Fourth of July shenanigans, free ice cream for your pup, a T-Swift silent disco, and more.
July 04, 2025
Happy Fourth of July, 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:
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4th of July 🎇
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Hot dogs 🌭
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Freedom Fest 🥳
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
CFCC VA benefits approved: Cape Fear Community College’s CDL Truck Driving and Paramedic programs are now covered by Veterans Affairs education benefits for tuition, fees, and housing allowances — read the full story.
Veterinary center expansion ahead: Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center will move into a nearly twice-as-large facility on New Centre Drive and install Wilmington’s first pet MRI this September — check out the details.
NC coast beach bucket list: The Wilmington area’s 11 beaches offer 35 fun activities from fishing piers and lighthouses to kayaking and mini-golf for your summer days — see the full list.
Compare rates for free: The average driver pays $175 a month on car insurance, but most of us are paying way too much. If it’s been a while since you shopped around, you’re likely part of that “most of us” — this comparison tool can save you hundreds.
Highlights this week
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Free therapy program for firefighters
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Newly renovated hotel opens in Carolina Beach
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Monthly birth circle meeting is tomorrow
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Free weekly program explores world wonders
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Treat your pup to free ice cream
🫶 We got your back
Twist and shout: Knead an excuse to carb-load? At Crofton’s Pretzels, every pretzel is hand-rolled into a symphony of salty satisfaction. Whether you’re into classic sea-salt twists, cheese-stuffed bombs, or the seasonal cinnamon-sugar spin-offs, they’ve got the doughy goodness to keep your taste buds dancing.
Frankly fantastical franks: When you need a quick bite that packs a punch, Louie’s Hot Dogs is the reigning champ of mustard, relish, and risk-it-all topping combos. Think loaded chili-cheese dogs with a dash of sriracha and pickled jalapeños—because sometimes comfort food needs a kick.
Up, up, and away: True Surprises has everything you need to keep your celebration floating high. From jumbo latex and foil balloons to streamers, plates, napkins, and even those sneaky confetti poppers, they’ve got the basics (and the bounce) to make any party pop.
Energy efficiency on a budget: New windows and doors may not seem glamorous, but they can deliver real savings — windows can reduce utility bills by 7-15% and doors by up to 35%. To sweeten the savings, Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 off per door right now.
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📆 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
🎉 Tap Yard’s Independence Day Blowout @ Tap Yard | Friday (7/4) at 12 pm – Kick off your Fourth of July with an epic all-day party at Tap Yard featuring live tunes from Delia & Friends, delicious eats from their food truck partner, and the first-ever Hot Dog Showdown. Patriotic outfits encouraged—think red, white, and blue. Grab your crew, a cold brew, and settle in for fireworks of flavor and fun!
🎆 Freedom Fest 2025 @ Waterline Brewing Company | Friday (7/4) at 4 pm – Round up the fam for carnival-style games, face painting, and mouthwatering bites from the Feelin Swine Food Truck. Cool off in our epic water balloon fight—just don’t forget your change of clothes! Pet some scaly pals at the reptile zoo and soak in live tunes under the stars for a 4th of July to remember.
🥳 City Fourth of July Celebration @ Riverfront Park | Friday (7/4) at 5 pm – Kick off your Independence Day with gates opening at 5 pm, upbeat beats from Loud Music Company at 6, and the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra serenading you at 7:30. Browse food and drink vendors (cashless only), settle into the Great Lawn with your chair or blanket, and watch the sky light up at the grand fireworks finale at 9 pm—no ticket required.
⚾ Wilmington Sharks vs. Wilson Tobs @ Legion Stadium | Friday (7/4) at 7:05 pm – Celebrate Independence Day with America’s pastime as the Sharks take on their rivals, the Tobs, under the summer sky. Expect edge-of-your-seat plays, ballpark classics like hot dogs and cold brews. Stay after the final out for a dazzling fireworks show that lights up the night. Grab your tickets and show your team spirit amid the stars, stripes, and soaring home runs!
This weekend
🎭 Hairspray @ Thalian Hall | Saturday (7/5) at 2 pm – Get ready to shimmy back to 1962 Baltimore with Tracy Turnblad in this high-octane musical that’s equal parts soul, style, and social change. With unstoppable choreography, earworm tunes, and more hairspray than you’ve ever imagined, it’ll have you dancing in the aisles. Bring your biggest bouffant and join the fun—this one-off performance is set to leave your hair, and your spirits, sky-high.
