Today
in Wilmington
Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Living Hope Day Center in downtown faces a potential closure as its host, First Baptist Church, will shut down for renovations next year. CEO Tony has reached out to city and county officials for a new space while local donors try to bridge a funding gap for its services. WHQR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ben & Jerry’s will open its first Wilmington location at Mayfaire on April 22 from noon to 10 p.m. The new shop (at 951 International Drive) replaces Coldstone, which closed in fall 2025. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ An 18-year-old from Carolina Beach started Coastal Cool, a swimwear line that uses 88-91% recycled plastic to help keep our oceans clean. The business began with a $500 investment & a parent loan, has removed over 100,000 plastic bottles, and now sells worldwide. WECT
- ➤ Wawa Inc announced its first local store will open Friday, May 29 at 6800 Carolina Beach Road — a preview event will be held May 28, and the new site is expected to create about 35 jobs. Port City Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Oak Ridge Boys will perform at the Wilson Center on Friday, Aug. 7 as part of their Celebrating Route 66 tour. Tickets for members go on sale Wed., Apr. 22 at 10 a.m. and for the public on Thu., Apr. 23 at 10 a.m. WWAY
- ➤ UNCW's Mainstage Theatre presents Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Crimes of the Heart through April 27, offering audiences a fresh view of the classic Southern black comedy. The production brings a beloved work to life for local theatergoers. Wilmington Star-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Town of Wrightsville Beach will begin curb and gutter repairs this week with milling and paving work scheduled for May 4-6 on S. Lumina Ave and N. Channel Dr.—residents with artificial turf must move it at least 2 feet to avoid damage and expect temporary driveway access restrictions. WECT
- ➤ Veterans Benefits Live will be held May 28-30 at National Guard Facility Maintenance (2412 Infantry Rd) in Wilmington and will offer in-person pension exams, mental health support, and benefits assistance for veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors. WECT
- ➤ Duke Energy will remove seven sawtooth oak trees along North 4th Street next to the courthouse on Saturday, April 25, to address safety concerns during planned roof replacement + officials say a new species will be planted in the fall. WECT
- ➤ The Town of Wrightsville Beach announced a paving project starting this week with curb and gutter repairs beginning right away and milling/paving scheduled for May 4-6 along S. Lumina Ave. & N. Channel Dr.; residents with artificial turf must move it 2 feet from the asphalt to prevent damage. FOX Wilmington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The founder of opiAID, David Reeser, died Friday, Apr. 17 after battling rare cancer for eight months at age 46 – his work brought AI-driven addiction treatment to local clinics. A Celebration of Life will be held at Global River Church, 4702 S. College Rd., on Sunday, May 3 at 2:30 p.m. WECT
- ➤ Beat Parkinson’s Today is hosting a community 5K run/walk for Parkinson’s disease awareness on Saturday, May 9 at The Pointe at Barclay + the nonprofit works with Brunches and Novant Health to offer free exercise classes. WWAY
- ➤ The area water authority issued an emergency boil water advisory for about 80 Cheyenne Trail customers after a main break on Monday, Apr. 20. Cape Fear Public Utility Authority crews are testing the water and working to restore service (customers must boil water for 1 minute before use). Port City Daily
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local high school softball fans can vote for the 2026 StarNews Midseason Softball Player of the Year from 27 nominees + voting closes Monday, April 27 at 11:59 p.m. Wilmington Star-News
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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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Coastal Entrepreneurship Awards
6-9 p.m. — UNCW Burney Center — Recognizing local innovation — Celebrate emerging and established businesses in the Cape Fear region.
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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
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Wilmington
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