Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Families can join upcoming Easter egg hunts; in Wrightsville Beach at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28 at the beach park softball field, in Southport at 10 a.m. on the same day at Franklin Square Park, or on Wednesday, April 1 at Southport Trinity United Methodist Church with sensory-friendly activities. WECT
- ➤ A charity tennis tournament raised $18,225 for Domestic Violence Shelter and Services Inc at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex at Empie Park from March 6 to 8 (the fifth annual event honoring MaryAnn Breault), with nearly 200 players in co-ed teams raising almost $100,000 overall. WWAY
- ➤ The Island Men Mac and Cheese Festival will take place on Saturday, March 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Carolina Beach (811 Harper Avenue) with unlimited samples in over 35 styles. Admission is a $10 donation with free entry for children, and proceeds support local charities. WECT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ An upcoming Target store will open in Monkey Junction (Myrtle Grove) to boost retail options and spur local economic growth. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cape Fear Community College invites locals to see its production of Bacchae by Euripides at the Studio Theatre on Hanover Street. The play runs April 16-18 and 23-25, and tickets are available weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m. at the box office or by calling 910-362-7999. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ The 13th annual Wilmington Theater Awards will be held at Thalian Hall on Wednesday, Mar. 25, with the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County presenting the show hosted by Erin Sullivan. Tickets cost $32, with a red carpet reception at 6 p.m. and performances starting at 7 p.m. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Today’s Throwback Thursday — a weekly archive series — revisits March 1985 with stories that include UNC Tar Heels fans watching the ACC Championship at J. Michael’s Philly Deli, Joe Namath and Deborah Mays performing at Thalian Hall, and a Belville neighborhood dispute reported in WWAY's archives. WWAY
- ➤ The Island Men Mac and Cheese Festival returns to Carolina Beach at 811 Harper Avenue on Saturday, Mar. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Attendees can sample over 35 mac and cheese recipes while supporting local charities with a $10 donation (children under ten enter free). FOX Wilmington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Novant Health neurologist Dr. Rebecca Pratt explained how functional neurosurgery works to restore nervous system function for patients with disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and certain head tremors — her insights aired today on a Wilmington studio segment. WECT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Residents planning backyard chickens in Wilmington are advised to check local ordinances and HOA rules for permits, lot size, and coop placement. They should ensure secure coops have enough indoor space (3-5 sqft) and outdoor run (8-10 sqft) and select hardy breeds like Rhode Island Reds for optimal performance. Wilmington Star-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After a comeback win over Yale, UNCW Seahawks will host Dayton for Round 2 of the NIT on Saturday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at Trask Coliseum; tickets are available at UNCWSports.com. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ UNCW will host Harry's Game, an exhibition soccer match featuring the Seahawks versus Wake Forest at 4 p.m. on Sunday in Wilmington. The annual event benefits Coastal B.U.D.S. and the New Hanover County Special Olympics (named for head coach Aidan Heaney's son) and will raise funds through online and live auctions. WWAY
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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
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
~ Les Brown
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