Solstice fun, local films on a boat, fire dancing, Juneteenth party, fashion show, and more.
June 20, 2025
Happy Friday, Wilmington. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Wilmington Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:
-
Fire dancers 🔥
-
River film tour 🚤
-
Juneteenth party 🎆
-
Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Wilmington doughnut guide: Top spots like Bagel King & Donuts, Lil Bitty Donut Co., Brooklyn Café and Beach Break Donuts & Ice Cream are serving up must-try treats now — check out the full lineup.
Authority greenlights $78M upgrade: The New Hanover County Airport Authority approved phase 2 of Wilmington International Airport’s road, curb, and parking garage project and set a $94 million budget for fiscal year 2026 — read the full story.
Chick-fil-A reopens in Wilmington: The Market Street and New Centre Drive location reopened on Thursday, June 5 after being cleared by a health inspector post–kitchen fire — read the full story
Highlights this week
-
Amazon to invest $10B in North Carolina
-
Explore the coziest small towns in the state
-
Rain barrels offered at 50% below retail
-
Join the rally to help save Sledge Forest
-
Compare auto insurance rates for free
🫶 We got your back
Fresh fields, fresher flavors: Get ready to dig in—PinPoint Restaurant is where your fork meets the farm. From sun-kissed heirloom tomatoes to pasture-raised delights, every plate tells a story of nearby soil, sustainable practice, and that sweet “I-can’t-believe-this-is-good-for-you” sensation.
Steep your senses: When you need a timeout from the daily grind, Queen Esther Teas brews up serenity one leaf at a time. Whether you’re chasing floral oolongs or smoky pu’ers, they’ve got the perfect pour-over to turn any afternoon into a moment worth savoring.
Desk not required: Tired of your same old home-office setup? Blue Mind Coworking hands you the Wi-Fi, the office plant (sort of), and that soft‐serve of creative energy you’ve been craving. Plug in, brainstorm, and bond over communal snacks—without the awkward water-cooler small talk.
Strike the right chord: Ready to riff? The Music Loft is your one-stop shop for everything from ukuleles that whisper to drum kits that roar. Whether you’re a fret-shy beginner or a pedal-tapping pro, they’ll have you making music—and maybe memories—before you can say “encore.”
Degrees without the squeeze: Want to help your kiddo or grandchild through college? Co-signing their student loan helps them unlock lower rates and increases their chances of getting approved. Some lenders release co-signers after enough on-time payments, so it doesn’t have to be forever. Avoid last-minute headaches by acting now!
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
Own or manage a local business? Thousands of your future fans read our emails — advertising your products, services, listings, and events with us is easy.
You can advertise with us or submit an event for free.
📆 Wilmington happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🧘 Mindfulness Meditation @ Cameron Art Museum | Friday (6/20) at 9 am – Kick off your Friday with some mindful magic at the Cameron Art Museum. Bonne Lynn Anderson, your certified mindfulness guide, will walk you through a simple practice to find calm amid the chaos. No pressure, no prerequisites—just show up ready to breathe and be present. Oh, and did we mention it’s free?
🌞 Summer Solstice Celebration @ Waterline Brewing Company | Friday (6/20) at 5 pm – Ready to manifest magic under the longest day of the year? Join us at Waterline Brewing Company for live Strange Raven vibes, mesmerizing fire dancers, and local vendors with mystical wares, elixirs, and handcrafted goods to align your energy and set intentions for the season.
🎨 Bad Art Night @ Pine Valley Library | Friday (6/20) at 5:30 pm – Think outside the (paint) box and unleash your inner art rebel in a judgment-free zone. We’ll hook you up with canvases and every supply imaginable—just bring your wildest ideas (and maybe a sense of humor). Perfect for adults ready to swap perfectionism for pure, messy fun!
