Today
in Wilmington
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The city hosts a community engagement event on May 2 at the MLK Center to gather input for its new 25-acre public park off Greenville Loop Road. Families can join for activities (games, food trucks) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as design teams will recap feedback later in the event. WECT
- ➤ The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is hosting its 13th annual Healthy Kids Day today at Empie Park from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering families a fun run, sports stations, free shirts, medals, bounce houses + snow cones and community resources from about 40 local businesses. WECT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Nifty Thrifty Thrift Shop opened its second Wilmington location on Friday at 1614 Market St with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Mayor Bill Saffo — who helped mark the event — and a $1,500 donation to the Good Shepherd Center. The owner said customers can buy items by the pound to keep prices affordable. WECT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Carolina Beach Boardwalk was ranked fourth in the nation by USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, falling one spot from last year — a nod to its enduring charm and attractions. Visitors enjoy rides, live music, and treats from Britt’s Donut Shop on this vibrant boardwalk. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will close on Tuesday, May 26 for a $65 million, 30-month renovation that will add a new shark habitat, interactive touch pool, live coral reef and education center. A temporary venue at Independence Mall will offer marine life encounters. FOX Wilmington
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ One week after the 79th annual Azalea Festival ended in Wilmington, organizers and city officials reported strong visitor turnout and a boost to the local economy from events including a Queen’s Coronation, garden tour, and street fair. They plan to expand the lineup for next year’s 80th festival. WWAY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ GLOW Academy students are preparing for the Cape Fear Wine and Food Experience today from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. after a cooking lesson from chef Virginia Willis (James Beard Award winner) taught them to make biscuits for their treat booth, with proceeds benefiting both GLOW and Spark Academies. FOX Wilmington
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On April 15, Southport police with NC Wildlife captured a 12-foot alligator from a home driveway and on April 16, rescued another injured gator from a Truist Bank drive-thru — authorities advise residents to avoid feeding alligators and secure pets near water. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Carolina Beach has temporarily closed Freeman Park as crews wrap up the 2026 beach nourishment project by removing equipment & piping after finishing sand placement. The park will be closed from Monday, April 20 through Wednesday, April 22 with plans to reopen on Thursday, April 23. WWAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cape Fear Public Utility Authority will issue a boil water advisory at 9:00 p.m. Monday, April 20 for about 115 Wilmington customers while crews replace broken water valves; residents in Hillcrest Community and nearby blocks must boil tap water (or use bottled water) for drinking and cooking until repairs finish. WWAY
- ➤ Attorney General Jeff Jackson warns that scammers use deepfake ads on Meta platforms to lure investors into risky schemes. North Carolinians are urged to verify details + avoid high-pressure tactics to protect their funds. FOX Wilmington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ NCDHHS raised awareness for Legionnaires’ disease after reporting 310 cases in 2025 compared with 201 in 2024, warning older adults and those with health issues to flush unused faucets + maintain water systems to reduce risk. WECT
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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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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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