Events in Leland today

Experience the Riverfront Farmers Market, a Wilmington tradition spanning 23 years. Browse a vibrant mix of fresh produce from local farms, pasture raised meats, farm eggs, local honey, freshly roasted coffee, chocolates, artisan breads, muffins, cakes, jams, salsa, and more. Talented local artisans share distinctive handmade goods, so there is always something new to discover. Admission is free, and leashed pets are welcome. Thanks go to Cumulus Media and Excite Credit Union.

Holy Cross hosts its 2nd annual Back-to-School Wellness Fair, a rain or shine community event designed to support local families as a new school year approaches. Visitors can connect with New Hanover County Health and Human Services for SAFE Kids resources, social services, and community nutrition guidance. New Hanover County Fire and Rescue will share fire safety information and conduct car seat checks, while the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office will present Crime Awareness and Prevention programs that include anti-bullying and Stranger Danger, along with the Elements youth violence intervention program and insights from School Resource Officers. Novant Health’s Community Care Cruiser will offer RemarkableYou screenings with no-cost blood pressure, cholesterol, and pre-diabetes checks for people ages 18 and over. Cub Scout Pack 205 will be on site, and the Wilmington Lions Club will provide free vision screenings.

Explore Wilmington’s World War II story on a tour that explains how the city earned recognition as the nation’s first World War II Heritage City. Learn how shipbuilding, chemical manufacturing, and other wartime efforts turned it into a boomtown. Hear about downtown quarters that hosted soldiers and sailors before they shipped out, along with the long-circulated rumor of a German bombardment that reached the U.S. mainland. The tour spotlights preserved sites and homefront stories that illuminate Wilmington’s role in the war.

SkyWatch Bird Rescue offers limited public visitation during the summer, with access to the front pasture where visitors may pet and feed a friendly herd of donkeys. Admission is $10 per person or one item from the wishlist. Activities are weather dependent, and visitation will not take place during rain.

Caring for your energetic body becomes more attainable in this three-part workshop series devoted to energetic hygiene. Participants learn ways to clear, protect, and nourish their energy so everyday life feels more aligned and resilient. Guided by seasoned practitioners Maura and Mercedes, each session blends practical techniques, embodied practices, and soulful guidance to deepen your relationship with your own energy and the subtle forces that shape well-being. The third and final workshop centers on working with the elements to restore and rebalance. Through guided rituals and practices, you will connect with earth, water, fire, air, and ether as supportive allies, drawing on the wisdom of nature to cleanse, recharge, and harmonize your system. The experience invites a renewed sense of connection with the living world and the understanding that you are supported by it. Cost: $60.

Spooky souls get a summer treat with a one-day haunted pop-up market that mixes sunshine with the uncanny. Designed for anyone who picks pumpkins while the weather is still hot and favors beach days with black lace and moonlit rituals, this marketplace brings together the strange, the spooky, and the spiritual for warm-weather browsing. Discover taxidermy, ethically sourced bones, and Victorian funeral ephemera, alongside crystals, ritual and altar items, herbs and oils, hand poured candles, and tarot readers. Explore dark aesthetic apparel, horror movie collectibles, and eerie work by local artists. The atmosphere offers all the chills of spooky season with a summer breeze. Food options include Kimchi Taco, with ice cream and sweet treats from The Daily Scoop. Admission is $5, and kids 12 and under are free. Vendor applications are available.

Explore Wilmington, North Carolina through a true crime tour that shines a light on notorious and unusual chapters of the city’s past. The tour highlights espionage during the fraught 1940s and homicide cases reaching back to the turbulent 1840s, along with additional tales of murder and mayhem. It offers a vivid look at infamous events that have shaped Wilmington’s history.

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 for a relaxing 90-minute sunset cruise on the Cape Fear River aboard the motor catamaran "Wilmington". The trip features live music and a full bar with refreshments and snacks for all ages. Boarding begins about 15 minutes before departure, and you can check the tour calendar for the featured musicians for each sailing.

Dumpstaphunk brings a set devoted to the songs of Sly & The Family Stone to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. The performance centers on the group’s catalog, presented as a focused tribute by Dumpstaphunk. Ticket access includes a general public onsale along with options through a Live Nation presale and a T-Mobile + Fastlane offer.

