I’m not sure anything could compete with Hampton, Virginia’s way awesome Blackbeard Pirate Festival, where the whole downtown is overrun by hard-bit buccaneers looking for a fight and maybe the chance to tell a tale or two. What I am sure of is that any festival involving pirates, on any scale, stands to get mentioned on this blog.
Start making your plans for the fast approaching Wilmington Riverfest, a raucous Cape Fear celebration dedicated to fun, family and fortifying the strength of the Cape Fear region as a whole. Oh, and show up at the right time and you just might see a pirate.
The 31st Annual Wilmington Riverfest takes over Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic downtown October 3 and 4 for a weekend of food, arts and crafts, friendly competitions, health runs, races, dance offs, car shows, live music, fundraising and good old-fashioned piracy. Over the two days you’ll enjoy a non-stop roster of events hosted free for the public. You really can’t beat that price.
You can have a great time either day or both, but if I may suggest, stick around Saturday evening for the “Invasion of the Pirates”. A 2005 addition aimed at putting a little more “river” in Riverfest, this sweet evening kick-off stars a host of costumed performers arrive by river in a replica Spanish galleon. In the past they’ve even hosted swashbuckling demonstrations, but no word yet on whether such displays will return this year. On Sunday, visitors are invited onto the galleon for cool sightseeing and prime photo opportunities.
What else? You mean pirates aren’t enough? Ok, also on the bill is the annual Shag Dance competition, which pays out cash prizes. There’s also a duo of car shows, classics and antiques, hosted downtown at Market St. A massive Kids Zone offers classic fair entertainment like bouncy castles and small rides, free of charge. And if you need to relax, just head to the main stage at Riverfront Park and catch a live music act (performers still TBD).
It’s free to enter. Most events have registration fees to participate but are free to watch, so the only thing you’ll have to pay for is food and vendor items as you like. Don’t fret though, all proceeds go to the benefits of the local area and the Riverfest Endowment Fund, which awards scholarships based on achievements and the desire to help the Cape Fear area.
Wilmington Riverfest will be held in downtown Wilmington on October 3 and 4. Learn more.
The official Riverfest hotels, the Hilton Wilmington Riverside and the Riverview Suites at Water Street Center, still have rooms open and they are definitely where you want to stay. The location is choice – literally take a step outside the front door and you’re at Riverfest. No driving, no parking, no hassle. The Hilton even hosts an event or two.
Have fun at Wilmington Riverfest!
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Delaware is a state with a lot of coastline. When you think of wind swept beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, you’re thinking of Delaware. The beach areas come in a variety of forms with sleepy little villages laid back resorts and energized tourist areas.