Family Weekend

Welcome Seahawk Families!

Save the Date: September 26-28, 2025

Join us in Wilmington for Family Weekend 2025! Open to all parents and family members of UNCW students, Family Weekend offers a unique opportunity to experience our campus and the greater Wilmington community. Join the Seahawk Family Hub to receive the most updated Family Weekend information!

Join the Seahawk Family Hub

Registration Information

Family Weekend registration will open at 12 noon on Thursday, August 21.

All attendees are required to pay the Family Weekend General Registration Fee before gaining access to register for any additional events or activities.

This fee covers the costs of attending all free events, including our three signature events and supports programmatic costs, including printing, lanyards for each attendee, staffing, and technology fees.

General Registration Fees

Guests aged 18+: $12
Guests under age 18: $7
UNCW Students: Free

General Registration Fee Waiver

If your student is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant OR your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the FAFSA form is equal to zero ($0) we will waive your general registration costs. If you’re unsure if you qualify, your student can confirm this information on their mySeaport. To request a Family Weekend general registration waiver, please contact ihaveaseahawk@uncw.edu. Please note, our registration system does not allow guests to complete the registration process without paying the general registration fee. After confirming your student’s enrollment and eligibility, we will process a refund of your general registration fees.

Prepare for Registration Day!

Want to get a head start on your registration account? Make sure your Seahawk Family Hub account is set up and ready to go!

Access the Seahawk Family Hub

Commemorate your Family Weekend experience with an official Family Weekend T-Shirt!

This exclusive design (on a TEAL shirt!) is a perfect keepsake and a great way to show your UNCW pride all weekend long.

Supplies are limited, so make sure you add yours during registration. On-site sales are not guaranteed and will be limited to the sizes remaining.

View this year's design

Family Weekend Gives Back

During Family Weekend, we are hosting a food drive and raffle to benefit Hawk's Harvest, UNCW's on-campus food pantry for students experiencing food insecurity. The goal of Hawk's Harvest is to make sure that no Seahawk goes hungry.

We realize how challenging it can be for students to focus on their studies if they are worried about the basic necessities - like how to pay for groceries. While it may only be temporary, that doesn’t mean it is any less real.

Hawk's Harvest is available to all enrolled UNCW students with a OneCard. We are encouraging families to donate items to help stock the pantry.

Donate a minimum of 5 items to be entered into a raffle for a basket full of UNCW swag items!

Donations can include:
• Cereal, Pop-Tarts, and cereal/granola bars
• Condiments and spices
• Canned Chunky Soups (With and Without Meat)
• Fun-shaped pasta (e.g., rotini, penne) and flavored sauce
• New and gently used can openers
• Toiletries (e.g., period products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner)
• We also accept: canned tuna and chicken, rice (please no large bags), pasta/rice and sauce packets, peanut butter and jelly, canned pasta (e.g., Chef Boyardee), macaroni & cheese, and ramen.

Sponsored by Campus Life: Student Community Engagement

Recreation Center Weekend Pass

Family members and guests aged 16 & up are invited to stay active during Family Weekend with a Campus Recreation Center Weekend Pass.

The Leonard Student Recreation Center creates opportunities for individuals to improve their total fitness, develop healthy lifestyle habits, improve sports and outdoor recreation skills, reduce stress, increase energy levels, improve strength and endurance, realize the positive rewards from an active lifestyle as well as meet and interact with others. Take advantage of working out at the Rec Center during Family Weekend!

Passes are $5 per non-student guest and are available for purchase during registration and are required for non-student use of the Rec Center during Family Weekend. Individuals must be 16 & up and wear proper shoes/attire for working out.

Family Weekend Schedule (tentative)

View the tentative Family Weekend schedule below. Events are subject to change prior to opening registration.

Registration for paid events is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis when registration opens. Registration will open at 12 noon on Thursday, August 21, on the Seahawk Family Hub.

