Events in Leland, NC

Settle into a shared workspace for a no-cost coworking day designed to help you make progress on your to-do list. Complimentary coffee and snacks are provided.

Smart Start offers a free play and learn group for families with children from birth to age 5 at New Hanover County Northeast Branch Library. All families are welcome to participate. The group meets weekly, no advance registration is required, and families can begin attending at any time.

The Wailers present 50 Years of Positive Vibrations, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rastaman Vibration and paying tribute to one of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ landmark albums. The performance centers on standout tracks from Rastaman Vibration alongside enduring classics that bring together audiences across generations.

Belles takes the stage for the Sounds of Freedom Benefit Concert at Brooklyn Arts Center in Wilmington. This fundraiser supports Project SOAR at ACCESS of Wilmington, a program for Veterans with disabilities. Ticket options include general admission at $75 or a VIP experience for $200 that features a meet and greet, assigned seating, beverage tickets, and event swag.

This milestone black tie gala marks ten years at the Plaza on Princess, bringing supporters together for a cocktail hour, dinner, live and silent auctions, music with dancing, and special presentations. The evening honors progress made through collective support and looks ahead to continued community efforts to advance the fight against abuse.

Friday Night Magic comes to life with a Standard Showdown hosted by Cape Fear Games. The format is Standard using Swiss rounds, and entry is $8. Store credit is awarded for each match win, with $5 per win when the event runs three rounds and $4 per win when it runs four. First place takes home a Standard Showdown promo card, and any player who finishes undefeated receives one pack from the most recent Standard set. Only sets that have had a prerelease count as Standard. Entry can be purchased in store, and participants should have a Wizards Eventlink account. Beyond this event, weekly offerings also include Modern, Standard, Commander, and Draft.

Experience a live salute to five decades of Aerosmith hits with Pandora's Box, a tribute act launched in 2015 by Atlanta-based vocalist Nathan Utz and guitarist Steve Taylor. The project grew from their passion for the music and from Utz’s notable resemblance to Steven Tyler, along with similar vocal power, highlighted by a moment when three college students asked him for an autograph believing he was the Aerosmith frontman. The band quickly built momentum with sellout shows across the Southeast, along the East Coast, and as far as Alaska and Hawaii. In 2018 they became Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s top requested headline feature act, bringing their show to international audiences. The set spans the band’s entire catalog, from early standouts like "Dream On," "Sweet Emotion," and "Walk This Way," to MTV-era favorites including "Dude Looks Like a Lady," "Rag Doll," and "Love in an Elevator," and on through the 90s with the group’s first number one single in 1998, "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." At a Pandora's Box show, favorite songs arrive quickly.

Friday Night Magic features a Commander night with games arranged in four player, single elimination pods. Entry is $7 and can be purchased in store. Every participant receives a $5 store credit coin, and the last player standing earns two selections from the promo card library. Players should have a Wizards Eventlink account. Other weekly options include Modern, Standard, Draft, and additional Commander play.

A fixture in Wilmington for 23 years, the Riverfront Farmers Market brings together area growers, food makers, and artisans for a lively open-air shopping experience. Browse produce grown nearby, meats from pasture to plate, fresh eggs, honey from local beekeepers, freshly roasted coffee, chocolates, breads, muffins, cakes, jams, salsas, and more. Alongside the farm goods, discover one-of-a-kind handmade creations from local artisans, with new finds to uncover on each visit. There is no admission charge, and leashed pets are welcome. With thanks to Cumulus Media and Excite Credit Union for their support.

The September Food Pantry provides food distribution at Woodburn Presbyterian Church. Food will be available for pickup during the event hours.

Ogden Park hosts the fifth annual kickball tournament celebrating New Hanover County first responders, with teams from law enforcement, fire, EMS, 911, and emergency management taking the field for friendly competition and community spirit. This year benefits the Cape Fear EMS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports local responders throughout the county.

