Wilmington NC Events Sept-Oct 2014

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

Riverfront Farmers’ Market

Sept. 1 – Nov. 22

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

Black River Nature Cruises

Sept. 3 & 17, Oct. 8 & 22

Enjoy a 4-hour relaxing getaway on Wilmington’s original Black River Nature Cruise. Just minutes after leaving the dock, guests will experience a river that appears almost as it did to the early explorers. Narrated by Coastal Ecologist and author Andy Woods. Miles of scenic wilderness is a photographers’ and bird watchers’ paradise. Refreshments provided. Purchase tickets in advance. Boarding at the USS NC Battleship Memorial. 910-343-1611. cfrboats.com

Wilmington’s Epicurean Evening

Sept. 4

Relish this amazing event with a gourmet competition theme. Wilmington’s Epicurean Evening brings together 32 of the area’s most talented and innovative chefs for an evening of edible pleasure, a culinary extravaganza to benefit the children and families served by Methodist Home for Children. As a guest, you will taste dishes as our epicureans bring their best to the table for awards and bragging rights! 5:30-9:30pm. 910-471-6088. mhfc.org 

Into the Woods

Sept. 5-7

This funny and delightful Tony-award winning musical is divided into two very different acts. Act One is traditional, but as intermission approaches, all wishes have been granted and happily ever after is at hand. Act Two, however, deals with what happens after happily ever after, the consequences that traditional fairy tales ignore and the responsibilities that come with getting what you want. Together both acts create an unforgettable show that brings new meaning to the stories we tell our children. 910-632-2241. thalianhall.org

Historic Wilmington Walking Tour

Sept. 6 – Nov.1

Discover Wilmington and its rich architectural history during the second year of neighborhood walking tours. The Forest Hills and Streetcar Suburbs tours are every Saturday at 10 am through November 1. The tours showcase the architectural, social, and cultural history of the two neighborhoods. The Streetcar Suburbs tour tells the story of Wilmington’s first two suburbs, Carolina Place and Carolina Heights, and their restoration and renewal. Forest Hills developed outside the city limits and was the first automobile-oriented suburb. The tours cost $10 (students $5) and last approximately 1.5 hours. Wear comfortable walking shoes. 910-762-2511. historicwilmington.org

Historic Downtown Marketplace

Sept. 7 – Oct. 26

Spend your Sunday strolling through the Historic Downtown Marketplace and enjoying the breeze from the Cape Fear River as the Riverfront Park vendors lend character to the downtown experience. This weekly Marketplace boasts music, original art, and more, so don't miss out! 10am-3pm. 910-254-0907. wilmingtondowntown.com/event/historic-downtown-marketplace1

Cape Fear Arts in Motion: Quartets, Pirouettes, and Silhouettes

September 12-13

A collaborative arts event, Forward Motion Dance Company’s annual show will shine with three performances showcasing the talents of choreographer Tracey Varga, and local music, dance, and visual artists. Expect an inspired and exciting evening of music, film, visual arts, and modern, contemporary and jazz dance. Tickets are $20 general admission. 910-341-7860. forwardmotiondance.com

Fourth Friday Gallery Walk

Sept. 26 & Oct. 24

Fourth Friday Gallery Nights are a free monthly event where downtown galleries and studios open their doors to the public in an after-hours celebration of art and culture. Taking place from 6-9 pm on the fourth Friday of each month, the art walk is a self-guided tour featuring exhibitions of various artistic genres including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, metals, ceramics, mixed media and more. Maps are available at all participating locations. 910-343-8997. Artscouncilofwilmington.org

World War II: A Local Artist’s Perspective

Exhibit runs through early 2015

In 1942, Wilmington-born artist Henry Jay MacMillan was inducted into the United States Army. As a soldier, MacMillan painted scenes of war-torn Europe while serving with the 62nd Engineer Topographic Company attached to the XIX Corps. His images of the people and places he saw while overseas are a fascinating window into one man’s war experiences. On exhibit for one year, visitors will be able to view his Normandy, France, watercolors as well as artifacts associated with his wartime service. 910-798-4350. capefearmuseum.com

Jazz at the Mansion Concert Series Presents Liz Pina with The Frog Project

Sept. 11

These Wilmington area jazz favorites will present a very special conclusion to the highly successful season of the Jazz at the Mansion concert series. Liz will perform the standards of her work inspired by great jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Cleo Laine and others. She will be backed with vibrant spontaneity by Cape Fear's highly regarded FROG Project, comprised of Kevin Kolb on keys, Ryan Woodall on bass, Troy Pierce on drums, and Teddy Burgh on reeds. Feel free to bring snacks, chairs and blankets to sit on the lawn, beer and wine will be for sale at the performance. Kids are welcome to join in the fun so bring the whole family! 910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org

Airlie Gardens Concert Series Presents: The 360 Degrees

Sept. 19

Come dance on the Oak Lawn for the last time this concert season and enjoy the great soul, R&B and British invasion rock n' roll from "back in the day." Bring your chairs or blankets to sit on (picnic baskets are welcome too!) and enjoy an evening outdoors as the music fills the gardens. 6-8pm. 910-798-7700. airliegardens.org/events

