Today
in Wilmington
Friday, April 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Cotton Exchange celebrates 50 years as a downtown shopping and dining destination at 321 N. Front St. The historic site houses 25+ locally owned shops and restaurants that have grown with the community. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Wilmington Police Department has announced its free summer Cop Camp for local youth to build relationships with officers through hands-on activities and field trips. The program consists of two sessions (for third- and fourth-graders, July 6-10) and (for fifth- and sixth-graders, July 20-22) with limited spots available. FOX Wilmington
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Greenfield Lake Yacht Club bar in Wilmington will close on April 26 due to a DOT roadwork project, as confirmed on April 2. Owners plan weekly updates + are seeking a new location while preparing details for a grand closing event. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hampstead author Emily Barnhill wrote her children’s book (inspired by her son’s autism diagnosis) to mark World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day on April 2 and to help kids learn about inclusion and available support. WECT
- ➤ Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle will perform in Wilmington this summer. Tickets for the concert on Friday, June 12 go on sale Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. with presale starting April 8 at 10 a.m. through Live Nation’s All Access program. WWAY
- ➤ Delta Foundation will celebrate African American arts at the 2026 N.C. Azalea Festival on April 11 at Union Missionary Baptist Church — featuring a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra quartet, North Carolina Central University performers, drummers from Pamoja! Drummers Troupe, and local high school visual art. WECT
- ➤ Big Dawg Productions returns The Hermit of Fort Fisher to Thalian Hall’s Red Box theater from April 2 — 12 with Woody Stefl starring and Eben French Mastin in a new role, while Wilmington offers a weekend of cultural events and mostly sunny skies with highs near 80. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Li’l Friday brings a busy arts and culture weekend. Big Dawg Productions is staging 'The Hermit of Fort Fisher' at Thalian Hall starting Thursday while local spots host comedy shows, dance classes and Easter sunrise services—check details as schedules may change. Port City Daily
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Drought continues as 15 counties now face extreme conditions with rainfall nearly 10 inches below normal. Local officials urge residents to follow water restrictions since low water levels could soon affect water supplies and farming. WWAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Duke Energy has proposed a rate increase over the next two years, and the North Carolina Utilities Commission held public hearings to gather local input. Residents voiced concern about rising winter bills + many testified against the proposal. WWAY
- ➤ Cape Fear Public Utility Authority will conduct smoke testing on sewer mains in the Bayshore community next week — the routine test aims to ensure system reliability. WECT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The 2026 pollen season is proving tough as a severe statewide drought leaves Wilmington with nearly 42% less rain (a significant deficit) than usual, and experts say high tree pollen since March will gradually ease mid-April as grasses and weeds increase. 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.
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Summer Music Series - May
5-8 p.m. — Bluewater Waterfront Grill — Free entry — Come rock the dock with live music and waterfront views every Sunday this May.
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
A happy person isn't someone who's happy all the time. It's someone who effortlessly interprets events in a way that benefits them.
~ Naval Ravikant
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