Today
in Wilmington
Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Signature returns today at Smoke on the Water Restaurant on Wilmington waterfront, running from 2-7 p.m. to benefit the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation and Barbara Highsmith Reading Academy — it honors Mayor Bill Saffo and Hilda DeLeon and welcomes NFL player Alex Highsmith as a special guest. WECT
- ➤ Wilmington's Assistance League thrift store (run by volunteers three days a week) donated millions to fund local community programs. The contribution supports area causes and helps sustain long-standing support for residents. WECT
- ➤ Skywatch Bird Rescue is asking Wilmington residents for help after a critically injured brown pelican was last seen off Masonboro Island yesterday morning — the bird was swept into the Intracoastal Waterway and may be rescued with safe capture instructions via their hotline. WECT
- ➤ At the 39th annual Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale, visitors can shop over 5,000 plant varieties to support local education. The event will run Thursday, April 16 through Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at 6206 Oleander Drive. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 79th annual Azalea Festival is in full swing in Wilmington from Friday to Sunday, featuring a Garden Tour at 10 private gardens with $35 tickets — a downtown street fair, a free parade at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and WWII aircraft demos at the airport on Saturday and Sunday. WWAY
- ➤ Laurie Gwen Shapiro will read from her book 'The Aviator and the Showman' on April 16 at The Fuzzy Needle (in The Cargo District) to support the Cape Fear Literacy Council; a Q&A with local writer John Jeremiah Sullivan and a live musical performance by Julia Rothenberger will also feature. Port City Daily
- ➤ The Cape Fear Museum will reopen downtown in summer to display a Michael Jordan 1982 championship jersey — an independent authenticator identified it as the one worn by the basketball legend and donated to Laney High School, with experts estimating its value at $20 million. Wilmington Star-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ CFPUA will issue a boil water advisory on Carolina Beach Road on April 14 at 9 p.m. as crews replace broken water valves, affecting 90 customers (areas including blocks of Carolina Beach Road, Morningside Drive and Ivey Circle); residents should boil water for drinking, teeth brushing, ice and food prep. Port City Daily
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local food news highlights soft shell crabs at Voyce Bistro this weekend, N.C. Pint Day at local breweries on Sunday, and international wine dinners at Salt 64 and Bridgewater Wines and Dines. A celebrated chef will join Food Network in May and Fizzy Jane’s won Best Brunch. Wilmington Star-News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A variety of hotels (including Sleep Inn by Choice, Double Tree, and Studio 6 under rezoning review) are evolving along Market St in Wilmington to meet rising demand. Recent photos captured earlier this week show the corridor adapting with a range of updated properties. Wilmington Star-News
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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.
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Tiffany & Tea Event
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Azalea Antiques & Art — Free entry — Experience an elegant evening with fine tea, select wines, and curated charcuterie alongside sisterhood.
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Dead on the Deck: The Deadtown Cosmonauts
2-6 p.m. — Katy's Grill and Bar — Free entry — Experience high-energy music inspired by the beaches of Wilmington, NC.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Wilmington
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