Looking for things to do near Wilmington, Southport and Holly Ridge? These five local picks cover November 6–12, 2026, with coastal kites, downtown art, a veterans parade, live music and a midweek market.
1. Cape Fear Kite Festival — Kure Beach
When: Saturday–Sunday, November 7–8 · 11 a.m.–4 p.m. each day
Where: Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449
Cost: Free spectator admission; food and drinks extra.
Watch professional flyers fill the sky with oversized kites during the main weekend festival. Friday events take place at other beach locations; this pick is specifically the Saturday–Sunday Fort Fisher program. Follow organizer updates for wind and weather changes.
2. First Friday Gallery Walk — Southport
When: Friday, November 6 · 5–7 p.m.
Where: Participating downtown galleries, including Franklin Square Gallery, 130 E. West Street, Southport, NC 28461
Cost: Free admission; art purchases extra.
Browse downtown galleries and meet local artists during Southport’s evening art walk. Franklin Square Gallery’s official calendar confirms a November 6 First Friday reception during its Maritime Art Show; the tourism listing provides the participating-gallery route.
3. Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade — Wilmington
When: Saturday, November 7 · Parade 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; organizer pre-show at 10 a.m.
Where: N. Third Street, from Hanover Street to Market Street, downtown Wilmington; pre-show in front of City Hall
Cost: Free.
Honor local veterans and active-duty personnel along the downtown parade route. Allow extra travel time: the city lists road closures beginning earlier that morning.
4. Holly Ridge Live NC — Holly Ridge
When: Saturday, November 7 · Show at 2 p.m.; check ticket instructions for your entry time
Where: Holly Ridge Municipal Park, 417 Kraft Street, Holly Ridge, NC 28445
Cost: General admission $39 base; current ticket page displays $49.34 including listed fees, before taxes. Reserved sections vary; every attendee needs a ticket regardless of age. Recheck totals and availability before purchase.
Shoreline Events presents a country-music lineup including Scotty McCreery and Lonestar. General admission does not include a chair; the ticket page lists no outside food, beverages, coolers or large bags, and a rain-or-shine/no-refund policy.
5. Southport Fall Market — Southport
When: Wednesday, November 11 · 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Southport Waterfront Park, 146 E. Bay Street, Southport, NC 28461 (city-hosted event listing)
Cost: Free admission; vendor purchases extra.
Shop local produce, food and handmade goods at the final scheduled Wednesday of the city’s fall market series. The tourism listing describes the market as rain or shine; check city updates before traveling.
Quick local-event FAQ
Which events have free admission?
The kite festival spectator program, Southport gallery walk, Wilmington veterans parade and Southport market are listed as free. Food, art and other purchases cost extra. Holly Ridge Live requires a ticket for every attendee.
Is there a midweek activity?
Southport’s final scheduled fall market is Wednesday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check the city-hosted listing for current updates.
Where can I check weather changes and tickets?
Use the official links for each event. For Holly Ridge Live, follow the organizer’s ticket link to check availability, fees and entry instructions. Outdoor plans can change with conditions.
Details checked November 5, 2026. Dates, hours, prices, ticket availability and weather plans can change. Confirm the linked official details before traveling; organizers control last-minute changes.
