July & August Events 2015

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

CHICAGO: The Musical

Aug 14 - 23

CHICAGO has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you've ever seen. No wonder CHICAGO has been honored with 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations. Make sure not to miss this exciting show at beautiful Thalian Hall. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. $29 per person. 910-632-2285. thalianhall.org

Beachside Music Series

July 1 - Sept 30

Enjoy live music on the sea at the beautiful pier of the Oceanic Restaurant! Every Wednesday and Friday night bands will perform while you experience ocean dining at its best. 6-9pm. 910-256-5551, http://goo.gl/f9cn67

Independence Day Fireworks

July 2

Celebrate Independence Day early with free fireworks and live music by the sea!  Musical entertainment will commence at 6:30pm at the gazebo on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk with Southern Trouble, who will hype up the night with their country and southern rock and keep you celebrating right up to the fantastic fireworks show. The fireworks will begin at 9pm so be sure to arrive early to grab your spot at the gazebo or on the beach.910-458-8434, pleasureislandnc.org

City of Wilmington 4th of July Celebration 

 July 4

The City of Wilmington 4th of July Celebration will feature live entertainment and food vendors in beautiful historic downtown Wilmington from 5-9pm. The fireworks display will begin at 9:05 pm and will be launched from a barge in the Cape Fear River. Spend a night to remember with the whole family at this year’s Independence Day celebrations. 910-341-4602, wilmingtonnc.gov

Cape Fear 7's Rugby Tournament

July 4 - 5

Hidden in this seaside town is one of the most renowned Rugby Tournaments in the country. Cape Fear 7's is one of the nation's largest Summer 7's tournaments. This rugby competition features one of the most competitive premiere divisions and hosts teams from across the country and around the world year in and year. 9am. Ogden Park, 910-264-5277, fear7s.com

Riverfront Farmers' Market

July 4 - Nov 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

Walking Tour of Historic Wilmington

July 4 - Nov 14

Every Saturday the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society conducts a leisurely 1.5 hour walking tour of Historic Downtown Wilmington that leaves from the front porch of the Latimer House. Covering a radius of 12 blocks this tour notes many homes, churches, and other structures of historical and archaeological significance. Associated tales and stories covering their rich history add interest along the way. 10am. 910-762-0492. 

Historic Downtown Wilmington Marketplace 

July 5 - Oct 25 

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. Riverfront Park. 10am-4pm. 910-254-0907, wilmingtondowntown.com

Black River Nature Cruises

July 8

Enjoy a 4-hour relaxing getaway on Wilmington's original Black River Nature Cruise. Narrated by Coastal Ecologist and Author Andy Woods. Experience miles of scenic wilderness that is a photographers' and bird watchers paradise. Refreshments provided. Cape Fear Riverboats. 10am-2pm. 910-343-1611. cfrboats.com

Crazy For You

July 8 - 26

Crazy For You is the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930's playboy whose dream in life is to dance. And despite the serious efforts of his mother and soon-to-be ex-fiancée, Bobby achieves his dream. Memorable Gershwin tunes include I Can't Be Bothered Now, Bidin' My Time, I Got Rhythm, Naughty Baby, They Can't Take That Away from Me, But Not for Me, Embraceable You and Someone to Watch Over Me. It's a high energy comedy which includes mistaken identity, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic tunes so don't miss out. Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts, 910-632-2285. thalianhall.org

East Coast “Got-Em-On” Classic

July 10 - 12

The Annual Pleasure Island King Mackerel fishing tournament is in its 36th year and still pleasing crowds from all over the state! The Captain's meeting will take place July 10 and get ready to fish July 11 & 12. After weigh-in on Sunday enjoy an Awards Ceremony starting at 7pm to celebrate your catches for the weekend. This year's winner in the 23 and Under King division is guaranteed a prize of $3,500. 910-470-1374. gotemonliveclassic.com

O’Neill/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest

July 17 - 19

The O'Neill/ Sweetwater Pro-Am held on Wrightsville Beach has grown into one of the largest surfing contests on the East Coast and attracts surfers from around the world. In all, dozens of amateur surfers and an average of 96 professional surfers from around the world participate in this 3-day event. 8am. 910-256-3821. sweetwatersurfshop.com

Mayfaire's Music on the Town Presents: Groove Fetish

July 17

In the mood for some relaxing reggae mixed with alternative rock? Well then come sway to the sounds of Groove Fetish.  In addition to live music families can enjoy all the goodies and activities put on by this year's sponsors each week.  Just bring a blanket or chairs for comfort and feel free to enjoy one of Mayfaire's 20 eateries before or after the show! Mayfaire's Music on the Town provides something for everyone and runs every Friday until August 7. The series delivers a tremendous line-up of bands appealing to all ages and representing a myriad of musical tastes. 6:30-9:30pm. 910-256-5131. mayfairetown.com

Cape Fear Blues Festival

July 24 - 26

The Cape Fear Blues Festival is a cultural fixture in our region and a rising star throughout the national blues industry. Blues fans can satisfy their soulful cravings during the 20th Annual Festival. This year's impressive lineup includes touring blues artists, noted regional performers, and talented local blues musicians performing in a variety of genres. Wilmington's premier blues music venues - the Rusty Nail Saloon and Ted's Fun on the River - will host the 2015 Cape Fear Blues Festival. The three-day all-blues celebration features live concerts, a blues workshop, an all-day blues jam, and the ever-popular Blues Cruise aboard the Henrietta III riverboat. 910-350-8822. capefearblues.org