The Lindsay M Benton Foundation marks its 10th annual volleyball tournament at Capt'n Bill's Backyard Grill & Volleyball Facility, celebrating a decade of honoring Lindsay and supporting organizations connected to her legacy. The event features co-ed teams of four with up to two substitutes and a $100 team entry, plus a full-service restaurant and bar for lunch and refreshments. Raffles include a variety of prizes and a 50/50 drawing, and winners do not need to be present to win. The day welcomes both players and spectators, highlighting fellowship, food, and fun. A Venmo option is planned for those who cannot attend in person. Beneficiaries include Going Beyond the Pink, HonorBridge (Donate Life), the Lindsay M Benton Cheer, Art and Scholarship Fund, and Farm Fest supporting the Special Needs community and Field Day at WCA.

Explore Riverlights while browsing goods from 30 local makers. The community features a variety of established bars and restaurants, and additional coffee and food trucks will be on site. Enjoy live music while checking out a park full of local vendors. Nestled along the Cape Fear River, Riverlights offers a scenic setting for a full day out with the family, including your four legged furry companions.

This sixth annual walk supports survivors of molestation and centers healing, unity, and empowerment. Participants come together at Halyburton Park to walk in solidarity, speak out, and call for change.

Take part in a casual One Piece Trading Card Game tournament that uses the Standard format with Swiss rounds. Admission is $8, and entry is paid in store. Each participant receives an OP Tournament Pack. Store credit is awarded for each match win, with $5 per win when there are three rounds or $4 per win when there are four. Any player who finishes X-0 earns a pack from the most recent Standard set, and first place also receives an OP Winner Pack. A set only qualifies as Standard if it has had a prerelease. A Bandai account is required to participate.

Reverend Horton Heat takes the stage at The Eagle’s Dare as part of the 5th Annual Rocktoberfest. This outdoor show features a sound that mixes rockabilly, 1950s country, surf, punk, big band, and swing, a blend they have developed since 1986. The lineup includes special guest Messer Chups and local support from The Phantom PlayBoys. All ages are welcome.

Explore Wilmington's shadowy past on a tour featuring notorious, strange, and shocking stories of murder, mayhem, and true crime. Hear about espionage in the tense 1940s, murders dating to the city's tumultuous 1840s, and additional chapters that reveal more of its criminal history.

Commanders take the stage in a tournament that lets you choose your pace, with the option of relaxed social pods or high stakes, winner takes all matches. The entry fee is $7. Play runs in four player, single elimination pods. Casual pods provide a $5 store credit coin for participating, and the last player standing also earns two pulls from the promo card library. Registration is handled in-store, and players should have a Wizards EventLink account. If a different format is preferred, there are also weekly events in Modern, Standard, and Draft.

Avenue B hosts a live bill featuring The Sardines with Croatoa. The Sardines, from Wilmington, North Carolina, bring an indie and psych rock sound led by veteran multi-genre musician James Sardone. Their music blends carefully crafted indie rock with melodic pop touches, and their 2023 EP, Colors, is available through Fort Lowell Records.

Opening night for the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra takes place at the Wilson Center - Cape Fear Community College with a program that explores how Dvořák’s New World legacy influenced American music. Peter Askim conducts, and violinist Stephan Jackiw is featured in Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto. The concert includes Carlos Simon’s Festive Fanfare and Overture and concludes with Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, From the New World. Suitable for all ages.

An evening of sharp songwriting and lively musicianship features pianist, singer, and songwriter Jim Ellis alongside singer and guitarist Doug McFarland. Tickets are $15 plus fees. Hailing from North Carolina’s coast, Jim blends folk, rock, pop, and country into melodies that feel easygoing and memorable, drawing on storytellers like Jackson Browne and James Taylor. Onstage, his piano playing carries a bright New Orleans lift with a hint of blues. Over a career spanning decades, his band Waterline released Long Goners with appearances by Sonny Landreth and The Goners, known for backing John Hiatt, and Landreth’s slide guitar, heard with artists such as Jimmy Buffett and Dolly Parton, helped shape the album’s rootsy feel. As a solo artist, Jim’s EPs include Lucky Enough, a warm set about love and everyday gratitude, Can’t Keep Quiet Today, a piano-forward collection colored by second line rhythms, and Forgotten How to Fly, a grittier chapter about resilience and starting over. Doug brings acoustic finesse, sincere and sometimes witty original songs, and just the right touch of humor between tunes. Known as a singer, guitarist, and a memorable kazoo player, he delivers varied sets that balance heartfelt material with lighthearted moments.

