Wilmington NC Events May-June 2014

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

Wrightsville Beach Waterman Ocean Festival

May 1 - 4

Celebrate 50 years of Wrightsville Beach surfing with the inaugural Waterman's Ocean Festival.  Enjoy four days of surfing with competitions, special guest stars and history 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. In addition, until May 2, enter for your chance to win a replica of the longboard-surfboard used by Robert August during his world travels. wblasurf.org

 Wilmington Wine & Food Festival

May 2 - 4

The Wilmington Wine & Food Festival will give you the opportunity to experience exquisite culinary pairings from top area chefs and their notable wine selections. Expect a grand wine event; champagne and beer brunch; VIP pig-pickin' with a local restaurant barbecue sauce competition; and bartender mixology contest. Wine dinners featuring guest chefs working with area talent, wine tastings and other food and wine-related celebrations are planned in the days before the festival. The festival will provide a diverse range of interactive epicurean experiences such as countless samples from the wine and food participants, live music and even educational culinary demonstrations. Held at the Bellamy Mansion. 910-202-4749. wilmingtonwineandfood.com

 Mother's Day Dessert Cruise

May 11

Don't let the celebration end after brunch is over - take Mom on an hour and a half long Dessert Cruise! Cruise along the Cape Fear River as the captain enlightens you with historic facts of the mighty Cape Fear River, pirates, blockade runners and the importance of the river to the area today. In addition to a beautiful cruise and relaxing afternoon breeze, an assortment of desserts will be offered along with a full bar complete with frozen drinks ready for Mom to enjoy! Wilmington Water Tours, 1pm or 3pm. 910-338-3134. wilmingtonwatertours.net

 Carolina Beach Double Sprint Triathlon

May 11

Known for being the very first "Formula 1" or super-sprint style triathlon in the U.S., the Carolina Beach Double Sprint Triathlon will be sure to keep you on your toes with the most talented athletes showing off their abilities. This race is a USAT Sanctioned event with a two and a half hour cut off time for completion. Participants will start out with a 375 meter ocean swim followed by a 1.5 mile run. Competitors will then complete a 20k bike ride on a closed course, then it's back to running for another 1.5 mile stretch to get back into the ocean once again to complete the last portion of the race by swimming another 375 meters to the finish line. setupevents.com

 Wilmington Greek Festival

May 16 - 18

The Greek community of Wilmington NC shares its culture, faith and heritage. This festival will include delicious Greek food, popular Greek music by "Lazaros", Greek dancing, cooking demonstrations and a market place (for a full schedule of events please see website). This festival is an annual event that draws thousands from the area. Come and enjoy an authentic taste of Greek culture in Wilmington. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. 910-392-4444. stnicholasgreekfest.com

Annual Seaside Soccer Classic

May 17 - 18

The tournament is open to all U9-U18 Boys and Girls (girls up to U16) Club teams. The annual soccer tournament features some of the best soccer teams in the region. Come and enjoy the opportunity to watch some excellent soccer in a family atmosphere. Held at various fields throughout New Hanover County. 910-392-0306. soccerincollege.com

 Carolina Beach Street Arts Festival

May 17

Come and enjoy the Carolina Beach Street Arts Festival, a celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts at the beach! Artist vendors from around the region will have their fine arts and crafts available for sale and will demonstrate their creative processes from iron pouring and blacksmith techniques to an interactive art area for the kids. Don't miss cooking demonstrations and educational programs conducted by local chefs, restaurants, and shops. This year's theme will be focused on Mosaic art, a community project where artists and festival goers can add to the piece that will be later shown in galleries around the region. Artistic performances include comedic dueling pianos, jazz bands, salsa dancers with salsa dancing lessons and much more. 10am-5pm. 910-909-7643.

