Events Mar-Apr 2019

Looking to fill your social calendar?  We've got the rundown on what to do this winter season.

World Famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids
Mar 1 – 10 

The world-famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids will enchantingly swim and twirl in the 235,000 gallon Cape Fear Shoals habitat with sharks, rays, schooling fish and everyone’s favorite sea turtle, Sheldon. Enjoy watching mermaid dives and meet and greets with the mermaids during regular aquarium hours as well as a myriad of mermaid and pirate-themed activities. Please see the website and Social Media for more details on specific events while the world-famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids are in town! North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 910-772-0500, 910-772-0500, ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher


Jazz at the Cameron 
Mar 7 & Apr 4 

Hear musicians from Wilmington and around the state performing a range of jazz genres for your listening pleasure. Purchase tickets in advance, as the event often sells out.

Ernest Turner Trio – March 7 – 6:30pm

Innovative pianist Ernest Turner is making his first Jazz @ The CAM appearance, Turner 's mantra is "searching for the ever illusive musical truth.”

Brian Miller – April 4 – 6:30pm

Sought after by jazz, gospel and R&B musicians alike, saxophonist Brian Miller is new to the Jazz @ The CAM series. 

Cameron Art Museum, 910-395-5999, cameronartmuseum.org


10th Annual Wrightsville Beach Marathon
Mar 8 – 9 

Experience marathon madness at the beach with the 10th Annual Wrightsville Beach Marathon. This exciting event draws a variety of runners from all over the country to compete and has the added bonus of being a Boston Marathon qualifying event and an USATF certified qualifier.  The new course for the full marathon starts Saturday at Wrightsville Beach, and runs through Landfall finishing at the UNCW Campus. Friday Night's Glow Runs begin after the sun goes down on the UNCW campus. Make plans now to participate in or watch the "madness.” Check out great spectator locations on a map on their website. They have just been designated a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Festival & Event winner for March 2019.  Friday Glow Runs Start: 5K-6:20pm and 1-mile-6:25pm. Sat Start: Half-Marathon/Marathon/Marathon Relay-6:40am, Municipal Lane, 910-297-4973, wrightsvillebeachmarathon.com


Cape Fear Beer & Wine Festival 
Mar 9

The Ninth Annual Cape Fear Beer & Wine Festival offers tasting of top quality beers and wines made by the world’s most enthusiastic and enterprising brew masters and vintners. Served right here in Wilmington, tasting, sampling and education is at the core of the CFBWF experience with over 60 American craft microbreweries represented, and over 100 beers and various wines to choose from while you enjoy a DJ, silent auction and more. This event usually sells out-- ensure you get your tickets as soon possible. 12-5pm, Wilmington Convention Center, capefearbeerfest.com


Made in NC 2019
Mar 9 – 10 

Celebrate Wilmington's community of original craftsmen and artisans at this modern handmade marketplace! Made in NC features over 50 of the region's finest artists as they present their work in the historical Brooklyn Arts Center. Explore handmade creations of all kinds: art, clothing and accessories, household and garden items, and more. Food trucks will provide fare both days while the BAC cash bar will serve up liquid refreshments. Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 12-5pm, Brooklyn Arts Center, 910-538-2939, brooklynartsnc.com


15th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Lo Tide Run
Mar 16

This flat course (USATF Certification) run celebrates its fifteenth year as a St. Patrick's Day Celebration and tribute to two truly amazing men whose paths crossed in Carolina Beach. Costume clad in Irish attire (or not) Participants can choose either the 10k Run or the 5k Run/Walk followed by an awards ceremony and after party. 7am-12pm, Carolina Beach Boardwalk, 910-547-3820, lotiderun.org


St. Patrick’s Day Festival & Parade
Mar 16

The Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade meets on North Second Street in downtown Wilmington, NC, beginning at Hanover. The Parade will go down North Front Street and then turn right, down Princess Street and then left on North Water Street toward the grandstand at Riverfront Park, where the St. Patrick's Day Festival takes place immediately following the parade. Come join the music, dance and fun with Wilmington Police Pipes & Drums, The Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dance, and more. This is a fun rain or shine event. Parade: 11am-12pm, Festival 12-5pm, Historic Downtown Wilmington, wilmingtonstpatrickdayfestival.com

Jersey Boys
Mar 19 – 20 

Enjoy the Grammy and Tony-winning tale of the rise of a group of blue-collar boys who reached the heights of 1960’s rock 'n' roll stardom-- the pop stars Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.  Each member of the group takes a turn narrating events of how a ragtag group of guys from New Jersey became music history. This smash hit showcases their most iconic hits, revealing the inspiring tales behind the music. It features such hits as: "Sherry", "Big Girls Don’t Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You," and "December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)”. 7:30pm, The Wilson Center, 910-362-7999, cfcc.edu/capefearstage