Chatham County Line brings a genre-blending sound shaped over more than two decades since launching in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their live show mixes bluegrass, folk, country, and rock and roll, a combination that first earned a devoted local following and then reached international audiences with their 2003 self-titled debut. In the years that followed, they released eight additional studio albums that drew strong reviews, topped the Billboard Bluegrass Chart four times, collaborated with Judy Collins, Sharon Van Etten, and Jonas Fjeld, earned two gold records in Norway along with two Spellemannprisen nominations, and appeared on bills with Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, Steve Martin and Martin Short, and The Avett Brothers. Critics have praised their memorable melodies, striking harmonies, and a style that links bluegrass tradition to new ideas. Their latest chapter centers on Hiyo, the first release since the departure of their longtime banjo player. Recorded at Asheville’s Echo Mountain with co-producer and engineer Rachael Moore, the trio of Dave Wilson, John Teer, and Greg Readling leans into change with fresh sonic colors that include synthesizers, drum machines, and expanded electric guitar and percussion. The songwriting remains at the core, telling vivid stories of love and heartbreak, joy and sorrow, and righteousness and revenge, all delivered with a fresh sense of discovery and vitality.

Come see Rich Vos for a night of stand-up comedy. Door time is at 6:00 PM, with the show starting at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available for General Admission and V.I.P.

Local bluegrass and Americana favorites Massive Grass return to Ted’s for an evening of stories and songs. Their sound blends energetic, rock and roll–leaning rhythms with the heart of bluegrass, while the lyrics move from witty and dark to tender and yearning. Tickets are $20 plus fees.

In Wilmington at Warehouse on Water, an immersive speakeasy invites guests into a vintage setting inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Expect a curated lineup of cocktails, each drawing from one of four of his famed tales. The evening is guided by the speakeasy’s lead mixologist alongside Poe historians, blending storytelling with craft mixology for a moody, period experience. This event is known to sell out quickly.

Against The Odds returns to Dirty Dan’s with a late-night set packed with live music, high energy, and coastal vibes. Whether you are out with friends or hopping between downtown bars, this show keeps the party going by the beach.

At Cape Fear ArtXchange, a weekly art market welcomes local artists and creatives to present handmade, vintage, and upcycled goods. Booth space for sellers is free, and spots are assigned on a first come basis. The market sets up under the pavilion behind the shop.

Settle in at By the Beach Brewing for a hands-on candle making session that blends creativity with an easygoing coastal vibe. With guidance from experienced instructors, you will mix fragrances, add color, layer botanicals, and pour your own soy candles step by step. A standard ticket is 39 dollars and includes two eight ounce tin candles, plus Eventbrite fees, and optional vessel upgrades are available at checkout. All materials are provided, so both first-timers and seasoned makers can focus on crafting something personal. The workshop lasts about two hours and suits individuals, pairs, and groups. Families are welcome, and children may participate with an accompanying adult. Beverages can be purchased directly from the brewery, creating a relaxed space to sip and create. Refunds are available up to seven days in advance, late entry is permitted for up to twenty minutes after the start, and each person must have their own ticket. The experience is hosted by Hand.The.Light, which facilitates hands-on workshops that foster creativity and connection.

Pokémon League play invites competitors to face opponents in their age group in a Standard format event that uses Swiss rounds with best-of-one matches. Entry is $8 and is purchased in store. Each participant receives a POP Pack, and store credit is awarded for every match win, with three round events paying $5 per win and four round events paying $4 per win. Players who finish undefeated earn one pack from the most recent Standard set. For Standard legality, sets must have had a prerelease.

Independent Americana artist and songwriter Drew Peterson brings more than twenty years of Midwest touring to the stage. After first leading the Minnesota band Forty Watt Bulb, he went on to launch two roots-driven projects, the twangy Dead Pigeons and the bluegrass-leaning Boxstore Bird. Raised on a rural Minnesota farm and armed with a five dollar church-sale guitar, he built his craft through steady work and constant practice, with a deep focus on lyric writing. His songs blend wry humor with reflective storytelling, laying a smooth sheen over a bit of grit, and his inspirations range from John Prine and Tom Waits to Cat Stevens and Van Morrison. Equally at home in a quiet listening room or a lively festival crowd, he pours himself into each performance and uses tales between tunes to make a connection. Tickets are $10 plus fees.

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.

At Jengo's Playhouse, the 15th annual Surfalorus Film Festival features two surf stories that celebrate connection, resilience, and the thrill of the hunt for waves. Kingdom of the Evening follows Kepa Acero’s 2010 solo search for uncrowded breaks in Western Africa and a chance meeting in Morocco with 15-year-old Yassine. Despite a language barrier, shared sessions in the water built a lasting friendship. Yassine, now known as Snoopy Style, has become a respected surf guide in Taghazout, and the film revisits his first reunion with Kepa after fifteen years as both their lives, and Morocco, have evolved. Directed by Clint Davis. Fun Island turns to an international trip during the Covid period, where a tight-knit crew’s dream adventure is upended when two friends test positive and remain in quarantine on a spot nicknamed Fun Island. Wilmington filmmaker and former Outer Banks resident Jason Andre crafts a retro-tinged travel diary that captures both the exhilaration and the setbacks of chasing waves abroad.

