Wilmington NC Events Sept-Oct 2013

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

Friday Morning Birding Tours

Sept 1 - Sept 13

Join the Audubon North Carolina naturalists on a free guided tour of this fascinating sanctuary every Friday morning where you can get close-up looks at nesting birds and chicks. Coastal birds are scrappy survivors that combat extreme temperatures, unpredictable weather, and predators to successfully raise their young so get ready to see these birds in action. Wrightsville Beach Public Access 43. 9-10am. 910-686-7527.

 Impressions of the Lower Cape Fear

Sept 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

 Riverfront Farmers' Market

Sept 1 - Dec 21

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

 Well Suited-The Costumes of Alonzo Wilson for HBO's Treme

Sept 1 - Nov 3

View the exhibition of Wilmington native Alonzo Wilson, creator of the incredible costumes for the award-winning HBO series Treme. This exhibit will be full of fine, hand-sewn beadwork, archival-quality costume technique and brilliantly colored feathers. The exhibition includes exquisitely crafted Mardi Gras Indian suits specially made for Treme. Additionally, Mardi Gras costumes from select characters, as well as design sketches will be on view. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum.com

 Historic Wilmington Walking Tour

Sept 1 - Oct 12

Step back in time with these historic home tours! The Historic Wilmington Foundation is offering two ongoing tours this summer from now- October 12 on Saturdays and select Wednesdays in June and August. The Streetcar Suburbs Tour will focus on Wilmington's first two suburbs, Carolina Place and Carolina Heights and the development of these historic neighborhoods, while the Forest Hills Tour will showcase the architectural and cultural history of the neighborhood. The Streetcar Suburbs Tour will meet at the Coastal Shopping Center at 17th St. and Market St. and the Forest Hills Tour will meet at the Forest Hills Elementary School at 602 Colonial Dr. 10am. 910-762-2511. historicwilmington.org

 Diane Landry: The Cadence of All Things

Sept 1 - Jan 12

Cameron Art Museum celebrates the work of Diane Landry in her new exhibition Diane Landry: The Cadence of All Things. Diane Landry is one of Canada's foremost installation artists, her work is exhibited throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. The artist employs everyday objects, sound, light and shadow in her evocative constructions. Her inspiration is the rhythms of the world. Cadence includes work created between 1992 and 2013 and the exhibition catalog will be available as part of the Landry exhibition. Times vary. 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum.com

 Downtown Wilmington Artwalk

Sept 7

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

The Legends Tennis Tournament

Sept 13-15The Country Club of Landfall is once again excited to host the Landfall Legends of Tennis. Come out for a fun weekend of tennis with some of the greatest players of our time, including: Monica Seles, Jimmy Arias, Luke Jensen, and Renae Stubbs. The tournament benefits The Miracle League of Wilmington, the Make-A-Wish foundation, and the UNCW Tennis Program. 910-256-7625. landfalllegends.com

 Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

Sept 13 - 15

The Thalian Association Children's Theatre presents to you the timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale! The Enchanted Edition is an adaptation for the stage based on the 1997 television revival of this story with the charm and elegance of Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. This version, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, is sure to make children and adults alike smile. Times vary. 910-341-7860. thalian.org

 Airlie Gardens Concert Series Presents: The Imitations

Sept 20

Bring your chairs or blankets to sit on (picnic baskets are welcome) and enjoy an evening outdoors as the music fills the gardens. The Imitations are a beach, soul and rock & roll band from Wilmington. 6-8pm. 910-798-7700. airliegardens.org/events

 10th Annual Secret Garden Tour

Sept 20 - 21

Tour will feature 10 lovely gardens and homes located in the Wilmington Historic District. These "hidden gardens" complement beautiful homes that exemplify Old Wilmington charm. Visitors can tour elegantly manicured gardens. All proceeds will benefit the 1852 Latimer House Museum and Gardens. 10am-4pm. $15. 910-762-0492. hslcf.org

 Cape Fear Classic

Sept 21

Enjoy a weekend of football and fun as college football returns to Wilmington with the inaugural game between the Shaw University Bears and the UNC-Pembroke Braves. Legion Stadium, 1pm. 910-795-5853. capefearclassic.com