Access the visual schedule

Friday, September 26

Friday, September 26, 2025

Family Weekend Check-In
1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Welcome to Family Weekend, we are so glad you will be joining us for a weekend full of fun and excitement! Check-In will be held at the Warwick Center Ballroom. At check-in, you'll pick up your lanyards for the weekend, family weekend brochure, and any ordered T-shirts! You must check in with us first before attending any family weekend events!

Hawk's Harvest Donation Drive
1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Free (5 Donations for Raffle)
During this year's UNCW Family Weekend, we will be hosting a food drive and raffle to benefit Hawk's Harvest, UNCW's on-campus food pantry for students experiencing food insecurity. Donate at least 5 items to be entered into a raffle for a basket full of UNCW swag items! See above for the most needed items.

Honors College Faculty Lecture
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Free for Family Weekend Registrants
Join us for an engaging Honors College Faculty Lecture featuring a sample lecture from one of our distinguished professors. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the depth and energy of a college-level classroom while exploring a timely and thought-provoking topic. Sponsored by Honors College

SIGNATURE EVENT: Family Weekend Kickoff
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Welcome to Family Weekend! We are so glad you will be joining us for a weekend full of fun and excitement! Stop by our Family Weekend Kickoff to hear some welcome remarks from Vice Chancellor Reed Davis, enjoy some light bites, visit with campus departments and academic colleges, and mingle with other Seahawk families. This is a floating event, and Vice Chancellor Reed Davis will be sharing her remarks at 4:00 PM. Sponsored by Transition Programs

Cape Fear Riverboats Sightseeing Cruise
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
$28 per person
All aboard! Cruise the Cape Fear River for a relaxing sightseeing cruise aboard the Henrietta. Enjoy the view from our covered upper deck or from the air-conditioned lower deck while you enjoy this live, narrated scenic one hour cruise departing from historic downtown Wilmington, NC. You’ll learn about the importance of the Cape Fear River, gain a historical overview of the area from discovery to present times, hear about Hollywood’s use of Wilmington, and learn about the pirate history of the coast. Boarding is at 3:30PM. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase on the cruise by card only. Hosted by Cape Fear Riverboats

Crossfire Axe Throwing
5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 PM (1-hour time slots)
$24 per person; Must be aged 10+ to participate
Get your adrenaline pumping with an hour of indoor axe throwing—safe, exciting, and fun for the whole family! This experience features projected targets with interactive games like Tic Tac Toe, Connect 4, and Zombie Hunt that keep the fun going well beyond a few throws. Enjoy a slice of pizza and soda afterward, all included with your ticket! Must be 10 & up to participate. Hosted by Crossfire Entertainment

Crossfire Gellyball+
5:00 PM and 6:00 PM (1-hour time slots)
$25 per person; Must be aged 8+ to participate
Dive into an hour of non-stop action with Gellyball, a water-based alternative to paintball that delivers all the thrills with none of the mess, plus Nerf battles and other exciting challenges. Enjoy a slice of pizza and soda afterward, all included with your ticket! Must be 8 & up to participate. Hosted by Crossfire Entertainment

Pinspiration Splatter Room
5:00, 6:00, 7:00 PM (1-hour splatter session)
$25 per person
Experience the Jackson-Pollock-Inspired Splatter Room™! Suit up in protective gear and fling paint at a canvas to create a unique masterpiece like the artist himself. We provide protective gear such as goggles, shower caps, booties and ponchos for the experience. Plan to remove your shoes, so socks are encouraged. Paint is washable, but we highly recommend wearing clothes you're comfortable in and you don’t mind getting a little paint on, just in case! Note: your masterpiece won’t dry right away, so plan to take your wet canvas with you. Hosted by Pinspiration

Women's Volleyball vs NC A&T
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Free
Come cheer on the UNCW Volleyball team as they take on NC A&T! The matches are played in Hanover Hall. UNCW Volleyball matches are free for all attendees! Hosted by UNCW Athletics

