Events

Oyster Eco Tour is an immersive coastal farm experience hosted by Hold Fast Oyster Co. in the waters near North Topsail, North Carolina. Guests start with a boat ride through local estuaries, then stop at a floating oyster setup to learn how oysters are grown and why sustainable aquaculture matters for healthy coastal ecosystems.

The tour is designed to be hands-on and interactive: you’ll see the farming gear up close, hear how tides and daily farm work shape the harvest, and get guidance from the farmers themselves. A signature part of the experience is shucking and tasting oysters that have been pulled from the water moments before, often paired with time wading out to a private sandbar for a barefoot, on-the-water adventure vibe.

It’s a good fit for seafood enthusiasts, eco-tourists, and curious travelers who want a behind-the-scenes look at regenerative aquaculture. Guests are typically encouraged to bring their own beverages while licensing is pending.

AM Life Drawing

Work with professional nude models, following a self-guided format studying the human form - in your medium of choice. A basic understanding of technique and tools is suggested. Purchase punch cards through the Museum School office to be used in morning or evening classes during the Fall or Winter sessions. Single, drop-in tuition can be reserved online or paid upon arrival. Ongoing weekly.
Mondays, September 14th-December 14th, 9:30am-12pm
*Click on Show Individual Dates to select each class session

Date/Time:

Mondays, September 14th-December 14th, 9:30am-12pm

Skill Level:

Adult: All Levels

Admission:

$20 CAM MEMBERS, $25 not yet member

Instructor:

Donna Moore

Supplies:

Bring your favorite materials to work with. It's artists' choice.h-December 14th, 9:30am-12pm *Click on Show Individual Dates to select each class session

🌾 Grain to Oven Discovery

📅 Monday, October 5

🕥 10:30 AM–12:30 PM

💲 $25 per participant (ages 5+) making a pizza

👶 Ages 4 & under FREE

Celebrate the harvest season by discovering how wheat becomes fresh flour before making your own pizza. This interactive experience combines agriculture, science, history, and delicious fun.

REGISTER FOR OCTOBER 5th HERE!

In this 6-week series, you'll learn how to make vessels on the wheel from start to finish. No clay experience necessary! Whether you’ve never been on the wheel or if you’re simply looking to brush up on your skills, this will be a fun and informative class series meant to help you on your pottery journey. This is only $40/session, and includes a complimentary bag of clay for you to practice with! Payment plans are available at checkout.

Important Information:

• Included: personal instruction, clay, tools, supplies, glaze, firings, storage shelf for work (additional clay is available for purchase if needed)

• Instructor: Alyssa Vokes @bootspottery

• Theme: Basics - Mugs & Planters

• Who: Anyone aged 8 and older (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult also enrolled in the class)

• When: Mondays (10/5-11/9) | 6pm-8pm (6 sessions)

• Where: Bookworm Pottery - 707 S 16th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 CARGO DISTRICT LOCATION PLEASE REFER TO OUR PARKING MAP. There is paid parking next to DesignWorx and free street parking on Queen Street & 17th Street. We are in the green unit through the double doors down the hall.

• Cost: $240 per person. Independent studio time outside of class may be purchased at $5/hour until the end of the series.

• Class Type: Wheel-throwing (on the wheel)

Pottery 4 Kids (Ages 5-8)

In this fun and creative ceramics class, young artists will explore the exciting world of clay through hands-on projects inspired by nature, animals, stories, food, and imagination. Students will learn basic handbuilding techniques such as pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction while creating both sculptural and functional pieces.

Date/Time:

Tuesdays, September 29th – October 20th, 4-5:30pm

Skill Level:

Youth: All Levels

Admission:

CAM Member $96 / Not-yet-member $120

Instructor:

Anne McCombie-Abbate

Supplies:

$15.75 supply fee payable to the studio for clay and firing costs.

Observing Relationships Within The Figure

No more avoiding foreshortening! Practice classic techniques of measuring relationships to better achieve believable proportions within the figure. (Return and new students encouraged.)

Date/Time:

Wednesdays, October 7th-28th, 1:30 - 4:30pm

Skill Level:

Adult: All Levels

Admission:

CAM Member $184 / Not-yet-member $230

Instructor:

Donna Moore

Supplies:

$35 model fee payable to the instructor. Willow or vine charcoal (soft - at least one dozen sticks), compressed charcoal (soft), charcoal pencils (soft), soft lead pencil (6B), 18x24" newsprint and/or drawing pad, kneaded eraser (large), block eraser (firm), two bull clips, small format sketchbook (5x7" ex.), Optional: The Natural Way to Draw (1941) Kimon Nicolaides (Free downloadable pdf or book).

