Plan Your Visit

• Come Early. Give yourself ample time to park, undergo security screening, and find your seat. Doors typically open 1 hour prior to the performance time. Late-comers may miss the beginning of a performance as most shows require that our ushers hold late arrivals in the lobby until a suitable pause in the program.
• Be Prepared. Have your ticket ready to be scanned when you enter the Center. Make sure you are also familiar with the appropriate bag sizes and prohibited items prior to entry. More information can be found on our Safety First page.
• Find Assistance. Hospitality Hosts will be available just inside the entrance to answer any questions you may have. Visit the volunteers at the Guest Services kiosk for Will Call, coat check, lost ticket reprinting, and more. Have your ticket available for ushers to assist you with finding your seat.

The Center has been designed with accessibility in mind for audience members and performers of all abilities. Some of our services include: accessible seating, assisted listening devices, ASL Interpretation, accessible parking, large print or braille programs, audio description, captioning, accessible restrooms, and more. Many of these services require advance notice. Please see the accessibility page for more info.

If you are visiting Wilmington for a performance at the Wilson Center, we hope you’ll have the opportunity to spend a few days with us. From quaint inns to seaside resorts to riverside hotels, the Wilmington area has lots of accommodation options for those looking to stay in the Port City. We recommend the Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown or the Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront, directly along the Cape Fear River.

Wilmington has an array of incredible restaurants to choose from to satisfy your pre-dining needs. Some of our favorites include Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Angie’s of Chris’ Restaurant, Cousins Italian Deli, Marina Grill, STEAM, and A Taste of Italy. We recommend making your reservation between 5:00pm and 5:30pm for a 7:30pm curtain to allow ample time to enjoy your meal and arrive at the show on time.

We are so glad that you chose to visit the Center and take part in just some of the amazing artistic, musical, and performing arts events that take place in our community. As such, we want to make sure you have the most enjoyable experience possible… which begins with arriving safely!

Visitors coming from the North (MLK Parkway, Isabel Holmes Bridge, I-40, etc.) should turn right from North 3rd Street onto Brunswick Street. The parking deck is on the left.

Visitors coming from the South (Cape Fear Memorial bridge, Carolina Beach, Market Street, etc.) should turn left from North 3rd Street onto Red Cross Street, then turn right on 2nd Street. This will lead you directly to the parking deck.

Ample parking is available at the Hanover Parking Deck on 2nd and Hanover Streets directly across the street from the Center. There is a flat $10 fee per vehicle, payable upon entry, cash only. In addition, there may also be available on-street parking at no additional charge. Pre-Paid Parking  is available. Buy in advance of the day of show, get a 20% discount!

The closest drop-off point is the corner of 2nd Street and Hanover Street. If you are taking a Lyft, Uber, or taxi to the Center, you will be dropped off here. For most events, Security and Guest Services Volunteers will be at this location to escort you inside the Wilson Center. Make sure each member of your party is carrying their own ticket, so you can reunite at Guest Services after tickets are scanned.

For your convenience, concessions stands are located on the Orchestra and Grand Tier level of the Center and are typically open before the show and during intermission. Snacks include freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, Veggie Wagon charcuterie, candies, and chips. Beverages include: Coca-Cola Products, bottled water, San Pellegrino, and a lovely selection of wine and beer, including craft beer from local favorites Edward Teach Brewery, Mad Mole Brewing, and Wrightsville Beach Brewery.

• Wilmington Riverwalk
• USS North Carolina Battleship
• Shops – Cotton Exchange, Front St, Market St
• Tours – Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington, Hollywood walk
• Museums – Cape Fear Museum, Wilmington Railroad Museum
• Looking for more exciting things to do? Check out this article! (p.s. we’re featured!)

The closest airport to the Wilson Center is Wilmington International Airport, just a few minutes drive from Downtown Wilmington, or the beaches.