Cape Fear Riverboats Sunset Cruise
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
$38 per person
All aboard! Cruise the Cape Fear River for a relaxing sunset cruise aboard the Henrietta. Enjoy the view from our covered upper deck or from the air-conditioned lower deck while you enjoy this live, narrated scenic 1.5 hour cruise departing from historic downtown Wilmington, NC. You’ll learn about the importance of the Cape Fear River, gain a historical overview of the area from discovery to present times, hear about Hollywood’s use of Wilmington, and learn about the pirate history of the coast while getting to enjoy the Wilmington sunset. Boarding is at 5:30PM. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase on the cruise by card only. Hosted by Cape Fear Riverboats

Epic Excursions Sunset Cruise
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
$58 per person
Relax and unwind as you cruise the pristine waterways of Wrightsville Beach during golden hour. Cruise past lush marshes, untouched barrier islands, and scenic inlets while watching for dolphins, seabirds, and other coastal wildlife. This peaceful sunset cruise is the perfect way to take in the natural beauty of the area and create unforgettable memories during Family Weekend. Hosted by Epic Excursions, a UNCW Alumni-Owned Business

Crossfire Paintball+
7:00 and 8:00 PM (1-hour time slots)
$30 per person; Must be aged 8+ to participate
Experience the thrill of Paintball and Nerf in our dynamic indoor arena, with extra fun stations the whole family will love. While we do shoot low impact paintballs, we encourage all players to arrive with long sleeves and pants. Enjoy a slice of pizza and soda afterward, all included with your ticket! Must be 8 & up to participate. Hosted by Crossfire Entertainment

Seahawk Bingo
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Free for Family Weekend Registrants
Join us for our annual Family Weekend Seahawk Bingo! UNCWeekends hosts a fun and exciting night of Bingo where you can win UNCW Seahawk prizes and other fantastic giveaways. Make sure to bring random things with you since you never know what we’ll ask for during 'Random Things in Your Pockets' so you can win Campus Life swag bag! Follow @uncweekends on Instagram to learn more about late night programs at UNCW. Sponsored by UNCWeekends

Ghost Walk
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
$22 per person
Once North Carolina's largest city, Wilmington has the largest historic district in the state. Journey into the depths of old Wilmington on an adventure to the Cape Fear's most actively haunted locations. Hear eerie tales of ghostly occurrences, including recent ghost encounters. Join us on a family safe, 90-minute journey you will not soon forget. Hosted by Ghostwalk of Old Wilmington
Saturday, September 27

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Family Weekend Check-In
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Welcome to Family Weekend, we are so glad you will be joining us for a weekend full of fun and excitement! Check-In will be held at the Warwick Center Ballroom. At check-in, you'll pick up your lanyards for the weekend, family weekend brochure, and any ordered T-shirts! You must check in with us first before attending any family weekend events!

Hawk's Harvest Donation Drive
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Warwick Center
Free (5 Donations for Raffle)
During this year's UNCW Family Weekend, we will be hosting a food drive and raffle to benefit Hawk's Harvest, UNCW's on-campus food pantry for students experiencing food insecurity. Donate at least 5 items to be entered into a raffle for a basket full of UNCW swag items! See above for the most needed items.

Brunch at the Shore Dining Hall
9:30 - 11:00 AM floating
$20 per person; Students welcome to use meal swipes
Join your student for Brunch at the Shore, and experience a thoughtfully crafted, upscale Brunch menu that surpasses the ordinary. Fuel up for a day of exploring UNCW with fresh seasonal ingredients, elevated classics, and a welcoming atmosphere! Hosted by UNCW Dining

Legacy Pinning Ceremony
10:00 to 11:30 AM
Invitation Only
The UNCW Alumni Association invites legacy students—current students with a parent, grandparent, or sibling who attended UNCW—to join us for a special pinning ceremony to commemorate making UNCW a family tradition. The celebration will begin with a buffet brunch, followed by the ceremony. Please contact alumni@uncw.edu with any questions about your legacy status or the Legacy Pinning Ceremony. Hosted by the UNCW Alumni Association

