Free events in Leland, NC

Smart Start offers free Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups for families with children from birth to age five. These weekly gatherings are open to all families and do not require advance registration.

Get ready for a fun, high-energy Friday night at Backspin Social in Wilmington. Music Bingo turns a classic game into a musical challenge, with you marking your bingo card as songs play throughout the evening. There’s friendly competition and community vibes, and the top two finishers win $25 gift cards courtesy of a local small business partner. Best of all, it’s free to play.

Enjoy a free night of Latin dance and music at Waterline Brewing Co., presented in partnership with BoricuaMos Productions. A food truck will be on site, a complimentary beginner lesson with Chris and Mimi helps kick things off, and DJ Borichamo keeps the energy high with salsa, bachata, merengue, and more. Dancing may take place indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. All ages are welcome, and the evening suits both experienced dancers and first timers. Drinks, lively rhythms, and a warm atmosphere set the tone for a fun community gathering.

Settle in at Backspin Social in Wilmington, NC for a free-to-play World Tavern Poker night featuring No Limit Texas Hold’em. The event welcomes both seasoned players and newcomers, offering a friendly setting to build skills, meet fellow poker fans, and compete for league points and prizes. There is no buy-in and no gambling. As part of the largest bar poker league in the country, players earn points that contribute to local, regional, and national rankings, with paths to championship events and major prizes.

This calm, welcoming museum morning is designed for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Because the museum is closed to the general public on Mondays, tours take place in a quieter setting that supports comfort and focus. The program includes music in the galleries, exploration of exhibitions tailored to participants, and optional hands-on activities. Attendees may bring a boxed lunch to enjoy in the café or courtyard if they wish. There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required.

Smart Start's free Kaleidoscope Play & Learn group welcomes families with children ages 0 to 5 at New Hanover County Public Library. These groups meet weekly, and no pre-registration is required. All families are welcome.

Barzarre hosts a weekly open mic that welcomes nearly every kind of performance. Expect a mix of live music, stand-up, spoken word, improv, hip hop, and wonderfully offbeat talents, all sharing one stage for a laid-back variety showcase. Admission is free, and signups happen in person. Everyone is invited to participate, whether brand-new or seasoned, polished or in progress. Novelty bits are part of the fun, from headstands to spirited kazoo features. Touring artists sometimes stop by for spotlight sets. A projector with HDMI input is available for multimedia pieces. The atmosphere encourages experimentation, so performers can take risks and either learn from a miss or bring down the house. The bar keeps the brews easy on the wallet, adding to the friendly, anything goes energy.

Explore the age-old practice of making mead by turning honey, water, and yeast into a rich, nuanced drink. This beginner-friendly talk walks through the essentials of fermentation, guidance on selecting ingredients, and approachable methods for adding flavors. Expect practical advice that helps you start your very first batch with confidence. Free for members, with a $15 suggested donation for nonmembers.

Smart Start offers Circle of Parents gatherings in the Wilmington community for caregivers of young children, including groups for families with children from birth to age eight and for those raising children with special needs up to age twelve. Families share a meal together first, then children head to a dedicated kids group while parents take part in supportive discussions. Parents, guardians, and other caregivers are welcome, and older siblings may attend as well. There is no cost to participate.

Meet the Wolfpack Club staff for a casual gathering at The Venue at Wilmington Brewery Company, where NC State fans can reconnect and celebrate all things Wolfpack. Admission is free and the event is open to all NC State fans, and guests are welcome to bring a friend. Those who RSVP will receive a complimentary drink ticket.

CAM Café, located inside the museum, offers a weekly dinner experience with live acoustic performances by rotating local artists. The music sets a relaxed backdrop for enjoying a meal and cocktails in an artful setting. Café purchases during this series include complimentary gallery admission. When Jazz at CAM is on the schedule, the café does not present a live musician.