Jump-Start Summer with an Affordable Memorial Day Weekend in Carolina Beach & Wilmington

Wilmington, NC – May 2012 - Are you looking for an affordable way to jump-start the summer? Look no further than Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Last summer Wilmington, N.C. was recognized as an affordable destination by Orbitz (#1 Late-Summer Beach Bargain) and Bloomberg Businessweek (#7 Most Fun, Affordable City). Wilmington’s historic river district and island beaches are affordable year-round with 50+ attractions, accommodations in many price ranges, and free and low-cost events from the river to the sea. Here’s a sampling of Memorial Day weekend activities:


Thursday-Sunday, May 24-27:
• “La Cage Aux Folles.” 8pm (Thurs.-Sat.) & 3pm (Sun.). Musical production. Admission charge. Thalian Hall, Wilmington; 910-632-2285; www.thalianhall.org


Friday, May 25:
• Birding Tours with Audubon North Carolina. 9-11am. Free. Audubon NC guides lead tour of Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area, Wrightsville Beach (North end). 910-686-7527; www.ncaudubon.org
• Downtown Sundown Concert Series. 5:30pm. Music by “Spare Change”. Free. Riverfront Park, Wilmington. 910-763-7349; www.wilmingtondowntown.com
• Mayfaire Music on the Town. 6-9pm. This week’s band is Dutch Treat (80s rock). Free. Mayfaire Town Centre. www.mayfairetown.com
• Fireworks by the Sea. Music at 6:30pm; fireworks at 9pm. Join us for the first weekly fireworks display of the summer. This week’s band is Dogs Ave. Free. Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach. 910-458-8434; www.pleasureislandnc.org/fireworks-by-the-sea


Friday & Sunday, May 25 & 27:
• Shakespeare Youth Company presents Shades of Shakespeare featuring “Twelfth Night.” 8pm. Twelfth Night will be staged on Friday and Sunday. Free. Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington. 910-399-2878; www.greenfieldlakeamphitheater.com


Saturday, May 26:
• Riverfront Farmers Market. 8am-1pm. Free. Wilmington Riverwalk, 910-341-7855; www.wilmingtonfarmers.com
• Carolina Beach Farmers Market. 8am-1pm. Free. Carolina Beach Lake; 910-431-8122; www.localharvest.org/carolina-beach-farmers-market-M35836
• Todd Snyder in Concert to benefit Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green. 7pm. Admission charge. Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington. 910-399-2878; www.greenfieldlakeamphitheater.com


Saturday-Sunday, May 26-27:
• Orange Street Arts Festival 2012. Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am–5pm. Art, jewelry, pottery, entertainment. Free. Community Arts Center, Orange & 2nd streets, Downtown Wilmington; 910-251-1788; www.thalian.org


Sunday, May 27:
• Free Weekly Movies at the Lake. 8:45pm. Free. Outdoor family films shown Sunday evenings during the summer months. Tonight’s film: “Puss ‘n Boots”. Carolina Beach Lake Amphitheater. 910-458-8434; www.pleasureislandnc.org


Monday, May 28:
• 47th annual Memorial Day Observance. 5:45pm. This year’s Memorial Day service includes military guest speaker Major General Rodney O. Anderson, an all-service Color Guard, a 21-gun salute, the Army Ground Forces Band, TAPS, and a memorial wreath cast onto the waters. Free (event only; ship admission not included). Battleship North Carolina, Wilmington. 910-251-5797; www.battleshipnc.com
• Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. Captain Joe is offering all active and retired military and veterans 20% off any fishing, harbor or sunset cruise on Memorial Day. Departs from 275 Waynick Blvd., Wrightsville Beach (across from Blockade Runner Resort). For more info and reservations (required): 910-200-4002. www.capefearnaturalist.com
• Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market. 8am-1pm. Free. Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach; 910-256-7925.


For a complete Event Calendar visit www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com/events. For a free Official Visitors Guide, call 866-266-9690 or email visit@wilmingtonandbeaches.com. Special offers, seasonal events and experiences are listed at www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com; www.visitcarolinabeachnc.com, www.visitkurebeachnc.com, and www.visitwrightsvillebeachnc.com. Last-minute hotel discounts can be found at www.sunnysavers.com.