For the past year, Sandy Thorpe and Andy Hewitt have watched their vision for the Soda Pop District progress from their offices on Princess Street.   After ushering in the successful start to Hi-Wire Brewing and Cugino Forno, more is in the works with Raleigh-based Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard renovating the space next door. The partners are also unveiling Bottle Works this week in the former Coca-Cola bottling facility at 921 Princess St. With tenants like Beach & Barn and Craftspace taking up l... read more

By Lauren Schuster Published: Nov. 30, 2022 at 10:05 AM EST| WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Thursday, Dec. 1 marks the first day that you can ice skate at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in the heart of downtown Wilmington. This will be the first year that the City of Wilmington will have an outdoor ice rink. The rink will be located on the stage. Many may wonder how ice skating is possible in area known for warmer temperatures, and synthetic ice is the answer. Although the ice is fake, it is still capab... read more

SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday is a weekly roundup of events in art, music, theater, comedy, pop-up markets and more. All events featured were scheduled as of Thursday; however, it’s wise to check in ahead of attending any one. Inclement weather, changes in schedules and unforeseen circumstances may shift for organizers at the last minute. Thursday, Nov. 10 ‘Monologues that Matter’Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd St. • Free Presented by Port City ... read more

It's been a rough few years for fall festivals — not to mention gatherings in general — in the Wilmington area.  Between hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability of area organizations to actually hold festivals has been inconsistent at best since 2015 or so. A number of festivals have folded, others have moved from fall to spring and some are scheduled to happen this year for for the first time since 2019.  Let's hope that 2022 is the year things regain a sense of norma... read more

By Michael Praats WECT Published: Apr. 29, 2022 at 11:08 AM EDT Following a ruling from a three-judge panel from the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling the City of Wilmington’s short-term rental ordinances violated state law, City Council will vote on returning more than $500,000 to those who paid the fees. According to the documents from the City of Wilmington, they’d also pay interest. “Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 160D-106, registration fees collected sin... read more