Sign up now for the entire session!

In this 8-week series, you'll learn how to make altered vessels on the wheel from start to finish. Some clay experience preferred (a good grasp on the basics of centering, pulling, and trimming). If you’re looking to advance your skills, this will be a fun and informative class series meant to help you on your pottery journey. This is only $40/session, and includes a complimentary bag of clay for you to practice with! Payment plans are available at checkout.

Important Information:

• Included: personal instruction, clay, tools, supplies, glaze, firings, storage shelf for work (additional clay is available for purchase if needed)

• Instructor: Nicole Boenigk @earthandempathyceramics

• Theme: Advanced forms (such as jars, wheel-altered baking dishes, pour-overs, etc.)

• Who: Anyone aged 8 and older (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult also enrolled in the class)

• When: Wednesdays (10/7-11/25) | 6pm-8pm (8 sessions)

• Where: Bookworm Pottery - 707 S 16th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 CARGO DISTRICT LOCATION PLEASE REFER TO OUR PARKING MAP. There is paid parking next to DesignWorx and free street parking on Queen Street & 17th Street. We are in the green unit through the double doors down the hall.

• Cost: $320 per person. Independent studio time outside of class may be purchased at $5/hour until the end of the series.

• Class Type: Wheel-throwing (on the wheel)

Sign up now for the session

PM Life Drawing

Work with professional nude models, following a self-guided format studying the human form - in your medium of choice. A basic understanding of technique and tools is suggested.
Single, drop-in tuition can be reserved online or paid upon arrival. Click on Show Individual Events. Ongoing, Biweekly, Wednesdays, September 9th-December 16th, 6:30-9pm (with break on November 18th)

**Purchase punch cards through the Museum School office to be used in morning or evening classes during the Winter and Spring sessions.

Date/Time:

Wednesdays, September 9th-December 16th, 6:30-9pm (with break on November 18th), bimonthly

Skill Level:

Adult: All Levels

Admission:

$20 CAM Members, $25 Not-Yet-Member

Instructor:

Taylor Klauk

Supplies:

Bring your favorite materials to work with. It's artists choice.

B&SLT presents Veterans Expressions Group

Brothers and Sisters Like These uses writing as a therapeutic method to help us give back what our military experiences have taken away from us. These experiences can be combat or non-combat related, or caused during wartime or peacetime. Every individual's experience is unique to them, and we want to help each veteran regain their sense of community.

Join Worth Parker, retired LTC Marine MARSOC, for a hybrid writing class: in person at CAM or online from home. No experience required. Find a writing community this fall.

Date/Time:

Wednesdays, September 23- November 11, 7-8:30pm

Skill Level:

Adult: All Levels

Admission:

Free for Active Military and Veterans

Instructor:

Worth Parker

Supplies:

Your writing tool of choice

Ready to advance your skills on the pottery wheel? Come enjoy a 8-week wheel-throwing course! 8 sessions included!

In this 8-week series, you'll learn how to make vessels on the wheel from start to finish. No clay experience necessary! Whether you’ve never been on the wheel or if you’re simply looking to brush up on your skills, this will be a fun and informative class series meant to help you on your pottery journey. This is only $40/session, and includes a complimentary bag of clay for you to practice with! Payment plans are available at checkout.

Important Information:

• Included: personal instruction, clay, tools, supplies, glaze, firings, storage shelf for work (additional clay is available for purchase if needed)

• Instructor: Alyssa Vokes @bootspottery

• Theme: Basics - Mugs & Bowls

• Who: Anyone aged 8 and older (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult also enrolled in the class)

• When: Thursdays (8/27-10/15) | 6pm-8pm (8 sessions)

• Where: Bookworm Pottery - 707 S 16th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 CARGO DISTRICT LOCATION PLEASE REFER TO OUR PARKING MAP. There is paid parking next to DesignWorx and free street parking on Queen Street & 17th Street. We are in the green unit through the double doors down the hall.

• Cost: $320 per person. Independent studio time outside of class may be purchased at $5/hour until the end of the series.

• Class Type: Wheel-throwing (on the wheel)

Practical Perspective – full, please call to join waitlist

Strengthen your drawings by adding believable perspective into them.

