River to Sea Bike Ride Expo: What to Know About Friday's Pre-Ride Event
New for 2026 - the River to Sea Bike Ride is hosting an expo the day before the ride. If you're participating Saturday, Friday's expo is worth a stop.
The Details
- Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: Empie Park, 801 Park Avenue, Wilmington
- Cost: Free
Why Go
Free bike check. Mechanics will inspect your bike before the ride. Brakes, tires, chain, gears - the stuff that matters when you're 10 miles from downtown on Eastwood Road. This alone is worth the trip. A bike shop would charge $30-50 for this.
Register early. If you haven't pre-registered online (registration is now closed), you can register at the expo instead of dealing with the 6:15 AM rush on Saturday. Still $5, still cash only.
Buy merch. River to Sea branded socks ($12), water bottles ($10), and stickers ($5). Cash or card. These may sell out by Saturday morning.
Meet the community. Local cycling organizations, sponsors, and fellow riders. If you're new to cycling in Wilmington or want to find group rides beyond this event, this is the place to make connections.
Parking
Empie Park has free on-site parking. It's a city park off Park Avenue, plenty of space on a Friday afternoon.
Should You Go?
If your bike hasn't been ridden since last summer - yes, go get it checked. If you're new to the ride and want to know what to expect - yes, go talk to the regulars. If you just want the socks before they sell out - also yes.
If your bike is dialed and you've ridden this event before, you can skip it and just show up Saturday.
For the full Saturday ride guide - schedule, route, parking, and what to bring - check out our River to Sea Bike Ride: Complete Guide.
Upcoming events
36th Annual River to Sea Bike Ride
Sat, May 2 · 7:00 – 11:00 AM
Intersection of Princess and 2nd Street
$5 day-of, cash only
Main guide
River to Sea Bike Ride: Complete Guide to Wilmington's Annual 20-Mile Ride
Everything you need for Wilmington's 36th annual 20-mile ride — schedule, route, registration, parking, and what to do when you're done.
What to Bring for the River to Sea Bike Ride
The gear list for 20 miles in the May sun — and what the ride won't let you start without.
Where to Eat After the River to Sea Bike Ride
Post-ride breakfast, brunch, and beer options downtown and at Wrightsville Beach. The ride wraps up around 11:30 AM and you'll be starving.
Where to Park for the River to Sea Bike Ride
Where to park downtown for a 6:15 AM check-in, what it costs, and why you shouldn't drive to Wrightsville Beach.