. 7 in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. The festival will run April 8-12 and feature a parade, street fair, concerts, and more with actress Elaine Hendrix as its queen. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Cheap Trick will perform at the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College on Sunday, June 7 at 7 p.m. as part of its All Washed Up Tour, with tickets available to members today at 10 a.m. and to the general public on Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. WWAY
- ➤ Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band will perform at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion on July 14 this summer as part of its Keep The Party Going Tour — presale tickets are available tomorrow at 10 a.m. and regular sale begins Friday at 10 a.m. WECT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Carolina Beach Police Department and New Hanover County Sheriff's Office will offer a women-only self-defense course next month at Katie B. Hines Senior Center. The 12-hour series covers hands-on defense techniques and risk reduction, and classes run every Monday in April from 6 to 9 p.m. with limited spots. WECT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Monday saw severe thunderstorms and a risk of tornadoes hit parts of NC, with coastal areas experiencing winds up to 50 mph. Several colleges and school districts moved to remote learning or closed, and state officials urged residents to review emergency plans — a reminder to stay safe. WHQR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ North Carolina law enforcement has increased patrols statewide as part of the Booze It & Lose It campaign running March 16 to 22 to prevent impaired driving during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, urging drivers to plan for a sober ride home. WWAY
- ➤ The City of Wilmington is working with the NC Division of Coastal Management to study residents’ experiences with flooding and coastal storms as part of the RCCP. Residents can join an event on Wednesday, Mar. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Skyline Center — or submit their feedback online. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ The Department of Justice approved 649 settlements for Camp Lejeune water contamination claims, paying $175 million so far, but only about 2,500 claims have been settled from over 400,000 filings. Attorneys say many affected service members+their families still await compensation for health issues and urge faster payouts. FOX Wilmington
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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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Hank, Pattie & The Current Concert
8-10 p.m. — Live At Ted’s — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy the melodic sounds of Hank, Pattie & The Current live in concert.
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Blue Ribbon Run
4:00 PM — Long Leaf Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a community run to raise awareness and funds for colorectal cancer research.
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Lucius Concert
7-10 PM — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Ticket prices from $69 — Experience the captivating sounds of Lucius live in Wilmington.
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Easter Brunch Buffet
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Bluewater Waterfront Grill — $50 Adults, $20 Kids — Celebrate Easter with a delicious waterfront brunch buffet featuring prime rib and grilled salmon.
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Mary's Art Explorers
10-11 a.m. — Friends School of Wilmington — $5 each — Enjoy a story time about frogs followed by a nature walk and craft making.
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Wilmington Grand Vendor Expo
9 a.m. — Carolina Beach State Park — Free entry — Explore local vendors and enjoy great deals and positive vibes.
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5th Annual Derby Day Soiree
2-7 p.m. — Smoke on the Water — Tickets available — Celebrate Kentucky Derby style with live music, celebrity guests, and stunning river views.
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Green Thumb Plant Social
5-7 p.m. — Tap Yard Wilmington — Free entry — Swap plants and tips while enjoying a fun bingo night with raffles and prizes.
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Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band
7-10 p.m. — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of blues with the legendary Taj Mahal and his band.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
~ James Clear
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