Come experience Wilmington Film History up close and personal with Hunter Ingram, Historian and Film critic from the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens.

Cruise with Wilmington Water Tours on the Cape Fear River while learning the epic history of the Wilmington Film industry. If you’re a film enthusiast, Wilmington, North Carolina—affectionately dubbed “Hollywood East”—offers a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes experiences. With over 400 film and TV productions to its name, including Fire Starter, One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, Iron Man 3, Scream and The Conjuring, the city is a cinematic haven.

This will be the event that becomes one of the best memories of your trip!

What’s included

Out boat is enclosed if needed, or windows up as you like.
We offer a full bar with snacks and refreshments for all ages.
We have a unisex restroom on board.

Highlights

Enjoy hearing more about the epic Wilmington film history while cruising the Cape Fear River. Some film locations will be pointed out from the boat.

THALIAN HALL CINEMA · NEW RELEASE

The Weight

R | Adventure, Drama | 1 hour, 55 minutes

GERMANY, UNITED STATES | ENGLISH

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026

1:15 PM [ST] · 7:15 PM [MS]

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026

1:00 PM [MS] · 4:00 PM [MS]

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026

1:00 PM [MS] · 4:00 PM [MS] · 7:15 PM [MS]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

4:15 PM [MS]

HISTORIC MAIN STAGE [RED] · RUTH AND BUCKY STEIN THEATRE [BLACK]

NEW RELEASE TICKETS

$12.00 | ADULT

$10.00 | SENIOR (65+) · STUDENT (W/ VALID ID)

Official Synopsis (Vertical):

When Samuel (Ethan Hawke) is torn from his daughter and sent to a brutal prison, Warden Clancy (Russell Crowe) offers him a high-stakes proposition: smuggle gold out of a remote mine with a dangerous crew of prisoners and he’ll win his freedom.

THALIAN HALL CINEMA · NEW RELEASE

The Samurai and the Prisoner

Kokurôjô

Not Rated | Drama, Mystery | 2 hours, 27 minutes

JAPAN | JAPANESE (w/ English subtitles)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026

3:45 PM [MS] · 7:00 PM [ST]

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026

12:45 PM [ST] · 7:00 PM [MS]

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026

12:45 PM [ST] · 7:00 PM [ST]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

1:00 PM [ST]

HISTORIC MAIN STAGE [RED] · RUTH AND BUCKY STEIN THEATRE [BLACK]

NEW RELEASE TICKETS

$12.00 | ADULT

$10.00 | SENIOR (65+) · STUDENT (W/ VALID ID)

Official Synopsis (Janus Films):

When Lord Murashige (Masahiro Motoki) rises up against the tyrannical Oda (Bando Shingo), he finds himself besieged within the walls of his own castle. Isolated, he is confronted with a series of mysterious crimes that shatter the fragile order of his court, plunging the fortress into fear and suspicion. With Oda’s army closing in and a traitor hiding among his ranks, Murashige is forced into an uneasy alliance with Kanbei Kuroda (Masaki Suda), a brilliant yet dangerous strategist held prisoner in the dungeon. Helped by his wife Chiyoho (Yuriko Yoshitaka) and his most loyal generals, Murashige must uncover the truth before the castle falls.

Curated Speed Dating is back! ❤️

Join us on Tuesday, October 6th at @jessesrestaurantandbar for our next Curated Speed Dating event, this time for singles ages 45+!

We’ll be selecting a balanced group of men and women for a night of short one-on-one dates, followed by time to mingle afterward 🍸

Interested in participating? Apply through the link here, or nominate a single friend who you think would be a great fit 👀

Selected participants will receive a private invitation to purchase their ticket.

Limited spots available ✨

Showings

• Tuesday | October 6, 20267:00 PM

• Buy Tickets

Event Details

This fall, the world-renowned ensemble Vitamin String Quartet joins forces with the captivating harmonies of acclaimed vocal trio Girl Named Tom to bring their genre-defying arrangements to stages across the US. Known for transforming pop and rock anthems into virtuosic instrumentals, and fresh off Season 4 in Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, VSQ will team up with Girl Named Tom, whose breathtaking harmonies and heartfelt songwriting won The Voice in 2021 and have solidified their status as one of the leading lights in new American Folk Music. Enjoy music-making at its highest level, with reimagined classics and modern hits, stunning performances, and unforgettable collaborative moments. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind concert experience.