 YMCA Triathlon

Sept 21

The biggest race in the Inside-Out Sports North Carolina Triathlon Series and the largest single distance one day event, this is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event and consists of a 1500m swim, a 12 mile bike and a 5k run in Wrightsville Beach. 7am. 910-251-9622. setupevents.com

 Wilmington Fall Wine & Beer Walk

Sept 28

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. coolwilmington.com

 16th Annual Pink Ribbon

Oct 3

Luncheon features an exclusive purse auction with author Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author, whose first book Something Borrowed, was also reproduced as a film. Proceeds provide funding for local women without health insurance to receive mammography screenings. Wilmington Convention Center, 11am. 910-815-5042. nhrmcfoundation.org.

 Riverfest

Oct 4 - 6

Wilmington's Riverfest has about 200 craft and food vendors plus fireworks, entertainment on two stages, the Great Waiters Wine Race, Run the River 8K Race, various exhibits and a children's area. Additional Riverfest activities include a Stand Up Paddleboard Competition and the Invaision of Pirates. Times vary. 910-452-6862. wilmingtonriverfest.com

ACS Fall Home Show

Oct 4 - 6

Event designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. Includes hundreds of home improvement and landscaping exhibits with product demonstrations and sample interior and exterior vignettes. A combination of new products and expert advice from the pros. Times vary. Free. 888-560-3976. acshomeshow.com

 Art in the Arboretum

Oct 5 - 6 

 Premier fall art show will have a wealth of art, music and activities to explore and enjoy. Join this two day celebration of art and music with nature at the Arboretum. This showcase will feature many well-known local artist works displayed and for purchase. Artworks on canvas but also will feature potters, wood artist, all sorts of sculptures, outdoor art and basket weavers. The gardens will be alive with artist demonstrations as well as live music provided by local musicians so don't miss out on this truly unique event. Sat 10-4pm, Sun 12-4pm. 6206 Oleander Drive, 910-409-4064, www.gardeningnhc.org

Taste of Wrightsville Beach

Oct 12

Come enjoy the tasting of Wrightsville Beach restaurants and celebrate the island's diverse and delicious fare with over 28 food, wine and beer tasting booths. Celebrity judges rate the dishes with a "Best in Show" and participants select the "People's Choice". Rock, reggae and R&B sounds by The Blue Tang Bandits. 5-9pm. 910-256-7925. wrightsvillebeachfoundation.org

 Oktoberfest of Wilmington

Oct 18 - 20

The 12th Annual Oktoberfest of Wilmington will be even bigger and better this year. Festivities include a visit from your favorite Oktoberfest mascot, good drinks, and live entertainment from The Harbour Towne Fest Band. Times vary. 910-395-6658. oktoberfestwilmington.com

 Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge

Oct 18 - 20

Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher provides a great island for surf fishing, and it's the perfect venue for hosting this area's premiere land-based fishing tournament. Family-fun, well-organized fishing event that gives anglers a chance at winning great prizes. Headquarters is the old Food Lion parking lot in the Federal Point Shopping Center. 910-452-6378. fishermanspost.com

 5th Annual Salty Paws Festival

Oct 19

Bring your pets, bring your children. Pet contests, pet adoptions, $30 microchipping. Music, food, raffles, and vendors galore. All proceeds benefit animal welfare. Carolina Beach Lake Park, 11am-4:30pm. 910-458-3266. savinganimalsduringdisasters.org

 Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival

Oct 19

Explore the world of hops, grapes and grain. Festival features over 100 craft breweries and wineries. Admission includes entrance to the Festival grounds and a glass to sample with. Don't miss this fun-filled festival of beverages, live music, food vendors, and more. VIP 12pm, general 1-5pm. 910-256-8622. lighthousebeerfestival.com

 Heart Walk

Oct 19

The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s largest single fundraising event across the nation and is a non-competitive, 5K walk with teams from local companies, community groups, and friends and family members of all ages. Walk begins at the UNCW campus. Free. 910-538-9270. www.capefearncheartwalk.org

 Batty Battleship's Halloween Bash

Oct 29

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. Batty Battleship is perfect for the little ones and families! Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. $5. 5:30-8pm. 910-251-5797. battleshipnc.com