Seahawk Pilates
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Free; Family Weekend Rec Center Weekend Pass Required for non-students
Looking for a relaxing way to move during Family Weekend? Join us for Seahawk Pilates! This low-impact, guided session is open to all fitness levels and focuses on core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement. Wear comfortable clothes and experience what a group fitness class is like at the rec center! You must purchase a Rec Center weekend pass to enter the Rec Center and take this class. Hosted by Campus Recreation

Challenge Course Zip-a-Thon
10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 1:00 PM (1-hour zip timeslots)
$5 per person; Must be aged 10+ to participate
Looking for some high-flying adventure with your family? Come soar to new heights and take a ride on a 200-foot zip line with Seahawk Adventure’s Challenge Course. Access the high course via a climbing tower and traverse two activity “bridges” to reach the Zip Zone. One more step and you fly through the air like a true Seahawk. Flights are unlimited! Participants must be at least 10 years old and wear closed-toe active shoes. Are you up for the challenge? If you have any questions, please feel free to call 910-962-4052 or email us at: adventure@uncw.edu. Hosted by Campus Recreation

Pinspiration Splatter Room
10:00, 11:00 AM, 12:00, 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 PM
$25 per person
Experience the Jackson-Pollock-Inspired Splatter Room™! Suit up in protective gear and fling paint at a canvas to create a unique masterpiece like the artist himself. We provide protective gear such as goggles, shower caps, booties and ponchos for the experience. Plan to remove your shoes, so socks are encouraged. Paint is washable, but we highly recommend wearing clothes you're comfortable in and you don’t mind getting a little paint on, just in case! Note: your masterpiece won’t dry right away, so plan to take your wet canvas with you. Hosted by Pinspiration

Wilmywood Tour
10:30 AM and 12:30 PM (90-minute tours)
$22 per person
Join us on a 90-minute action-packed walking tour into America's largest living film set! See 100's of film locations, plus movie props & set pieces from some of Wilmywood's biggest hits. Hosted by Ghostwalk of Old Wilmington

Seahawk Yoga
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free; Family Weekend Rec Center Weekend Pass Required for non-students
Relax and rejuvenate with an Outdoor Yoga Flow session on the leisure pool deck at the Student Recreation Center. Join us outside for a great way to stretch, breathe, and connect with your family! Yoga mats will be available for use so you just need to bring yourself and comfortable clothing! You must purchase a Rec Center weekend pass to enter the Rec Center and take this class. Hosted by Campus Recreation

Crossfire Axe Throwing
11:00 AM, 12:00, 1:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 PM (1-hour time slots)
$24 per person; Must be aged 10+ to participate
Get your adrenaline pumping with an hour of indoor axe throwing—safe, exciting, and fun for the whole family! This experience features projected targets with interactive games like Tic Tac Toe, Connect 4, and Zombie Hunt that keep the fun going well beyond a few throws. Enjoy a slice of pizza and soda afterward, all included with your ticket! Must be 10 & up to participate. Hosted by Crossfire Entertainment

Crossfire Gellyball+
11:00 AM, 12:00, 1:00, 4:00, 5:00, and 6:00 PM (1-hour time slots)
$25 per person; Must be aged 8+ to participate
Dive into an hour of non-stop action with Gellyball, a water-based alternative to paintball that delivers all the thrills with none of the mess, plus Nerf battles and other exciting challenges. Enjoy a slice of pizza and soda afterward, all included with your ticket! Must be 8 & up to participate. Hosted by Crossfire Entertainment

Hawk's Harvest Volunteer Sorting
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Free for Family Weekend Registrants
Join the Hawk’s Harvest team as we gather up the generous donations from our Seahawk families for the pantry, sort them, and put them in storage and on the shelves. You will get a behind the scenes look at how the pantry works, and learn the important role our donation drives and volunteers play in helping our food insecure students be successful. Space is limited and will be offered on a first come, first serve basis! Hosted by Campus Life: Student Community Engagement

