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.
July 3-4 – Join historians Musette Steck and Bob Surridge as they conduct a fascinating tour of Southport and North Carolina’s history preserved in the Old Smithville Burying Grounds. The Smithville Burial Grounds are located at 401 E. Moore Street (corner of E. Moore Street and E. Nash Street) in Southport. July 3 at 10 am and 2 pm, and 2 pm on July 4. No registration required.
July 4
Book signing at the Oak Island Senior Center
Author Alley Robinson will be signing copies of her book “Season of the Turtle,” at the Center, 5918 E. Oak Island Drive. The book signing is part of the Christmas in July event July 9-10.
July 7
VFW hosts Blood Drive
The Leland Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12196 is holding a blood drive for the Eastern North Carolina Region of the American Red Cross at the Brunswick Center of Leland, 121 Town Hall Drive in Leland. The blood drive is from 1-5:30 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. To make an appointment to donate blood, visit www.redcross.org.
July 11
Bastille Day — Silver Coast Winery Tasting Room
Celebrate Bastille Day with a five-course and wine pairing luncheon at 1 pm, 105 S. Howe Street. Seating is limited so call 910-442-9002 for reservations; the cost is $45 per person, including taxes and gratuity.
Tuesday, July 13
Second Tuesday Talk— “Save the Hall, Y’all” Back to the future.
Bob Surridge and John Keiffer present during this Tuesday Talk and take us back to the past to help us see our future. In the mid-1850s, the people of Brunswick County built a brand spanking new brick two-story courthouse building. Located in the heart of downtown Southport, the building was the Brunswick County Courthouse, and later, others knew it as Southport City Hall, and even later it served as Southport’s police station. Bob Surridge from the Southport Historical Society will cover the past and John Keiffer from Up Your Arts will follow with the future plans to “Save the Hall” and repurpose the building as a Community Center for the Performing Arts. This 1 pm talk is via Zoom; visit https://www.southporthistoricalsociety.org for details.
July 14
Paint Between the Wines- Uncorked by the Sea
Paint a pelican with artist Cara Merritt, and enjoy a glass of wine, snacks and social time with friends. Space is limited, so register ahead of time; call 910-454-0633. All supplies will be provided.
July 15
Art History Lecture — Franklin Square Art Gallery
History professor Hank Steffens lectures on Manet and Degas, painters of modern life. The lecture is 2:30-4 pm at the Gallery, 130 E.West Street in Southport. The cost is $10, and admission to the Gallery is free.
July 15
Sea Turtles 911 — Oak Island Beach Preservation Society Inc.
The Society has teamed up with folks at the Fort Fisher Aquarium to bring a series of nature programs to Oak Island, and July’s session is all about sea turtles. This free program is at 2 pm at the Center, 3003 E. Oak Island Drive.
July 23
Summer Thunder — A Nighttime Cannon Firing
Have a blast this summer at one of the nighttime cannon firings at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 12 and younger. Gates open at 7:30 pm at the site, 8884 St. Philips Road SE, Winnabow. There will be one other chance to catch this event this summer, on August 27.
July 27
Southport’s Colorful History
The Historical Society’s popular Southport’s Colorful History program is returning, and this time in person! Local guest speakers will discuss the history of iconic Southport landmarks. Participants are welcome to color along in one of two coloring books created by local artist Patt Carney. Coloring is optional – you’re welcome to come just to hear the history! Coloring books available online at the Southport Historical Society website. A limited number will be available at the lecture. This free event will be at 1 pm at the Indian Trail Meeting Hall, 113 W. Moore Street. Register at info@southporthistoricalsociety.org.
July 27
Korean War Veterans Breakfast
The Leland Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12196 is hosting a breakfast to honor Korean War Veterans. The breakfast will be at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. All those who served in “The Forgotten War” are to be specially recognized and honored at that time. July 27 marks the signing of the Armistice ending hostilities in 1953. The Armistice was to ensure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Korea until a final peaceful settlement is achieved, according to a release from the VFW. This event is open to any Korean War Veteran and a guest, and it will feature speakers and the opportunity to meet other veterans from the area. A coffee social will start at 8 am, followed by the program. RSVP by July 20 or request additional information via email to vfwpost12196@gmail.com.
Ongoing Events
Oak Island Farmers and Artisans Market — Mondays
Enjoy ocean breezes and find fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more. The market runs from 8 am to1 pm on Mondays through the season at the Middleton Park Fields, SE 46th and Dolphin Drive.
BSL Neighbors Market — July 10
Shop for produce and plants, wellness items, arts and crafts, and more at this open-air market in Boiling Spring Lakes, next to the Office Coffee and Wine Bar. The market runs from 9 am to 2 pm.
Southport Summer Market — Wednesdays
Browse for local produce, baked goods and arts and crafts amongst the majestic oak trees in Franklin Square Park in Southport. The market runs from 8 am to 1 pm beginning June 2.
