Today
in Wilmington
Saturday, April 4th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today's guide details that the 2026 paid parking season is in effect for local beaches, with most sites enforcing parking from March 1 to Oct. 31 and varying rates (Wrightsville Beach now offers a $5 daily reduction), while Caswell Beach continues to provide free parking. Wilmington Star-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new Target store in the Myrtle Grove community will open May 17 at the southeast corner of Carolina Beach Road and Piner Road, covering about 128,000 sqft. This store will be New Hanover County’s second Target location and will offer an easy, affordable shopping experience. WECT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, Feast Wilmington featured over 70 restaurants serving unique bites to locals in Wilmington. Visitors savored a variety of dishes and celebrated the city's vibrant food scene. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Elaine Hendrix will be crowned Azalea Queen at the North Carolina Azalea Festival later today in Wilmington (marking her first return since 2009) as she celebrates a long career that includes her iconic role in The Parent Trap. She will connect with local fans and embrace community tradition during the celebration. FOX Wilmington
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled out a $5 billion plan to fund public schools—including over $50 million for New Hanover County Schools—leaving state lawmakers to revise education funding formulas soon. WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Wilmington Planning Commission approved a text amendment on April 1 that lets Eagle’s Dare keep its shipping container as an accessory bar for large events in the CBD—pending city council review on May 5. Port City Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ YWCA Lower Cape Fear and UNCW College of Health and Human Services are hosting the fifth annual Maternal Health Summit on Thursday, April 16 at the UNCW Burney Center on South College Road, where speakers and community leaders will share solutions and honor trailblazers. WECT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Fizzy Jane’s at 614 W. West St was ranked the best brunch spot in Wilmington in a StarNews readers' poll with nearly 500 votes. The restaurant serves modern local seafood & creative cocktails on weekends and refreshes its menu seasonally. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ A family-run doughnut shop returns with its classic glazed treats, and tickets are selling fast for Cape Fear Wine + Food Experience community dinners scheduled mid-month. A popular local bar will hold its last call party on April 26 before closing for relocation. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Two 11-week-old kittens from the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit are looking for a forever home at the shelter on 180 Division Drive, but the facility is closed today for Good Friday & Easter; adoption hours resume Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. WECT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Bolivia has approved rezoning for a 30-acre site behind Dollar General to host its first grocery store & modern retail center. The new commercial district, planned by GHK Developments, Inc., will be built near the Brunswick County government complex as the town anticipates growth in both residential and business sectors. 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
The first rule of any kind of progress: showing up.
~ Ryan Holiday
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