Not only was the Lumina Pavilion and island landmark in Wrightsville Beach, NC for 68 years, it was also a legend among seaside pavilions with its 12,500 square feet of entertainment space.

It was built by the Tidewater Power Company in 1905. It was given the name Lumina because of the state-of-the art lighting. It could be seen not only for miles on the island but also by the ships along the North Carolina Coast!

Special trains would bring visitors into Wilmington, NC and they would take the beach trolleys over to Wrightsville Beach to enjoy swimming, outdoor movies, strolling along the beach or many of the grand dances and events that were held in the Lumina's glory years. Band leaders such as Glenn Miller, Cab Calloway and Kay Kyser were among the many that played to the packed crowds that came as far away as Atlanta and Washington D.C.

Each year there is a Lumina Daze family event held in celebration of Wrightsville Beach and the Lumina. The 1930's festivities include big band music, games and movies on the beach.

No crowds bands or lights - just 68 years of character standing alone-

Well, it opened June 3 1905, and it was owned by the Consolidated Light and Railway company. The Railroad from Wilmington to Wrightsville opened in 1888.The Building was 300 feet long and had Bowling alleys, Restraunt, Ladies Parlor, slot machines and upstairs was a Ballroom.

in the summer of 1928 Lewis Phillip Hall and his dance partner taught the Shag which they debuted in Wilmington on august 22nd followed by an all night dance at the Lumina Pavilion. That august they had 3 dances which totaled more then 30,000 people.

From there the Shag spread north and west and By the summer of 1929 the kids of Virginia Beach declared themselves "Shag Mad".

By 1932 shag had reached it's peak, and the Lumina Pavilion decided to start holding contest, which before this time were stricktly for fox trot, waltz etc..