Wilmington Riverfest 2025 — October 4th & 5th Downtown Wilmington
Don’t miss Riverfest, a beloved celebration in Wilmington, North Carolina that takes place along the award-winning Cape Fear riverfront. Annually on the first full weekend of October, this free, family-friendly street fair attracts thousands of locals and visitors. With a lineup that features music, food trucks, art vendors, and activities for all ages, Riverfest showcases the beauty of Wilmington’s Historic Downtown and the spirit of our incredible community. First-time visitors and long-time attendees alike are invited to create unforgettable memories at this cherished event!
Trips To Discover has voted Wilmington Riverfest one of the TOP Seven Festivals to Visit in North Carolina!
History of Riverfest:
Celebrated on the first full weekend of October, the Riverfest runs through Historic Downtown Wilmington. Currently drawing tens of thousands of people, this free, family-oriented celebration is a two-day event and has grown to be a widely anticipated annual celebration. Riverfest was created in February 1979, by a group of Wilmingtonians interested in showcasing downtown Wilmington and the Cape Fear River and has since resulted in a cultural street festival that entices locals and tourists alike to our amazing Historic Downtown.