Cape Fear Riverboats Sightseeing Cruise
12:30 PM and 4:00 PM (1-hour cruises)
$28 per person
All aboard! Cruise the Cape Fear River for a relaxing sightseeing cruise aboard the Henrietta. Enjoy the view from our covered upper deck or from the air-conditioned lower deck while you enjoy this live, narrated scenic one hour cruise departing from historic downtown Wilmington, NC. You’ll learn about the importance of the Cape Fear River, gain a historical overview of the area from discovery to present times, hear about Hollywood’s use of Wilmington, and learn about the pirate history of the coast. Boarding is at 3:30PM. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase on the cruise by card only. Hosted by Cape Fear Riverboats

SIGNATURE EVENT: Seahawk Fam Fest
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Free for Family Weekend Registrants
Join us for a lively afternoon of fun, food, and connection in the heart of campus! Enjoy games, inflatables, face painting, music, and delicious bites from local food trucks as you hang out in the Quad — the go-to spot where students relax and connect. It’s a great chance for families to experience campus life and mingle with fellow Seahawks! Sponsored by Transition Programs

Cheerwine & Design
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Free for Family Weekend Registrants
Join UNCWeekends for an afternoon of fun and creativity to create a painting of your own! There will be Cheerwine and snacks to enjoy while you paint. All painting supplies will be provided including canvases, paint, and brushes. 200 spots are available for this event on a first come, first serve basis. Follow @uncweekends on Instagram to learn more about late night programs at UNCW. Sponsored by UNCWeekends.

Cape Fear Riverboats Sunset Cruise
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
$38 per person
All aboard! Cruise the Cape Fear River for a relaxing sunset cruise aboard the Henrietta. Enjoy the view from our covered upper deck or from the air-conditioned lower deck while you enjoy this live, narrated scenic 1.5 hour cruise departing from historic downtown Wilmington, NC. You’ll learn about the importance of the Cape Fear River, gain a historical overview of the area from discovery to present times, hear about Hollywood’s use of Wilmington, and learn about the pirate history of the coast while getting to enjoy the Wilmington sunset. Boarding is at 5:30PM. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase on the cruise by card only. Hosted by Cape Fear Riverboats

Epic Excursions Sunset Cruise
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
$58 per person
Relax and unwind as you cruise the pristine waterways of Wrightsville Beach during golden hour. Cruise past lush marshes, untouched barrier islands, and scenic inlets while watching for dolphins, seabirds, and other coastal wildlife. This peaceful sunset cruise is the perfect way to take in the natural beauty of the area and create unforgettable memories during Family Weekend. Hosted by Epic Excursions, a UNCW Alumni-Owned Business

Men's Soccer vs Mercer
7:00 PM
Come cheer on the UNCW Men’s soccer team as they take on Mercer! Hosted by UNCW Athletics

Crossfire Paintball+
7:00 and 8:00 PM (1-hour time slots)
$30 per person; Must be aged 8+ to participate
Experience the thrill of Paintball and Nerf in our dynamic indoor arena, with extra fun stations the whole family will love. While we do shoot low impact paintballs, we encourage all players to arrive with long sleeves and pants. Enjoy a slice of pizza and soda afterward, all included with your ticket! Must be 8 & up to participate. Hosted by Crossfire Entertainment

Movie at Lumina Theater
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Free for Family Weekend Registrants
Grab some popcorn and join us for a special Family Weekend movie night at Lumina Theater! Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening with fellow Seahawk families as we screen a movie in one of campus’s favorite spots. Sponsored by the Association for Campus Entertainment.