The Doobie Brothers: Walk This Road Tour

Tue • Oct 06, 2026 • 8:00 PMLive Oak Bank Pavilion, Wilmington, NC

The Doobie Brothers have produced some of classic rock’s most memorable hits. From the polished rock sound of “What a Fool Believes” — a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and ranked by Rolling Stone Australia as one of the greatest songs ever — to the feel-good harmonies of “Listen to the Music,” The Doobie Brothers’ more than five-decade run has made them one of the preeminent live bands to see. Since their debut album in 1971, The Doobie Brothers have won two Grammy Awards, landed eight albums in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200, been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and sold nearly 50 million albums worldwide. The band has showcased their 14 gold-album repertoire on a globetrotting 50th anniversary tour that began in 2021 with the reunited lineup of Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald and John McFee playing together for the first time in nearly 25 years. In June 2025, the band released their sixteenth studio album Walk This Road, which featured the reunited Doobie Brothers line up of Patirck Simmons, Tom Johnson, John McFe and Michael McDonald.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of a Wrightsville Beach sunset aboard our exclusive harbor cruise. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting vibrant hues across the sky, you'll be treated to a serene and picturesque journey through the harbor's tranquil waters. Our knowledgeable crew ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride, making this cruise perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers seeking a peaceful escape. With the gentle sea breeze and the soothing sound of the waves, this cruise offers a unique opportunity to unwind and connect with nature. Whether you're capturing stunning photographs or simply soaking in the moment, the Wrightsville Beach Harbor Sunset Cruise promises an unforgettable evening on the water.

Get ready for a night of great whiskey, delicious bites, and plenty of fun! Join us on Wednesday, October 7th at 6:30 PM for an Old Forester Bourbon Tasting & Social featuring an exciting lineup of pours, pairings, surprises, and more.

Your Ticket Includes:

🥃 4 Old Forester Expressions

🍸 Welcome Cocktail

🍴 Hors d’oeuvres

🎁 Giveaways & Old Forester Merchandise

Special guest Austin Dain, Executive Bourbon Steward, will lead a fun, casual tasting, taking you through the rich history, stories, and bourbon-making tradition behind Old Forester—the first bottled bourbon.

Whether you're a longtime whiskey lover or simply looking for a fun night out, this is an experience you won't want to miss.

🎟 Tickets are limited, so reserve your spot early and come raise a glass with us!

Event Details

BUY TICKETS HERE:

https://whollyticket.com/paymentpage/payment.php?event_id=85129

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Denver, Colorado, Steely Dead is a national touring band that has satisfied the curiosity of music lovers with their unique blend of Grateful Dead and Steely Dan. Comprised of four exceptionally talented musicians – Dave Abear on guitar, Matt Abear on bass, Chris Sheldon on drums, and Dylan Teifer on keys – Steely Dead has gained a dedicated following with their electrifying performances and soulful interpretations of classic tunes.

Steely Dead’s repertoire is a carefully crafted fusion of Grateful Dead and Steely Dan songs, between the arrangement and precision studio recordings of rock legends Steely Dan, cross-pollinated with the Grateful Dead’s free-flowing, melodic improvisation and masterful song segues. Steely Dead merges these major concepts together infusing the influence into each band, all the while creating an original jam element with the song segues. Steely Dead’s performances are a musical journey that takes audiences on a nostalgic trip through the golden era of rock and roll.

As a national touring band, Steely Dead has built a loyal fan base that eagerly anticipates their shows and follows them from city to city. Their performances are not just concerts, but communal gatherings where fans come together to celebrate the music they love, dance, and create lasting memories.

Steely Dead’s performances are a testament to the power of live music, bringing people together and creating an unforgettable experience that resonates long after the last note fades. Steely Dead is not just a band; it’s a musical experience that captures the hearts and souls of music lovers everywhere.

Time

October 7, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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)

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

Whitney Cummings first gained recognition as a stand-up comedian and has since become one of the most distinctive and influential comedic voices of the past two decades. She co-created and co-wrote the Emmy Award-winning CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, while simultaneously creating, producing, and starring in NBC’s Whitney. She currently hosts the hit podcast Good for You [podcasts.apple.com] and starred in Friends: The Game Show on Max, a fan competition series celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic sitcom Friends.

