Get ready for St. Patty’s Day with the 9th Annual Cape Fear Hooley! ☘️ This Saturday from 11:30AM–6PM, head to Waterline Brewing Co. for a full day of Irish music, dancing, pipes & drums, food trucks, and riverfront fun. From Nine Times Around to the Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums, this is one of Wilmington’s favorite St. Patrick’s traditions — and it helps support the Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Grab your green, bring a chair, and settle in under the bridge.

And if you want to keep the Irish celebration going into the evening, check out A Taste of Ireland — Saturday at 7:30PM at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium. This high-energy Irish music and dance sensation is touring across the U.S., bringing traditional tunes and electrifying performances perfect for Wilmington families. 🍀🎶

Also — correction from Wednesday: Mr. Fahrenheit starts at 7PM tonight at Bowstring Bar & Music Venue, doors at 6PM. Appreciate your patience — now go rock out to some Queen. 👑

The 2026 Cape Fear Hooley

SAT FEB 28: 11:30 AM - 6:00 Pm @ Waterline Brewing Co. - DT
The 9th Annual Cape Fear Hooley Under the Bridge is back at Waterline Brewing for a full day of Irish music, dancing, and riverfront fun! Join us Saturday, February 28, 2026, as we celebrate Irish-American culture and raise funds for the 25th Annual Downtown Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Saturday, March 14, 2026).

🎶 Live Music & Performances

Nine Times Around (3rd Hooley appearance) – an energetic Raleigh-based band playing traditional and modern Irish favorites from The Dubliners, The Pogues, Dropkick Murphys, and more

• Triggle Academy (3rd Hooley appearance) – a World Champion Irish Dance Academy whose dancers perform and compete at the Regional, National, and World levels

• Banna Band (5th Hooley appearance) – crowd-favorite Celtic originals and classic Irish tunes

• Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums

🍀 Plus

• Hosted by WECT personality Daniella Hankey

• Special appearances by St. Patrick and possibly a leprechaun or two

• Multiple food trucks

• Official 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade shirts for sale

• 🪑 Know Before You Go

• Expanded tent and seating for 2026

• Free admission (donations accepted to support the parade)

• Bring your own chair and settle in for the day

Grab your green, bring your friends, and celebrate one of Wilmington’s favorite St. Patrick’s traditions under the bridge 🍻☘️

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