Ghost Walk
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
$22 per person
Once North Carolina's largest city, Wilmington has the largest historic district in the state. Journey into the depths of old Wilmington on an adventure to the Cape Fear's most actively haunted locations. Hear eerie tales of ghostly occurrences, including recent ghost encounters. Join us on a family-safe, 90-minute journey you will not soon forget. Hosted by Ghostwalk of Old Wilmington
Sunday, September 28

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Challenge Course Zip-a-Thon
9:00, 10:00, 11:00 AM, and 12:00 PM (1-hour zip timeslots)
$5 per person
Looking for some high-flying adventure with your family? Come soar to new heights and take a ride on a 200-foot zip line with Seahawk Adventure’s Challenge Course. Access the high course via a climbing tower and traverse two activity “bridges” to reach the Zip Zone. One more step and you fly through the air like a true Seahawk. Flights are unlimited! Participants must be at least 10 years old and wear closed-toe active shoes. Are you up for the challenge? If you have any questions, please feel free to call 910-962-4052 or email us at: adventure@uncw.edu. Hosted by Campus Recreation

SIGNATURE EVENT: Fall Farmer's & Vintage Market
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Seahawk Quad
Free for Family Weekend Registrants
End your Family Weekend on a high note with the Fall Farmers & Vintage Market! This vibrant gathering brings together students, families, and the local community to connect with North Carolina growers, producers, and small businesses. You'll find a diverse selection from more than 40 vendors, offering everything from seasonal produce to carefully curated vintage treasures. Enjoy tasty samples from local vendors, food trucks, and refreshing lemonade as you explore. Join us for a day full of great food, special finds, and community connections! Sponsored by Transition Programs, UNCW Dining, & SGA

Crossfire Axe Throwing
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
$24 per person; Must be aged 10+ to participate
Get your adrenaline pumping with an hour of indoor axe throwing—safe, exciting, and fun for the whole family! This experience features projected targets with interactive games like Tic Tac Toe, Connect 4, and Zombie Hunt that keep the fun going well beyond a few throws. Enjoy a slice of pizza and soda afterward, all included with your ticket! Must be 10 & up to participate. Hosted by Crossfire Entertainment

Crossfire Gellyball+
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
$25 per person; Must be aged 8+ to participate
Dive into an hour of non-stop action with Gellyball, a water-based alternative to paintball that delivers all the thrills with none of the mess, plus Nerf battles and other exciting challenges. Enjoy a slice of pizza and soda afterward, all included with your ticket! Must be 8 & up to participate. Hosted by Crossfire Entertainment

Cape Fear Riverboats Sightseeing Cruise
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
$28 per person
All aboard! Cruise the Cape Fear River for a relaxing sightseeing cruise aboard the Henrietta. Enjoy the view from our covered upper deck or from the air-conditioned lower deck while you enjoy this live, narrated scenic one hour cruise departing from historic downtown Wilmington, NC. You’ll learn about the importance of the Cape Fear River, gain a historical overview of the area from discovery to present times, hear about Hollywood’s use of Wilmington, and learn about the pirate history of the coast. Boarding is at 3:30PM. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase on the cruise by card only. Hosted by Cape Fear Riverboats

Pinspiration Splatter Room
11:00 AM and 12:00 PM (1-hour splatter session)
$25 per person
Experience the Jackson-Pollock-Inspired Splatter Room™! Suit up in protective gear and fling paint at a canvas to create a unique masterpiece like the artist himself. We provide protective gear such as goggles, shower caps, booties and ponchos for the experience. Plan to remove your shoes, so socks are encouraged. Paint is washable, but we highly recommend wearing clothes you're comfortable in and you don’t mind getting a little paint on, just in case! Note: your masterpiece won’t dry right away, so plan to take your wet canvas with you. Hosted by Pinspiration

Women's Soccer vs Charleston
7:00 PM
Come cheer on the UNCW Women’s soccer team as they take on conference rival Charleston! Hosted by UNCW Athletics.
Community Events

Family Weekend Community Events

The events below are scheduled throughout the weekend in the Wilmington and Cape Fear region. These events are not hosted or sponsored by the university but are open to the public.

Fourth Friday Gallery Walk

Friday, September 26
6-9 p.m.
Downtown Wilmington; Various Locations

On the Fourth Friday of every month, participating venues open their doors for an after-hours celebration of arts and culture.

