There are some big, festive dates on the calendar this May, including Cinco de Mayo, the brunch fest known as Mother’s Day and the return of the popular Wilmington Greek Festival. Restaurants and venues will be booked for proms and graduations and the busy season will start bringing more and more visitors to the area.
But there are still so, so many upcoming opportunities to eat, sip and learn something new. Here’s a look at some of the events happening at Wilmington-area restaurants, breweries and more. Let us know if there’s anything we should add to the list by emailing aballard@usatodayco.com.
May 1: It’s officially N.C. Wine Month, which highlights the 190 or so wineries across the state. The celebration begins in Wilmington with the Taste of NC event 6-8 p.m. aboard the Battleship North Carolina at 1 Battleship Road. There will be a tasting that includes more than 20 wineries and bites from local restaurants. Tickets are $75.
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Three Little Spats Oyster Company returns to the Taste of NC event featuring North Carolina wines and local bites on May 1, 2026.
May 1: Today is the grand opening of the newest Celtic Creamery location at 103 E. Moore St. in Southport. It’s 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and promises to be a day filled with ice cream, sweet treats, and good vibes.
May 2: Grab a fancy hat and head to JohnnyLukes KitchenBar for their Kentucky Derby Day. Look for bites like Pimento Cheese Dip, Cucumber Sandwiches, and Hot Brown open-faced sandwiches with thick sliced turkey, bacon, and mornay cheese sauce, and of course cocktails like Mint Juleps and Oaks Lily. There will also be raffles and giveaways at 5500 Market St. in Wilmington.
May 2: Bluewater Waterfront Grill returns with its annual Seafood Boil to begin the summer season. Tickets are $55 and include shrimp, clams, crawfish, kielbasa sausage, potatoes, corn, cornbread, and mac and cheese. It’s 3-6 p.m. at 4 Marina St., Wrightsville Beach.
May 3: Avenue B at 723 N. Fourth St. in Wilmington is hosting a What the Forkkkk Lemon Cavatelli Workshop that will guide you through the art of making this fresh, hand-rolled pasta with a bright, zesty twist. The class includes a complimentary glass of champagne. It starts at 1 p.m. and tickets are $60.
May 5: For some local restaurants and bars, Cinco de Mayo festivities begin early. But there’s still lots going on this day, at businesses like Zocalo Street Food & Tequila, Margaritas Mexican Grill & Cantina, Chingon Taqueria, Hi-Wire Brewing, San Felipe Mexican Restaurant, Fermental, and La Tapatia.
May 9: Some local women-owned businesses are partnering for a Tiffany & Tea event that will include tea, wine, charcuterie and more. Castle Gardens ILM catering company and Queen Esther Teas are hosting at Azalea Antiques, 1502 N. 23rd St. In Wilmington. Tickets start at $30 and the deadline for them is May 4.
Castle Gardens ILM catering company and Queen Esther Teas are hosting a Tiffany & Tea in Wilmington, N.C. on May 9, 2026.
May 10: Looking for a place to take mom on Mother’s Day? Several area restaurants are offering buffets, events and special menus. They include South Front Tavern, Waterline Brewing Company, Ciana Ristorante Italiano, The Little Dipper, Bridge Water Wines + Dines. Three10, Oceanic, Bluewater Waterfront Grill, Steam Restaurant & Bar and the restaurant at Beau Rivage Golf & Resort.
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May 15-17: It’s the 35th year for the Wilmington Greek Festival hosted by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at 608 S. College Road across from UNCW. And, yes, it’s all the culture, music, dancing and food you love 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free until 5 p.m. on Friday. Otherwise, there is a one-time, $5 admission that covers the entire weekend. Children under 12 can get in free.
May 16: You can celebrate the new social-district status of the Brooklyn Arts District at this Margarita Crawl. It’s noon-5 p.m. and will offer ample opportunity to sample unique margarita creations. It’s free, but you can pick up a crawl card at The Eagle’s Dare, 420 N. Third St., Wilmington.
May 22: The Silver Coast Winery Tasting Room in Brunswick County is hosting another French Friday wine tasting, featuring Burgundy varietals. Cost with canapes is $10. It’s 5-7:30 p.m. at 105 S. Howe St. in Southport.
May 22-23: Waterline Brewing Company is hosting Taco Palooza with tacos (of course) as well as makers, small businesses, and a petting zoo (with admission fee). It’s 3-9 p.m. Friday and noon-6 p.m. Saturday at 723 Surry St. in Wilmington
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews.You can reach her at aballard@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington, NC, May events include Greek Festival, Mother’s Day
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