Now that school's out, you're able to spend way, way more time with your kiddos! Family bonding is always the best, but let's keep it real... finding something to do with your kids every single day of the summer can be a major challenge!
If you're having trouble filling up your kid's summer calendar, you're in the right place! Read ahead to get our exclusive list of July events for the whole family that you don't want to miss!
The North Carolina 4th of July Festival
End of June - Saturday July 4
I'm starting the list off with a personal favorite of mine, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival! This one's a bit of a drive (just under an hour from Wrightsville Beach) but the journey is 100% worth it!
I don't have the words to describe just how special an event this festival is! It officially began in the 70s, but the town has been putting on big July 4th celebrations since its inception in colonial times, and every year it gets better and better!
The entire town of Southport gets totally decked out in 4th of July decor, there's a fabulous parade, and everyone gets dressed up in their best patriotic outfits! Since this year is the United States of America's 250th anniversary, the turnout and festivities are going to be bigger and better than ever!
Check out the official website for the NC 4th of July Festival for more information.
There are TONS of events happening, way more than I can list in this one blog post, so check out NC Brunswick's article detailing the lineup here.
Poplar Grove Open Air Market
Wednesday July 1
Poplar Grove's open air market runs every Wednesday this month, from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM. This is one of Wilmington's longest running farmer's markets, and a local favorite.
Meet other locals, check out the farmers, artisans, and vendors in your community, and enjoy finding unique, one-of-a-kind goodies--whether they're for you, your spouse, or your kids!
Beating the Wilmington heat is tough, but Poplar Grove's shady trees, the Shoppes at Poplar Grove, plenty of seating areas, and delicious iced coffee (for you) and lemonade (for the kids) vendors make it so you won't be too hot and sweaty and grumpy.
The lower grounds are free to attend, and the Poplar Grove Manor will be open for (paid) tours, too. Time will fly while you're all participating in shopping, sipping, and having a blast with the family.
Check out Poplar Grove's social media for more details on the open air market.
Monday Mystery Movies at Mayfaire
July 6, and (almost) every Monday in July at 7:00 PM
This next event is one that, depending on the week, may not be too family-friendly if you're watching with especially little kids. Their website will provide ratings and genres most of the time, so you'll be able to gage whether or not you should bring the kiddos along.
Watching a mystery movie is one of the best ways to end a long, hot summer day! Grab some tasty snacks and drinks, lean back in the cool air-conditioned theatre, and enjoy a movie with the family.
Based off of personal experience, there have been some Mondays where the mystery movie isn't being played. Make sure you check their schedule before arriving and make sure that the mystery movie is being shown!
Creature Feature at the Fit for Fun Center
July 15 (Toads) July 29 (Hissing Cockroaches and Butterflies)
This is a thrilling interactive event where littles and their caregivers are introduced to a wide variety of animals in the local ecosystem! Each day features a different animal, and you'll get to enjoy hands-on experiences and engaging presentations in a family-friend, totally safe environment.
This event is specifically aimed towards your littlest kids, ages 6 months to 5 years. If you're enjoying summer with big kids or teens, you might want to pass on this one.
Walk-ins are welcome, and the event is free with entry! It runs from 10:30 AM until 11:00 AM and promises to be an event that you and the kids will never forget! After the Creature Feature, you and the kids can have a blast in the rest of the Fit for Fun Center! There's a huge indoor playroom, an art room, a small toy imagination room, and more, so you might be able to spend your whole entire day here!
Learn more about the Fit for Fun Center and their events on their website.
The Wilmington Margarita Festival
Saturday July 18
This is an event just for the mamas! Call the sitter and leave the kids home, because this festival is all about you!
On Saturday July 18th join hundreds (perhaps even thousands!) of fellow margarita-lovers and enjoy taste testing a wide variety of drinks from some of Wilmington's most-loved bars, pubs, and restaurants. When you buy your ticket, you get a pass for 10 margarita samples (samples are 3.5 oz, the largest pours allowed by law), and at the end, everyone gets to vote on the best margarita!
You should also consider entering their raffle! You might just win a free trip to Mexico for you and your crew, on top of enjoying all the amazing drinks! There are street vendors providing tasty snacks, a DJ spinning music the whole time, and a beer garden for anyone who's not a huge margarita fan.
The best part? A portion of this event's proceeds will be donated to children's charities, so you can enjoy sipping for a cause!
Check out the Margarita Festival's Eventbrite Page to reserve your tickets before they all sell out!
Water Works at the Fit for Fun Center
Friday July 24
The Fit for Fun Center is a big favorite for Wilmingtonian mamas, and their Water Works event is one of their best!
From 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM, the Fit for Fun Center transforms its outdoor playground into a water park, so your kiddos can have a blast splashing and playing all morning long.
The event is free with admission ($6 for kids, adults can supervise for free), and is aimed at little kids, ages 6 months to 5 years. Enjoy the sunny weather while staying cool, and treat yourself to one of their ice pops! If you're taking care of little kids this summer, the Fit for Fun Center will be your favorite hotspot!
All you need to bring is a swimsuit, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a towel, and a lawn chair to lean back in while your minis are splashing and playing. Check out the Fit for Fun Center's official event page to learn more details and reserve your spot!
The Pirate Invasion at Baldhead Island
Friday July 31 - Sunday August 2
The final must-see event of the month is the Pirate Invasion at Baldhead Island, which is another personal favorite of mine!
The Wilmington/Cape Fear/Outer Banks areas of North Carolina have a deep, rich history full of tales about pirates and scallywags, and this event does a fabulous job of sharing, honoring, and celebrating that history!
They really go all out with the Pirate Invasion. There are sword fights, sea shanties, games, and even a mock sea battle at Beach Access 5! There's live music, tons of entertainment, games, vendors, and tons of other engaging activities for all ages. This is the best way to finish off the month of July.
Some highlights of the invasion are the parties with pirates, Sunday morning breakfast with pirates, live music, and different arts and goods from local artisans. There are too many events taking place during the Pirate Invasion to all fit into one blog post, so check out the Pirate Invasion's official website for more details.
PS: The event runs all day long, and at the end of the night (around 9:00 PM) there's a ghost walk! I've been on this ghost walk personally, and it's not too terrifying, but you might consider saving this activity for your big kids, tweens, and teens.
That's our official boutique line-up of must-attend events for families this month! Hopefully, now that you've read this, you feel more confident and equipped to make this summer with your kids the best one yet!
Have fun!
Note: Events, festivals, and vendor schedules may vary. Always check these events' official websites before attending.