🎨 Crafts & Drafts @ Flytrap Brewing | Saturday (7/5) at 2 pm – Sip on an ice-cold pint from Flytrap Brewing while you channel your inner artist with a DIY kit from The CRAFT Box. Whether you’re painting your own Venus flytrap plant or tackling a simpler project, there’s something for every skill level and age. No sign-ups required—just swing by for a laid-back afternoon of brews and brushstrokes.
🎧 Taylor Swift All Ages Silent Disco @ Marina Grill | Saturday (7/5) at 6 pm – Get ready to Shake It Off in complete silence and belt out the 10-minute All Too Well like a true Swiftie. Channel-hop between three curated playlists—one dedicated to every Taylor era and two packed with your personal faves and requests. Dress in your favorite Taylor era’s finest and live your Wildest Dreams under the open sky. It’s an Enchanted evening that’ll have you dancing all night long.
🍻 Historic Happy Hour Tour @ Gazebo Bar | Saturday (7/5) at 6:30 pm – Kicks off a booze-fueled history lesson through Wilmington’s hidden-gem bars and speakeasies. The only archives you’ll need are cocktail menus and bartenders with killer stories. Perfect for folks who love a good tale almost as much as a good drink. Cheers to the past, one sip at a time.
🕺 PRODUKT! Darkwave Disco @ Barzarre | Saturday (7/5) at 9 pm – PRODUKT! is back in Wilmington and it’s time to embrace your inner nightcrawler on the dance floor. Dave Industrie will be spinning the darkest cuts of today’s Dark Scene, so dust off that leather and get ready to move. At just a $5 cover and 18+ entry, there’s no excuse not to surrender to the shadows.
🧘 Yoga and Herbalism Workshop @ Lemon Tree Wellness Collective Embodiment Studio | Sunday (7/06) at 10 am – Bend, breathe, and balance in this all-levels slow flow session that heats you up before cooling things down. Sip on a passionflower infusion that’s basically a liquid spa day, then roll up your sleeves to craft your very own Vitex Berry tincture—hormonal harmony in a bottle. With mats and props ready to go (or BYO if you’re attached), this workshop is your ticket to lighter loads and greener vibes.
🌙 Thunder Moon Storm Jars & Cancer Season Magic Craft @ The Mermaid Lounge | Sunday (7/6) at 3:30 pm – Ditch the day-to-day noise and get in tune with Cancer Season’s cozy, intuitive vibes under the Thunder Moon. You’ll mix up sparkling storm jars to help you process rainy-day feels, release what’s been brewing, and tap into your inner tide of strength. Perfect for moon aficionados, heartfelt creatives, or anyone craving a little emotional recharge.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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7/5 Miles Atlas @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery – 2 pm
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7/5 SoR House Band @ The Eagle’s Dare – 6 pm
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7/5 Dickey Hazel @ Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar – 7 pm
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7/5 3 Docs and a Box @ Tap Yard – 7 pm
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7/5 Luci and more @ Ironclad Brewery – 9 pm
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7/5 Forty Two and more @ Reggies 42nd Street Tavern – 9 pm
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7/6 JHAD and more @ Katy’s Grill – 2 pm
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7/6 Steel Pulse @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater – 6 pm
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7/6 Gary Clark Jr @ Live Oak Bank Pavilion – 7:30 pm
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7/6 Polar Bear Blues Band @ The Exchange Barbershop – 11 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.
Listed by: Carla D Lewis (Intracoastal Realty Corp)
A pond-gazing front porch sets the stage for an open-plan romp of chef’s island, gas range swagger, and built-in shelving strutting around a cozy fireplace. Massive sliders ditch formality for a sunroom with stone hearth and its own mini-split—perfect for year-round lounging in your private backyard Eden.
Inside, the primary suite spoils with twin walk-ins, a soaking tub that practically begs for bubble parties, and a zero-entry shower. A coffered-ceiling office moonlights as Zen zone, while upstairs bonus quarters, a 2½-car garage with secret storeroom, and whole-house generator handle every whim. Community clubhouse, kayak launch, and pool views round out daily vacay vibes.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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