This event features billiards tournaments on Sundays and Wednesdays, with 8-ball on Sundays and 9-ball on Wednesdays. The prize pool is boosted with a 50 percent match, and the buy in is $10. Signups take place before tournament play begins.

Celebrate the end of summer with a week filled with exploration, creativity, and hands-on activities at Camp CMoW. Each day introduces a new theme that highlights The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, ranging from art and STEM to literacy. Through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and creative projects, curiosity is sparked and built upon daily. The week concludes with a special field trip for a memorable finale. A single day option is available.

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.

This bingo event raises funds for the Weekend Meals On Wheels Program and other charities. Doors open before the games begin, and an early bird round kicks things off.

This weekly Modern event features play with cards from Eighth Edition forward. The tournament runs Swiss pairings limited to three rounds. Entry is $8. Prize support adds $8 in store credit per participant to the pool, with payouts based on final record. An undefeated X-0 finish also earns one booster from the most recent Standard set. For prize purposes, only sets that have had a prerelease are considered Standard.

Test your Disney's Lorcana deck in a friendly Standard tournament with Swiss rounds capped at three. Entry is $8. Every participant receives two random promo cards. Earn $5 in store credit for each match win. Any player who finishes undefeated receives one pack from the most recent Standard set, and only sets that had a prerelease count as Standard. First place also takes home a pin and a promo card. The event welcomes longtime Illumineers as well as those just beginning their Lorcana journey.

This monthly MTG Canadian Highlander event features unsanctioned play run in Swiss rounds with a focus on having a little fun while competing. The format uses a points system instead of a traditional ban list, encouraging powerful cards and careful deck construction. Each deck must include at least 100 cards and follow a one-of-each rule, except for basic lands and cards that explicitly allow any number, such as Relentless Rats. Printed, uniform proxies are allowed because the format is not sanctioned by Wizards of the Coast. The entry fee is $8. For every paid player, $8 in store credit is added to the prize pool and awarded to participants who finish with a winning record. Any undefeated player earns one booster pack from the most recent Standard set, and only sets that have had a prerelease are considered Standard.

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.

Experience gentle yoga surrounded by art in a gallery setting that changes regularly. This one-hour class centers on relaxation, renewal, and mindful reflection. Poses are suitable for all levels, with options for beginners, and participants may practice on a mat or from a chair. A suggested donation of $8 is requested, and a portion supports CAM’s Museum School Scholarship program for adults and youth.

This lunchtime networking event at Brunswick Beer and Cider invites professionals to connect, share ideas, and explore new opportunities in a relaxed setting. Participants are encouraged to bring business cards and come ready with a concise, one minute pitch to introduce their work and spark meaningful conversations.

CFG's Goblin Guild is a weekly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for kids. This collaborative storytelling adventure is led by an in-house Dungeon Master, while players guide the plot and shape each session. It welcomes all experience levels and participants up to age 14. The campaign is designed for ongoing play from week to week, and players can also drop in. To keep the experience focused, each week is capped at seven players so everyone has time to shine. Entry fee is $15.

Celebrate summer by crafting a coiled rope basket in a public, three-hour class. Guided by art teacher Star Edwards, participants choose favorite colors and learn step by step how to design, coil, and stitch a basket they can complete during the session. The project uses 100% cotton materials that are soothing to work with and look beautiful at home. It is accessible for beginners and rewarding for experienced artists, and all ages are welcome. There will be time to chat with friends or make new connections while creating. Registration through the event invite includes instruction, all cotton materials, and a choice of cocktail or mocktail.

This meetup welcomes members of the HD community for conversation, learning, and connection. Advance registration is recommended, though walk-ins are accepted. If there are no online signups, the event will be canceled. Complimentary pizza will be available.

Nexus Nights, a Riftbound TCG event at Cape Fear Games, features a constructed Swiss tournament limited to three rounds where players put their decks to the test in strategic head-to-head play. Entry is $8, and every participant receives a Nexus Night Pack. An additional $8 per player is added to the prize pool and awarded to winning records, and any undefeated competitor (X-0) also earns one pack from the most recent Standard set. To count as Standard, a set must have had a prerelease. Whether discovering the game or refining high-level strategies, participants can look forward to competitive matches and a friendly atmosphere.

A Magic: The Gathering draft tournament built around the latest Standard set. Players draft at the table to assemble a playable deck, then compete in Swiss rounds. Entry costs $20 and can be purchased in store. Prizes are awarded to players who finish undefeated or with a single loss, and for every drafter in a pod, one and a half Play Boosters are added to the prize pool. Winners also receive pins that can be redeemed for additional rewards.