Known for her bold, observational humor, Cummings is currently touring North America with her Big Baby [whitneycummings.com] tour, delivering her signature sharp wit and fearless perspective on navigating the world as a single mom. Her latest material dives into the chaos of personal growth, the comedy of owning your mistakes, and laugh-out-loud reflections on raising a son. Her stand-up continues to blend personal anecdotes with incisive cultural commentary.

Cummings has released six acclaimed stand-up specials across Netflix, Max, and Comedy Central. Beyond the stage, she’s the author of the 2017 memoir I’m Fine...And Other Lies [barnesandnoble.com], which offers an unflinchingly honest and humorous look at mental health and resilience. That same year, she made her directorial debut with The Female Brain, which she also co-wrote and starred in.

Cummings remains a creative force behind some of entertainment’s most original work. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Los Angeles with her son, Henry, her pack of rescue dogs, and her horse.

Friday | October 9, 20267:00 PM

Buy Tickets

The 1989 action drama, Riverbend, has been restored and recently praised for it's bold political edge. A black major (played by Steve James) and his men are on the run from a rigged court-martial and hide out in a small Georgia town where a cruel white sheriff is terrorising the black population. Together with Bell Coleman (played by Margaret Avery), they formulate a bold plan to fight for freedom and human rights.

This is a swing dance social to DJ'd swing era and jazz music with a Halloween Theme in downtown Wilmington, there is a $10 entry fee

We will have a costume contest, the winner gets $20 at the end of the night!

There is a beginner lesson included in the cost of the social that starts at 7, we welcome everyone to come and learn how to dance so you can enjoy the music and open dancing at 8
No partner needed, no experience needed, let's have fun!

Located in the Historic USO building in downtown Wilmington, at Orange and 2nd St
Ticket link is attached to this event to buy tickets in advance, tickets for the social are $10
We suggest clothes that are comfortable to exercise in and if you can wear shoes that are not too grippy on the floor that will make any spins and movement easier! Feel free to reach out or ask any additional questions that would make you more comfortable getting started with swing dancing or showing up for your first class!

Grab tickets at capefearswing.com or buy at the door with cash or venmo!

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.

Homeschool Learning Series: Homeschool in The Gardens – August 26th

August 26 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina

🌿 Homeschool in The Gardens

📅 Wednesday, August 26

🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM 💲

$25 per family

Pack your homeschool books, a picnic lunch, and a blanket for a relaxing day of outdoor learning. Families are invited to complete schoolwork while enjoying the beauty of The Gardens. Throughout the day, we’ll offer optional scavenger hunts, nature activities, crafts, read-alouds, guided garden tours, and opportunities to connect with other homeschool families.

$25

potatoes on Friday, Oct 16 from 6–9pm.

Join Ponysaurus Brewing Co. for a fall Oyster Roast in the beer garden on Friday October 16th! From 6–9pm (or until the oysters are gone), enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters, locally sourced by Three Little Spats, served with corn on the cob and red potatoes.

🍺 Our beloved Oyster Saison is returning for the occasion, brewed with actual oyster shells!

Tickets include unlimited food are available now through October 13 or until they sell out! This is a casual, outdoor event perfect for seafood lovers and fall evenings in downtown Wilmington.

Against political resistance and industry skepticism, Latino director and playwright, Luis Valdez pushes Chicano storytelling from the fields to the film screen with La Bamba and Zoot Suit. His storytelling has crafted iconic works that challenge, celebrate, and expand America’s story. This documentary is an enlightening biography and defiant assertion of Chicano identity.

There will be a community discussion with the filmmaker and community partners after the screening. This screening is brought to you by South Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium, Cucalorus Film Foundation, and WHQR.

Make a timeless basket completely out of pine needles!

You'll learn the same techniques and methods as the Indigenous people of this area. By the end of this 2-class series, you'll have a beautiful pine needle basket, which is sure to be an eye-catching centerpiece in your home!

As you stitch your basket together and we sip pine needle tea under the trees, you'll have plenty of time to connect with the community of women at class.This is a beautiful, community-driven experience just like it was for the Indigenous people. Perhaps you'll make a friend or two!

