Wilmingtonlist Staff
The Cape Fear region, located on the Atlantic Coastal Plain of North Carolina, is a coastal plain and Tidewater region centered around the city of Wilmington.
The region takes its name from the adjacent Cape Fear headland and the Cape Fear River, which flows through the region and empties into the Atlantic Ocean near the cape.
The Cape Fear region is known for its picturesque Atlantic beaches, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and its rural areas dominated by farms and swampland like the Green Swamp. The region is also home to the Port of Wilmington, the busiest port in North Carolina, and Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, the largest ammunition port in the nation.
The Cape Fear region has a rich history, with the town of Brunswick, one of the earliest settlements in the region, established in 1725 by Colonel Maurice Moore and his brothers
The region is also home to the Cape Fear River Basin, which is the main source of drinking water for the town of Cary and a major recreational spot for the fast-growing Triangle region
The Cape Fear region is a unique and important area in North Carolina, with a rich history, diverse natural resources, and a growing population.
Counties
Three primary counties form the core of Cape Fear region.
New Hanover County: Population – 225,702
Brunswick County: Population – 136,693
Pender County: Population – 60,203
Towns, Cities, Villages
| City/Town/Village | Population |
| Wilmington | 115451 |
| Boiling Spring Lakes | 5943 |
| Northwest | 735 |
| Southport | 3828 |
| Atkinson | 299 |
| Belville | 1936 |
| Bolivia | 143 |
| Burgaw | 3088 |
| Calabash | 2011 |
| Carolina Beach | 6564 |
| Carolina Shores | 3048 |
| Caswell Beach | 395 |
| Holden Beach | 575 |
| Kure Beach | 2012 |
| Leland | 23,504 |
| Navassa | 1505 |
| Oak Island | 9322 |
| Ocean Isle Beach | 867 |
| Sandy Creek | 260 |
| Shallotte | 3675 |
| St. Helena | 389 |
| St. James | 3165 |
| Sunset Beach | 3572 |
| Surf City (partial) | 3867 |
| Topsail Beach | 383 |
| Varnamtown | 541 |
| Wallace (partial) | 3883 |
| Watha | 190 |
| Wrightsville Beach | 2477 |
| Bald Head Island | 276 |
Events and Festivals
North Carolina Azalea Festival (April):
Wilmington paints itself in vibrant colors for this iconic spring festival. Expect parades, a street fair, concerts, a circus, home and garden tours, and the coronation of the Azalea Queen.
Riverfest (October):
A weekend dedicated to fun along the Cape Fear River. Enjoy live music, food vendors, fireworks, street performers, and activities for the whole family.
Carolina Beach Music Festival (June):
Put on those dancing shoes, because this legendary beach music festival is a party on the sand with some of the genre’s most beloved artists.
Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival (Fall):
This two-day festival at Kure Beach combines savory seafood dishes, fantastic live music, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Cucalorus Film Festival (November):
An internationally recognized film festival showcasing independent and innovative cinema, right in the heart of Wilmington.
Cape Fear Blues Festival (June):
Blues lovers rejoice! This multi-day Wilmington festival brings together a mix of local and national blues musicians for a soulful celebration of the genre.
Orange Street ArtsFest (May):
Discover the exceptional talents of regional artists and makers during this Wilmington festival featuring visual arts, crafts, live music, and delicious food.
Cape Fear Kite Festival (Spring and Fall):
Witness the sky transform into a colorful canvas at this delightful festival held at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.
Wilmington Wine and Food Festival (May):
Sample delectable food and drink from local and regional vendors and indulge in culinary demonstrations and workshops.
Holidays in the Cape Fear Region: The region transforms with enchanting light displays:
North Carolina Holiday Flotilla (late November/early December) at Wrightsville Beach.
Enchanted Airlie at Airlie Gardens
Island of Lights Festival at Carolina Beach
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