CALENDAR OF EVENTS
We’ve included events here that are listed as scheduled, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change. (For programs offered through the Town of Leland, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/townofleland/ to register online or register in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way).
May 29-31
Juried Art Exhibit and Sale
The Art League of Leland’s (ALL) It’s ALL Art 6th Annual Juried Exhibition and Sale will be held at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. Show dates and times are 10 am to 6 pm on May 29, and 10 am to 4 pm on May 30-31. Free admission and parking.
June 3-25
Art Exhibit at the Leland Cultural Arts Center
This month, the gallery features Marybeth Bradbury, who creates colorful contemporary paintings. Her works will be on display during the Center’s regular hours. Meet the artist at a reception on June 5, from 6-8 pm at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland.
June 6 (and June 27)
Green Sweeps — Leland
Volunteers help staff spruce up the parks, 9-11 am. June 6 will be Westgate Nature Park and June 27 will be at Cypress Cove Park.
June 7
Food Truck Rodeo — Belville’s Riverwalk Park
The third-annual rodeo is 11 am to 4 pm at Riverwalk park, 584 River Road SE. The day will feature great food from all sorts of food trucks and live music from School of Rock, a beer garden, a dunk tank, inflatables and games for kids, and craft vendors.
June 7
Art Around Town — Leland
The June session of the Town of Leland’s Art Around Town program features tie-dying at Brunswick Beer and Cider, 1313 S. Dickinson Dr, Leland. Participants are encouraged to bring their own t-shirt or garment to dye, or they may choose from a selection of provided items. The program is noon to 3 pm, and registration is not required.
June 7
Dosher Cookout
Enjoy a summer cookout at the front entrance of Dosher Hospital, at 924 N. Howe St. from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. All are welcome to join Dosher staff, Trustees, Volunteers, and hospital leaders for the celebration, which will include a cookout lunch, dessert, and music. Pre-registration is appreciated; visit Dosher.org/birthday, or call 910-457-3900.
June 12
Cape Fear Civil Round Table – Wilmington
This month’s meeting features a presentation by Dr. Angela Zombek, Ph.D., associate professor of history at UNCW. Dr. Zombek, an expert on the prisoner of war experience in the Civil War, will talk about the strategic Union outpost of Fort Jefferson, the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, located on the remote island Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the program starts at 7 pm. The meeting will be held in Elebash Hall at the rear of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1219 Forest Hills Drive in Wilmington. The church parking lot and entrance to the meeting room is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard.
June 14
Youth Fishing Day — Belville
Children ages 6-15 can enjoy a morning of fishing at Belville Riverwalk Joseph A. Breault Fishing Pier, 584 River Road SE. The event is 7 am to noon, with three times slots available. Registration with the Town of Belville is required.
June 14
Hurricane Expo — Leland
The Town of Leland hosts this annual expo to help residents prepare for storm season. Visit with Town personnel and area partner agencies to learn what to do before, during, and after a storm. The expo is 10 am to 2 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
June 14
Electronics Recycling — Seaside
Take old electronics (and their batteries and cords, but no light bulbs) to a recycling collection at Seaside Methodist Church, 1300 Seaside Road SW, Sunset Beach. The event is free and there will be volunteers on site to help unload your vehicle. Electronics will be accepted starting at 9:30 am until 11 am or until the truck is full, whichever comes first.
June 14-15
Frying Pan Tower Dash — Cape Fear Yacht Club
The Dash is an open Regatta, for Self-Righting Boats 20’ and up. This is an overnight race starting in the Cape Fear River Channel past Bald Head between 6 and 6:30 pm on Saturday, June 14, and the time limit to complete the race expires at noon on Sunday. Visit https://www.capefearyachtclub.com/regattas for more information.
June 19
Elevating Access Golf Tournament
The Ocean Isle Museum Foundation is hosting this fundraiser which will benefit efforts to improve access to some areas of the Museum of Coastal Carolina. The tournament is at Ocean Ridge’s Tiger’s Eye golf course, 8 am to 1 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/event/elevating-access-golf-classic/ to register or find other ways to support the event.
June 20
Teens Night Out — LCAC
Teens ages 13-17 can enjoy a night of music, play games or make a project in one of the art studios at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. The event is 7-9 pm, and the cost is $5.
June 21
Make Music Day & Solstice festival
The Brunswick Arts Council hosts this annual festival, held this year at the Ocean Isle Beach Park, 6483 Old Georgetown Road SW. The festival features seven musical groups, an open mic from 3-6 pm, food, and arts and crafts vendors. The festivities are 10 am to 8 pm.
