Wilmington, N.C. - Each year, Wilmington's annual Riverfest celebration pays tribute to the Cape Fear River and its profound influence on Wilmington’s culture. Traditionally held the first full weekend in October, this year's 38th Annual Riverfest has been rescheduled for November 19-20. As in year's past, the festival will delight visitors and residents of all ages with free entertainment and family-friendly events that celebrate the river’s heritage, culture and natural beauty.
With the Cape Fear River as its focus, Riverfest’s schedule of events includes live music, an arts and craft street fair, exhibitions, kids’ amusements, pirate-theme activities, fireworks and more. The street fair, events and live entertainment wind along several blocks in Wilmington’s river district with vendors selling art and handmade crafts and over 30 food vendors serving festival edibles. Continuous live music, a hallmark of Riverfest, will feature musical performances in a variety of genres.
A few blocks away, the Kid Zone stage offers family entertainment with dance and music, as well as face/hair painting, balloon art, games, amusements, arts/crafts, clowns, mascots, inflatables, a climbing wall and more. Also for the children, there is a "Feast of the Pirates" encampment with pirate-theme festivities, such as pirate ships, demonstrations, a marketplace, kids’ pirate costume contest and more. The pirate camp will take place on the Chamber of Commerce lawn beside the Best Western Coastline Inn. For a schedule of pirate events, visit http://feastofthepirates.com/schedule-of-events/.
Annual events like Riverfest afford visitors a great opportunity to experience our region’s rich history. A portion of the Riverfest proceeds help support the Cape Fear Community College Marine Technology Program’s studies and environmental efforts. For more information about Riverfest 2016 and a schedule of activities, please visit www.wilmingtonriverfest.com.
City + Beaches: Riverfest takes place in Wilmington’s river district along its award-winning Riverwalk. Within a few minutes’ drive to the South and East the beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Fort Fisher beckon visitors with crystalline waters and an island vibe. For fall highlights, events and specials in Wilmington, North Carolina and its island beaches, visit www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/seasonal-page. Visitors may also call 866-266-9690 or email visit@wilmingtonandbeaches.com to request a free Official Visitors Guide.
