Welcoming Week at the YMCA
You're Invited! Join Us for a Celebration of Community!
September 10 - 19, 2026
We know that communities are stronger and more cohesive when people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to get to know one another and work side by side to advance the common good. Welcoming Week was created by Welcoming America and is a national celebration that brings together newcomer immigrants and U.S.-born residents at community-based events to promote cross-cultural understanding and raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone! Learn about how the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is celebrating Welcoming Week 2026 below.
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Special Membership Offer!
2026 Welcoming Week Activities By Branch
Nir Family YMCA
First Responders Free Day Pass
Friday, September 11, 2026
5:00am - 9:00pm
First responders are eligible for a free day pass to explore our YMCA facilities. See the front desk to redeem your day pass.
Memorial Walk
Friday, September 11, 2026
6:00am & 12:00pm
Join us for a day of remembrance by participating in our 9/11 Memorial Walk in remembrance of 2,977 lives lost 25 years ago, or by climbing 110 floors in honor of first responders.
Walk or run 2,977 steps on the walking track, treadmill or anywhere. Two stair climbers will be reserved for those who want to climb.
Welcoming Week Health Fair
Friday, September 11, 2026
9:00am - 12:30pm
Discover local health and wellness resources, meet community vendors, enjoy demonstrations and enter for a chance to win prizes! You can also get your flu shots!
Bring your friends and family and learn more about living a healthy, active lifestyle.
Well Fed Ed Smoothie Truck
Friday, September 11, 2026
9:00am - 12:00pm
Support your community by grabbing a bite from this locally owned food truck!
DanceFit with World Music
Friday, September 11, 2026
11:30am - 12:15pm
This class will feature music from around the world! DanceFit is a fun and energetic workout that combines body weight strength and cardio moves set to music of varying genres. This class is suitable for all skill levels.
Welcoming Week Child Watch Reading
Friday, September 11, 2026 - Saturday, September 19, 2026
9:00am - 10:00am
Books from around the world will be read to the kids in child watch each day during Welcoming Week. We are also accepting volunteers to come in and read these books to the kids.
India Day 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
11:00am - 5:00pm
Cape Fear Cultural Association of India is hosting their annual India Day at Harrelson Center. Experience dancing, yoga, henna, free health tests, music, and, of course, delicious cuisine all in one place. Stop by our YMCA sponsor booth to say hello and share your experience at the event with our team!
Around the World Crafts - Nordic Paper Hearts
Monday, September 14, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm and 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Join us for crafts from around the world throughout the week located in the Gathering Spot area!
Around the World Crafts - Mini Maracas and Tile Making
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm and 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Join us for crafts from around the world throughout the week located in the Gathering Spot area!
Wilmington Latin Dance Pop Up
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
5:00pm - 6:00pm
$0 cost for members and non-members. We're excited to welcome the Wilmington Latin Dance to the Y for a night of music, movement and connection! They'll be teaching Salsa and Bachata, so come learn some new moves, celebrate our community and have a whole lot of fun. Grab your friends, bring your dancing shoes and come celebrate what makes our community so wonderfully diverse!
Around the World Crafts - Origami and Cranes
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm and 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Join us for crafts from around the world throughout the week located in the Gathering Spot area!
Around the World Crafts - African Sunset Art and Pony Bead Bracelets
Thursday, September 17, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm and 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Join us for crafts from around the world throughout the week located in the Gathering Spot area!
International Potluck
Friday, September 18, 2026
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Participants will bring their favorite international recipes and share the background of the dish with the community. There is no registration required, so show up and try some new flavors!
Around the World Crafts - Reef Collage and Paper Boomerang Decorating
Friday, September 18, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm and 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Join us for crafts from around the world throughout the week located in the Gathering Spot area!
Momilates Pop Up Event
Saturday, September 19, 2026
9:00am - 9:45am
$0 cost for members and non-members. Grab your little one and join us for our 2nd Pop Up Mommy and Me Workout featuring the founder and instructor of The Momilates Group! This group is dedicated to helping moms feel strong in body and mind through workouts designed specifically for moms and their kids.
Sampson County YMCA
Flag Coloring / Painting - Child Watch
Friday, September 11, 2026
8:00am - 12:00pm
Continues all week
Photobooth
Friday, September 11, 2026
Continues all week
International Potluck
Friday, September 11, 2026
11:00am - 1:00pm
Participants will bring their favorite international recipes and share the background of the dish with the community. There is no registration required, so show up and try some new flavors!
Free Safety Around Water
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time TBD
Sharpen your safety skills with this free class to teach essential knowledge and accident prevention around the water. Both kids and adults are welcome.