You'll leave with both a beautiful basket, and the skills to coil wall hangings, baskets, ornaments, jewelry, or anything else you can dream up from all those needles in your yard, too.

Reserve your spot now for Saturday, October 17 and 24 at Greenfield Park, which includes:

• 5 hours of class time

• Pine needle tea

• $10 gift card to hello, love.

• All step-by-step instruction

• All materials, including sustainably harvested and washed, local Long Leaf Pine needles

See you under the trees!

Feeling the Halloween chill in the air? Join us at @ponysaurusbrewingilm for a Halloween Murder Mystery and Costume Contest!

Sign up on the Shivers Meetup page or send us a message here or email (shivershaunted@gmail.com)

The Cellar, Sea & Shore Event (Use Code CHECKWHATSGOOD at checkout for 20% off)

Fri, Oct 23 at 6-9 PM

Think specialty craft beers, full wine bars, champagne, oysters and other delectable delights from your favorite eats in town! This is an event for the true aficionado of life; come try some new things. Tickets are extremely limited.

Tickets: https://www.universe.com/events/the-cellar-sea-shore-tickets-KLS7TW?unii-trigger-open=KLS7TW&unii-discount-code=CHECKWHATSGOOD

Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival (Use Code CHECKWHATSGOOD at checkout for $10 off)

Sat, Oct 24 at 12:00-5:00 PM

The largest beer and wine festival in the southeast! The widest variety of beers from more breweries than you can ever taste, jammin' live music, food and more!

Tickets: https://www.universe.com/events/lighthouse-beer-and-wine-festival-tickets-SDX3BT?unii-trigger-open=SDX3BT&unii-discount-code=CHECKWHATSGOOD

The Cause

The Carousel Child Advocacy Center, a non-profit organization committed to assisting victims of child abuse, and providing critical care services to children from throughout southeastern North Carolina. The Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival has grown to be an integral part of the Carousel Center’s yearly budget. This festival helps the Carousel Center so they can continue to help those in need in our surrounding counties and cities.

Use code CHECKWHATSGOOD for 20% off your ticket purchase

https://www.universe.com/events/the-cellar-sea-shore-tickets-KLS7TW?unii-trigger-open=KLS7TW&unii-discount-code=CHECKWHATSGOOD

Think specialty craft beers, full wine bars, oysters, meats, fish, and other delectable delights! This is an event for true-life aficionados, so come and try something new. Mark your calendar for October 23, 2026, and join us as the sun sets into the river!

Fine wines, craft brews, coastal cuisine, and the vibrant spirit of Wilmington. Lighthouse Beer & Wine hosts an amazing night with breweries pouring their most sought-after beers, winery representatives sharing their favorite grapes, a champagne bar, a Kamado grilling extravaganza, restaurant stations, and, of course, oysters.

Last year we had an amazing array from The Butcher’s Market, NSEA Oysters, Chef Eric Gephart with Kamado Grill, Chef Clay Fuller, Castle Street Kitchen, Salt and Charm, Crofton’s Pretzels, On Thyme, and Nothing Bundt Cakes! The Voracious Cellar, Sea and Shore event is the precursor to our large event on Saturday, but it is also the ultimate date night experience. Tickets are extremely limited, so get yours in hand ASAP. Included in the evening is a tasty menu, delightful wine, craft beer, and live music!

Bellamy Mansion Ghost Hunt, Wilmington, NC

$129.00

Join Haunted Rooms America as we take on this historic 1859 home in the dead of night! Do you have what it takes to do a lone vigil on the fourth floor where disembodied footsteps have been heard, and a Victorian woman has been seen?

Event time: 8PM – 2AM

Use Code CHECKWHATSGOOD for $10 off

https://www.universe.com/events/lighthouse-beer-and-wine-festival-tickets-SDX3BT?unii-trigger-open=SDX3BT&unii-discount-code=CHECKWHATSGOOD

The Beer & Wine Festival

Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival, benefiting the Carousel Child Advocacy Center, downtown Wilmington North Carolina!