June 21
Swing Dance
No experience needed for this fun night of dance! Instructors will lead a group lesson, followed by open dance. The dance is 7-10 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center 1212 Magnolia Village Way. This is a free event.
June 21
Luau Dance — Oak Island
Everyone loves a summer luau, and this event at the Oak Island Recreation Center will be a fun afternoon filled with dancing, finger foods and even a photo booth. The dance is 3-5 at the Rec Center, 303 E. Oak Island Drive. The cost is $20/couple for residents and $25/couple for non-residents.
June 28-29
Sea Notes Choral Society Concert
The Sea Notes present “A Tribute to ALL Our Heroes,” at Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College, 150 College Road NW, Bolivia. Performances are free, and begin at 3 pm both days. For more information about the Sea Notes, visit sea-notes.com.
July 1
Beach Bash — Ocean Isle Beach
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach and the Museum of Coastal Carolina are hosting this beach party for all ages at Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St. The party is 10 am to noon, and will include activities, crafts, music photo ops, and more.
Summer Activities and Events
June 4 (and Wednesdays through August 6)
Story Time by the Sea – Oak Island
Children ages 12 and younger can enjoy a coastal-themed story and make a craft project to take home; the weekly event (except for July 2) is at the cabana, at the corner of E. Beach Drive and SE 46th Street, from 10-11 am. The program is free, but registration is required.
June 5 (and Thursdays through June)
Kids Events in Mulberry Park
123 Mulberry St., Shallotte
Events start at 10 am, and June 5 is time with the police and fire departments (a limited number of free bicycle helmets will be available for free), June 12 is Character Day, June 19 is Arts & Crafts Day and June 26 is Nature Day, including a change to meet Shally, the Town mascot
Kids Activities in Ocean Isle Beach
Town Center Park
11 E. 2nd St.
Art in the Park — craft making is at 10 am (through June 24 and July 8-Aug 12). On Wednesdays (except July 3), kids can go on a Scavenger Hunt from 10-10:30 am (registration is required; visit https://www.oibgov.com/)
Holden Beach Turtle patrol
Turtle program volunteers will lead Turtle Talk on Wednesdays, starting June 18. The programs at 7 pm at Holden Beach Chapel, 107 Rothchild Street. Children’s Turtle Time (for children ages 3 through 6, who are accompanied by an adult) is on Wednesdays at 4 pm.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Boiling Spring Lakes Concerts in the Park
Spring Lake Park, 210 Pine Road (6-8 pm)
May 30 — A Class Act Band
June 13 — Hoods Creek
June 27 — The Chance Union Band
July 11 — The Doorsmen
July 18 — Lunar Tide Band
Aug 1 — The Band Whiplash
Calabash Summer Concerts
Calabash Town Park, 868 Persimmon Road SW (6-8:30 pm)
June 3 — Band of Oz
June 17 — Chocolate Chip & Company
June 24 — Too Much Sylvia
July 1 — The Extraordinaires
July 15 — Thomas Road Band
July 22 — The Main Event Band
July 29 — J.B. and the Get Down Browns
Aug 5 — The Tonez
Oak Island Summer Concerts
Middleton Park Fields, Dolphin Drive and SE 46th Street (6:30-8:30 pm)
May 30 — Christine Martinez Band
June 6 — Jim Quick & Coastline
June 13 — Hwy 17 Band
June 20 — Too Much Sylvia
June 27 — Julio & The Saltines
July 1 (Beach Day, 6-9 pm) — Chairman of the Board featuring Ken Knox
July 11 — The Embers featuring Craig Woolard
July 18 — The British Invaders
July 25 — Rivermist
Leland Cultural Arts Center
1212 Magnolia Village Way
June 5 — Phantom Playboys 6-8 pm, $15)
June 21 — Brunswick Band, 7-9 pm — a free evening of swing and big band music
Moonlight Movies (7:30 pm)
Ocean Isle Beach, Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St.
No pets, no glass containers, and no alcohol allowed.
