Today
in Wilmington
Friday, March 27th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington is ranked 7th best city in the South in Southern Living’s 2026 list after earning City on the Rise honors in 2024 and placing 13th in 2025, with a growing population spurring more dining, shopping & recreational activities along the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ United Way of the Cape Fear Area invites locals to join its Spring Trike Race on Tuesday, Apr. 28 at The Eagle’s Dare from 3:30 p.m. Teams compete for a $500 nonprofit gift and a $250 costume prize, with free entry and donations encouraged for over 40 local nonprofits. WECT
- ➤ Wilmington residents are encouraged to honor farmworkers during National Farmworker Awareness Week running from March 25 to 31. Local advocates stress that these workers play a vital role in sustaining North Carolina agriculture and call for fair treatment. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Loveexploring.com named the New Hanover County Arboretum as North Carolina’s most underrated attraction — a seven-acre garden on Oleander Drive that offers waterfalls, ponds, and themed areas as a free living classroom for residents to enjoy year-round. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ The Geeks + Freaks Mothership Market will take place Saturday from 12pm to 4pm at Waterline Brewing Company on Surry St. Wilmington, offering pop and geek-inspired crafts, cosmic activities, and a variety of food options with free entry. WWAY
- ➤ A historic marker honoring Revolutionary War patriot Zachariah Jacobs was unveiled Monday morning at Third and Grace streets in downtown Wilmington. Jacobs, one of over 460 men of color who fought for independence, is now recognized as a local hero — his family and community celebrated his enduring legacy. WWAY
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Endowment awarded more than $5.17 million to expand workforce development programs in New Hanover County, funding $2 million for the Career and Leadership Development Academy and $3 million for the New Hanover County Apprenticeship Accelerator Program + $370,000 for a construction trades training program. WECT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNCW will host a free STEM expo — featuring hands-on marine science activities — at its campus, where participants will explore coastal environments. WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Town of Burgaw ordered the immediate evacuation of Poplar Grove Assisted Living Facility on March 25 because of severe fire safety violations—officials confirmed that residents were safely relocated to Onslow House and the facility will remain closed until all repairs are completed. WECT
- ➤ More than 1,900 public comments opposing Fuquay-Varina’s plan to divert 6.17 million gallons per day from the Cape Fear River were sent to state regulators on Thursday—showing growing local concern as residents can still submit feedback until April 1. Port City Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Authorities evacuated Poplar Grove Assisted Living Facility on March 26 after officials found severe fire and life safety violations; residents were relocated to Onslow House in Jacksonville following state approval. Wilmington Star-News
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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.
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Piff the Magic Dragon Live Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Ticketed event — Experience the hilarious magic and comedy of Piff the Magic Dragon, a crowd favorite since America's Got Talent.
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Wilmington Dance Festival
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Kenan Auditorium — $35 — Experience an inspiring showcase of ballet, contemporary, and modern dance featuring local talent and guest artists.
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
Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.
~ Les Brown
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