Wilmington NC Events March-April 2014
29 Mar 2014
Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this spring season.
Requiem in Glass: An Installation by Harry Taylor
Mar 1 - June 1
Mathew Brady is considered to be the father of photojournalism and was responsible for most of the photographic documentation of the American Civil War. Brady was forced to sell most of his glass plate negatives and they were recycled to build greenhouses, but as the years went by, the images were lost. Wilmington photographer Harry Taylor re-imagines these fabled greenhouses, inspired by how these structures may have appeared during Reconstruction. The greenhouse features 300 of Taylor's glass plate images which invoke Brady's Civil War photography and the history of the Cape Fear region. Tue-Sun 10-5pm, Thur 10-9pm. Cameron Art Museum, 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum.org
Bridal by Design
Mar 8
A creative wedding event for a unique gift registry and exceptional designer and custom jewelry. Enjoy a free bridal guide, sips and snacks and great prizes! Visit SpectrumBridal.com to pre-register for a goody bag, for event details and a list of prizes. Free. 10-6pm, Spectrum Art & Jewelry, 910-256-2323.
Cape Fear Wildlife Expo
Mar 14 - 16
Selected as a Top 20 Event, 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 the "Kids Gone Wild" program as well which will have eight interactive stations that provide youth with hands-on experience. This program is free for youth to attend but seats are limited and advance registration is required. Prices vary. Wilmington Convention Center, 910-552-9449. capefearwildlifeexpo.com
The Celtic Tenors
Mar 14
With a polished international reputation and just over a million album sales, The Celtic Tenors are winning fans with their truly unique style. The skill, range and ability of world-class tenors combined with the personality and appeal of genuine performers will leave you wishing for more. The Celtic Tenors have broken new ground by stepping away from their classical roots, and adding a more contemporary edge so sit back and enjoy the originality. 8pm, prices vary. Thalian Hall, 910-632-2241. thalianhall.org
St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Mar 15
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! Parade starts at Red Cross and N. Front Street. Parade starts at 11am, festival at noon. Free admission. Downtown Wilmington/Riverfront Park, 910-686-5498. wilmingtonstpatricksdayfestival.com
10th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patricks Lo-Tide Run
Mar 15
This Flat PR course with USTAF Certification is in its 10th 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 11:00 am. 8 & 8:30am. Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo, 910-368-9523. lotiderun.org
Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon
Mar 16
Experience marathon madness at the beach with the 5th Annual Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon, a winner of the Southeast Tourism Top 20 events. This exciting event draws competitors from all over the country and "Runner's World" ranked this competition as one of the top ten races that qualified runners for the Boston Marathon. 910-297-4973. wrightsvillebeachmarathon.com
Admissions Open House
Mar 19
Friends School of Wilmington invites you to an Open House. Come tour the Pine Grove or Peiffer campus, visit classrooms, and meet dedicated faculty, administrators and current parents. Peiffer campus is 18 months-2nd grade, Pine Grove campus is 3rd-8th grade. 10-11:30am. 910-791-8221, fsow.org Coastal Living Show Mar 22 - 23 Everything you could want or need for great Coastal Living is at this show featuring 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
Sun Coast Cruisers Back to the Beach
Mar 28 - 29
Get back to the beach with classic cars! Friday join the cruise-in at Smithfield's Chicken and BBQ on 17th Street from 3-6pm and a parade of classic cars at 7pm from Food Lion in Carolina Beach to the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, complete with a social afterwards. On Saturday, the show will start at 9am and throughout the day patrons can enjoy live music by the Coco Loco Band, raffles & door prizes, craft vendors, food and much more. Fri 3-10pm, Sat 9-4pm. Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, 910-707-0060. backtothebeachcarshow.com
Poplar Grove Herb & Garden Fair
Mar 29 -30
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 and don't forget to seek advice from our Master Gardeners here to answer any of your questions. Includes a Peanut 5K Fun Run Sunday morning. Sat 9-4pm, Sun 10-4pm. Free. Poplar Grove Plantation, 910-686-9518. poplargrove.org/annual-events/herb-garden-fair
Wilmington Jewish Film Festival
Apr 3, 5, 6