June 4 — “Despicable Me 3”
June 11 — “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania”
June 18 — “A Dog’s Way Home”
June 25 — “Under the Boardwalk”
July 2 — “Playmobil: The Movie”
July 9 — “Th Pirates! Band of Misfits”
July 16 — “Surf’s Up”
July 23 — “The Tiger’s Apprentice”
July 30 — “Planet 51”
Peggy Hughes Summer Concert Series
Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach
June 6 — Christine Martinez Band
June 13 — the Entertainers
June 20 — The Tonez
June 27 — Blackwater Band
June 3 (Monday) — The Extraordinaires
July 11 — The Catalinas
July 18 — Chocolate Chip & Company
July 25 — Too Much Sylvia
Southport Summer Concerts
Franklin Square Park
May 29–Back Porch Rockers
June 5 –CMB
June 12 — Rev and the Flying Flamingos
June 19 — Double Cherry Pie a la Mode
June 26 — Sandy Branch Band
July 10 –River Sound
July 17 — Rock the Dock
July 24 — The Doorsmen
July 31 — Deep Creek Soul
Movies on the Lawn – Southport
Garrison Lawn
203 E. Bay Street
July 13 — “Mufasa” — movie begins at dusk
Sound Waves
Concerts at Sunset Beach Town Park
206 Sunset Blvd. North (6-8 pm)
June 4 — Rivermist
June 11 — Mercenaries Band
June 18 — Chocolate Chip & Co.
June 25 — The Switch
July 2 — The Extraordinaires
July 9 — Band on Fire
July 16 — Devin Dove Band
July 23 — The Entertainers
July 30 — JB & The Get Down Browns
Shallotte Summer Concerts
Mulberry Park, 123 Mulberry St.
July 3 — The Catalinas
July 10 — Too Much Sylvia
July 17 — Chocolate Chip & Company
July 24 — The Tonez
Sunset Beach Pier
101 W. Main St. (6-8 pm)
May 30 — The Mac Daddys
June 5 — Backline
June 12 — Trublmkrz
June 19 — John Toppings – Desperado
June 16 — Sun & Sea Band
June 18 — Chocolate Chip & Company
Holden Beach Summer Concert Series
Bridgeview Park (6:30-8 pm)
May 25 — The embers Feat Craig Woolard
June 1 — Too Much Sylvia
June 8 — Carolina Kool
June 15 — Gary Lowder & Smoking Hot
June 29 —The Extraordinaires
July 6 — The Tams
July 13 — Jim Quick and Coastline
July 20 — The Sand Band
July 27 — Continental Divide
Odell WIlliamson Auditorum
Brunswick Community College
150 College Road NW, Bolivia
June 10 — Big Daddy Weave – Let It Begin Tour
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
701 N. Third St., Wilmington
June 1 — City Ballet presents “The Sleeping Beauty”
June 4 — Ledisi with special guest Marsha Ambrosius
June 15 — Wynonna Judd
June 21-25 — Leanne Morgan
June 28 — Gladys Knight
July 2 — Stars and Stripes by the North Carolina Symphony
July 8 — Diana Krall
July 12 — “Jaws” the movie in concert with The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra
Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington
June 19 – July 6 — the Opera House Theatre Company presents “Hairspray”
June 27-29 — The Performance Club Theatre Company performs “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”
Check https://www.thalianhall.org/calendar for more information.
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington
June 6 — Charles Wesley Godwin
June 18 — Ziggy Alberts
June 20 — Collie Buddz
June 28 — Big Something
July 6 — Steel Pulse
July 12 — Shakey Graves: And the War Came – 10th Anniversary Tour
Visit greenfieldlakeamphitear.com for more information.
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10 Cowan St., Wilmington
June 8 — Dispatch with John Butler
June 11 — The Black Keys
June 13 — Riley Green
June 14 — Slightly Stoopid
June 15 — Glass Animals
June 17 — Goose
June 19 — Dwight Yoakam
June 20 — Rainbow Kitten Surprise
June 27 — Parker McCollum
July 6 — Gary Clark Jr.
Open Air Markets
Sunset Beach Town Park
206 Sunset Blvd North
The Market is held from 9 am to 1 pm on Thursdays at the park (on the mainland by the bridge).
Belville Riverwalk Farmers Market
Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road, Belville
Shop for produce, ice cream, and fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River. Hours are Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; and Sundays 11 am to 3 pm, except ice cream is available every day.
Mulberry Market — Shallotte
Shop for arts, crafts, and more at Shallotte’s Market, 9 am to 1 pm at Mulberry Park, 123 Mulberry Street. Upcoming dates are June 7 and 21.
Southport Summer Market
Waterfront Park, E. Bay Street
The summer market runs Wednesdays through August (except the week of July 4). The market’s hours are 10 am to 4 pm, weather permitting.
