Today
in Wilmington
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Skywatch Bird Rescue in Castle Hayne will host a yard sale Saturday, Apr. 18 (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) to cover spring expenses and a baby shower Saturday, Apr. 25 (12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) with a donkey visit; entry is a donation or a registry gift. WWAY
- ➤ United Way of the Cape Fear Area will host its Rock the Day for the United Way event on Saturday, May 16 at The Bend from 4 to 10 p.m., featuring live entertainment, cocktails & mocktails, food, local vendors and an artist village; proceeds will support community programs. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ United Way of the Cape Fear Area will host Rock the Day on Saturday, May 16 at The Bend from 4 to 10 p.m.; the event features live entertainment, cocktails, and food from local vendors to fund community programs (free parking is available at The Bend). WECT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Onslow County Sheriff’s Office said 12-year-old Alexandria Parker, who was last seen around 3:30 p.m. Monday near Turkey Point Road, was found safe this morning in a camper near her home. FOX Wilmington
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ USA TODAY readers voted Wilmington Riverwalk No. 7 best in the country — the landmark has consistently ranked in the top 10 for scenic views along the Cape Fear River in downtown. Riverfest will be held in October with live music and a street fair. Wilmington Star-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Wallace-Pender Airport will begin an $18 million expansion to accommodate larger aircraft and boost operations. The project will upgrade the facility — details will be shared as plans develop. WECT
- ➤ Regional gas prices fell to $3.86 per gallon for the second week and were about 6.3% lower than the national average, according to the EIA. Analysts warn prices could rise 20 to 30 cents soon + market volatility persists amid potential oil flow disruptions. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety requested approval from the UNC Board of Governors to launch a four-year medical program with a three-year accelerated track in Wilmington. If approved, the program will welcome its first class in fall 2029 (aiming to ease the local physician shortage). WWAY
- ➤ The Cape Fear Literacy Council will host its annual Luncheon for Literacy — focusing on sustainability and adult education — at Northside Church on Tuesday, April 21 at 11 a.m., where testimonials will highlight the impact of free literacy programs and call for continued support. WWAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Coastal Horizons hosted the grand opening of an on-site pharmacy in partnership with Genoa Healthcare on April 14 at its campus on Shipyard Boulevard. The pharmacy, which accepts Medicaid, offers pre-filled pill organizers, synchronized prescription refills (and free delivery) to improve patient care. FOX Wilmington
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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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John Crist Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Tickets vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with one of today’s fastest-rising stand-up comedians.
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Benny Hill Jazz Quartet Concert
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Music on Market — Free entry — Enjoy an electrifying performance by the acclaimed Benny Hill Jazz Quartet featuring vibrant saxophone improvisations.
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Wilmington
Welcome to the Today in Wilmington, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Wilmington, North Carolina community. If you like the Today in Wilmington, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Wilmington.
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