Fourth Friday Gallery Walk 

July 24 & Aug 24

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

Boogie in the Park Presents: Overtyme Band

Aug 2

Enjoy your rock and roll favorites with the Overtyme Band who are ready to entertain the whole family!  Bring a lawn chair or blanket and your boogie shoes for some summer fun by the sea at the beautiful Kure Beach Ocean Front Park. Spend your Sunday evenings this summer enjoying free, live music by the sea at the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park! The Town of Kure Beach will be hosting their "Boogie in the Park" series every Sunday from 5pm-7pm, May through October. Sun 5-7pm. 910-458-8216. townofkurebeach.org

EVP Beach Volleyball Tour: Carolina Beach Pro-Am

Aug 8

Come see some of the nation's best volleyball athletes at the EVP Beach Volleyball Tour! Not only will spectators see elite athletes compete on the sand for top honors, they also have the chance to interact with the pros by participating in contests and promotions throughout the day. Registered athletes with pro-teams that finish first will be awarded travel packages to compete in the EVP World Finals of Beach Volleyball in Stockton, CA. Don't miss out on this exciting day in the sand! 8am-6pm. Carolina Beach Boardwalk Access. evptour.com

Jazz at the Mansion Concert Series IV

Aug 13

Enjoy the easy tunes of Benny Hill at Bellamy Mansion's Jazz at the Mansion Concert Series. 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 out the whole family. 6:30-8:30pm. 910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org

Fireworks by the Sea Boardwalk Blast

Aug 13

Have a truly relaxing night and sway to the sweet reggae sounds of Zion at tonight’s performance! Enjoy free fireworks by the sea on the beach near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk at sunset every Thursday night during the summer months! The fireworks will begin at 9pm and the gazebo entertainment begins at 6:30pm. Be sure to arrive early to grab your spot at the gazebo or on the beach. The fireworks and gazebo entertainment are free and open to all, weather permitting. 910-458-8434.

Port City Rib Fest

Aug 14 - 16

Last year, the Fest drew a crowd of over 17,000 people from around the country to taste the nation's best BBQ. Join us this year for even more. Held along the Wilmington riverfront, this festival is a 3-day celebration of great BBQ and music. National BBQ teams from across the country will come to Wilmington to sell their BBQ and compete against each other for bragging rights. Many of these "ribbers" have been featured on several national TV networks including the Food Channel, TLC and the Discovery Channel's "Pitmaster." Don't miss out on this chance to sample some nationally acclaimed southern BBQ. Adjacent to the Battleship North Carolina. 336-707-9188, portcityribfest.com

Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic

Aug 15 - 16

The Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic continues to be a beloved surfing tradition. Returning to the south end of Wrightsville Beach, this forum is for all levels of female surfers; amateur to pro, novice to experienced. Divisions will include: Pro Shortboard and Pro Longboard, open to all ages, and amateur shortboard and longboard, grouped by age. The popular Novice category, open to all ages competing in their First contest, and a new division, Stand Up Paddleboard, as well as the crowd favorite Guppy event, will complete the competition. 8am, 910-465-9638. wrightsvillebeachwahineclassic.com

Landfall Foundation Art Show & Sale

Aug 20 - 22

Come out and see local and regional artists works of art, paintings, sculpture, woodwork.  Cash bar. Events raises funds for local non-profit groups and creates awareness of local artists. Open to the public. Dye Clubhouse. 10am-7pm. 910-520-0919, landfallfoundation.org/artshow.html

SARUS Festival

Aug 20 - 23

Enjoy one of the most unique art festivals in the region featuring all artistic disciplines and projects such as music, dance, theatre and digital arts, installations, sculptures, performance arts, videos, films and so much more! The Festival will give you the most eclectic mix of art, featured in specific locations around town, on the beach, streets, buildings, fields, etc. The cutting edge of this festival will be seeing the correlation between the art and where the art is placed, with meaning in every aspect. Revel in a four-day tour of some of the best works from regional, local and international artists. sarusfestival.weebly.com

Citizen Cope

Aug 26

For one night only, enjoy the sounds of Citizen Cope! Citizen Cope has continually rocked the world with his soul-moving tunes for years always putting an emphasis on giving back. Showcasing his radically mashed-up music from Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, D.C. and NY, his sounds and stories range from everything from southern rural to big sky lonely, concrete urban and painfully romantic. 9pm. Ziggy's by the Sea, 910-769-4096. ziggysbythesea.com 

Last Chance for White Pants Gala

Aug 28

Last Chance for White Pants Gala is the last chance to celebrate summer! Last year, more than 500 guests joined in celebration of the season and in support of our special mission. Your sponsorship of the 2015 Last Chance for White Pants Gala supports Lower Cape Fear Hospice’s services and programs, such as hospice care, palliative care, bereavement services for children and adults, and other services not covered by insurance. This year’s featured band is Altanta’s The Free! The Free is known for its versatility that touches on almost every genre, playing the best of rock, pop, country and R&B. The band performs a mix of songs from artists such as Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Pharell Williams, Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons, Tom Petty and Johnny Cash. Tickets $125. Audi Cape Fear's Showroom. 7pm-midnight. 910-796-8099. hospicewhitepants.org

Lumina Daze

Aug 30

Lumina Daze returns for an evening of fun! This event will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Museum and feature presentations on themes relating to Wrightsville Beach history. Dance the night away to live music and again this year, there will be a Live Auction in addition to the popular Silent Auction. Auction items will include a wide assortment of fine art, services, and specialties from local businesses. 5-9pm. Blockade Runner Resort, 910-256-2569. wbmuseum.com