Cape Fear Hooley returns under the bridge this weekend

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Hooley Under the Bridge will return this weekend, bringing live Irish music, dancing and family-friendly activities to Waterline Brewing in Wilmington.

The ninth annual Hooley is scheduled for Saturday Feb. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 721 Surry Street.

The event celebrates Irish and Irish American culture and serves as a fundraiser for the 25th Annual Downtown Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Organizers said the Hooley will feature live music from two bands, Irish dance performances and appearances by the Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums.

The Banna Band, a high-energy Celtic-inspired group, will perform traditional and modern Irish music. The Nine Times Around band from the Raleigh area will also perform songs inspired by Irish music groups including The Dubliners, The Pogues and Dropkick Murphys.

The Triggle Academy Irish Dance group will return to perform competitive and exhibition dance routines.

Event organizers said the celebration will begin with a lone piper leading attendees into the venue before performances officially begin.

Admission to the Hooley is free, though donations are accepted to help fund parade expenses, including liability insurance, sanitation services and other operational costs. Organizers said the fundraiser helps offset parade entry fees, which are sometimes waived for community groups such as youth organizations.

The event is expected to include food trucks, expanded seating under a tented area, and sales of the official 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade shirt.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs for comfort.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade is scheduled for March 14 in downtown Wilmington.