Wilmington businesses push to expand Brooklyn Arts District social district

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Some businesses in Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts District are pushing to expand the district’s social district designation, which currently allows visitors to carry alcoholic beverages within set boundaries.

Under the existing rules, people 21 and older can consume alcohol while walking within the district on the first and third Saturdays of each month from noon to 5 p.m. Drinks must remain within the district’s boundaries and be served in labeled cups.

Business owners are now asking city leaders to increase the frequency to every Saturday during the same hours.

The Brooklyn Arts District is home to more than 20 small businesses, including breweries, bakeries and restaurants. The concept was first tested in February 2025, and Wilmington City Council approved the social district in September.

Joseph Apkarian, owner of The Eagle’s Dare on Third Street, said earlier concerns from some council members about the focus on alcohol have not reflected the district’s atmosphere.

“They thought that perhaps it was going to be a wild, mayhem type thing, it’s just not, it’s a great opportunity again for families, for people to explore the Brooklyn Arts District,” Apkarian said.

Apkarian said business owners recently presented a petition to city representatives seeking the expanded schedule and received no pushback.

The proposed ordinance to increase the frequency of the social district is expected to go before Wilmington City Council for a vote on Tuesday.