Take part in a Pokémon League where players are matched within their age divisions and can put their decks to the test across a broad field of opponents. Entry is $8 and can be purchased in store. The event runs in the Standard format using Swiss rounds with best of one matches. Every participant receives one POP Pack. Prizes are awarded as store credit for each match win. If there are three rounds, each win is worth $5, and if there are four rounds, each win is worth $4. Any player who finishes X-0 earns one pack from the most recent Standard set. Only sets that have had a prerelease are considered Standard.

Backspin Social in Wilmington, NC hosts World Tavern Poker, part of the nation’s largest bar poker league, with free no limit Texas Hold’em tournaments. There is no cost to enter and no gambling. The atmosphere welcomes both first-timers and experienced players, offering a chance to build skills, connect with fellow players, and enjoy friendly competition. Participants earn league points that count toward local, regional, and national standings, creating pathways to championship events and major prizes.

Recurring billiards tournaments take place on Sundays and Wednesdays, featuring 8-ball on Sundays and 9-ball on Wednesdays. The buy-in is $10, and half of the prize pot is matched to boost the winnings.

Experience a community Reiki share designed to help you slow down, ground, and reconnect with your inner guidance. Attendance is by RSVP only so the space can be intentionally prepared as a grounded, supportive, heart-centered gathering. The session blends guided grounding meditation, shared Reiki, and quiet reflection within intentional community, inviting you to release what no longer matters and listen to the subtle messages communicated through intuition, the body, emotions, and energetic awareness. Facilitated by Brooke Rowe, a Reiki Master Teacher and spiritual guide, it offers a steady container for healing, energetic connection, intuitive development, and authentic community. Whether you are new to Reiki or already on a spiritual path, it welcomes anyone seeking clarity, peace, connection, and deeper self-trust. This is a donation-based event offered as a love donation or energy exchange to support the continuation of these community healing spaces. Expect time to give and receive Reiki, deepen your natural gifts, and create space to hear yourself more clearly again. RSVP is required.

A Night to Recover returns for its fourth year as the flagship gathering benefiting The Healing Place of New Hanover County. The evening features live music, moving stories of recovery, a three course gourmet dinner, lively raffles, and time to connect with the THP community. This celebration honors alumni and supporters while raising awareness and vital funds for programs that help people on their recovery journey. For details, reservations, or sponsorship inquiries, contact Trish Nicholson at trish.nicholson@thpnc.org. THP alumni who plan to attend can reach out to Annette Seka at annette.seka@thpnc.org.

The annual Pender County Ducks Unlimted banquet returns, continuing a longstanding tradition.

Cars & Coffee Wilmington brings enthusiasts together for a family friendly monthly meet at The Pointe at Barclay. Admission is free for everyone. Each edition highlights a new theme that welcomes every part of the automotive community. While attending, guests can enjoy breakfast or brunch and explore the shops around Barclay.

Adapted from the film, Waitress features original songs by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles and follows Jenna, a skilled pie baker who longs for a fresh start beyond her small town. A pie competition and the arrival of a new doctor present a chance to change course, yet she must find the resolve to reshape her life. The story honors friendship, motherhood, and the irresistible charm of a perfectly crafted pie. Ticket access is currently limited to members, with season subscriptions coming soon. Memberships and full series subscriptions are a reliable way to secure seats for the season ahead.

From the hit film to the stage, this musical features songs by Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles and follows Jenna, a gifted pie maker longing to leave her small town. A baking competition and the arrival of a new doctor open doors to change, but ultimately she must find the courage to reshape her life. The story celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the simple magic of a perfect pie. Tickets are currently available to members only, with subscriptions set to go on sale soon. Community Day returns, and memberships or full series subscriptions offer a reliable way to secure seats for the season ahead.