Join us October 24, 2026 from 12:00PM-5:00PM

Lighthouse Beer and Wine puts on this fantastic event once a year, always in the wonderful month of October. Mark your calendars for October 24, 2026 for the Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival, benefitting the Carousel Child Advocacy Center. This is the beer and wine event of the year– more breweries, wineries, and delights than you can possibly sample in a day. Don’t forget to try some delta drinks, chill with some live music and delicious food, all in one amazing venue. Upon entry, you will receive your tasting cup to responsibly taste and find your favorites! No tokens, just unlimited responsible samples! VIP grants you access earlier and allows you to experience the delights with a limited number of fellow lucky VIP ticket holders.

In just the last 5 years, the Carousel Center has seen an average of 450 children a year between the ages of birth and 17 from New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties. Most of these children have been referred to them by local law enforcement or the County’s Department of Social Services. Since their doors opened in January of 2000 they have provided Certified Medical Exams to well over 10,000 children and have facilitated over 15,000 child trauma therapy sessions.

Drag at the Market- Halloween Edition

Market House Beer & Wine Wilmington, NC

Saturday, October 24 • 7 PM - 9 PM

Join us for a night of hauntingly fabulous drag with Tara Nicole Brooks, Prwincezz Malaysia Kay, & Ieeda Evating at Market House Beer & Wine

Electric Enclave Presents: ALLEYCVT - Powered by DJ Lovers Club

The Pier at Port City Marina

Fri, Oct 30 at 5:00 PM (EDT)

🌊 Electric Enclave, DJ Lovers Club, & CHP Present: ALLEYCVT: ON THE PIER 🌊

Friday, October 30th, 2026
Wilmington, NC

This Halloween, we’re taking over the THE PIER at Port City Marina for a massive night with ALLEYCVT.

We’re bringing one of the biggest bass music shows Wilmington has seen directly to the water for a special Halloween Show ON THE PIER!

Expect great vibes, heavy bass, waterfront views, and a full night of music with support from MACHAKI, SPORTMODE, DND MUSIC, MIKE CHECK, and NOT H3RE.

Whether you’re coming to rage in costume, spend Halloween weekend with your crew, or experience ALLEYCVT under the lights on the pier, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest nights of the year.

🎟 Friday, October 30th
📍 The Pier at Port City Marina - Downtown Wilmington, NC
🕘 5pm - 10:45pm
🔞 Ages 18+

Costumes encouraged.
Let’s make history on the pier.

On Saturday, October 31st The Eagle’s Dare turns into Wilmington’s rowdiest and rottenest Halloween party!
ZOMBIE FEST 2026🧟

Grab your sickest getup. One lucky person walks away with cold hard cash for best costume.

The lineup for the evening:
@screaminrebelangels
@thephantomplayboys
@the_tremors_band

Doors open at 6:00pm
Bands hit the stage at 7:00pm
21+ only.
Grab your tickets on Eventbrite
early bird pricing still available!

Tickets are LIVE✨

Join us for the fantasy reader event of the year, this Halloween night, in Wilmington, NC! Step into a gothic romantasy novel where you'll dance the night away, shop with vendors, get tarot readings, meet authors, and dive into the biscuit and dessert bars. Want to compete in the court challenges and solve riddles to win prizes and fully immerse yourself in the lore? The Fae Queen will be expecting your participation. Come to escape reality and leave with books, new friends, unforgettable memories, and keepsakes! This is the 2nd Annual Romantasy Ball hosted by Burning Pages Bookstore.

2026 Theme: Gothic Regency

Sat, Oct 31

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM EDT

Halloween Party on the Pier

7-10pm: Live music by Dragons with Matches, tiki bar open

10pm-1am: Late night party with DJ Starrz

Spookeasy (tickets required)

DareDevil Improv Comedy presents: The Dynamo Show!

A monthly showcase of Wilmington’s finest actors, improvisors and comedians with one goal: to bring you the freshest and funniest talent to take the stage in a revolving menu of comedy shows chosen by YOU, the audience!

1st Thursday of the Month

8pm

Waterline Brewing Co.

721 Surry St.

🩸🩸🩸Bloodsuckers Ball 🩸🩸🩸
🦇❤️‍🔥Let us love you to death. ❤️‍🔥🦇
🥀 November 6th - Azalea Station 🥀
‼️21+ EVENT‼️

After 20 years of chronicling his Puerto Rican family, a director and his mother face devastating losses. Through tears and laughter, they craft animations that bring their loved ones back to life, discovering that every act of creation is also an act of letting go.

