Today
in Wilmington
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Across Cape Fear this weekend, Burgaw holds the 47th Spring Festival with family fun Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; downtown hosts The Blind Elephant’s Kentucky Derby party Saturday at 3 p.m., and Leland holds Sunday’s Paws for a Cause fundraiser with music. WWAY
- ➤ New Hanover County sailor Martin Willard was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on Thursday by Gov. Josh Stein. The Wrightsville Beach sailing instructor earned four top-10 finishes in World Championship regattas and has mentored generations while working on coastal conservation. WWAY
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Jesse Davis has opened Jesse’s Martini & Tapas Lounge in Wilmington in the former Green House restaurant on Military Cutoff Road, offering a mix of Northern and Southern flavors and Elizabeth Taylor-themed cocktails (including a private dining alcove). The lounge serves evenings starting today from 4 p.m. to midnight. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Gray Media and WECT launched the Star-Spangled Sing-Off contest in Wilmington for America’s 250th birthday (contest opened Friday, May 1) as it invites Americans to submit a cappella rendition of the National Anthem for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Nashville on Gray Media stations. WECT
- ➤ The North Carolina Black Film Festival returns to Wilmington this weekend with screenings, workshops and networking at Jengo’s Playhouse. Local filmmaker Tatyana Marie, a UNC Wilmington alumna, will debut her short film 'Anxiety and Me' today in a family-friendly block — highlighting Black voices and mental health. WWAY
- ➤ Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church hosts its 34th annual Drive-Thru Greek Festival from Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17 at its facility on S. College Road. The event features homemade Greek foods prepared by local chefs. WECT
- ➤ Mary Ames Booker will present a lecture on WWII religious artwork at the Battleship North Carolina Memorial on Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. in the Battleship Wardroom, explaining how triptychs supported military worship services. WECT
- ➤ Battleship North Carolina Memorial is hosting a lecture on WWII religious art on Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. in the ship's wardroom, led by curator Mary Ames Booker. The lecture will explore three-panel altar paintings created to support U.S. service members and charges $5 with advance registration or $8 at the door (free for Friends members). WWAY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sea turtle nesting season is underway along the coast from May 1 through Aug. 31, and local rescue groups will patrol beaches to help injured turtles. Beachgoers are urged to turn off lights and minimize disturbances to protect the nests. FOX Wilmington
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Camp Lejeune is upgrading 160 Marine barracks over a 25-year cycle to improve living conditions for about 20,000 service members. The renovations, backed by $160 million a year from the Department of War budget, will add new HVAC systems and modern amenities. WECT
- ➤ Widow Shital Patel is urging lawmakers to reform the state dental board after her husband died from over sedation in a routine dental procedure. She is proposing an increase in board members—to 10 with two consumer advocates—to strengthen oversight in Wilmington. FOX Wilmington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Brunswick County held a mental health summit Friday that gathered community leaders, providers, and residents to break stigma and connect people to care. Commissioner Frank Williams said mental health differs for everyone and urged those in need to reach out for help. WECT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington restaurants offered a new Sicilian menu at Cousins Italian deli while Indochine celebrated 25 years in its garden. Last night, North Carolina wineries featured on Battleship North Carolina and a Taco Tuesday event — part of De Mayo — will honor Latin-American culture on May 5. Wilmington Star-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, April 30, Hoggard High School hosted the Carolina Coast Conference track and field championships where athletes competed in events like the 1600, shot put, discus, and hurdles. Wilmington Star-News
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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.
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
Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.
~ Cornelius Vanderbilt
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