Lettuce brings the Cook Tour to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, centered on the band’s album released on their Lettuce Records label. Cook blends funk, soul, jazz, rock, and hip hop into a cohesive groove shaped by six long-time collaborators: Adam Deitch on drums, Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff on guitar, Erick “Maverick” Coomes on bass, Ryan “Zoid” Zoidis on saxophones and synths, Eric “Benny” Bloom on trumpet, and Nigel Hall on vocals and keyboards. The project follows tours with GZA of Wu-Tang Clan and Ziggy Marley, as well as a live album and concert film created with the Colorado Symphony. Their sound nods to James Brown and the JB’s while saluting mentors like Tower of Power and Maceo Parker. As part of this era, the band also introduced Lettuce Red Crush and Orange Crush wines with Aquila Cellars, along with a limited recipe book included with the vinyl and digital release. Ticket access includes an artist presale, a Live Nation presale, and a public onsale, plus a T-Mobile Offer with Fastlane. They are stepping into a new chapter with fresh ideas and a dedicated community supporting them.

The Doobie Brothers bring the Walk This Road Tour to Live Oak Bank Pavilion for an outdoor concert with open air seating. There is no covered section and the performance will proceed regardless of weather, so plan for the elements. Lineups and pricing may change without notice, and service fees are added to all ticket purchases at every point of sale. Ticket access includes multiple options, such as artist and local sponsor presales, aisle seating offers, Citi cardmember opportunities, Live Nation presales, VIP packages, and a general public on sale.

Celebrate the opening of a brand-new school with a lively grand opening carnival at Foundations Early Learning Center in Leland. Expect a petting zoo, Kona Ice snow cones, a stilt walker and balloon artist, and colorful face painting. Kids can jump into games while everyone enjoys themed refreshments. Meet the team and learn more about the new center. This free event is open to the public.

Explore nearly three centuries of local history on a legends and lore walking tour presented by the Burgwin-Wright House. Stories along the route include the tunnels beneath Wilmington, the tale of Lord Cornwallis visiting during the Revolutionary War, the Yellow Fever outbreak that left the city deserted, and the spirited era of Prohibition. The walk departs from the Burgwin-Wright House and lasts 90 minutes. Comfortable shoes and drinking water are recommended. Tickets are $25 plus tax. To reserve by phone, call 910-762-0570. All sales are final, and tickets may be transferred to another walking tour offered within the same calendar year.

Whitney Cummings brings The Big Baby Tour to the Wilson Center with fearless, observational stand-up that blends razor-sharp jokes and candid storytelling. A defining comedic voice over the last twenty years, she first broke through on stage and went on to co-create and co-write the Emmy-winning CBS series 2 Broke Girls, create, produce, and star in NBC’s Whitney, and host the podcast Good for You. This new material digs into the chaos of personal growth, the humor in owning your mistakes, and lively reflections on raising a son, all through her perspective as a single mom.

Waterline Brewing hosts Pistons & Pints, a gathering that brings together vintage automobiles, local businesses, craft beer, live music, and automotive culture. Explore classic rides, browse car-focused vendors, and enjoy offerings from food trucks alongside fresh pours. The day features a vintage car show and a vintage clothing market presented by Vintage Flea ILM, plus live music by Mark Sinnis. Applications are open for the vintage car show, welcoming classics, muscle cars, hot rods, and other unique vintage vehicles, with limited space. The event is also seeking car-centered vendors such as pinstripers, detailers, tint and car wash services, repair and performance or restoration shops, automotive accessory brands, and car clubs.

Experience a magical night market filled with spooky vibes and unique finds. This curated faire blends mystical treasures like crystals, altar tools, teas, and tarot readings with handmade crochet, candles, jewelry, and original art. Explore curiosities for the home, distinctive decor, and other oddities in a festive setting that celebrates the Halloween spirit, and feel free to come in costume. Food will be available, including Glizzie’s on the Go serving beef hot dogs and fried favorites, with vegan and turkey dogs available upon request. Admission is $5, with free entry for kids 12 and under. Cash and cards are accepted at the door. The event takes place at the Elks Lodge.