There will be a community discussion with the filmmaker and community partners after the screening. This screening is brought to you by South Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium, Cucalorus Film Foundation, and WHQR.

Attention Cider Enthusiasts!

Brunswick Beer and Cider sponsored by the Leland Tourism Development Authority Presents:
Get excited for the FOURTH annual Applearchy Cider Festival on Saturday, November 7th, from 12 PM to 5 PM! Indulge in a wide array of ciders from Eastern and Northern regions, complemented by an assortment of delightful fruity beers that will elevate your tasting experience. Your ticket serves as your golden pass, providing a 5-ounce tasting glass for unlimited sampling.

Choose Your Ticket:

Early Bird Special!! Get your tickets now until September 30th and save $5!! $30 for GA and $40 for VIP!!

General Admission: $35.00 - Tasting available from 1 PM to 5 PM.

VIP Admission : $45.00 - Begin the festivities early starting at 12 PM to 5 PM, enjoying exclusive ciders crafted that will only be served during the VIP hour, along with a special VIP gift!

This is our largest celebration of the year, so secure your tickets and join us for an unforgettable day of fun!

Fall Feast Logo

2026: Autumn In The South

The Battle for Southern Flavor Starts Here.

Twelve of the region’s most talented chefs. One unforgettable night.

NOVEMBER 7TH • CANTERBURY STABLES • 4PM - 8PM

Celebrate the flavors of fall at Autumn in the South, an open-air culinary event set against the scenic backdrop of Canterbury Stables. This one-of-a-kind event brings together a dozen of Wilmington’s top chefs for an evening of incredible food and friendly competition.

Enjoy a creative tasting from each chef, live music and a curated selection of beer, wine and seasonal cocktails. Whether you’re a serious foodie or simply looking for a memorable night out, Autumn in the South is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

EVENT SCHEDULE

4PM - 5PM

Welcome Cocktail + Bites

5PM - 7PM

Tasting + Voting

7PM - 8PM

Award Announcements: People’s Choice Award

Celebrate 60 Years of Preservation with the Historic Wilmington Foundation!

Toast to six decades of preservation! Join the Historic Wilmington Foundation for an evening celebrating the community that keeps Wilmington’s irreplaceable history alive. Help us honor our past and raise funds to build a vibrant, inclusive future for the next sixty years!

Told entirely from the perspective of its avian protagonist, Hen follows a chicken who escapes an industrial farm only to find herself navigating the pecking order of a crumbling seaside restaurant in Greece. As she fights to protect her eggs, she becomes an unwitting witness to the complex human lives around her as the restaurant is caught up in greed, smuggling, and the migrant crisis.

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.

BAD Day Music + Arts Festival is back with a single-day event that takes over Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts District (the BAD) for a full day and night of world-class music, immersive art, and vibrant culture.

THE REVIVALISTS

GRACE POTTER

RIPE

FUTUREBIRDS

LADY DIE

+ LATE NIGhT TBA*

THE 13TH ANNUAL TASTE OF WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026

Join us for an epic night of great food, beverages, entertainment and funnnn!

Join the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra for its second concert of the 2026-2027 Classics Series: Beethoven's Fifth! South to North, East to West, (Inner to Outer), Darkness to Light: This journey takes us from the Incan Peru of Gabriela Lena Frank, through the inner world of Grammy Winner Jeff Scott’s jazz-influenced, emotional The Journey, and through the timeless triumphs of Mozart and Beethoven’s iconic journeys from darkness to light.

global community of independent media artists – building financial and creative careers through project funding, workforce development programs, project development support, exhibition, education, and residencies.

Cucalorus centers storytellers and media makers as dynamic contributors to engagement and impact in the world.

The Southern Lights at The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina

A Holiday Tradition You’ll Look Forward to Every Year

Experience the magic of the season at The Southern Lights, where thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays, delicious food, and unforgettable moments come together to create one of Eastern North Carolina’s favorite holiday traditions.

Wander through beautifully illuminated botanical gardens, climb aboard our Elf Quest Wagon Ride, explore the Holiday Maze, challenge your family in the Snowball Arena, roast s’mores by the fire, and enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer.

Whether you’re continuing a cherished family tradition, planning a festive date night, or gathering with friends and coworkers, The Southern Lights offers a memorable Christmas experience for guests of all ages.

