Today
in Wilmington
Tuesday, March 31st, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 31st of March.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 73rd Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour runs April 10-12 with 12 gardens, including secret spots in Autumn Hall and Airlie Gardens on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $50 and include a ribbon cutting with Azalea Queen Elaine Hendrix at the Cameron Art Museum at 9:30 a.m. Friday. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Future Islands will perform at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 as part of the Fountain of Youth Tour. Ticket sales begin on Friday, April 3 following a presale on Thursday, April 2. WECT
- ➤ On March 28, historian John Jeremiah Sullivan led a talk at St. Luke AME Zion where he shared new documents linking the church's pastor to the 1898 coup and massacre. The research shows a missing piece of Wilmington's history that may change old stories. Wilmington Star-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ New Census data shows the Wilmington metro area grew 2.6% between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025 & it ranked as the seventh fastest-growing metro in the country. Brunswick County added over 7,800 residents with a 4.7% increase during the same period. Wilmington Star-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials warn residents as three wildfires burned four acres each over the past week in the region, with a brush fire in Pender County and another in Ocean Isle Beach 80% contained (statewide burn ban remains in effect). FOX Wilmington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New Hanover County is expanding health care for women with limited or no insurance via its Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program, offering free screenings (Pap tests, clinical breast exams, and mammograms) at the Health and Human Services building on Greenfield Street every first and third Wednesday. WWAY
- ➤ Novant Health received state approval to build a 20-bed hospital in Leland and a free-standing emergency department in Carolina Shores; the new facilities are set to improve local access to health care and expand services at Brunswick Medical Center with an ambulatory surgery center opening this year. WECT
- ➤ Researchers found high levels of ultrashort-chain PFAS in blood samples collected from Wilmington residents between 2010 and 2016, showing that chemicals once thought not to linger can build up over time. Health officials call for further study and tighter controls on industrial pollution to protect drinking water. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Novant Health received state approval on Monday to build a 20-bed hospital along U.S. 74/76 near Compass Pointe in Leland and a freestanding emergency department in Carolina Shores. The projects will expand local healthcare services for Brunswick County’s growing population. WWAY
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington's April food calendar bursts with diverse dining events—Sugo Italian Steakhouse launches lunch service at Hotel Ballast on April 1 and restaurants across the area host wine dinners, beer pairings and fundraisers featuring chef Virginia Willis through late April. Wilmington Star-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Harlem Globetrotters will present an exhibition game against the Washington Generals at Trask Coliseum today at 7 p.m. and offer contests + opportunities for fans to meet players. WECT
- ➤ Sixteen local high school baseball players are on Division I rosters this spring at schools like NC State, UNC Greensboro, and UNCW. They are competing in the ongoing season as schools showcase Wilmington talent on the diamond. Wilmington Star-News
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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.
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Lagerfest 2026
1-5 p.m. — Wrightsville Beach Brewery — $25 for tasting glass and unlimited sampling — Celebrate local lagers with live music and food options.
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
When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different.
~ James Clear
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