Orange Street ArtsFest returns Memorial Day weekend for 30th anniversary celebration

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — One of downtown Wilmington’s largest and longest-running arts festivals is returning Memorial Day weekend as the Orange Street ArtsFest celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The two-day street festival will take place Saturday, May 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event spans Orange Street between Front and Second streets, continues along Second Street to Dock Street, and extends inside the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center.

Hosted by Thalian Association Community Theatre and Sunrise Broadcasting, the festival will feature more than 80 artists showcasing a wide variety of mediums, including oil and watercolor paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, metalwork, textiles, and paper arts.

This year’s festival will be juried by award-winning artist Benjamin Billingsley, who currently serves as associate curator at the Cameron Art Museum. Billingsley previously taught studio art and art history at Cape Fear Community College from 2001 to 2026 and has exhibited work internationally.

Festival organizers said awards will be presented for first, second, and third place, along with four judges awards, totaling $550 in cash prizes.

In addition to the artist booths, attendees can enjoy local food vendors including Hot Diggity Dog, Carolina Whip, Groovy Whiskers Coffee, and North Carolina Sweet Tea.

The festival also highlights emerging artists from Cape Fear Community College’s fine arts and visual arts programs. Featured artist Aubrey Andrews will showcase functional pottery inspired by coastal landscapes, while student printmakers Ava Hardin, Rook Hartzler, and Kaili Pack will have artwork available for purchase.

New additions this year include an interactive artist tent led by internationally recognized artist and children’s book illustrator Cammeron Batanides. The exhibit will feature paintings, jewelry, mosaics, prints, and wire sculptures. Festivalgoers can also receive live caricatures from Navy veteran and portrait artist Zerick Jones.

Inside the Community Arts Center, visitors will be able to explore World War II exhibits within the historic USO building, including memorials honoring Wilmington’s two Medal of Honor recipients.

Additional information is available on the Wilmington Community Arts Center website.