Every ticket purchased supports The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, a nonprofit botanical garden dedicated to improving lives by cultivating inspiration.

Our most popular fund-raising event of the year, Poplar Grove continues its much-anticipated Merry & Bright – A Holiday of Lights – for 2026, so mark your calendars and prepare to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.

1st three weekends runs Friday – Sunday from 5 – 9 PM, starting Friday, November 27th. Last weekend runs Friday – Tuesday from 5 – 9 PM, ending December 22nd.

$10 ALL AGES TICKET (Children 2 & Under Free), $35 FAMILY PASS (2 Adults/2 Children 2-11), $100 SEASON PASS (2 Adults/2 Children 2-11).

Admission includes lighted grounds, spectacularly lit trees, Visits With Santa, Grinch’s Junk Shop, Secret Gardens, Bumble’s Snowball Party, Santa’s Boot Camp, and celebrating America’s 250th in the Spirit of ’76 Tavern.

Also on site are campfires to roast marshmallows, outdoor holiday movie favorites, and a decorated manor house, featuring iconic scenes from A Christmas Story …

And least we forget, our favorite balloon-extraordinaire, Mr. Twister, will be sculpting imaginative creations for the kids.

Vintage carnival games, food trucks & concessions, and juried gift show add warmth and joy to the holidays, so make plans to spend the entire evening!

Always Looking explores the work of photographer Titus Brooks Heagins and the challenging questions his photos pose about the systemic neglect of society’s most vulnerable communities of color. Humanizing yet confrontational, Titus’ photographs document the overlooked: people who, through some intersection of poverty, race or gender/sexual identity, exist as outsiders.

Grab a drink at the Jengo's bar at 6:30 PM before the film starts. This is a co-partnership screening with the Cameron Art Museum.

⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Wilmington. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at The Elia under the gentle glow of candlelight.


This is a tribute concert experience. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the artist, their estate, or official representatives.

General Info
📍 Venue: The Elia
📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the show. No entry once it starts.
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: ADA compliant
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Wilmington
🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

• Coldplay - Clocks

• Coldplay - Something Just Like This

• Imagine Dragons - Radioactive

• Coldplay - Adventure of a Lifetime

• Coldplay - Fix You

• Imagine Dragons - Eyes Closed

• Imagine Dragons - Nice to Meet You

• Coldplay - The Scientist

• Coldplay - feelslikeimfallinginlove

• Imagine Dragons - Follow You

• Imagine Dragons - Bad Liar

• Coldplay - Viva la Vida

• Imagine Dragons - Believer

• Coldplay - Sky Full of Stars

Performers

• Listeso String Quartet

⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Wilmington. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Fleetwood Mac at The Elia under the gentle glow of candlelight.

This is a tribute concert experience. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the artist, their estate, or official representatives.

General Info
📍 Venue: The Elia
📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the show. No entry once it starts.
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: ADA compliant
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Wilmington
🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

• Everywhere

• Gypsy

• You Make Loving Fun

• Never Going Back Again

• Don't Stop

• Gold Dust Woman

• Go Your Own Way

• Landslide

• Little Lies

• Songbird

• Rhiannon

• The Chain

Performers

• Listeso String Quartet

⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Wilmington. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay & Imagine Dragons at The Elia under the gentle glow of candlelight.


This is a tribute concert experience. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the artist, their estate, or official representatives.

General Info
📍 Venue: The Elia
📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the show. No entry once it starts.
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: ADA compliant
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Wilmington
🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

• Coldplay - Clocks

• Coldplay - Something Just Like This

• Imagine Dragons - Radioactive

• Coldplay - Adventure of a Lifetime

• Coldplay - Fix You

• Imagine Dragons - Eyes Closed

• Imagine Dragons - Nice to Meet You

• Coldplay - The Scientist

• Coldplay - feelslikeimfallinginlove

• Imagine Dragons - Follow You

• Imagine Dragons - Bad Liar

• Coldplay - Viva la Vida

• Imagine Dragons - Believer

• Coldplay - Sky Full of Stars

Multiple level tickets available. VIP includes Friday night meet and mingle with multiple independent authors and readers. Saturday multi-author signing event with 70 authors and bookish vendors. Includes breakfast with the authors, swag bag, event lanyard. Saturday night themed party.