Cultural Programs

In addition to our parks, trails, and indoor/outdoor recreation facilities, the City of Wilmington's Parks and Recreation Department offers a myriad of cultural programs that highlight what makes Wilmington such a vibrant city. Parks, by the beginning of the 20th century, began to be utilized for dance, theatre, and even film. Today, there is an astounding influx of artistic and cultural activity in parks. From large-scale festivals to long-term residencies with arts organizations and partners, our cultural programs strive to revitalize the role parks play in our lives. Check out our program opportunities below and join us!     


Cultural Footprints

There is a bounty of hidden gems to discover in Wilmington’s urban environment. Topics may include history, architecture, ecology, or culture, just to name a few. Join us for some fresh air and broaden your understanding of Wilmington with programs led by various local experts. Programs are free and are typically 1-2 miles long. Registration required (here). These programs are open to all ages unless otherwise specified.


Tour of Temple of Israel — January 27, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Shalom! The Temple of Israel in downtown Wilmington, constructed in 1875-1876, was the first Jewish house of worship in North Carolina and is one of the oldest in the nation.  Join Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department in visiting this historic landmark and learn about the Temple’s history, view historical artifacts, and explore elements of Jewish culture and faith. Pre-registration is required here. Participants will meet at 1 South 4th St.


On the Road to Freedom — February 21, 2025, 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

On this day in 1865, over 1,800 United States Colored Troops marched along Federal Point Road and fought for two days on the grounds of what is now Cameron Art Museum. During this program we’ll hike along the same route these brave men marched through present day Halyburton Park to CAM. As we retrace their steps you’ll learn about the natural history of the park and how the landscape effected these men’s lives personally and on the battlefield. Pre-registration is required here. Participants will meet at Halyburton Park (4099 S. 17th St.)


Architectural History - March 15 , 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Explore the city’s rich history and stunning architecture as we visit iconic landmarks, historic homes, and hidden gems. Led by a knowledgeable guide from Historic Wilmington Foundation, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Wilmington’s past and its architectural beauty. Registrants will be notified about meeting location via emailRegister here! 


Origins of Urban Landscaping — May 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Explore Downtown Wilmington through a fresh lens during the the May 2025 urban hike, Origins of Urban Landscaping. We'll talk about how cities come to be while answering questions like- Why can I identify an American city as different from a European city? Why are many downtown trees the same species? And even:  Why is there so much pollen? Pre-registration is required here. Participants will meet at Veteran's Park Memorial in Downtown Wilmington, NC. 


Walking Meditation — May 21, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. in celebration of World Meditation Day 

Join us at beautiful Halyburton Park for a 45-minute guided walking meditation that combines mindfulness and gentle movement. Discover the calming effects of nature, enhance your focus, and find peace with every step. All levels are welcome—bring comfortable shoes and an open mind! Pre-registration is required here. Participants will meet at Halyburton Park (4099 S. 17th St.).  


Veteran's Creative Arts Program

We invite veterans to express their stories and emotions through the power of art and writing at the Veterans Creative Arts Program. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your talents, whether through visual arts or creative writing. Come and share your experiences, connect with fellow veterans, and celebrate the healing power of creativity.

Registration & Contact Information:
  • Register here or call (910) 254-0907 (English) or (910) 341-0056 (Español) for more details

Veteran's Creative Arts Program (Creative Writing): Telling Our Stories with Kristen Dorsey

Creative Nonfiction is about telling true stories, and telling them well. Unlike journalism’s "just the facts" style, creative nonfiction shares the writer's truth with personal perspective and emotional depth. In this way, our experiences become intimate, thoughtful, and engaging stories about the world we share.

This class will use writing prompts, creative exercises, and the discussion and practice of craft principles to assist participants in developing written and verbal self-expression skills. Participants will write, share, and revise personal essays. A public reading of a polished work will be offered to those who wish to participate.


Creating in Community with Cammeron Batanides
In this studio-style class, we will create original works of art with the option to exhibit and/or sell our work during June, which is PTSD awareness month. Participants are invited to explore various mediums, share their work with other creatives in the classroom, and participate in optional class critiques.

 

About the instructor: Cammeron Batanides is an internationally known fine artist and children’s book author/illustrator whose works have been featured across the United States, in Jamaica and throughout Canada, at the 2013 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and at the legendary Los Angeles Fine Arts Building. She was the first live painter for The Wailers, on the USS North Carolina Battleship, and at Wilmington’s historic Thalian Hall’s inaugural reggae show. Cammeron has recently returned from Washington, D.C, where over 40 of her original works were exhibited adjacent to the Smithsonian at Pepco Edison Place Gallery. Cammeron’s originals were simultaneously displayed in Leland, North Carolina at Leland Cultural Arts Center.


Both courses are offered simultaneously at the Davis Center at Maides Park on the following dates and times:

Date: Tuesdays (January 7, 2025 - May 27, 2025)
Time:12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Davis Center at Maides Park
Address:1101 Manly Ave, Wilmington, NC


DREAMS Family Art Nights

Families are invited to come together for a creative and fun-filled evening of art-making. Each month features a new theme and activities, providing a welcoming space to explore different art forms, spark imagination, and create lasting memories as a family. Pre-registration is required here! . This program will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Davis Center at Maides Park - 1101 Manly Ave (910-341-0056/910-341-7867)

Halyburton Park - 4099 S. 17th St (910-341-0075)


Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at the Davis Center (Maides Park) - Painting Martin Luther King Jr.

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at the Davis Center (Maides Park) - Black History Month

Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025 at the Halyburton Nature Center - Foster Families

Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025 at the Halyburton Nature Center - Paint Your Pet (in celebration of National Pet Day on April 11, 2025)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at the Davis Center (Maides Park) - Mother’s Day

Monday, June 9, 2025 at the Halyburton Nature Center - Father’s Day

Painting of the Sherriedale Morgan Mural!

Join us for one or both Saturdays in February to paint two murals celebrating the life and contributions of Mr. Sherriedale Morgan. Mr. Morgan was a champion boxer, veteran, Golden Glove-winning coach, and inductee into the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame.  All ages are invited to come be a part of this historic piece of art that will be mounted at the Sherriedale Morgan Fitness Center on 10th Street. Please register here.


Mural Painting Dates: 

February 15, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Davis Center (1101 Manly Ave)

February 22, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Davis Center (1101 Manly Ave)


Painting of the Maides Park Mural

Join us at MLK Fun Day at Maides Park on Saturday, January 18 and take part in painting a new mural for the Davis Center!  The mural will celebrate the park’s past and present.  All ages are welcome.  Please register here.


Mural Painting Date: January 18, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Davis Center (1101 Manly Ave)


Homeschool Gardening Program

The Homeschool Gardening Program offers a hands-on, educational experience where participants plant and nurture their very own salsa garden. Kids and families will learn about gardening essentials and sustainable practices, culminating in taking home a thriving mini garden filled with key ingredients for homemade salsa. Register here!

Program will be held within the Urban Greenhouse located at 1739 Burnett Blvd (across the street from Greenfield Lake Park)


Dates: Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (March 13, 27, April 3, 17, and May 1)

Ages: 8 - 12 

Fee: $25/Participant