Wilmington NC Events Mar-Apr 2015
15 Mar 2015
Event Calendar
Looking to fill your social calendar? We’ve got the rundown on what to do this spring season
Sweeney Todd
Mar 6-8
Main Stage Sweeney Todd has become a bloody, worldwide success since being awarded 8 TONYs, one of them for Best Musical, for its Broadway premiere. Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler crafted a tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat with Sweeney Todd that has simultaneously shocked, awed, and delighted audiences across the world. Don’t miss out on this classic tale of revenge! Tickets: $29. Sundays at 3pm; all other shows 8pm. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 910-632-9985. thalian.org
Cape Fear Beer Fest
Mar 7
Unlimited tasting of top quality beers made by the world’s most enthusiastic and enterprising brew masters. Responsible and educated consumption and admiration for the art of brewing is what the Cape Fear Beer Festival is all about, so come sip and enjoy this unique craft beer experience! VIP: $50, General Advanced: $40, General Day-of: $50. Attendees must be over 21 and have valid photo ID. 1-5pm. Wilmington Convention Center, 910-251-5101. capefearbeerfest.com
Fourth Annual Step Up For Soldiers Backyard BBQ Cook-Off
Mar 7
Fire up your grill, grab your apron, and get ready to BBQ! About thirty teams will take to their grills, forks in hand, secret recipes folded and stashed in pockets, all for the glory of the title and the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped to raise a significant amount of money for Step Up For Soldiers. Held at the lake in Carolina Beach at the junction of Lake Park Blvd. and Atlanta Ave. Admission is free. Tickets can be purchased to sample the BBQs after the double-blind judging is completed. Gates open at 10:30am and prizes will be awarded at 4:00pm. 910-431-8122. For more information email janlknott@gmail.com.
Peter Yarrow
Mar 13
Enjoy Peter Yarrow of the legendary Peter, Paul and Mary for one night only. As an artist and activist, his songwriting produced some of the most moving songs the trio ever recorded, including “Puff the Magic Dragon,” “Day is Done,” “The Great Mandala,” and “Light One Candle.” Peter continues to wow audiences both young and old. Tickets: $20-$36. 7:30pm. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 910-632-9985. thalian.org
11th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Lo-Tide Run
Mar 14
This flat PR course with USTAF Certification is in its 11th year and is a tribute to two truly amazing men whose paths crossed in the one and only Carolina Beach. In honor of those men, the proceeds from the event will be given to one or more cancer patients and their family. Participants can choose from the 10k run or the 5k run/walk followed by an award ceremony and after party at The Lazy Pirate at 11am. Registration 7am; races start at 8 & 8:30am. Registration fees vary. Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo, 910-368-9523. lotiderun.org
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Mar 14
Come join the music, dance and fun with Wilmington Police Pipes & Drums, The Blarney Broughs, The Molly Malones, The Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dance, Slainte UNCW Irish Dance Club and more. The parade will begin at 11am at Red Cross and N. Front Street. The St. Patrick’s Day Festival will be held at Riverfront Park at noon. This is a rain or shine event. FREE. 910-686-5498. wilmingtonstpatricksdayfestival.com
US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship
Mar 14
Get ready for the first annual fat tire bike race on Wrightsville Beach! The US Open Fat Bike Beach Championships will consist of a large oval or kidney-shaped lap, which will take racers from the thick sand to the hard-packed sand along the water’s edge. Riders have the choice of three levels of competition; beginner, sport or expert. While all bikes are allowed to race, bikes that are over 4” are recommended. Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 910-256-2251. http://goo.gl/Vr3eME
Friends School of Wilmington Open House
Mar 18
Tour the campuses and grounds, visit classrooms, and meet dedicated faculty, administrators and current parents. 207 Pine Grove Dr. campus (ages 18 months–2nd grade); 350 Peiffer Ave. campus (3rd–8th grade). 10-11am. For more information call Ann Souder, 910-791-8221 or visit www.fsow.org
Cape Fear Wildlife Expo
Mar 20-22
Outdoor enthusiasts will get the chance to enjoy three days of hunting and fishing exhibitors, wildlife art displays, decoys, boats and accessories, truck and ATV displays, Hunter Safety Certification Class, fly fishing demos, and fun for the entire family. Kids can participate in interactive activities such as Sensory Safari, Mobile Aquarium, Mallard Madness Laser Shoot and the Archery Range while all attendees will be able to witness raptors in flight, and meet extraordinary animals like snakes, rescued wolves and a bobcat. Have fun with the whole family while learning about our native wildlife, resources and conservation. Fri & Sat: 9am-7pm, Sun: 10am-5pm. Prices vary. Wilmington Convention Center, 910-795-0292. capefearwildlifeexpo.com
Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon
Mar 20-22
Experience marathon madness with the 6th Annual Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon. This exciting event draws competitors from all over the country and “Runner’s World” ranked this competition as one of the top 10 races that qualified runners for the Boston Marathon. The race is run on a street course overlooking the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Wrightsville Beach. Free to watch; registration fees vary. 910-297-4973. wrightsvillebeachmarathon.com
Holst: The Planets
Mar 21
The Planets, Op. 32, is a seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst, written between 1914 and 1916. Each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the Solar System and its corresponding astrological character as defined by Holst. With the exception of Earth, all the astrological planets known during the work’s composition are represented. From its premiere to the present day, the suite has been enduringly popular, influential, widely performed and frequently recorded. Admission: Adults: $25-$27, Students: $6. 8pm. Kenan Auditorium, 910-791-9262. wilmingtonsymphony.org/holst-the-planets.html
Coastal Living Show
Mar 21-22
Everything you could want or need for great Coastal Living is at this show. Features over 100 vendors selling their wares and demonstrating the latest trends in everything from physical fitness to scents. Search for gifts, products and services for the home, garden, or office—perfect for seaside living. Sat 9-5pm, Sun 11-5pm. Cape Fear C.C. Schwartz Center, 910-251-5031. wilmingtonwomansclub.com
North Carolina Black Film Festival
Mar 26
Join the Black Arts Alliance in celebrating 14 years of fine film. The four-day juried and invitational festival of independent motion pictures by African-American filmmakers will showcase features, shorts, animation, and documentary films you won’t want to miss. Event pricing ranges from $5-$60; see website for complete schedule. Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 910-612-7832. blackartsalliance.org/home_4.html
F.A.R. Out! Family Adventure Race
Mar 28
This race encourages families to build teamwork, communication, physical fitness, and respect for the environment while having fun! Enjoy trail running, mountain biking, fun challenges and optional kayaking. Divisions are based on the youngest participant’s age and gender. Teams must include one person under 16 and one person over 18. 1-4pm. Registration fees vary by family team size. Brunswick Nature Park. www.faroutnc.com
Poplar Grove Herb & Garden Fair
Mar 28-29
Enjoy the area’s largest and longest running garden event. The Herb and Garden Fair offers everything you need to start having fun in your garden, from locally grown plants and shrubs to lawn furniture, herbal products, yard art, butterfly houses and one-of-a-kind garden whimsies that’ll make you smile. Fun, educational classes and an early morning bird hike are offered. Don’t forget to seek advice from our Master Gardeners here to answer any of your questions. Food and beverages will be available for purchase so come hungry and join us as we kick-off a beautiful spring season! Sat 9-4pm, Sun 10-4pm. FREE. Poplar Grove Plantation, 910-686-9518. poplargrove.org/festivals/herb-garden-fair
The Wizard of Oz
Apr 2
This will be the second annual Easter week special screening of the beloved classic starring the iconic Judy Garland. Presented on the Main Stage, seeing this digitally mastered film on the big screen, as it was intended, is like seeing it for the very first time. Bring along the kids and grandkids for a truly magical experience! Admission: $5-$10. 7pm. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 910-632-9985. thalian.org
Easter Egg Hunt Carnival
Apr 3
Hippity Hoppity down the Battleship trail for a fun Spring event with continuous games and egg hunts along with a bounce house and even more surprises this year! Make sure to bring your camera and take pictures with Buddy the Battleship Bunny. Egg hunts will run throughout the event so that kids are guaranteed a chance to find eggs and will be able to “hunt” at their leisure. Admission: $5 per person (including adults), Children 2 and under FREE. This is a weather dependent event. Location: Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, 910-251-5797. battleshipnc.com/Events/EasterEggHuntCarnival
NC Azalea Festival: Keepin’ It Country Tour with Alan Jackson
Apr 9
Break out the cowboy boots, because a trio of country music stars is rolling into town this spring to play at the acclaimed 2015 North Carolina Azalea Festival! Headlining this year’s concert festivities is the legendary Alan Jackson on his 25th Anniversary Keepin’ It Country Tour, which also features Jon Pardi and Grammy/CMA/ACM nominated hit singer/songwriter Brandy Clark. Now is your chance to get your country on and let them share their music with you right on the beautiful Historic Downtown Riverfront. This is a non-smoking event, held rain or shine. 7pm. Held at the Miller Lite Main Stage at Cape Fear Community College, 910-794-4650. ncazaleafestival.org/events
Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour
Apr 10-12
An official event of the North Carolina Azalea Festival, the tour has been featured in Southern Living and is one of the longest-running and most popular garden tours in the south. The 2015 tour features 13 gardens (11 private gardens and two public gardens). Enjoy a variety of styles from classic to modern and formal to whimsical, including a published horticulturist’s delight as well as a trio of petite gardens. Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Belles will welcome visitors to each garden throughout the three-day tour. Tickets: $25 (good for all three days). All days 10-6pm. Various locations. 910-390-0605. ncazaleafestival.org
NC Azalea Festival Parade
Apr 11
The NC Azalea Festival Parade is an annual event that is viewed by more than 100,000 people. Join us for this year’s parade and enjoy the floats, marching units and bands, clowns and horses, all highlighted by visiting celebrities, the Azalea Queen and her court, and the Azalea Princess. 9am-12pm. FREE. Downtown Wilmington, 910-794-4650. ncazaleafestival.org/events/parade
North Carolina Azalea Festival Historic Home Tour
Apr 11-12
Historic Wilmington Foundation presents a tour of Wilmington’s most beautiful historic homes. Visit mansions, bungalows, contemporary styles and much more for an eclectic and fascinating view of life across the city. Admission TBD. Location: Various homes around town, 910-794-4650. ncazaleafestival.org/events/historic-home-tour
12th Annual Golf Tournament and Games Day to Benefit Good Shepherd Center
Apr 13
Enjoy golf, games and more for a worthy cause at the Country Club of Landfall’s Nicklaus Course. The registration fee is $200 per player or $800 for a team of four, and includes golf, cart, practice range, gift bag, and dinner. Registration begins at 11:30 am; play starts at 1pm. Games Day begins with an optional lunch at 11:30am ($16.50), and play begins at 12:30pm. Duplicate Bridge, Party Bridge, Mahjongg and Mexican Train will be offered, and other games are welcomed. A donation of $25 is requested to participate in Games Day. Prize giveaways and a silent auction will also be held. All proceeds from Golf and Games Day will benefit Good Shepherd Center, the largest provider of services for the homeless and hungry in the tri-county area. Country Club of Landfall, 910-763-4424 ext. 113.
Combat Mud Run to Benefit Step Up For Soldiers
Apr 19
Tackle the 5K course or do the Meat Head Mile, a 5K course with a one mile extension offering an extra challenge for more serious competitors or the person who likes to punish themselves.Run, jump, and crawl through obstacles and mud. The course includes trail running, 4’/6’/8’ walls, mud crawls, mud walk, swamp run, tire climb, fallen trees, culvert crawl, 8’ & 12’ reverse climbing wall, and much more. Registration varies by race and sign-up date. Various start times. Location: the National Guard in Wilmington. https://its-go-time.com/combat-mud-run-april-19
2015 Carolina Cup
Apr 25
The 2015 Carolina Cup kicks off the race season with four courses in beautiful Wrightsville Beach. This competition offers a kid’s race, the Harbor Island Recreational “fun” race, a Money Island open race and the dreaded Graveyard Elite Race. This competition is in its fifth year and in 2014, the Carolina Cup hosted more than 700 paddlers. Events run Apr. 22-26 and the competition is a true stand-up paddle destination event. Expect clinics by Danny Ching, Jimmy Terrell, Larry Cain, Jaime Mitchell and PaddleFit. Bring the whole family! Races start at 9am; see website for full schedule of events. Blockade Runner Resort, 910-616-9675. wrightsvillebeachpaddleclub.com
Wilmington Earth Day
Apr 25
This is a spectacular springtime activity, including free live music! The Earth Day Alliance, founders and organizers for the Wilmington Earth Day annual celebration, are pleased to announce another year of festivities. Earth Day is a time to celebrate our beautiful planet, meet people from other organizations, convey your message, and recruit members, volunteers, and interested people to participate in the stewardship of our community. It’s a fun day to be outside, talk to new friends, and learn about all the great things that are happening in our community. Food and beverages will be available for sale. Enjoy the Kids Eco Zone, live music, and fun entertainment. Admission is FREE. Noon-6pm. Hugh MacRae Park. wilmingtonearthday.com
Thalian Hall Presents: Paula Poundstone
Apr 30
A high school dropout, Poundstone went on to become one of the great humorists of our time not only with individual performances but as a regular panelist on NPR’s popular weekly news quiz titled “Wait, Wait... Don’t Tell Me.” Don’t miss out on your dose on humor with this side-splitting show! Tickets: $18-$40. 7:30pm. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 910-632-9985. thalian.org
