Looking for something fun to do this weekend?
If you love home décor, DIY projects, or just a good excuse to shop for a great cause, you’ll want to check out the UpScale ReSale & Design Challenge! This two-day event is Wilmington’s most creative interior design competition, where local designers take secondhand finds and turn them into jaw-dropping home décor. And the best part? Everything is up for sale, and the proceeds help Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity build homes for local families.
It all goes down March 14-15 at Hotel Ballast—and trust me, this is not your typical furniture sale.
Friday Night: The VIP Party You Don’t Want to Miss
Want first dibs on the best pieces? The fun starts Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the VIP Preview Party. Picture this: gorgeous, one-of-a-kind home designs, delicious food and drinks, and a lively crowd of design lovers all getting an exclusive sneak peek before the public sale. You’ll also get to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award—because, yes, this is a competition, and these designers bring their A-game.
Now, here’s the catch—while you can claim your favorite finds on Friday, you can’t take them home until Saturday. But trust me, it’s worth it to get in early before everything gets scooped up!
Saturday: Shopping, DIY Demos & More
If you can’t make the VIP party (or just want to come back for round two), doors open to the public on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for just a $5 admission fee. Not only can you shop, but you’ll also get to check out some cool DIY demos from Flea Body’s Antique Mall—think chalk painting, upcycling tricks, and other fun ways to breathe new life into old pieces.
More Than Just a Shopping Spree
This event is about more than just scoring amazing home décor—it’s about making a difference. The goal is to raise enough money to build a home for a local family in need, and even after the event ends, any unsold items go back to the ReStores to keep the fundraising going.
So whether you’re a design junkie, a DIY lover, or just looking for something fun to do, UpScale ReSale & Design Challenge is the place to be this weekend. Grab your friends, come get inspired, and maybe even take home the perfect piece for your space—while supporting a great cause!