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Wilmington Riverfest: What to know about food, parking and entertainment

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Wilmington Riverfest: What to know about food, parking and entertainment

The Wilmington Riverfest, considered Wilmington’s biggest fall festival, was first held in 1979. The festival was created by a group of Wilmingtonians interested in showcasing downtown Wilmington and the Cape Fear River. 

The two-day cultural street festival will return to downtown Wilmington the first weekend in October.

Here’s what to know about this free family-oriented event.

What’s happening?

The festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 in downtown Wilmington, along Front Street between Chestnut and Orange streets. The festival will feature craft vendors, concessions booths, a children’s play area and entertainment. New to the festival instead of fireworks this year will be an Open Sky Drone Show. Due to the city of Wilmington ordinances, pets are not allowed onsite during Riverfest. 

Entertainment/events

Open Sky Drone Show: The show will be held at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 5. The best place for viewing will be the Wilmington Riverwalk. Please, no boats allowed in that area during the flight of the drone. This will stop the drone.

Kidz Zone: The Kidz Zone area will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days with inflatables, rides, stage events and more activities for children. Details: Stacey Bell at secretary@wilmingtonriverfest.com.

Street fair: The street fair will feature local arts and crafts artisans showcasing their paintings, woodcarving, jewelry, sculptures and more. There also will be food vendors serving turkey legs, waffle cones, popcorn and more.

Antique car display: with the Cape Fear Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America will be held Oct. 5.

Classic car display: with The Sun Coast Cruisers, a family-oriented car club, located in Southeastern North Carolina, will be held Oct. 6.

More: A Wilmington festival to replace fireworks with drones show, drawing bursts of controversy

Bands

Here are some of the bands that will be performing:

  • SouLe & the SuperBand ― Classic Soul and Dance Music with a tribute to the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown
  • Dog Star Chaos
  • Rose Rebellion, a five piece band from Wilmington performing alternative, pop punk, grunge and more.
  • The Burdette Band
  • Double-Cherry Pie, a musican/band from Southport
  • Audiomelt, a rock and metal band from Wilmington
  • Cliff Wheeler band, three time Carolina Country Music Association award winner.

Where to park?

There will be free on-street metered parking all weekend. The parking decks/garages and private parking lots are paid parking.

Handicap parking is a first come first served basis and locations are on Front Street between Brunswick and Hanover streets and also on North Second Street between Brunswick and Hanover streets.

There will be no traffic allowed past the barricades without a Riverfest approved permit.

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