Oak Island Farmers & Artisans Market
Shop for produce, baked goods and arts and crafts at this Monday market, 8 am to 1 pm at the Middleton Park Fields, at the intersection of E. Dolphin Drive and SE 46th Street.
Ocean Isle Beach Summer Market Series
5 West 3rd St.
This summer market is on Tuesdays, from 9 am to 1 pm. The market will run through August 26.
One Love Market
9887 Oak Street, Calabash
Markets are held on Wednesdays through August 6, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, featuring music, crafts, artwork, jewelry, fruits, flowers, local flowers and photography. This market is a non-profit, benefitting local rescue and aid agencies for humans and all kinds of animals.
Barn & Beach Designs
4880 Old Long Beach Road
This eclectic market is open June 14, 9 am to 3 pm, and there will be music and food on site too!
4th Friday Art Market
Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.
Ongoing Events
Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island
The Libraries are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am – 6 pm; and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. The Once More used bookstore, at Southport Realty (727 N. Howe St.), with new-to-you books, is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. Visit https://folsoi.org/blog/ for information on summer youth programs.
Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Call 910-278-4283 for details on children’s story time and other programs. The Lifelong Learners Group meets at 10 am on Thursdays. Other programs offered at the library include chair yoga, one-on-one tech support on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, and more.
Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St., Southport: Call 910-457-6237 to register for programs. One-on-one tech support is offered on Thursdays, 1-3 pm.
NC Maritime Museums – Southport
204 E. Moore St.
Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. Anchors Aweigh, a drop-in children’s program, is offered 11 am to 3 pm on Wednesdays, starting June 11. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.
Historic Bike Tours in Southport
Tour historic Southport on bike with the Adventure Kayak Company, Inc. Tours can be for parties of four or more. Call 910-454-0607 or visit www.theadventurecompany.net.
Oak Island Recreation Department
Join the Striders Club at various locations and dates/times to get out and about with a group or try your hand at art with a new class. There are book clubs, kayak tours in the Davis Canal, surf fishing lessons, and much more. Visit https://parksrec.egov.basgov.com/oakislandnc for details on programs.
Franklin Square Art Gallery
The Gallery is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday and can be found at 130 E. West St., next to Franklin Square Park. The summer art show is on exhibit June 23-July 19. The summer lectures are 3-5 pm, with American Masters covered on June 4 and The Body In Art: Humanness, Abstraction and Identity on June 18.
First Friday Gallery Walk — Southport
The First Friday Gallery Walk is 5-7 pm in Southport at participating galleries, such as Lantana’s, The Rickey Evans Gallery, the Franklin Square Art Gallery, Artisans on Howe and Southport Studio Artists. Stroll along, or jump on the trolley, browse in the shops, and see what local artists have to offer.
Bingo at the Elks Lodge — Oak Island
Bingo games are on the second and fourth Tuesdays at the Lodge, 106 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. Games are open to the public; no one under 16 and no outside food or drinks allowed. Doors open to the public at 5:45 pm with games starting at 6:30 pm. Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash or checks only). Winner takes all coverall.
Battleship North Carolina — near Leland
Tour the USS NORTH CAROLINA and participate in group programs and special programming throughout the year, such as a Memorial Day observance at 10 am (weather permitting), Museum Ships Weekend with the Azalea Coast Radio Club (June 7-8), and more. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
8884 St. Philips Rd. SE, Winnabow
There is plenty to do and see, with a museum, historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
Museum of Coastal Carolina
21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach
The Museum is open Mondays through Fridays, 10 am to 4 pm (Until 7 pm Tuesday and Thursday)and Sundays from noon until 4 pm. Sandbar lectures every Tuesday at 6 pm. Snakes Alive, Thursdays at 6 pm. The touch tank is open Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays, 11 am to noon.
Ingram Planetarium
7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach
The Planetarium is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows are on Thursdays through Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule.
Leland Library
487 Village Road NE
Baby storytime is at 10 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Pre-K and older storytime is at 11 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation
Check out https://www.townofleland.com/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources for more information on classes and programs, including starting an art journal, pottery, gardening, writing creative nonfiction, acting, dance and more.
Wilmington River Tours
212 S. Water St., Wilmington
Tour the beautiful Cape Fear River and learn more about the area’s history and ecology. Sunset cruises include acoustic music Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.
Art League of Leland (ALL) at the Leland Cultural Arts Center
The group welcomes artists of all kinds and meets monthly (except in summer months) 4-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