Swim The Loop showcases coastal open-water racing with a 3.5-mile course that departs from Dockside Restaurant and crosses the Intracoastal Waterway. Starting on a high tide, swimmers navigate a mix of incoming, falling, and slack currents, creating a fair yet demanding experience. For a shorter option, the Mott’s Channel Sprint offers a quick, scenic 1.3-mile point-to-point swim, beginning at Trailborn Surf & Sound on Wrightsville Beach and finishing at Dockside. With a high tide start and mostly incoming to slack water, it suits newer racers as well as athletes aiming to turn up the speed. Whether you are chasing a personal best or enjoying the views, this gathering highlights the excitement of open-water swimming.

The Junior League of Wilmington, NC presents the 18th year of TOUCH-A-TRUCK at The Pointe at Barclay, offering a hands-on day where children and families can explore a variety of trucks and vehicles while meeting the community members who build, protect, and serve. The final hour is designated as a quiet period without horns or flashing lights to better support guests with sensory sensitivities. This is a rain or shine event and will proceed unless extreme weather prevents it. All sales are final. Tickets are $5 per person, with a presale family pack of five for $20. A $30 donation bundle includes a five-ticket family pack for you, donates an additional family pack, and adds a raffle entry. Online ticketing is available. Cash and cashless payments are accepted, and cashless transactions carry a 3 percent processing fee. If you purchase online, e-tickets will arrive by email, and you can check in by showing your QR code or providing your name. TOUCH-A-TRUCK is used under license from Family 2 Family Connection, a Nevada nonprofit.

This dog-friendly 5K and 1-mile fun run and walk supports Canines for Service in recognition of World Mental Health Day. The in-person event takes place at Long Leaf Park, Shelter 4, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Participation helps provide highly trained service dogs to Veterans at no cost and without a fundraising obligation, while also raising awareness about mental health. A virtual race option makes it possible to participate from any location. For the 5K, results are recorded by volunteers rather than a professional timing company.

Presented by the Wilson Center, this concert features Indigo Girls with special guest Linda Perry. Emily Saliers and Amy Ray are a multi Grammy winning folk duo whose self titled major label debut in 1989 sold more than two million copies, powered by the singles “Closer to Fine” and “Kid Fears.” Over more than thirty five years, they have released sixteen studio albums, sold over 15 million records, and built a devoted global following, and Rolling Stone has called them ideal duet partners. Linda Perry appears as a Grammy, Golden Globe, and Critic’s Choice Award nominated producer and Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee. She first rose to prominence as the lead singer of 4 Non-Blondes and has made a lasting impact on pop culture through her producing and songwriting.

Connect with women in business at a networking luncheon at Brunswick Beer & Cider in Leland, North Carolina. Expect conversations centered on building connections, collaborating, and creating new opportunities. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and prepare a concise one minute power pitch to share.

Explore the world of Outlander while discovering the real history woven into its romance on a guided walk through downtown. Trace the paths of Claire and Jamie Fraser as you hear stories of Colonial Wilmington and the Scottish Highlanders who arrived in the 1770s. The route includes about a dozen notable stops, blending details from the books and the Starz series with North Carolina’s past. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Tickets are $25 plus tax. To reserve, call 910-762-0570. All sales are final, and tickets may be transferred to another walking tour within the same calendar year.

Little River Band brings the 50 Years and More Tour to the stage, honoring a legacy of multi-platinum releases and hit songs from the 1970s and 80s. Global sales across albums, CDs, and digital downloads have topped 360 million, and the show spotlights the band’s signature harmonies. The performance is guided by 46-year member Wayne Nelson, the lead vocalist and bass player who has contributed to 25 of the group’s albums. The lineup has evolved since the band’s beginnings in Australia while pursuing success in America, and along the way it earned praise from Eagles founding member Glenn Frey for standout vocals. The evening salutes beloved favorites like Reminiscing and Lady, offering music and memories from across a remarkable career.

