May 1- May 7

The Wells Fargo Championship Golf Tournament is coming to New Hanover County in May.  This tournament will attract strong attendance and an international television viewing audience that will allow us to showcase Wilmington to the world.  With its great vibe and mix of shops, restaurants and attractions, Downtown will be a hub of activity during the entire week.  It will also serve as one of two transportation centers where attendees can catch shuttles to and from the course.  Oh yeah, did we happen to mention that this weekend also includes Cinco de Mayo, UNCW graduation and a One Tree Hill convention?    

With all of this in mind, WDI is coordinating the Play a Round - Downtown as a way to showcase all that Downtown and Wilmington has to offer.  Based around a golf theme and using its own unique name, WDI is directing a week long set of activities and events for locals and visitors alike.     

Activities include: 

  • Happy Gilmore Putting Green:  Located at the Downtown shuttle stop, this artificial turf putting green has 6 holes and is free to use.  As people are waiting for the shuttle, they can hit a few putts to fill the time.  Free tees are also available.  “Just tap it in….”
  • Tin Cup Stroll:  This free event is a great way to check out locally owned shops and businesses throughout Downtown.  To make par, just download the list of participating businesses.  Journey to each location and look for a special fla stick display.  Find the code word(s) for each location and enter that on your scorecard.  Obtain 18 correct response to qualify for a drawing.  More entries are awarded for five additional code words.  Scorecards are due on Saturday, May 6, from 4 to 5:30pm at Riverfront Park.  
  • It’s a Gimme Movie:  Partnering with the local film industry, catch a screening of the modern comedy, Happy Gilmore. Thursday, May 4th at 8pm in Riverfront Park. We'll also have a costume contest starting at 7:45pm.  Wear your best golf garb or dress as a character from the movie. 
  • The Caddy Shack Concerts:  These free concerts are shining the spotlight and local and regional music.  Local favorite The Bibis Ellison Band plays Friday, May 5th.  Carolina beach music by The Attractions is Saturday, May 6th.  Both shows are free and will begin at 7pm in Riverfront Park, across from the federal courthouse.  Beer and wine available with valid id.  Outside beverages, food, coolers and pets prohibited. 

 

About RiverLights:  Welcome to RiverLights™ set along the Cape Fear River

RiverLights is presenting Play A Round Downtown in partnership with WDI.
Discover RiverLights™ — a gem of the Wilmington, North Carolina, area. It’s a new kind of community that celebrates family, honors nature, and breathes new life into Southern heritage.  This is more than your dream home. This will be a new way of life — one firmly rooted in tradition, the innate need to be by the water and a desire to live every single day to the fullest.  With over 500 acres of planned open space bordered by massive sand dunes, tidal marshes, and wetlands, the RiverLights community integrates practicality for everyday living within nature’s pristine landscape.  Beyond its well-designed homes, unique amenities, and ideal proximity to historic Downtown Wilmington, RiverLights represents a chance to make the most of every day. A fresh start, a new adventure, a strong connection to nature and to your neighbor — all set along the historic Cape Fear River.   Let RiverLights guide you home.  

Play Around Downtown Information Sheet