Barbee and Harper Libraries (Oak Island and Southport)
The Libraries are open Monday through Friday, 10 am – 5 pm. The children’s summer reading series will have Zoom sessions at 11 am on Tuesdays; register at the library or at www.brunswickcountync.gov/library. Take-home kits for children’s story time and crafts are also available. Call 278-4283 (Barbee branch) or 457-6237 (Harper). Check the Friends of the Library Facebook page for summer reading program stats as the summer progresses!
Riverwalk Farmers Market
Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road, Belville
Fridays 11 am to 6 pm, Saturdays 10 am – 6 pm and Sundays 11 am – 4 pm. Fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, and lots of fresh produce, all with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River.
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow
There is plenty to do and see outside, with 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.
NC Maritime Museums – Southport, 204 E. Moore Street
Hours are 9 am to 5 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Online and hybrid programs are also available, as well as days with reduced volumes and lights; check https://ncmaritimemuseumsouthport.com for details. Salty Dog Saturdays — seafood cooking lessons for adults — are back too.
Brunswick Wellness Coalition
Walk with a Doc on the second Saturday and Health Hacks (nutrition and physical activity tricks) is the second Monday; both events are virtual via Facebook for now.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Southport Summer Concert Series
6-8 pm in Franklin Square Park
July 8 — The Carolina Line Bluegrass Band
July 15 — Christine Martinez Band (Americana)
July 22 — Perfect Blend (easy rock)
July 29 — Luna Sea (rock/soul)
Aug 5 — Salty Dawgs (rock/pop/country/blues)
Oak Island Summer Concert Series
6:30-8:30 pm at the Middleton Park fields, SE 46th and Dolphin Drive
July 1 — Beach Day on Oak Island! — Gary Lowder & Smokin Hot at Middleton Park fields and McGuire Band at the Oak Island Pier (these concerts are 6-9 pm)
July 9 — Chocolate Chip & Company Band (dance music)
July 16 — Amani Smith (Reggae)
July 23 — Too Much Sylvia (beach/variety)
July 30 — Jim Quick & Coastline Band (beach)
Aug 6 — The Sand Band (beach)
Concerts at the Lake — Boiling Spring Lakes
6 pm at Spring Lake — Pine Road
July 23 — The Chance Union Band, with the BSL Fire Department selling food
Movies on the Garrison Lawn — Southport
Bring a blanket, chairs and snacks —movies start at dusk
July 9 — Trolls World Tour
AMERICAN FISH COMPANY
150 Yacht Basin, Southport
July 2 — Southern Child
July 3 — Band on Fire
July 9 — Massive Grass
July 10 — L Shape Lot
July 11 — Hoover & Martinez
July 16 — Jam Sandwich
July 17 — All Starz
July 18 — Salty Dawgs
July 23 — Conspiracy
July 24 — The Feebs
July 25 — Island fever
July 30-31 — Shelby Rae Moore
Aug 1 — Down South Thunder
Southport Tap & Cellar
827 N. Howe Street
July 3 — Music from Little Big House Band (1-3 pm) and The Reflections Band(3-6 pm) and food from Made in Venezualan foodtruck (3-6 pm).
July 25 — Sunday Beer Bingo, 2 pm
WINE, BEER AND COFFEE
Southport Tap & Cellar
827 N. Howe Street
Offering craft beers brought in from across the State. Check Facebook for details about trivia night Thursdays and food truck appearances.
The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Grille
601 Ocean Drive
Good food, a great ocean view and skydiver landings on the beach on Saturday nights. Check Facebook for music and specials.
UNCORKED BY THE SEA WINE SHOP & GALLERY
602 N. Howe Street
Shop for a wide variety of wines and craft beers, call 910-454-0633, or shop online at www.uncorkedbythesea.com. Ask about setting up your own private wine tasting event!
GRAPE & ALE
8521 E. Oak Island Drive
Stocked with your old favorites and new wines to try. Wine tastings Fridays and Saturdays between 11 am and 4 pm. Check www.thegrapeandale.com, or find them on Facebook for daily and weekly specials.
Moore Street Market
130 E. Moore Street, Southport
Coffee, beer and good food, and an outside courtyard and live music too.
SILVER COAST WINERY TASTING ROOM
105 N. Howe Street
Brunswick County’s first and only winery and original Craft Beer Bar. Check Facebook for specials, tasting events, and snack tray offerings.
THE WINE RACK
102 W. Brown St., Southport.
The shop offers wines, cigars, coffees and accessories and a cozy patio area to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy live music.
The Office Coffee and Wine Bar
3280 George II Highway (NC 87), Boiling Spring Lakes
Sit a spell with friends and enjoy a fancy coffee drink, good food, a plain cup of joe or a glass of wine, and grab a bottle for later.
THE PUB OF SOUTHPORT
1513 N. Howe, Unit 10, Southport
Check the Pub’s Facebook page to see the menu and drink specials.
AMERICAN FISH COMPANY
150 Yacht Basin, Southport
Boat watching and amazing views on the Southport waterfront with open mic night on Thursdays.
TIKI TAVERN
104 E. 8th Street, Southport
Seating outdoors, with games, music and open mic nights; check Facebook for details.
The Oasis Bar & Grill
8039 River Road SE
TVs for watching the game, full bar and tasty bar food.