Fins Up Festival returns to Wilmington with music, Jimmy Buffett tribute and local causes
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The 2026 Fins Up Festival is coming to Wrightsville Beach Brewery on Sunday, September 6, bringing live music, local organizations, raffles and a Jimmy Buffett tribute to the Cape Fear.
Hosted by Friends of Wrightsville Beach, the annual fundraiser runs from 1 to 9:30 p.m. at Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Drive in Wilmington.
The event features live performances from The Motos from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by Captain Mike & the Shipwrecked performing a Jimmy Buffett tribute from 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission is a $10 donation for adults 21 and older, with kids admitted free. The donation also includes a 50/50 raffle ticket.
The festival is the ninth annual fundraiser for Friends of Wrightsville Beach, a Cape Fear nonprofit that supports watersports, environmental and historical organizations and activities.
Organizers say the festival has previously attracted more than 1,500 attendees and featured more than 20 exhibitors.
This year’s event will feature exhibits from Cape Fear watersports and environmental groups, along with raffles and a silent auction. Dermatology Associates will also offer free skin cancer screenings.
Money raised will help support the organization’s Beach-Walker Project and planned scholarship program. Friends of Wrightsville Beach also plans to launch the Wrightsville Beach Waterman Hall of Fame nonprofit.
The organization says it expects to make donations to more than a dozen watersports and environmental groups.
Organizers are also celebrating the beginning of what they call “Locals Summer” in the Cape Fear.
No off-premises beverages or coolers are allowed at the event.
For more information, visit the Friends of Wrightsville Beach web page.
