Wilmington NC Events May-June 2013

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

Impressions of the Lower Cape Fear

May 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

Ivey Hayes: A Retrospective

May 1 -17

The Bellamy Mansion Museum presents the specialized artwork of Hayes in acrylic and watercolor paintings. Hayes received presidential and celebrity awards, and used his art to connect across cultural divides. A unique exhibit of 21 original pieces will be displayed. Reproductions will be available for purchase and both acrylic and watercolor works will be on display. 10-5pm. Guided tour $10, self-guided donation $5. 910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org

River to Sea Bike Ride

May 4

A casual-paced bike ride from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach on Wilmington's river to sea bicycle route. Bikeway is mostly neighborhood residential streets and off-road multi-use paths. Refreshments and drawing for prizes. Bring your friends and family to join in on a day of fun. Helmets are required and there is a trolley for riders returning to downtown. 8am. 910-256-7925. rivertoseabikeway.com

National Migratory Bird Day

May 11

Carolina Beach State Park will be celebrating National Migratory Bird Day with a day filled with bird hikes, presentations, and craft activities for the kids. 910-458-8206. ncparks.gov

Airlie Gardens Concert Series: Bibis Ellison

May 17

Enjoy Airlie Gardens 2013 concert series, held onsite on select Fridays. Bibis Ellison is a North Carolina indie, pop and soul artist. 6-8pm. Adults $8, children $2. 910-798-7700. airliegardens.org

20th Annual Seaside Soccer Classic

May 18 - 19

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

Kona Waterman's Classic

May 18 - 19

A two day event for watermen from our local and regional area. Saturday is the Longboard Classic, and Sunday is the Stand-up Paddleboard ocean race. Awards ceremony complete with raffles and music. Proceeds to support scholarship and outreach programs. Prices vary. wblasurf.org

Carolina Beach Street Arts Festival

May 18

Come and enjoy a celebration of culinary and performing arts at the beach. Vendors from around the region will have arts and crafts available for sale and an interactive art area for the kids. Cooking demonstrations and educational programs conducted by local chefs. 10am-6pm. 910-909-7643.

Wilmington Wine & Food Festival

May 19

This inaugural event is at St. Thomas Preservation Hall in downtown Wilmington, and brings together top area chefs with notable wines from around the world to celebrate gastronomic greatness, while supporting Cape Fear River Watch and 1,000 People Who Care. Guests will have the opportunity to sample more than 100 different wines and scrumptious bites from 15 of our best locally owned and operated restaurants. Attendees vote for best dishes and wines with medals to be awarded to the winners. The event also features raffles, discounted wines, and live music. 2-5pm. $40-$48. 910-202-4749. saintthomaspreservationhall.com

Fourth Friday Gallery Walk

May 24 & June 28

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

Orange Street ArtsFest

May 25 - 26

Wilmington's largest downtown arts festival returns for its 17th year. More than 55 artists from Wilmington and across the Southeast will be featured with paintings, pottery, jewelry, glass, and paper creations. Saturday 10-6pm, Sunday 10-5pm. 910-251-1788.

48th Annual Battleship NC Memorial Day Observance

May 27

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

Black River Cruise

May 29

Take an excursion up the Black River on a 4 hour cruise guided by Capt. Doug. A must do for photographers, you never know what you might see. 9am-1pm. 910-338-3134.

28th Annual Carolina Beach Music Festival

June 1

Shagger's and beach music lovers, come dance barefoot on the strand or just sway to the beat. Enjoy a full day of live entertainment with the best beach music bands in the South. Shag competition. Gates open at 10:30am. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. 910-458-8434. pleasureislandnc.org

Shop Hop

June 6

Featuring nine boutiques in downtown Wilmington, offering ladies exclusive deals and first dibs on new fashion styles. 5-9pm. 910-763-7349. shopdowntownwilmington.com

Thalian Association Children's Theater Presents: Les Miserables

June 7 - 9

Designed to give children and young adults a chance to perform as well as learn and grow in the medium of performing arts. Performing Les Miserables, the beloved, heartfelt Broadway musical based on Victor Hugo's novel adapted for young performers. The opening performance Friday night will include a gala before the show. Friday gala starts 6pm, Saturday 7pm, Sunday 3pm. $15 Saturday, $12 Sunday. 910-262-0470. thalian.org

Free Movies at the Lake: The Odd Life of Timothy Green

June 9

An inspiring and magical story about a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green, who can't wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life's greatest gifts. 8:45pm. 910-458-8434. pleasureislandnc.org

Kure Beach Double Sprint Triathlon

June 15

Don't miss this annual event, now in its 17th year. Competitors start out with a 375 meter ocean swim followed by a 1.5 mile run, then complete a 20K cycle, 1.5 mile run, and once again into the ocean for another 375 meter ocean swim. Come on out to compete or cheer on athletes. 7am. Prices vary. 910-458-8216. its-go-time.com/kure-beach-double-sprint-tri-june-15

Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast

June 27

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. pleasureislandnc.org

North Carolina 4th of July Festival

June 29 - 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