Here’s what’s happening this weekend in and around Wilmington

Head to Carolina Beach as they celebrate their 10th annual colorful Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival. This is a two-day event that takes place Friday night and all day Saturday. (WBTV File)

By Lauren Schuster

WILMINGTON, N.C. (CAPE FEAR WEEKEND) - As the month of October is in sight, more fall festivities are starting to begin. Everything from Oktoberfests to fall fests. This weekend there are also races at Wrightsville Beach and multiple parades, plus others to keep your weekend busy!

Friday, September 22nd

Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival – Day 1

216 Canal Drive, Carolina Beach, NC 28428 | 6:00 – 9:30 p.m.

For the 10th year, celebrate the colorful Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival at Carolina Beach. Friday kicks off the two-day event of costumes, music and fun along the water. The Friday night kickoff party is being held at the Seawitch Café and Tiki Bar which is when the teams competing in the race on Saturday will be announced. The race starts bright and early at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning and don’t forget about the music and events taking place at the Carolina Beach waterfront and marina.

Saturday, September 23rd

Pier-2-Pier Open Water Swim Race

Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier 23 E Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 | 9:00 a.m.

It’s an eventful Saturday here in Southeastern North Carolina. Start off your morning either challenging yourself to a swim in the ocean, or cheer on the ones participating in the annual Pier-2-Pier Swim Race. Swimmers will be swimming about 2 miles between Johnnie Mercers Pier and the Crystal Pier around marked buoys. All proceeds from the event will benefit the YMCA’s free water safety and swim lessons available to the community each spring, summer and fall. Swimmers must register online in advance.

LakeFest: Greenfield Lake Celebration

Greenfield Park 298 Park Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

After the tough and challenging swim, dry off and head to Greenfield Lake Park for Lake Fest, an event that’s family-friendly and looks into the science, nature and wildlife here at the lake. This event includes a lot of free activities with live animals such as alligators, turtles, snakes and birds. There’s also face painting, arts and crafts and over 20 nature-themed exhibits. The paddle boats, canoes and kayaks are also available to rent.

For more ideas, visit our full list of September events.

Copyright 2023 WECT. All rights reserved.

Lauren Schuster

Lauren Schuster

Lauren joined WECT in September of 2022 as a multimedia journalist/reporter. Lauren grew up in a suburb of Chicago and graduated from Western Michigan in 2022 with a degree in broadcast journalism. While attending school, she interned at WOOD-TV 8 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She also worked as a lifestyle reporter for Rose Tv in Rosemont, Illinois.