The Wilmington Jewish Film Festival announces its first three-day cinema festival, with screenings Thursday evening April 3rd at 7:30pm, Saturday evening at 8pm, and a double-feature on Sunday, April 6th, at 3:30pm and 7pm. Three dramas and one biographical documentary will offer unique perspectives on Jewish identity, Jewish rituals, Jewish history, and life in Israel. All films will be screened at Thalian Hall Main Stage. Dessert receptions follow the Thursday and Saturday screenings, with a full savory reception between the two Sunday screenings. Tickets may be purchased at Thalian Hall Box Office. facebook.com/WilmingtonJewishFilmFestival
Jazz at the CAM with Jerald Shynett & Friends
Apr 3
The fourth season of the popular seven concert series offers a mixture of new and familiar musicians in a variety of combinations performing a range of jazz genres for your listening pleasure. His compositions and arrangements have been performed throughout the country. 6:30-8pm, prices vary. Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall, 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum.com
Thalian Association Children's Theater Presents: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Apr 3 - 6
In a loving homage to the wonderful characters of Charles Schulz, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" is presented as an ordinary day in the life of our favorite down-trodden hero, Charlie Brown. Snoopy, Sally, Schroeder, Lucy & Linus all tag along on a delightful day full of fun in a way only the "Peanuts" can provide. Thur-Sat 7pm, Sun 3pm. $12. Hannah Block Historic USO & Community Arts Center, 910-341-7860. thalian.org
Cape Fear Garden Club's Azalea Garden Tour
Apr 11 - 13
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. Private gardens feature a variety of styles from whimsical cottages to stately formal designs and contemporary landscapes, all with welcoming words from the famed Garden Club Azalea Belles. All days 10-6pm. Various locations. 910-620-6958. ncazaleafestival.org/events/cape-fear-garden-club-azalea-garden-tour-2013
NC Azalea Festival Concert with Widespread Panic
Apr 11 - 12
Every year the North Carolina Azalea Festival showcases national headliner concerts. This year, experience the highly acclaimed Southern Rock Band from Athens, Georgia, Widespread Panic. They will take the stage two nights in a row, so you can be sure to catch a show like never before. Pleasing crowds since 1988, Widespread Panic has sold more than 3 million albums and has headlined almost every major U.S. festival. Now is your chance to let them share their music with you right on the beautiful Historic Downtown Riverfront. 8pm. Cape Fear Community College Campus Lot, 910-794-4650. ncazaleafestival.org/events/widespread-panic
NC Azalea Festival Parade
Apr 12
The NC Azalea Festival Parade is an annual event that is viewed by over 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. 9-12pm. Free. Downtown Wilmington, 910-794-4650. ncazaleafestival.org/events/parade-2013
18th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off
Apr 12
Chowder, live music, games for the kids and much more. Each year chefs from restaurants of Pleasure Island, Monkey Junction and Wilmington gather on Pleasure Island for the famous Chowder Cook-Off. In addition to serving up the area's best chowder, this day-long event includes live music by The Mark Roberts Band and the Kidz Zone which will have face painting and a 3 in 1 inflatable house. There will also be hotdogs, funnel cakes, soft drinks and beer and wine for sale. 11:30am. $5. Carolina Beach Lake Park, 910-458-8434. pleasureislandnc.org/chowder-cook-off
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity's Upscale Resale Designer Challenge
Apr 25 - 26
Join 20 local interior design teams as they reveal their 10 x 10 "room" designed entirely from furniture, lighting, accessories and artwork purchased from Wilmington's Habitat ReStores. All furnishings and fixtures will be available for sale with proceeds benefiting Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. Fri - VIP Preview Party and Design Awards, 6-9pm, Sat - show and merchandise sale, 10-5pm. Cape Fear Community College Schwartz Center. capefearhabitat.org
Wilmington Earth Day
Apr 26
This is a spectacular springtime activity, including free live music! The Earth Day Alliance, founders and organizers for the Wilimington Earth Day annual celebration, are pleased to announce another year of festivities. If we all agree to cooperate and connect to each other, then we can better protect the world we live in. There will be food & beverages, Kids Eco Zone, live music with Shine, Possum Creek & JAH Creation. Noon-6pm. Hugh MacRae Park. wilmingtonearthday.com
Waterman Ocean Festival and Longboard Pro-Am
Apr 29 - May 4
Celebrate 50 years of Wrightsville Beach surfing with the inaugural Waterman's Ocean Festival! Held in conjunction with the Surfalorous Film Festival, the Waterman's Ocean Festival will feature the 50th anniversary screening of the Endless Summer by Bruce Brown. Enjoy five days of surfing with competitions, special guest stars and surf lessons for kids. On Saturday get ready to watch contestants race in the Longboard Classic Pro-Am heats and semi-finals and on Sunday enjoy the SUP Ocean Race and Longboard Finals. Visit website for full list of events. Holiday Inn Resort. wblasurf.org