Join us on Fourth Fridays to experience various artistic genres including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, metals, ceramics, music, mixed media and more.

This self-guided tour of various exhibitions is free to the public and many galleries have the featured artist available to discuss their craft. Maps are available at all participating locations.

Oc3ans: Blakeslee AF Recreation Concert Series

Friday, September 26
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area
118 Riverfront Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449
Free
Enjoy family-friendly free Friday Summer Lawn Concerts riverside at the Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area! Close to both Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, delight in the outdoors, and bring blankets and chairs for the whole family. Pack your picnic to enjoy dinner with the grooves of live music. Some restrictions apply. Pets are not allowed. This event is located approximately 19 miles (35 minutes) from UNCW's campus.

Wilmington CoffeeFest

Saturday, September 27
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cargo District
$28 + taxes and fees
Meet the people behind your favorite brew, discover new coffee shops and roasters too. Enjoy coffee samples, check out artisans, bakeries, tea and don’t forget to vote for best hot brewed coffee and iced or cold coffee. Bring your friends, get your tickets today!

Your entry includes: Wilmington Coffee Fest Espresso Mug • Limited Edition Canvas Tote Bag • Free Coffee Samples • Vote for your Best Hot Brewed Coffee and Iced or Cold Coffee • Portions of your ticket purchase will be donated to two local non-profits: Kids Making It and Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

Popular Local Attractions

Local Attractions to Visit

The local attractions below are great options to round out your Family Weekend experience.

Local attractions
Airlie Gardens 300 Airlie Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403	Come explore Wilmington's Airlie Gardens with 67 acres of walking paths, formal gardens, seasonal blooms, mighty live oaks, historic structures, and contemporary sculptures. Open Daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449	Make connections with the natural world at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Feel the smooth skin of a gliding stingray. Climb along Adventure Reef. Talk with a diver swimming the depths with eels and sharks. Look an albino alligator in the eye. Wonder at baby sea turtles. Discover aquatic wildlife at free daily dive shows and animal encounters. This is a self-guided tour. Open Daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A timed entry reservation is required.
Battleship NC 1 Battleship Rd NE Wilmington, NC 28401	The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Memorial was opened to the public in October 1961 as an authentically restored World War II battleship, a National Historic Landmark, a museum collecting and interpreting all ships named NORTH CAROLINA, and a memorial honoring the 11,000 North Carolinians of all branches of service who gave their lives in World War II. Visitors are encouraged to explore 9 levels of the ship, including the mess decks, berthing areas, engine room, bridge, Combat Information Center (CIC), and much more! Because of tidal flooding, it is always recommended that visitors monitor tide and weather information before visiting low-lying areas of the Cape Fear Coast such as the Battleship. Open Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cameron Art Museum 3201 S 17th St Wilmington, NC 28412	The Cameron Art Museum (CAM) provides a cultural gathering place that enriches the lives of museum visitors and the community through high-quality exhibitions, lifelong learning in the arts, dynamic public programs, and stewardship and interpretation of the collection. Open Tuesday - Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403	Wilmington’s own Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park offers exciting activities for children and adults of all ages. Come out and enjoy family fun at our Grand Prix go kart track, 18 hole Jungle Golf course, Indoor Climbing Wall, Kids Jungle indoor playground, Alien Invaders Laser Tag arena, and huge Arcade stocked with tons of your favorite gaming titles. Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty may find familiar scenes from the hit Amazon Prime series.

Alumni-Owned Businesses

As you enjoy Family Weekend, take a moment to explore the UNCW Alumni-Owned Business Directory, your go-to guide for discovering and supporting businesses proudly owned and operated by UNCW graduates. From local restaurants and shops to unique services, it’s a great way to connect with the Seahawk community and shop with purpose.

Access the directory

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!

Click on the sponsor logo below to visit their site.

Hotel sponsors include exclusive discounts for Seahawk families, automatically applied when booking using the links below.