 Fourth Friday Gallery Walk

May 23 & June 27

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

 Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast

May 23 - June 26

Enjoy free fireworks near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk at sunset every Thursday night during the Summer months. Be sure to arrive early to grab your spot at the gazebo or on the beach. Fireworks begin at 9:00pm and the gazebo entertainment begins at 6:30pm. 910-458-8434. Boardwalk at the Gazebo. pleasureislandnc.org

 Orange Street ArtsFest

May 24 - 25

Wilmington's largest downtown arts festival returns for its 19th year. More than 55 artists from Wilmington and across the Southeast will be featured with paintings, pottery, jewelry, glass, and paper creations. Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. 910-251-1788. thalian.org

 49th Annual Battleship NC Memorial Day Observance

May 26

On Memorial Day, people of all ages from across the State will gather on the deck of the Battleship to pay their respects. Ceremony and 21 gun salute. 5:45pm. 910-251-5797. battleshipnc.com

 Quilters by the Sea Guild Quilt Show

May 30 - 31

As part of the 2014 NC Quilt Symposium, a Quilt Show and Merchants' Mall will be open to the general public on Friday and Saturday. Come by and see beautiful works of art that were spawned from one of the oldest sentimental past times. Warrick Center, UNCW campus, Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm. 910-371-0501, quiltersbytheseaguild.com

Friday Variety Shows

May 30 - June 27

Join Kure Beach Ocean Front Park on select Fridays throughout the summer for some incredible family-fun. Pick from a variety of comedy shows, concerts, impersonators and magicians to find the very best fit for your night out.  Bring a chair or blanket, sit back and enjoy the show. Times vary. 910-458-8216. townofkurebeach.org

 Mayfaire's Music on the Town Presents: Groove Fetish

May 30

In the mood for some relaxing reggae mixed with alternative rock? Well then come sway to the sounds of Groove Fetish.  For the kids, there will be 3 moon bounce castles, cotton candy and snow cones, while adults can enjoy all the goodies and activities put on by this year's sponsors. Just bring a blanket or chairs for comfort and pack your picnic basket with whatever you please. You can bring your own dinner; snacks and even coolers are welcome or feel free to enjoy one of Mayfaire's 22 eateries. Mayfaire Event Lawn, 6pm. 910-256-5131. mayfairetown.com

 The Gentleman Pirate (Musical)

June 6 - July 12

Argh! Enjoy this musical pirate adventure featuring the stories of famous NC pirates such as Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard all while relishing a delicious three-course meal fit for the most fierce of pirates. TheatreNow, 7pm. 910-399-3669. app.arts-people.com

 Pier to Pier Run & Crab Crawl

June 7

Join in on the fun at this year's Pier to Pier Run & Crab Crawl! This race will start off at Johnny Mercer's Pier and go to the Crystal Pier and back so you will have plenty of time to enjoy beautiful views of the ocean. Johnny Mercer's Pier. wrightsvillebeachfoundation.org

 5K Race for the Planet

June 8

It's almost Earth Day and what better way to start celebrating than by participating in our 5K Race for the Planet. Fort Fisher will be your route as this race starts and ends at the Aquarium. This flat, mostly asphalt course is scenic with views of the ocean, maritime forest, and historic Fort Fisher Civil War site. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 7:30am. 910-458-7468. ncaquariums.com

 Cape Fear Clash

June 14 - 15

Get ready for the Clash! This lacrosse competition, in its second year, consists of U-11, U-13 A & B Divisions, U-15 A & B Divisions, High School Division and Girls Middle School and High School Divisions. All teams play a minimum of 5 games so there's plenty of opportunity for spectators to watch up and coming lacrosse stars. Veterans Park. 910-467-5059. capefearlacrosse.org

 Father's Day Sunday Cruise

June 15

Treat Dad to a spectacular cruise on the beautiful Cape Fear River this year. Sit back, relax and embrace the wondrous scenery, nature and afternoon breeze this Father's Day with our special cruise. This cruise is complete with hot dogs and all the trimmings catered by the one and only Front Street Brewery as well as a cash bar ready to serve your dad's favorite drink. This cruise is a one-of-a-kind adventure and the perfect way to celebrate your father on his special day. Wilmington Water Tours, 1pm or 3pm. 910-338-3134. wilmingtonwatertours.net

Independence Day Fireworks

July 3

Celebrate Independence Day a day early with free fireworks and live music by the sea! Musical entertainment will commence at sunset at the gazebo on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. The fireworks will begin at 9:00 pm so be sure to arrive early to grab your spot at the gazebo or on the beach. Make sure to check our events calendar to view dates for this awesome weekly event all summer long. Boardwalk at the Gazebo. Music starts 6:30pm, fireworks 9pm. 910-458-8434. pleasureislandnc.org