Wilmington NC Events July-August 2013

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

North Carolina 4th of July Festival
July 1 - July 4

Held in Southport, this is one of the largest festivals in the state, and features arts & crafts, a parade, a running race, food and drinks, live entertainment, activities for kids, fireworks, and the popular naturalization ceremony. Times and activities vary. 910-457-5578. nc4thofjuly.com

Sunset SUP Series
July 1 - Aug 29

Come out & Paddle! Everyone is welcome! Every Thursday evening this summer! Men's & Women's Intermediate & Elite Divisions 30-45 minute Races. Courses all begin at Blockade Runner & will be determined by conditions at 4pm the day of the race. Thurs 6-7:30pm. 910-256-2251. blockade-runner.com

Friday Morning Birding Tours
July 1 - Sept 13

oin the Audubon North Carolina naturalists on a free guided tour of this fascinating sanctuary every Friday morning where you can get close-up looks at nesting birds and chicks. Coastal birds are scrappy survivors that combat extreme temperatures, unpredictable weather, and predators to successfully raise their young so get ready to see these birds in action. Wrightsville Beach Public Access 43. 9-10am. 910-686-7527.

Ribbit Exhibit
July 1 - Aug 20

Come experience the Summer exhibit at Airlie Gardens. The Ribbit Exhibit features 16 whimsical, life-size frog sculptures by local artist Andy Cobb. Take part in the fun scavenger hunt where guests can find each art display as they walk through beautiful Airle Gardens. Mon-Sun 9am-5pm. 910-798-7700. facebook.com/airliegardens

Impressions of the Lower Cape Fear
July 1 - Oct 27

Take a photographic journey of Southeastern NC, a region rich with diverse habitats, wildlife, culture, and history. Featuring more than 100 printed and digital works by Cape Fear Camera Club. Cape Fear Museum, Tuesday-Saturday 9-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm. 910-798-4350. $7 adults, $4 for children. capefearmuseum.com

Riverfront Farmers' Market
July 1 - Dec 21

A weekly market held on Saturdays along the riverfront in the historic downtown river district. Market features local farmers, producers, artists and crafters. Products include fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, cheeses, meats, seafood, baked goods, jams and jellies, wine, art, crafts and more. 8am-1pm. 910-538-6223. facebook.com/riverfrontfarmersmarket

Well Suited-The Costumes of Alonzo Wilson for HBO's Treme
July 1 - Nov 3

View the exhibition of Wilmington native Alonzo Wilson, creator of the incredible costumes for the award-winning HBO series Treme. This exhibit will be full of fine, hand-sewn beadwork, archival-quality costume technique and brilliantly colored feathers. The exhibition includes exquisitely crafted Mardi Gras Indian suits specially made for Treme. Additionally, Mardi Gras costumes from select characters, as well as design sketches will be on view. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum.com

Historic Wilmington Walking Tour
July 1 - Oct 12

tep back in time with these historic home tours! The Historic Wilmington Foundation is offering two ongoing tours this summer from now- October 12 on Saturdays and select Wednesdays in June and August. The Streetcar Suburbs Tour will focus on Wilmington's first two suburbs, Carolina Place and Carolina Heights and the development of these historic neighborhoods, while the Forest Hills Tour will showcase the architectural and cultural history of the neighborhood. The Streetcar Suburbs Tour will meet at the Coastal Shopping Center at 17th St. and Market St. and the Forest Hills Tour will meet at the Forest Hills Elementary School at 602 Colonial Dr. 10am. 910-762-2511. historicwilmington.org

Shop Hop
July 4 & Aug 1

Featuring nine boutiques in downtown Wilmington, offering ladies exclusive deals and first dibs on new fashion styles.

5-9pm. 910-763-7349. shopdowntownwilmington.com

East Coast “Got-Em-On” Classic
July 12 - 13

The annual Pleasure Island King Mackerel fishing tournament is in its 34th year and will be going back to a classic one day tournament. Registration will begin at noon on July 12 followed by a Captain's meeting, raffle and live entertainment. Fishing will commence Saturday July 13th with an awards ceremony. 910-458-0240. gotemonliveclassic.com

O’Neill/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest
July 12 - 14

The O'Neill/ Sweetwater Pro-Am held on Wrightsville Beach has grown into one of the largest surfing contests on the East Coast and attracts surfers from around the world. In all, dozens of amateur surfers and an average of 96 professional surfers from around the world participate in this 3-day event. 8am. 910-256-3821. sweetwatersurfshop.com

9th Annual Classy-Chassis Car Show and Arts & Crafts Market
July 13

Features vintage vehicles, food, music, 50-50 drawing, and a flea market including fine art, photography, woodwork, jewelry and more. Held at Poplar Grove Plantation. 9am-4pm. 910-686-9518. poplargrove.com

Pipeline to a Cure
July 13
A Cystic Fibrosis Foundation benefit gala to showcase the connection between surfing and CF. This event we will honor local and nationally renowned surf celebrities and local sponsors who support finding a cure for CF. Held at the Country Club of Landfall. Silent auction, hors d'oeuvres, cocktail reception. 6pm. 919-845-2155. pipelinetoacureeast.org

Boogie in the Park Presents: Band of Others
July 14

Spend your Sunday evenings this summer enjoying free, live music by the sea at the new Kure Beach Ocean Front Park. The Town of Kure Beach will be hosting "Boogie in the Park" every Sunday from 4pm-7pm, now through September 1st. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and your boogie shoes for some family-friendly entertainment! This Sunday enjoy acoustic rock, blues and bluegrass from the Band of Others. Sun 4-7pm. 910-458-8216. townofkurebeach.org

