July-August 2024 Event Calendar

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

Cameron Arts Museum (CAM)
cameronartmuseum.org
Boundless Tour in the PNC USCT Park, July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16
Mary’s Art, July 11, 25; August 8
Galleries After Dark, July 11, 18
Patch Work workshop, July 20
Kids at Cam, July 20
Film Screening and Panel Discussion: “Raising Renee,” July 25
Artist Talk: Hattie Schmidt, August 8
Coffee with the Shop Artists, August 14
Sunset Performance Series, August 15
CAM Community Day: Fam Fest, August 17

Live Oak Pavilion 
liveoakbankpav.com
Iration and Pepper, July 26
Slightly Stoopid & Dirty Heads, July 27
TRAIN: Summer Road Trip, August 11
Bailey Zimmerman: Religiously. The Tour, August 16 

Thalian Hall
thalianhall.org
Annie, June 20-July 7
Wildcat film screening, June 24-26
Back to Black film screening, July 1-3
Thelma film screening, July 8-10
SIX: Teen Edition, July 1-13
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, July 18-28
The Real Inspector Hound, July 18-28
Ghostlight film screening, July 29-August 2
Heathers the Musical, August 1-4
Fiddler on the Roof, August 15-25
Pat the Writer, August 29-Sept 8

The Wilson Center at CFCC
wilsoncentertickets.com
NC Symphony, July 2
Buddy Guy, July 16
Brit Floyd: Pulse, July 25
Iron & Wine, August 6
Straight No Chaser, August 7
Justin Willman, August 24

Battle for Independence Road Race 
July 4 
Kickstart Independence Day with a thrilling race! On the morning of July 4th, runners can compete in either a 5K or one-mile race along Independence Boulevard on Wilmington's scenic Gary Shell Cross City Trail. The course is flat and speedy, attracting agile competitors, yet it's also suitable for runners and spectators of all ages. Embrace the spirit of Independence Day, honor the birth of our nation, and pay tribute to those who served. 

Butterfly Releases at Airlie Gardens 
Tuesdays through September
Witness the enchantment of butterfly releases accompanied by an educator's insights into the butterfly life cycle and the diverse species of butterflies present that week in the Butterfly House. In the event of rain, an educator will be available in the classroom, ensuring guests can still observe the butterflies. After visiting the Butterfly House, take a stroll through the nearby Pollinator Garden, specially planted with flowers that attract pollinators year-round, including butterflies, bees, moths, hummingbirds, and more! 

Storytime by the Sea
Wednesdays through August 14
Immerse yourself in a magical experience as the Princess and her fairytale companions host engaging activities for the whole family at Kure Beach's Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Delight in stories, crafts, and games suitable for both boys and girls. The Princess and her fairytale friends will grace the park every Wednesday. 

HDWM Artisan Market
Sundays,10am-3pm 
Spend your Sunday leisurely strolling through the Historic Downtown Wilmington Artisan Market, featuring unique, handcrafted creations by local artisans. The market showcases more than 30 rotating artists, offering a variety of locally made art, jewelry, and handmade items, along with musical entertainment. 

Family Night at Carolina Beach Lake
Tuesdays, July 2-August 20 
Activities include free family entertainment and characters, as well as additional activities like face painting. Some show sets are 45 minutes (not the full two hours).

Movies at the Park 
Sundays July 7-August 25 
Grab your kids, blankets, beach chairs, and head to Carolina Beach Lake Park to enjoy some family-friendly fowl fun! This free outdoor animated adventure comedy follows a feathered family of four on a migration vacation from their cozy duck pond to the exotic Caribbean. Bring your chairs and find a spot on the lawn where the whole family can enjoy this summertime treat! Admission is free and popcorn, candy, soft drinks, cotton candy, and more available for purchase. Movie starts at dusk (8:45pm).

Summer Jazz Series at the Mansion
July 11, August 8
Enjoy live jazz music at the Bellamy Mansion from 6:30-8pm. The series is held on the second Thursday of every month between May and September. Relax on blankets or chairs and enjoy your favorite snacks while listening to smooth tunes. Tickets are available on the day of the performance, with general admission priced at $25, members at $20, and students/active military with ID at $15. Wine and beer are available for purchase.

BUZZWORTHY! Art in the Garden
July 12
Join Airlie Gardens as they host BUZZWORTHY! Art in the Garden with larger-than-life honeybee sculptures displayed throughout the garden. This year’s exhibit features fancifully decorated giant honeybees placed throughout the grounds for you to enjoy as part of your garden experience. They will even have a delightful scavenger hunt arranged to help find the brightly decorated honeybee sculptures. Come enjoy the colorful work of some of the many talented Wilmington artists. Currently, garden online advance ticket sales only.

Friday Night Live! on the Pier
July 12, 19, 26 and August 9, 23
Experience the Friday Night Live Concert at the Pier at Port City Marina, featuring captivating performances on select nights. Enjoy music starting at 7pm, with doors opening earlier. Tickets are $10, with food and drink available for purchase.

East Coast “Got-Em-On” King Mackerel Classic
July 12-14
Join the annual East Coast Got Em On King Mackerel Classic at the Carolina Beach Municipal Docks. The event is free for spectators. The competition includes a Captains meeting on Friday, with fishing on Saturday and Sunday, followed by an awards ceremony on Sunday. Check the website for registration details and the full schedule.

Bibis Ellison Concert
July 19
Attend the Airlie Gardens Concert Series featuring Bibis Ellison, offering indie, pop, and soulful music from 6-8pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for children aged 4-12, and free for children under 4. Food and drink are available for purchase onsite. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers to enjoy an evening in the gardens.

Down South Thunder in Concert
July 21
Join the Boogie in the Park Concert Series at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion from 5-7pm. Enjoy high-energy tunes from Down South Thunder, a Southern country rock band. Bring a picnic, beach chair, or blanket for a fun time by the sea.

The Old North State: Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
August 01
Enjoy music by The Old North State, blending soulful blues with metal and country rock, at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. The event is free for spectators, with music starting at 6:30pm and fireworks at 9pm. Food and drink are available for purchase.

Boogie in the Park Concert: School of Rock Band
August 4
Be prepared for a super special Boogie in the Park concert when some of the youngest members of the musical community-in-training, the actual local School of Rock Band, perform covers of some classic rock and roll tunes. So pack a picnic, bring your beach chair or blanket, and get ready for some family-friendly fun and tunes from aspiring rock stars by the sea. 

Frank Grant & The Feelin': Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
August 15 
Enjoy music by Frank Grant & The Feelin', playing classics from the 70s to contemporary hits, at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. The event is free for spectators, with music starting at 6:30pm and fireworks at 9pm. Food and drink are available for purchase.

FARMERS MARKETS

Wrightsville Beach Farmers' Market (Town of Wrightsville Beach Municipal Grounds)
Mondays from 8am-1pm

Kure Beach Market (Kure Beach Ocean Front Park) 
Tuesdays through August 20 8am-1pm

Poplar Grove Farmers' Market (Poplar Grove Plantation)
Wednesdays through September 25 9am-1pm

Carolina Beach Farmers' Market (Carolina Beach Lake Park) 
Saturdays through September 28 8am-1pm

Riverfront Farmers' Market (Historic Downtown Wilmington)
Saturdays through November 23 8am-1pm

The Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek (Tidal Creek Co-Op Market)
Saturdays through June 28 8am-1pm