Oakdale September Walking Tour

Sept. 20

Enjoy this historical walking tour of North Carolina’s oldest rural cemetery given by local historian, Chris Nelson. Mr. Nelson will lead you to the gravesites of firefighters who served in Wilmington’s fire brigades and tell of their heroic service. *Tour cancelled in event of inclement weather. 10am-12pm. 910-762-5682. oakdalecemetery.org

Opening Night for the Wilmington Symphony Masterwork Series

Sept. 20

Come experience opening night for the Wilmington Symphony with Mary Jo White and Christina Brier, featuring Mozart’s delightfully lyrical Concerto for Flute and Harp, then experience the music of a great Dane: Carl Nielson’s dynamic Symphony No. 4, “The Inextinguishable.” 910-791-9262. wilmingtonsymphony.org

Wilmington Fall Wine & Beer Walk

Sept. 27

This fun-filled, self-guided tour of downtown Wilmington bars, nightclubs and eateries will take you on an adventure like no other! Sample 2 wines or 2 beers at ten participating locations while you experience local waterholes that you may already know and some you may have never experienced before. Tickets are available at Etix.com. 

coolwilmington.com

Dreams Annual Gala

Sept. 27

Celebrate with dining, an art gallery, student performances and visual art exhibits, and a live auction to support no-charge classes in the literary, performing and visual arts for area children. $80 per person. 910-772-1501. dreamswilmington.org

Port City Soiree: Event Expo

Sept. 28

This exciting expo will feature exhibits on health, business, education, home, design, fashion, beauty, travel, leisure, and much more. From personal trainers, yoga instructors, photographers, wedding planners, landscapers, and local stylists, we are bringing in everyone you need to get your life the way you want it. Experience a high-quality walk-around grand tasting that features wines, craft beer, and creative cocktail creations. 11:30am-4pm. 910-251-5101. portcitysoiree.com

Invasion of the Pirates 2014

Oct. 3-4

Part of Riverfest 2014, Invasion of the Pirates is a festival within a festival. Friday evening don yer finest pirate attire for some grub and grog, an’ shake yer peg leg to live music on the Riverwalk during the Pirate’s Ball. On Saturday, lads and lassies will enjoy the Pirate Treasure Hunt, complete with a treasure map and lots of booty for pillaging. The whole family will enjoy the Invasion of the Pirates Evening Flotilla on the Cape Fear River. It’s a swashbuckling good time! 910-778-2888. wilmington-docks.com

Riverfest

Oct. 3-5

Celebrate Wilmington's 36th Annual Riverfest! This festival will include over 200 craft and food vendors plus fireworks, entertainment on two stages, the Great Waiters Wine Race, Run the River 8K Race, Riverfest StandUp Paddle Race, various exhibits and a children’s area. Times vary. 910-452-6862. wilmingtonriverfest.com

Residents of Wilmington Back Door Kitchen Tour

Oct. 11

See nine beautifully featured kitchens in Wilmington’s famed Historic District. The self-guided southern-hospitality walking tour offers the opportunity to visit each exciting home in any order and at your own pace. 11am-5pm. 910-632-0008. rowilmington.org

Downtown Wilmington Artwalk

Oct. 15-19

As a part of ARTBlast 2014, come walk the streets of Wilmington to view different types of artwork and mediums for FREE at Wilmington's largest outdoor art show. Artists’ wares will be available for sale all day long, so don't miss your chance to pick up these one-of-a-kind local pieces! 10am-5pm. coolwilmington.com

Poplar Grove Halloween Festival

Oct. 17-19, Oct. 24-26

Bring the entire family for food, fun, bouncy houses, fortune-teller readings, a petting zoo, camel rides and other much-loved favorites. Make sure to enter the costume contest on October 25 at 7pm to show off your best outfit! Beware: the later you come, the more courage you'll need to survive the night! Times vary. 910-686-9518, ext. 106. poplargrove.org.halloween-festival

Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival

Oct. 18

Explore the world of hops, grapes and grain at the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival featuring over 100 craft breweries and wineries. Admission includes entrance to the Lighthouse Beer Festival grounds, a glass to sample with, and more beer and wine than you can taste in one day. Don't miss this fun-filled festival of beverages, live music, food vendors, and more! For the true beer fans, be sure to check out the Varacious Craft Beer Tasting to kick-off the weekend! There will be a free shuttle service to the greater Wilmington area after the festival. VIP 12pm, general 1-5pm. 910-256-8622. lighthousebeerfestival.com

PPD Beach2Battleship Iron Distance Triathlon

Oct. 25

This internationally-recognized iron distance and half iron distance triathlon hosts competitors from around the country and world who travel to Wilmington to enjoy everything this unique waterfront destination has to offer and to experience a competition Triathlete Magazine named as one of the Top 5 Iron Distance Triathlons in the World. beach2battleship.com

Batty Battleship’s Halloween Bash

Oct. 28

Bring your little ghouls and goblins to the Battleship to go trick-or-treating! Fun games, activities, henna tattoos & storytelling is all part of the Halloween fun. Enjoy a petting zoo, sweets & treats and don't forget to wear your costume! Batty Battleship is perfect for the little ones and families so bring your camera! 5:30-8pm. 910-251-5797. battleshipnc.com