Craft Vendor Fair
Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:00am - 1:00pm
Join us for a craft vendor fair to check out some local artists, explore new activities and interests. If you are interested in participating as a vendor, please let us know and fill out the registration form below. Vendor costs are $25 outdoor and $35 for indoor.
Indoor Soccer Day
Sunday, September 13, 2026
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Bring your friends or family to strike your way through Sunday afternoon at indoor soccer.
Class Spotlight - Sit & Be Fit
Monday, September 14, 2026
8:00am - 8:45am
This energetic class offers a seated cardio workout set to upbeat music, focusing on building endurance and improving cardiovascular health. Designed for all fitness levels, the class allows participants to engage in high-energy movements while remaining seated, making it an excellent option for those with mobility concerns or those seeking a low-impact workout. Get ready to feel the rhythm, boost your stamina, and have fun while improving your fitness!
Active Older Adults Health Fair
Monday, September 14, 2026
8:30am - 12:30pm
Explore local health and wellness resources to support a healthy lifestyle and connect with your community organizations. This event will feature free health screenings, fitness assessments, health vendor stalls, bingo, and more!
Blood Drive
Monday, September 14, 2026
8:30am - 12:30pm
Join us by making a donation to help save lives and connect with your community. Sampson Regional Medical Center mobile van will be in the parking lot to take donations.
Rolling Beans Coffee Truck
Monday, September 14, 2026
8:30am - 12:30pm
Stay awake for all the fun with a quick caffeine stop from this mobile coffee truck.
Class Spotlight - Aqua Fitt
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
10:00am - 10:45pm
This is a low-impact strength, cardio and mobility routine in the pool. Use pool noodles to get a full body workout through a variety of exercises all in the water!
Teddy Bear Clinic - Child Watch
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm
Hospital staff will join child watch and bring their teddy bears to demonstrate valuable health and first aid skills to the kids!
Class Spotlight - Feel the Beat
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
10:00am - 10:45am
Exciting dance workout that blends Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow dance steps.
First Time Home Buyers Seminar
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Looking to make your first move on your own piece of paradise in Wilmington? Join us for this seminar to gain valuable knowledge and help you feel more prepared!
Face Painting - Child Watch
Thursday, September 17, 2026
4:00pm - 7:30pm
Let your child represent their favorite characters and colors with face painting at child watch.
Volleyball Night
Thursday, September 17, 2026
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Hit the courts before the weekend for a game with family or friends!
T&T Grill on Wheels Food Truck
Thursday, September 17, 2026
11:00am - 3:00pm
Support your community by grabbing a bite from this locally owned food truck!
Understanding Your God Given Health
Thursday, September 17, 2026
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Learn about wellness and health from a local chiropractor.
Class Spotlight - Bootcamp
Friday, September 18, 2026
6:00pm - 6:45pm
An intense workout with a series of stations involving numerous exercises such as pushups, squats, weighted exercises and cardio drills.
Family Game Night
Friday, September 18, 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bring the whole gang for an evening of family-friendly fun and games hosted by our chaplains.
Pop Up Aqua Fit
Saturday, September 19, 2026
10:00am - 10:45am
This is a low-impact strength, cardio and mobility routine in the pool. Use pool noodles to get a full body workout through a variety of exercises all in the water!
First Time Home Buyers Seminar
Saturday, September 19, 2026
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Looking to make your first move on your own piece of paradise in Wilmington? Join us for this seminar to gain valuable knowledge and help you feel more prepared!
Midtown YMCA
Around the World Challenge
Friday, September 11, 2026
Kicking off on the opening day of Welcoming Week, Midtown YMCA will be travelling across the globe — a digital one that is! Track your miles from each workout, whether you go for a run, swim some laps, or attend a cycling class, and watch our journey unfold across continents!
Moustache Sculpt Class
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
8:30am - 9:15pm
Wear a moustache and have a laugh while working out! This total body, low impact, strength training workout uses a variety of equipment, including dumbbells and resistance bands, to build a strong foundation in order to continually achieve results.
YMCA Camp Kirkwood
Welcoming Week, Camp Style!
Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:00am - 4:00pm
Join us for Welcoming Week at Camp Kirkwood! We invite your family to come to camp and celebrate community, together! Spend the morning out on the lake and the afternoon swimming in our pool, playing volleyball, archery, fishing, jumping on our Kanga jump, and enjoying food and fellowship with our community. This event is free to all YMCA Members, for non-members we ask for a donation at the door to go towards our Annual Fund to help Send a Kid to Camp!
A huge thank you goes out to all of the vendors, volunteers and members of the community that contribute to welcome our diverse community together. At the Y, every interest finds its community and every passion finds its people. We hope to see you there!
