Today
in Wilmington
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ BrewKini Coffee opened April 1 at 5671 Market St behind Rocco’s Cigar Lounge — a shipping container setup offering lattes, smoothies, and sandwiches made by bikini-clad baristas — and served customers from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it will add a dog-friendly patio soon. Port City Daily
- ➤ Walmart Supercenter and Publix are under construction in Carolina Shores along U.S. 17 as town staff approved plans on April 14 for McDonald's, Chase Bank, Great Clips, 7-Eleven and a dental office (awaiting fire marshal approval) while other businesses show interest, with openings expected by the end of 2026. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ William Hooper — a Wilmington resident who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 — played a key role in shaping our nation’s early government; his legacy is honored at Masonboro Sound Historic District along Masonboro Sound Road. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Actor Bob Leddy debuts his one-man show Wilbur & Orville about the Wright brothers in a pop-up theater at 20 Wrights Alley downtown. The 75-minute play runs weekends in April and Thursdays to Sundays in May. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cape Fear Community College invites the public to two spring performances. The Music Student Recital (Union Station room U170 at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 30) and the Hello Arts Ensemble Concert (Wilson Center at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 4) are free. WECT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Martin Marietta Materials is seeking approval to expand its Castle Hayne Quarry by 358 acres to meet demand; however, experts worry that the project may harm 143 acres of wetlands and 9.7 acres of open water near Island Creek. The permit application is open for comment until May 1. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher hosts the Race for the Planet 5K (part of its 50th anniversary celebration) on Sunday, April 19 at 8 a.m. at Battle Acre, supporting green initiatives with a one-mile fun run and a virtual race from April 20 to 27. WWAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ WalletHub’s study shows North Carolina ranks in the top ten for drivers, with lower costs + poor traffic and safety scores affecting Wilmington. Local road projects are planned to ease congestion as the region's population grows. Wilmington Star-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, the YWCA held its 5th annual Maternal Health Summit at UNCW Burney Center where dozens learned about resources for expecting parents — an effort highlighted earlier this week by Governor Josh Stein during Black Maternal Health Week. WWAY
- ➤ Novant Health will host a drive-thru event next weekend in Wilmington — disposing expired medications, syringes, and vaping devices without batteries — at three local sites. It runs Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. FOX Wilmington
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Brunswick CC sports is having a historic run as the baseball team leads Region 10 East and the softball team, under new coach Karlyn Stephens, chases its first region tournament and a win record—building on recent basketball success. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Four former UNC Wilmington athletes and coaches will be inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame on Saturday, April 18 at Brooks Field ahead of the UNCW-Hofstra baseball game. The ceremony honors Jerry Wainwright, Mark Scalf, Amy Chilausky and Rafael Aita, raising the total to 63 inductees. Wilmington Star-News
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Earth with Wind & Fire Concert
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful rhythms of Earth, Wind & Fire at this lively outdoor concert.
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
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Wilmington and across North Carolina. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Today in Wilmington
A free Wilmington community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://todayinwilmingtonnews.com/sitemap