Wilmington Riverfest

From Wilmington Riverfest Website:

Wilmington's Riverfest is celebrated in October and runs from the foot of Market Street to Cape Fear Community College. Currently drawing nearly a quarter-million people, Riverfest began in 1979 as a modest two-day event and has expanded to three fun and food-packed days. This year we have expanded the festival down Water Street all the way to Chandler's Wharf. Make you plans NOW to come join us for a great, fun-filled weekend!

Riverfest has about 200 craft and food vendors plus fireworks, entertainment on two stages, the Great Waiters Wine Race, Run the River 8K Race, various exhibits and a children's area. Additional Riverfest activities include a Stand Up Paddleboard Competition and the Invasion of Pirates.

During Riverfest, the Invasion of the Pirates is a kind of festival within a festival hosting a Pirates Ball on Saturday. Kids can pick up a treasure map in front of Network Realty located just past the food vendors under the condos and participate in a treasure hunt .