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🎃 You’re in Wilmington — Here’s What’s Happening in October 2025

Fixed Dates You Won’t Want to Miss

Oct 4 – Oct 5: Wilmington Riverfest
Downtown Wilmington (Front Street / Water Street & waterfront)
Get out and enjoy this annual, free, family-friendly street festival along the Cape Fear River. Expect live music across multiple stages, a kid zone, artisan vendors, food trucks, classic/antique car displays, and a drone light show Saturday night over the river. (Wilmington Riverfest)

Oct 3: Gavin Adcock with Braxton Keith
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Catch local and regional music talent under the outdoor amphitheater roof. If you love discovering new artists, this is a great kickoff.

Oct 12: Lukas Nelson (with Stephen Wilson Jr. & The Band Loula)
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Experience a blend of Americana, roots, and soulful storytelling. An evening of strong musicianship and rich melodies.

Oct 22: Tedeschi Trucks Band with Little Feat
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
A powerhouse pairing: blues, rock, and soulful jams. Bring your energy — this is going to be a show.

Oct 29: John Legend — Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
If you’re into R&B/soul, this is a stop you’ll want. Legend revisits his debut album with a full performance.

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Tours, Seasonal Events & Halloween Spirit

These are experiences you can take in any time during October (or on scheduled nights) — they add flavor to your stay and help you explore the local side of Wilmington.

• Fire in the Pines Festival (Halyburton Park)
  Typically early October. A community festival with music, crafts, nature walks, and family fun in a scenic park setting.
• Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival
  Saturday, Oct 18 at North Waterfront Park. Sample dozens of brews and wines, enjoy food vendors, and take in waterfront vibes.
• Haunted / Ghost Tours & Historic Walking Tours
  October is prime for ghost stories, nighttime walks, and local legends. Take a guided tour around historic sites, alleyways, and haunted corners.
• Oakdale Cemetery Tours
  All through October, special historical and themed tours at Oakdale Cemetery. Great for history buffs and those who like a peaceful stroll with stories.
• “Wilmington 1898 / Coup & Massacre” Historical Tours
  Dive into Wilmington’s pivotal past on guided walking tours that tackle the actual events of 1898. Powerful, educational, sometimes emotional.
• Prohibition / Speakeasy Walking Tours
  Discover Wilmington’s 1920s and 30s history — hidden alleyways, old speakeasy locations, tales of bootlegs and secret bars.
• Trunk or Treat & Halloween Car Show
  Later in October: family-friendly Halloween celebrations combining candy, costumed cars, music, and community spirit (often at local venues like the Battleship or community plazas).

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Tips & Notes for You While You’re Here

• Always double-check exact show times, ticket availability, and any schedule changes before heading out.
• Many tours and haunted walks run in the evening or night — bring good walking shoes and a flashlight or phone light.
• For festival & outdoor events, arrive early for parking or shuttle options.
• If you see a “local secrets / off the beaten path” tour, those tend to be small, less crowded, and offer more personal stories.