North Carolina Black Film Festival 
Mar 21 – 24 

Join the annual invitational NC Black Film Festival celebrating independent motion pictures by African-American filmmakers showcasing features, shorts, animation, and documentary films that you won't want to miss.  Venues will be Jengo's Playhouse, UNCW and CFCC. 910-620-3313, blackartsalliance.org


Ultimate Brewing Championship
Mar 22

Help get Cape Fear Craft Beer Week started with the Ultimate Brewing Championship. Some of the interesting two-ingredient mandatory North Carolina flavor combinations used in the past to construct uniquely-flavored craft beers are: Grits and Maple Syrup, Blueberry and Peppercorn, Sea salt and Agave, Figs and Molasses, Raspberry and Hibiscus, Bacon and Sweet Potato, Ginger and Peaches, Honey and Cactus, Basil and Melon, Rutabaga and Vanilla, Chocolate and Carolina Reapers, Jimmy Red Corn and Chipotle, Oysters and Coffee. 6:30-10pm, Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, capefearcraftbeerweek.com


Eyecon Returns to Tree Hill 
Mar 22 – 24 

America's First One Tree Hill convention, EyeCon Returns to Tree Hill at the Wilmington Convention Center. Celebrate a reunion with the celebrities of the hit TV series that was filmed in beautiful Wilmington, NC for nine years. This entertaining weekend will feature games, panels, Celebrity Q&As, photo-ops, celebrity autograph sessions, One Tree Hill themed parties, and even private meet and greets with the stars of the show. Event times vary – please check website. Wilmington Convention Center, 910-251-5101, eyeconfla.com


5th Annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship
Mar 23

Get ready for the fifth annual fat tire bike race on beautiful Wrightsville Beach! The US Open Fat Tire Cross Beach Championship will consist of a large lap, which will take racers from the thick sand to the hard packed sand along the water’s edge. There are three Categories: The Fat (12+ miles), The Really Fat (18+ miles), and the Super Fat (24+ miles). While all bikes are allowed to race, bikes with tires over 4” wide are recommended. Please check their Website for the latest Race Weekend Agenda. 12-2pm, Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 910-256-2251, fatcross.com


Coastal Living Show
Mar 23

Everything you could want or need for a great Life on the Coast is at The Wilmington Convention Center on Saturday. Featuring over 60 vendors selling their wares, and demonstrating the latest trends in everything from physical fitness to scents, this expo will contain Coastal Charm. Search for gifts, products and services for the home, garden or office--perfect for any seaside living! 10am-4pm, Wilmington Convention Center: Grand Ballroom, 910-251-5031, coastallivingshow.com


NC Beach Music Festival 
Mar 24

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame presents the NC Beach Music Festival at Greenfield Lake presenting the iconic bands The Embers, The Band of Oz, and the Chairman of the Board.  Enjoy all your favorite beach music tunes surrounded by the beauty of Greenfield Lake for an unforgettable Carolina Night.  Arrive early for this General Admission Event to get your best seat. Doors: 12pm, Show: 12:30pm, Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 910-332-0983, greenfieldlakeamphitheater.com

Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine
Mar 30

The Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance invites you to experience the annual Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine Event. Held in Airlie Gardens along the banks of Bradley Creek, select local chefs are paired with participating breweries.  Their best offerings will showcase the capabilities of pairing food and beer together. Chef and brewer will be on site to talk about their pairing, providing insight into the experience of food selection and creation.  This promises to be an elegant event for that will delight foodies and craft beer aficionados alike. 6pm, Airlie Gardens, capefearcratandcuisine.com

North Carolina Azalea Festival 
Apr 3 – 7 

The North Carolina Azalea Festival is a celebration of Wilmington's exceptional artwork, gardens, rich history and culture during its five days of pageantry. Celebrate Spring southern style with Colorful Parades, bustling Street Fairs, charming Home and Garden Tours, Spectacular Fireworks, nationally-known entertainment performing concerts, as well as the majestic coronation of a Festival Queen and Princess. For community pride and springtime pageantry, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has no equal! Be sure to check the website for detailed event information. Reoccurring daily, 910-794-4650, ncazaleafestival.org


North Carolina Symphony: Debussy’s La Mer 
Apr 11 

The majestic sea has captured the imaginations of composers for centuries. Enjoy masterpieces from Debussy, Sibelius, Boulanger, and others that will transport you to the watery realm—made even more powerful with projected imagery of North Carolina seascapes (sometimes glimmering and inviting, sometimes billowing and ominous) and peaceful waterfalls, captured by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. 7:30pm, The Wilson Center, 910-362-7999, cfcc.edu/capefearstage