Fourth Friday Gallery Walk
July 26 & Aug 23

A free monthly event where downtown galleries open their doors to the public in an after-hours celebration of art and culture. Art walk is a self-guided tour featuring various artistic mediums including oils, acrylics, watercolors, ceramics, and more. 6-9pm. 910-343-8997. wilmingtonfourthfridays.com

18th Annual Cape Fear Blues Festival
July 26 - 28

The Cape Fear Blues Festival is a cultural fixture in our region and a rising star throughout the national blues industry. This festival will include three days of blues music in venues across the beautiful city of Wilmington, with some of the highlights of the festival being the Blues Cruise aboard the Henrietta III riverboat, the All-Day Blues Jam, and of course the Kick-Off party. This festival will feature local, regional & national acts all weekend long! 910-350-8822. www.capefearblues.org/festival.html

Wilmington Hammerheads vs Charleston Battery
Aug 2

Come see soccer at its finest. Wilmington Hammerheads play against Charleston Battery at Legion Stadium. 7:30pm. 910-777-2111. wilmingtonhammerheads.com

50+ Coastal Lifestyle Expo
Aug 2

Enjoy Wilmington's first ever age 50+ coastal lifestyles Expo. This day-long event will feature over 40 booths and free seminars. Throughout the day fitness demos and health screenings will be available, as well as information on financial planning and retirement options, home builders and remodelers. This will be the one-stop shop for all your age 50+ lifestyle needs. Held at Wilmington Convention Center. 10am-4pm. 910-799-2611. wcfhba.com

Original Black River Nature Cruises
Aug 7
Enjoy a 4-hour relaxing getaway on Wilmington's original Black River Nature Cruise. Narrated by Coastal Ecologist and Author Andy Woods. Experience miles of scenic wilderness that is a photographers' and bird watchers paradise. Refreshments provided. Boarding at the USS NC Battleship Memorial. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Cape Fear Riverboats. 10am-2pm. 910-343-1611. cfrboats.com

Mud Day
Aug 9 - 10

Mud Day is a day full of the messiest fun you can imagine! Explore Magic Mud, a substance with properties of both a solid and a liquid at the same time, make mud pies, give yourself a mud mask, and just play in the mud! Be sure to wear a bathing suit or old clothes and bring a towel and a change of clothes. Children's Museum of Wilmington. 9am-1pm. 910-254-3534. playwilmington.org

Ballin’ By The Beach
Aug 10 - 11

Take a day to enjoy basketball with the inaugural Ballin' By The Beach Tournament! This is a 3 on 3 basketball tournament meant for everyone, from college stars to 3rd graders playing in their first tournament. Saturday play will be round robin and Sunday will begin single elimination games. Every team will be guaranteed at least three games for a day full of fun. Bring out the family or make a team with your friends, brackets will be posted one week before game time so sign up today. Veterans Park. 406-208-2266. ballinbythebeach.net

Lecture: "Southern Cooking, High and Low" with John Beck
Aug 15
Southern Cooking, High and Low: A short history of the cuisine of the South. Join the Bellamy in welcoming historian, author, and professor Dr. John Beck as he presents his history of Southern food. Bellamy Mansion.  6:30-7:30pm. 910-251-3700.bellamymansion.org

Downtown Sundown Presents: The Waiting a Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Aug 16

The Waiting is a unique tribute to the sounds and melodies of the classic American songbook of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. They have spent a decade perfecting the subtle nuances of a large scale tribute act for your enjoyment so make sure to catch the show. Riverfront Park. 6pm. 910-763-7349. wilmingtondowntown.com

Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic
Aug 17 - 18

A surfing tradition returning to the south end of Wrightsville Beach, co-hosts Jo Pickett and Jack Viorel are combining skills and resources to provide this forum for all levels of female surfers; amateur to pro, novice to experienced. Divisions will include the following categories: Pro Shortboard and Pro Longboard, open to all ages, and amateur shortboard and longboard, grouped by age. The popular Novice category, open to all ages competing in their FIRST contest, and a new division, Stand Up Paddleboard, as well as the crowd favorite Guppy event, will complete the competition. Saturday night, August 17, an event banquet will be held. 910-465-9638. wrightsvillebeachwahineclassic.com

Downtown Sundown Presents: Draw the Line an Aerosmith Tribute Band
Aug 23

Draw the Line has been cultivated from the very roots that inspired & drive Aerosmith to this day. A powerful transformation of character far beyond just a tribute group, this remarkable show will give you goose bumps with the memories of the 70's, bringing you the feel of the 80's and with all the exuberance of the 90's. Adding in its great audience interaction, it is a definitive crowd pleaser for all age groups. Taking place in the Historic Downtown River District with the Cape Fear River as the backdrop, Downtown Sundown is a rain or shine free and weekly outdoor concert series with beer, wine and food available for purchase at the performance. Come early and stay late to enjoy the shops and waterfront cafes along the Riverwalk. Fri 6pm. 910-763-7349. wilmingtondowntown.com

Turtle Talk
Aug 26

Turtle Talk is held at Ocean Front Park in Kure Beach, NC, and is a chance to learn about sea turtles, where and why they nest on our shores, and the local Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project that provides awareness and safety for hatchlings. 7pm. 910-458-8216.

Landfall Foundation Art Show & Sale
Aug 29 - 31

Come out and see local and regional artists works of art, paintings, sculpture, woodwork.  Cash bar. Events raises funds for local non-profit groups and creates awareness of local artists. Open to the public. Dye Clubhouse. 10am-8pm.

Last Chance for White Pants Gala
Aug 30

Live music by motown, funk, soul and hip-hop band, Mo' Sol. Heavy hors 'oeuvres, beer and wine, and silent and live auctions. Presented by Lower Cape Fear Hospice at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside. Tickets $100. 7pm-midnight. 910-796-8099. hospicewhitepants.org