This weekend
🌿 Guided History Tour @ Airlie Gardens | Saturday (6/21) at 10 am – Dive into the rich history, horticulture, and ecology of Airlie Gardens on this leisurely one-mile stroll with plenty of photo-ops and pit stops. Dust off your walking shoes and pack your curiosity—who knew these leafy lanes held so many secrets? Advance registration is required, and if the skies decide to open up, we’ll cancel, so everybody’s keeping their fingers crossed for sunshine.
🎬 Local Film History River Cruise @ Wilmington Water Tours | Saturday (6/21) at 10 am – Hop aboard for a rollicking ride down the Cape Fear River and learn why Wilmington earned its “Hollywood East” nickname. Explore behind-the-scenes nuggets from the city’s film heyday as you soak in waterfront vistas. Popcorn isn’t included, but insider tales and breezy river views are the next best thing.
🎉 Juneteenth Jamboree @ Vue21North | Saturday (6/21) at 4 pm – Dive into a joyous celebration of freedom and Black excellence with magicians, fire breathers, and a fireworks finale lighting up Chestnut Street. Browse delicious bites from local vendors and get creative with hands-on art stations. Join mini Black History Tours to uncover Wilmington’s hidden stories. Sip your favorite mocktails, coffee, or craft cocktails as the sun sets on this family-friendly festival.
🍻 Wilmington Historic Happy Hour – Drinks & History Tour @ Gazebo Bar | Saturday (6/21) at 5:30 pm – Grab your crew and your curiosity for a spirited stroll through Old Wilmington. Over a one-mile, 2¼-hour loop, you’ll explore residential, church, and commercial gems with drink pit-stops along the way (drinks are on you). Perfect for girls’ night or a downtown hangout, this $30 ticket turns history into happy hour.
⚾ Wilmington Sharks vs. Coastal Coconuts @ Legion Stadium | Sunday (6/22) at 5 pm – Grab your peanuts and your foam fingers, ’cause the Sharks and Coconuts are squaring off in a summertime slugfest. Whether you’re rooting for the finned predators or the tropical brawlers, expect cracking bats, diving catches, and the sweet scent of hot dogs. Bring your crew, snag a cold one, and soak up the stadium vibes under the setting sun.
👗 5th Annual Summer Solstice Sustainability Fashion Show @ New Hanover County Arboretum | Sunday (6/22) at 5:30 pm – Sun’s out, styles up: local designers are serving eco-chic realness as we celebrate the longest day of the year. Think upcycled fabrics, ethically sourced threads, and a runway that’s as green as the Arboretum itself. Grab your ticket, strike a pose, and prove that saving the planet is always in fashion.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
-
6/20 Randy McQuay @ Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar – 7 pm
-
6/21 Steph Stigma @ Juggling Gypsy Cafe – 6 pm
-
6/21 CMB Live @ Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar – 7 pm
-
6/21 Nate Van Winkle and more @ Tap Yard – 7 pm
-
6/21 Matt Mullins @ Bowstring Brewyard – 6:30 pm
-
6/21 Southern Culture on the Skids @ Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern – 7 pm
-
6/21 STNL! and more @ Live At Ted’s – 8 pm
-
6/21 Almost Queen @ Kenan Auditorium – 8 pm
-
6/22 Halley Neal @ Live At Ted’s – 4 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Wilmington edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Vanessa Holt (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties) – 4 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | Built in 1990 | 3890 sqft
Four bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a front-row seat to Pete Dye Course Lake—because who needs boring views when you can watch sunsets that deserve their own fan club? The cul-de-sac location in Lakeside Villas means zero through-traffic and maximum peace for plotting your next move (or just spying on the ducks).
Forget mowing the lawn—someone else handles that while you stroll scenic trails or make a dash to Wrightsville Beach for a little sand-between-the-toes therapy. With shopping, dining, and all the perks of Landfall just around the corner, this is coastal living with a wink and a nod to easy living.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
Wilmington Brief may receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter. Content marked with an * is paid advertising. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.
You received this email because you are signed up for emails from Wilmington Brief.
Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here
© 2025 Wilmington Brief
5540 Centerview Dr
Raleigh, NC 27606, United States of America