Elmo’s Got the Moves brings the Sesame Street Live experience to the stage at the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College, with Elmo and friends leading singalongs, dance breaks, and plenty of interactive fun. Familiar favorites such as Sunny Days, Elmo’s Got the Moves, and Letter of the Day are part of the lineup. Open to all ages, this upbeat production blends music, movement, and playful learning for the whole family. An optional Meet the Characters Photo Experience takes place after the performance. A separate Photo Experience ticket is required for every adult and child who wishes to participate. On the day of the show, pick up photo passes and instructions at the Box Office Will Call, then proceed to the designated area shortly after the show concludes. Bring a camera to capture the moment.

Acclaimed by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, and Jimmy Fallon, this nine-time Tony Award winner, including Best Musical, is The Book of Mormon. The musical follows two unlikely missionary partners sent far from home to share their message, launching a comic journey marked by culture shock and unexpected lessons. With standing-room-only runs in London, on Broadway, and across North America, it has become a global sensation. Tickets are available to members.

The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, tells the audacious, laugh-out-loud tale of two unlikely missionaries sent halfway around the world to share their message. Lauded by major publications for its sharp wit and exuberant spirit, the show has filled theaters on Broadway, in London, and across North America. Tickets are currently limited to members, with full season subscriptions coming soon.

Celebrate the timeless sound of Karen and Richard Carpenter in a new concert created by the team behind The Simon & Garfunkel Story. Backed by a full band and interwoven storytelling, the performance captures the warmth and emotion that define their music. Sing along, reminisce, and hear favorites like We’ve Only Just Begun, Close to You, and Rainy Days and Mondays in a live tribute that honors Karen’s unmistakable voice and the duo’s gentle artistry.

Nurse Blake brings an all new comedy show to the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College with the BUT DID YOU DIE? tour, presented by Outback Presents. The set dives into the outrageous things patients and families say and do, from over the top WebMD self diagnoses to slamming the call light like it is a game show, and no topic is off limits. It is an evening of medical themed humor to share with friends or coworkers, even that patient who once claimed to be allergic to water. Ages 18 and over.

Food will be distributed at this event.

Explore Riverlights while browsing goods from 30 local makers. A mobile petting zoo by Green Paw, seasonal beverages from Brighter Days, and a fall photo backdrop set the scene. Hot mini donuts from Donut NV will be available, and there will be a dog costume contest.

The 1984 classic Ghostbusters is presented on a large HD cinema screen while a full orchestra performs the score live on stage, perfectly synchronized to the action. This movie concert format showcases the thrilling music by Academy Award winning composer Elmer Bernstein and delivers an immersive way to relive the film.

Haunted Forest turns WalkerWorld Organic Artist Retreat in Castle Hayne, NC into a spooky celebration with a haunted trail, live bands, interactive art, and variety entertainment. Programming includes a theme costume night inspired by pirates and wenches featuring Heter Pan’s Murder Mystery Band. Live sets also come from Dubtown Cosmonauts, Domocile, Acoustic Possums, Dirty Dead, a Superhero Jam, and more to be announced. Beyond the music, expect the Mystery Science Theatre Lounge, DJs, jugglers, spinners, side show acts, live art, and appearances by Megan Leah, a psychic medium, along with Bryan Stacy Art and Evol Gene. Food trucks are planned, and attendees may bring their own beverages and food. Family night offers free entry for kids, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are welcomed and encouraged. For everyone’s safety, there are rules in place: no fireworks, no illegal drugs, and no knives, guns, or other weapons. Dogs are not permitted, while cats are welcome. A ticket is required to enter, and a limited number of lodging passes will be available.

At Hotel Ballast in Wilmington, North Carolina, PokeKon Fest brings a new all Pokemon show for all ages, featuring voice actors, vendors, and artists, plus panels, trivia, and retro, video game, and cosplay contests.

