North Carolina Aquarium of Fort Fisher

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a private event venue in Kure Beach, North Carolina, situated on the southeastern coast near Wilmington. One of three facilities in the North Carolina Aquariums system, it focuses on the aquatic environment of the lower Cape Fear region and offers a distinctive live-animal backdrop for private events. Events take place among working exhibits: guests can celebrate a reception in front of the 235,000-gallon Cape Fear Shoals — a two-story habitat featuring sand tiger sharks, stingrays, and schooling fish — or alongside historic Megalodon Jaws and drifting jellyfish. Other live residents include an albino alligator and a loggerhead sea turtle. Up to 2,000 guests can be accommodated across the facility's rental spaces, including an auditorium with audiovisual capabilities, a private conference room, classrooms, and open exhibit areas. Events are available both during regular hours and as evening rentals beginning after the aquarium closes at 5 p.m. A dedicated events team coordinates private bookings for weddings, corporate gatherings, and social events.