Date/Time:

Thursdays, October 8th – November 12th, 9am-12pm

Skill Level:

Adult: Intermediate

Admission:

CAM Member $248 / Not-yet-member $310

Instructor:

Todd Carignan

Supplies:

18"x24" Drawing pad, pencils, erasers, yard stick

Sign up today for the series

In this 90-minute workshop, you'll get the chance to try your hand at wheel-throwing. No clay experience necessary! Come and enjoy a creative, messy evening with your friends, siblings, parents, or significant other. If you’re over 21, feel free to BYOB!

Important Information:

• Included: instruction, 2 balls of clay, tools, firings, 1 Polaroid photo per couple

• Who: Anyone aged 10 and older (children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent enrolled in the class)

• When: Fridays and Saturdays 6pm-7:30pm

• Where: Bookworm Pottery & Co. - 707 S 16th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 THE CARGO DISTRICT LOCATION There is paid parking next to DesignWorx and free street parking on Queen Street & 17th Street. We are in the green unit through the double doors down the hall.

• Cost: $140 per couple (you each get your own wheel to practice on

Date: Saturday, October 10th from 10am-12pm

Trask Family Farms

Pick, Print, and Paint!

Learn the antique art of Cyanotype Printing, invented in 1842 and more popular than ever today! Wilmington artist Katie Elzer-Peters will guide you through creating a practice print and two 5×7 cyanotype prints that you can then paint with watercolor or take home as-is. You’ll also get to pick the flowers you paint AND take your bouquet home with you. It’ll be a perfect morning of creativity, experimentation, and frolicking in the flowers.

All supplies are provided and beginners are welcome! We can’t wait to create with you!

Celebrate World Mental Health Day with Canines for Service at Zoomies for a Cause, a dog-friendly 1-Mile Walk and 5K dedicated to supporting Veterans and raising awareness for mental health.

Whether you’re an avid runner, casual walker, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend the day with your four-legged friend, this event offers something for everyone. Bring your family, friends, and leashed dogs to enjoy an afternoon of community, wellness, and purpose.

Every registration helps Canines for Service provide highly trained service dogs to Veterans nationwide living with service-connected PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, military sexual trauma, and mobility limitations. These life-changing canine partnerships are provided at no cost to the Veteran and without any fundraising obligation.

World Tavern Poker Night - Free to Play!

Sun, Sep 27 | Backspin Social - Wilmington

Join us every Sunday at 5pm and 7pm for free poker! This event is tournament style. Earn points towards prizes and trips.

Looking for free poker in Wilmington, NC? Join us every Sunday at Backspin Social for World Tavern Poker, America's largest bar poker league. Compete in FREE No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournaments at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Whether you're a seasoned poker player or brand new to the game, our weekly tournaments offer a fun, welcoming environment where you can improve your skills, meet fellow players, and compete for league points and prizes.

There is no buy-in and no gambling. Players earn points toward local, regional, and national rankings through the World Tavern Poker league system, with opportunities to qualify for championship events and major prizes.

Event Details

• When: Every Sunday

• Tournament Times: 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM

• Cost: Free to Play

• Format: No-Limit Texas Hold'em Tournament

• Skill Level: All Experience Levels Welcome

• Arrival Time: Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the tournament begins to register and get settled.

About World Tavern Poker

Backspin Social is proud to partner with World Tavern Poker (WTP), America's #1 bar poker league.

With hundreds of tournaments held weekly and more than 200,000 registered players nationwide, World Tavern Poker provides a fun, competitive, and completely free way to enjoy Texas Hold'em while earning points toward league rankings and championship events.

Players compete for points, prizes, and opportunities to advance to Tavern, Regional, and National Championship tournaments.

Learn more at: https://www.worldtavernpoker.com

Tournament Overview

Each tournament is a No-Limit Texas Hold'em event played until one player remains. The top finishers earn league points that contribute toward their rankings within World Tavern Poker.

All standard regular-season World Tavern Poker tournaments begin with a starting stack of 10,000 chips. Additional chips may be available through official World Tavern Poker promotions and bonus programs.

Tournament blind structures are determined by attendance and available play time, allowing two tournaments to be hosted each Sunday evening.

Typical Blind Structures

2-Hour Games

• 10–20 Players: 10–12 minute levels

• 21–30 Players: 8–12 minute levels

• 31–50 Players: 8–10 minute levels

• 50+ Players: Less than 8 minute levels

2.5-Hour Games

• 10–20 Players: 10–15 minute levels

• 21–30 Players: 10–15 minute levels

• 31–50 Players: 10–12 minute levels

• 50+ Players: Less than 10 minute levels

Blind structures and tournament operations are managed in accordance with World Tavern Poker guidelines and may vary based on attendance and tournament director discretion.