Dark, decadent romance arrives in Wilmington, NC as the second annual romantasy ball returns with a moodier twist, trading polite society for secrets, locked-away fortunes, and hints of forbidden love. The Elia becomes a world of vendors, attending authors, dancing, live entertainment, food, and imaginative fantasy touches that infuse the celebration with a sense of magic. Guests can lean into a gothic, Bridgerton-inspired aesthetic with elegant gowns and sparkling jewels to match the tone. Ticket holders receive a formal invitation that also serves as entry, including a chance to choose one of five courts to pledge allegiance to. What happens after that choice remains a secret until arrival, preserving the intrigue that defines this Burning Pages experience.

Wilmington’s goth night marks Halloween with a European-style celebration at The Barzarre, inspired by the German Die schwarze Szene tradition that brings together the full spectrum of dark music. The soundtrack spans synth pop, cold wave, post-punk, goth, dark folk with medieval influences, contemporary dark metal, and more, with an emphasis on new releases from around the world alongside a few timeless favorites. Atmospheric touches like bubble fog and lasers help set the mood, and videos on the big screen may include flashing patterns. Strobe lights are not used, but those with photosensitivity should take care. This event is open to all ages and admission is free.

A meet and greet with Damian Chapa, known for portraying Miklo in the film Blood In Blood Out, takes place at El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant. Admission is 30, and children under 11 are free, with a selfie included in the entry. Autographs on items brought from outside are 30, while merchandise purchased at the Vato Loco booth includes a complimentary autograph. LA Onda jackets are available for 150.

Marty Stuart takes the stage with The Fabulous Superlatives for a concert that honors a remarkable legacy while exploring fresh sonic territory. Across more than five decades, he has earned five Grammy Awards, founded the Congress of Country Music, joined the Country Music Hall of Fame, and received the AMA Lifetime Achievement Award. His journey spans early work with Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash to a solo career marked by the Gold-certified Hillbilly Rock, the Platinum-certified This One’s Gonna Hurt You, and Grammy-winning favorites The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’ and Same Old Train. This performance highlights Space Junk, his first full-length double album of original instrumentals, brought to life with longtime bandmates Kenny Vaughan, Harry Stinson, and Chris Scruggs. Their deep musical connection shapes a sound that blends surf-tinged guitar, easygoing California rhythms, expressive steel, and agile fretwork for a vivid live experience.

BAD Day Music and Arts Festival 2026 brings a standout lineup to the Brooklyn Arts District in Wilmington, North Carolina, featuring The Revivalists, Grace Potter, Greensky Bluegrass, Ripe, Futurebirds, and Lady Die, with additional artists to be announced. The event welcomes all ages, and children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Presented by the Wilson Center, this event pairs a screening of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner: The Final Cut with a live performance of Vangelis’s iconic, synth-driven score by The Avex Ensemble. The music is played in precise sync with the 1982 sci-fi classic, shown on a large high-definition screen. Produced by Avex Classics International through an arrangement with Warner Bros., the presentation heightens the noir atmosphere of the story following detective Rick Deckard, portrayed by Harrison Ford, on his mission as a replicant hunter. The film is rated R and is not recommended for young audiences. Subtitles will be displayed, and attendees younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Enjoy a lunchtime networking event at Brunswick Beer and Cider focused on building connections and exploring opportunities. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and a concise, one-minute pitch to introduce their work. It offers time to meet others, collaborate, and spark new possibilities.

Food will be distributed.

World Ballet Company brings the beloved holiday classic to UNCW Kenan Auditorium with an enchanting staging of The Nutcracker. On Christmas Eve, Marie’s cherished Nutcracker comes to life and leads her through flurries of snow, a showdown with mice, and a visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. The production features a cast of 40 dancers, over 150 hand-sewn costumes, and handcrafted sets, creating a festive experience for all ages. The performance runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, and is recommended for ages 2 and up. Based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company tours iconic ballets to cities across the country, appealing to first-time attendees and longtime ballet lovers. The company includes artists from more than ten countries and has appeared in over 300 cities for audiences totaling more than 500,000. Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more.