Riverfront Park

A Modern Urban Oasis

Next to the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, Riverfront Park offers 6.63 acres of green escape from the urban bustle. Since opening in 2021, this park provides a substantial open space where both locals and tourists can enjoy some green space in the heart of downtown.

The park connects seamlessly to downtown via Wilmington's treasured Riverwalk, while newly constructed boardwalks extend over what ecologists would call a living shoreline (but what the rest of us might just call a really cool blend of land and water). The landscape slopes toward the water, incorporating coastal marsh elements in its design.

Spectacular Views and Spaces

From the elevated lawns or plazas, you can enjoy excellent views of the Cape Fear River. There's something almost meditative about watching sailboats drift along the water, especially as the sun sets and paints everything in golden hues.

The designers behind this park didn't just create something pretty - they created something sustainable. The park earned the Waterfront Alliance's WEDG (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) Verification, which is basically an environmental gold star for waterfront design that's both ecological and accessible.

Natural Landscaping

Nearly 10,000 different plants have found their home here, carefully hand-planted into the riverside bluffs. Beyond just looking nice, this thoughtful vegetation creates a natural shoreline that helps prevent erosion and manages runoff - proof that good design and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Entertainment Venue

At the heart of Riverfront Park stands the Live Oak Bank Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater that can host up to 7,200 people (2,400 seated and 4,800 on the lawn). From live music to comedy shows, this venue has quickly established itself as a cultural cornerstone for Wilmington.

Despite its size, the amphitheater maintains an intimate feel, with plenty of space between concert-goers even during popular shows. When you're there for an event, you'll discover multiple food and drink options with staff stationed throughout to help with whatever you might need.

Accessibility and Amenities

Getting to Riverfront Park is straightforward if you're already downtown. During events, several parking options exist nearby (expect to pay $15-20). The open layout makes the park easy to navigate, regardless of your age or mobility level.

You'll find a playground area for the little ones, but keep in mind it might be off-limits during concerts and events. Restrooms are available around the park, with additional portable facilities appearing when larger crowds are expected.

Community Events

Beyond just concerts, this versatile space hosts community gatherings ranging from the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ festival to acting as the finish line for the Ironman 70.3 North Carolina competition.