Why Play?

• Free poker every Sunday

• Competitive yet welcoming atmosphere

• Great for beginners and experienced players alike

• Earn league points and prizes

• Opportunities to qualify for championship events

• Enjoy local drinks and a social atmosphere while you play

Whether you're looking for a regular poker night, a competitive league, or simply a fun Sunday evening with friends, Backspin Social is your destination for free poker in Wilmington.

This October, the undead return to the Port City… this isn't your typical 5K - This is a Race through history where runners will try to outrun the undead! From the primitive terror of Cave Zombies in the Stone Age to ruthless Cyborg Zombies of the future, each section of the course will throw you into a new chapter of survival.

Dress to distress in your favorite zombie era - come witness history unfold or sprint for survival in the 5k or Monster Mile. We'll travel through ancient civilizations, medieval chaos, revolutionary battles, and futuristic destruction as the zombie outbreak evolves through the ages.

Can YOU survive history's deadliest timeline? Grab your team, lace up your running shoes, and prepare to outrun the apocalypse - one era at a time.

💀 Special Effects to Last the ages:

• Race T-shirt for all who dare to enter
• Creepy on-course surprises inspired by the eras of civilization.
• Zombie Survivor Medal for the first 100 Zombie Run Survivors
• A family friendly run/walk Monster Mile where kids can bring their Halloween baskets to trick-or-treat with their family and take pictures with the Zombies along the course.

4:30pm: Monster Mile - $20 registration fee

5:30pm: 5K - $35 registration fee

Grab a friend and learn the basics of floral design with local NC blooms! Guided instruction and supplies will be provided.

Be creative, arrange something beautiful, and make a mess. Don't worry, I'll clean it up!

Try something new Fall! Learn the basics of floral design with local NC blooms at End of Days Distillery! This class will feature a seasonal mixed color pallate as well as unique greenery! We will be using pumpkins as the vase! Elevate your pumpkin with pumpkin accesories and design tools. Guided instruction will teach you all the tips and tricks you need to make a beautiful arrangement to bring home with you.

Each ticket includes 1 craft cocktail!

Ticket prices include containers and all floral supplies. Design tools are provided. All plants are animal safe unless otherwise stated.

Kick off your Halloween celebration at our Eek! Week Festival!

Get ready for a spooky and kooky morning filled with hands-on holiday fun. Wear your costumes and join us from 9am to noon on October 31st for treats, crafts, and experiments.

In addition, join us for our free daily programming all week leading up to the event for more festive fun! Check the monthly calendar on our website for all the details.

The Children's Museum of Wilmington believes that children learn best through hands-on and creative educational experiences. We provide children with programs and interactive exhibits that emphasize critical thinking skills, STEAM instruction, and hands-on projects in small group sizes. We offer a wide variety of themed camps led by engaged, qualified educators, to fit and support every child's interests. Our unique layout comprises three beautiful historic buildings, an interactive water exhibit, and an outdoor play area, giving children plenty of kid-friendly spaces to move, learn and play.

Registration for School's Out Camp on November 3rd will open on October 5th.

Hidden Battleship is for the explorer at heart! Join us for an afternoon on a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of unrestored areas on the Battleship. Organized into small groups, the participants are led to areas in the bow, third deck, and below, and the superstructure, including all the way to the very top! This program requires climbing ladders, crossing high hatches, and going through tight/confined spaces. The tour is limited to ages 16 and older and makes a great gift for birthdays, holidays, and any other special occasion.

11 am – 5 pm; $75 (plus tax) per participant. This program always sells out, so get your Hidden Battleship ticket now! This program is for ages 16 and older.

Bring the kids (ages 0–8) for a FREE day of fun at the 12th Annual Smart Start Family Festival on Saturday, November 14, from 10am to 1pm at Long Leaf Park. Families will enjoy hands-on activities, live entertainment by the Broccoli Brothers Circus, raffle prizes, and more! Discover local resources and enjoy quality time together in a festive, family-friendly setting.

Questions about participating or sponsoring? Contact Jennifer at 910-815-3731 or jennifer.gallo@newhanoverkids.org.

Holiday Open House

December 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Join us for our annual Holiday Open House to learn more about our mission and watch a service dog training demonstration at our facility. Tours available upon request. Light bites and beverages will be provided. RSVP to mblackmon@caninesforservice.org kindly requested, but not required.