Air Supply
Apr 12

Don’t miss out on legendary rock group Air Supply, performing at The Wilson Center! Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock met 

on May 12, 1975 and have been rocking audiences ever since. They were the first Western group to tour China, Taiwan, and countless other countries that before would not allow pop music across their borders. Come see these musical pioneers who have brought you such favorites as "All Out of Love", “Every Woman in the World,” Even the Nights are Better,” Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” “The One That You Love,” and many more. 7:30pm, The Wilson Center, 910-362-7999, cfcc.edu/capefearstage


Alligator Egg Hunt
Apr 13, 19 & 20

Come join the fun at the Aquarium Alligator Egg Hunt. Kids will have a chance to meet a live baby alligator and learn about these fascinating animals. Usually they will also get to create their own special alligator egg basket and then hunt for candy filled "alligator eggs" at the Aquarium. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Limited space is available. Be sure to purchase your tickets, this popular two-hour event often sells out! 10am & 1pm, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 910-772-0500, 910-772-0500, ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher


25th Annual Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival
Apr 13 – 14 

Enjoy “The Year of the Woman” featuring International Blues Recording Artist Ana Popovic, Kansas City’s Danielle Nicole and the incredible Heather Gillis Band.  Spend a weekend filled with blues and jazz from two stages of performers paired with locally prepared seafood. Bring your chairs, towels and blankets, and spend some time browsing at the Arts & Wine Garden, shopping for crafts, and fine wine tasting. Children will stay entertained for hours as they enjoy the performers, face painting, educational exhibits, inflatables and much more in the Kidz Zone. Gates open at 11am, Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, 910-458-8434, pleasureislandnc.org


Alice in Wonderland: The Ballet
Apr 13 – 14 

Experience the beloved nonsensical Wonderland perfectly concocted by U.S. International Ballet and region’s only professional ballet company. Wilmington Ballet Company's Italian ballet stars, Ines Albertini and Walter Angelini, who have choreographed and will perform the leading roles. 2pm & 6pm, The Wilson Center, 910-362-7999, cfcc.edu/capefearstage


David Sedaris
Apr 15

With sardonic wit and incisive critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humor writers. His great skill in slicing through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that he is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. David Sedaris is the author of Barrel Fever and Holidays on Ice, as well collections of personal essays, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and When You Are Engulfed in Flames, each of which became a bestseller. 7:30pm, UNCW Kenan Auditorium, Cultural Arts Building, Amphitheater, 910-962-3500, uncw.edu/arts


Chicago
Apr 26 & 27

Thrill to one of the longest running Broadway shows, the Grammy and Tony-winning musical about two rival showgirls set amidst the razzle-dazzle of jazz era decadence. Follow a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her.  With catchy, sexy and timeless music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and a funny, intelligent, and utterly engaging book by Kander and Bob Fosse, this musical spectacular is a dazzling and satirical look at fame, justice, and the media machine. 7:30pm, The Wilson Center, 910-362-7999, cfcc.edu/capefearstage


Kure Beach Street Festival 
Apr 27

The Kure Beach Street Festival returns the last Saturday in April offering over 35 vendors, children's entertainment, live music and magic, dancing and more festivities.  Attendees of all ages can dance along to the music. Face Painting and crafts are available from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Relax on the lawn and enjoy the shows, grab a snack from food vendors, browse the arts and craft booths for that must-have item.  Enjoy spending the day with family and friends, all with views of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. This one of a kind street fair is playtime-unrestricted. 11am-5pm, Ocean Front Park & Atlantic Ave., 910-458-8216, townofkurebeach.org

Wilmington Earth Day
Apr 27

Come celebrate Earth Day with free live music, an abundance of food, beer, a Kids' EcoZone and more at the Wilmington Earth Day Celebration. This theme will highlight the world and commitment of working with groups and individuals of all backgrounds in order to increase the environmental literacy of citizens and the importance of working together. Dogs are welcome - - - but not in Kids’ EcoZone or exhibitor tents. 12-6pm, Hugh MacRae Park, 310-798-7137, wilmingtonearthday.com


Jewish Film Festival 
Apr 28 – May 8 

Enjoy provocative, compelling, heart-warming films by some of the most influential Jewish filmmakers of our time at beautiful Thalian Hall with the Wilmington Jewish Film Festival! Relax with film experts at select screenings and enjoy Sunday screenings followed by catered receptions and weeknight showings followed by desert and coffee. There is even a Special Family Friendly Matinee planned for the Second Sunday followed by a second film that evening. Check website for a detailed event schedule. Thalian Hall Main Stage, 910-632-2285, wilmingtonjff.org