Today
in Wilmington
Friday, October 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On the first weekend of October, the Cape Fear region hosts many community events such as the Belville Riverwalk Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Riverwalk Park, Bark in the Park at Wrightsville Beach from 11 a.m. Saturday, and downtown Wilmington’s Riverfest with a drone show at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Freya’s Haus hosts a Pumpkin Festival on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and the Children’s Museum holds Sensory Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon — all events are free for families. WWAY
- ➤ Thousands are expected to attend Wilmington Riverfest downtown on Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5—featuring food and arts vendors, live music, BMX bike shows, a drone show, car displays and a Kid Zone—while the event promises diverse outdoor fun for all ages. WECT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington is hosting many Halloween events for adults throughout October—ranging from haunted trails and horror film screenings to live musical performances and costume contests with cash prizes. Local venues like Thalian Hall and SeaWitch Tiki Bar will host spooky shows as the city celebrates the season. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ The 29th Annual Art in the Arboretum will showcase over 80 local artists and a new Youth Arts Center on October 11 and 12 at the county arboretum—admission is $5 per person with free entry for children 12 and younger. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ After a busy Thursday with acts like JJ Grey and Mofro at Greenfield Lake and the play 'RED' at Thalian Hall, today's events include 'The Rocky Horror Show' and a Hitchcock film screening at Thalian Hall. Upcoming events such as Riverfest, Oktoberfest and a performance by The Wailers plus film festivals and comedy shows will brighten Wilmington through Sunday. Port City Daily
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The school board voted today on a master plan for New Hanover County High School on Market Street—choosing the hybrid approach that will fix safety issues in phases with updates to the perimeter and new construction. WWAY
- ➤ The new downtown Wilmington library — scheduled to open Monday, Oct. 6 — offers a preview tour for local visitors to explore its modern design before the grand opening. Wilmington Star-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ JC Lyle—former planning commission chair and nonprofit leader—is running for one of three seats on Wilmington City Council. She said her background in housing, disaster recovery, and community planning will help boost affordable housing, improve transit, and strengthen environmental justice ahead of the Nov. 4 election. Port City Daily
- ➤ The ACLU sued New Hanover County Clerk of Court Jan Kennedy for not releasing public records on ITP lists after seven requests over nearly two years—claiming that the missing records put vulnerable people at risk in the court system. Port City Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center is expanding pediatric care by partnering with UNC Chapel Hill—Dr. Michael Jaskolka said the hospital will bring more children’s health services closer to home. WECT
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Wilmington Riverfest
10 AM – 6 PM — Wilmington Downtown Incorporated — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit along the beautiful Cape Fear riverfront with music, food, and activities for all ages.
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The 502s Concert
6-7:30 p.m. — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — $25+ — Experience the energetic beach folk sounds of Florida's
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DUBTOWN COSMONAUTS Live Dock Party
6-10 p.m. — Marina Grill — Free entry — Experience high-energy tunes from the beachy Dubtown Cosmonauts in a festive dock atmosphere.
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Gunhild Carling Concert
7-9 p.m. — Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the swinging jazz standards of Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling live in concert.
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Phantogram Concert
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Cost info not provided — Experience the genre-defying sounds of experimental band Phantogram in a beautiful lakeside setting.
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Mike Oregano Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Fermental Beer & Wine — Free entry — Experience a unique one-man band act blending Jazz and Rock in an unforgettable performance.
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Eric Johnson Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Kenan Auditorium — Cost info not provided — Experience the musical journey of Eric Johnson across genres.
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Big Gigantic Live Performance
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique blend of electronic dance music with live instruments by Big Gigantic.
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TreeHouse! Live at The Reel Cafe
7-10 p.m. — The Reel Cafe — Get your tickets now — Enjoy a fantastic show with TreeHouse! and special guest Rockstead on the rooftop.
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Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival
12:00 – 3:00 p.m. — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Admission includes sampling glass — Enjoy a fun-filled festival with over 300 beers, 100+ wines, and live music.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
~ James Clear
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