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.

Share conversation and dinner with the Cape Fear SCCA team at Wrightsville Beach Brewery. This friendly meet-up is open to anyone with an interest in SCCA.

The Wild Goose opens the floor for an open mic made for all kinds of acts. Sing a favorite song, strum a guitar, try out a stand up set, or take a playful risk... the microphone is open to anyone.

Music Bingo at The Kettle blends classic bingo with a musical twist. The event features specials on drinks, lively tunes, and opportunities to win prizes.

A public, guide-led tour is included with museum admission, offering an engaging walk through multiple exhibits. A knowledgeable guide shares insights and context to help visitors discover more about the artworks on view. For accessibility questions or concerns, contact Georgia Mastroieni, Deputy Director of Operations, at (910) 726-9492 or georgia@cameronartmuseum.org.

Discover a large seasonal consignment sale centered on children and families, filled with budget-friendly finds. Browse clothing for infants, children, and teens, plus maternity pieces, along with shoes, accessories, toys, books, games, crafts, bedding and decor, furniture, sports equipment, strollers, car seats, outdoor gear, and more. Items come from multiple individual consignors, creating a wide variety of inventory and plentiful deals, and every purchase supports local families and a small family business while encouraging reuse. It is a timely stop for back-to-school outfits from basics to boutique styles, Halloween costumes, early holiday gifts and stocking stuffers, gently loved books for a classroom library, and replacement swimwear for growing kids. Early shopping is available with free admission for new parents including those expecting or with a baby under one, foster and adoptive parents, grandparents, teachers, military, and first responders. Early entry is also offered with a donation valued at $10 or more in products or cash for the Diaper Bank of NC, which covers admission for two adults, and children are always admitted free. Admission to the public sale is free. Parking is convenient, with ample space across the street and handicap permit parking next to the building.

Brown Dirt Cowboys are playing at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill in Southport. The show starts at 5:00 PM.

Set out for a tranquil Masonboro Island outing that combines a scenic boat cruise with a 30 minute gentle yoga session, guided by the team from terra sol sanctuary in collaboration with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. The boat boards at the Wildlife Ramp beneath the intracoastal bridge, then continues to the island for an easy, welcoming practice. A confirmation email with additional details will be sent a few days in advance. Cost is $65.

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.

Embark on a tabletop roleplaying adventure at a regular RPG night, where selected Game Masters lead immersive stories and epic quests. It is a good fit for players searching for a new group or anyone ready to dive into a different game. Online sign-up is required ahead of time because table space is limited. The $10 entry fee supports the Game Master. Materials and a game library are provided, so you can focus on the fun of the journey.

Trivia with RJ, presented by Marina Grill, brings a spirited contest to the Boatyard along the riverfront. The setting includes an open-air bar and a range of food options that add to the lively atmosphere between rounds.

The Wild Goose hosts billiards tournaments 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. Signups are available.

Enjoy music and dancing with a caller who will guide the steps before the music begins. A beginner lesson is included. No partner or prior experience is required, and parking is plentiful. Admission is $10, with a $1 rate for students. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that make it easy to spin, and take the opportunity to meet new people.

A playdate at the Long Leaf Park Splash Pad follows Stroller Strides.

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.

A live musical performance takes place inside the food court at Harris Teeter (Riverlights).

This gathering centers on professional networking over beer and the sharing of business war stories.

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.

The final installment of a three-act summer wine dinner centers on Marchesi Antinori and a bottle that reshaped Italian wine history. The Antinori family has made wine in Tuscany since 1385, and in 1971 they released Tignanello, a pioneering blend of Sangiovese with Cabernet that was aged in French oak and offered without the customary appellation. That bold release helped coin the term Super Tuscan. The menu unfolds across five courses, beginning with a light opener and building to a dry-aged steak served alongside Tignanello. A chocolate course closes the evening, with an optional Brunello available for those who want a lingering finish. The experience includes a single pour of Tignanello within the five-course format. The price is $215 per seat.

Penelope Road brings The Chance Encounter Tour with a high-energy blend of soul and pop. The Atlanta quintet features Max Moore on lead vocals and guitar, Charles Eastman on lead vocals and keys, Koan Roy-Meighoo on vocals and guitar, James Kopp on bass, and Anthony Smith on drums, and is dedicated to immersive, no-frills performance, having sold more than 20,000 tickets in the first half of 2025. From early house jams on Penelope Road and viral attic clips to a Warner Records deal, the band’s rise includes a self-titled 2024 EP and sold-out shows both headlining and sharing stages with Goose and Lake Street Dive. The Diamond Street Sessions, recorded at Diamond Street Studios with David Ryan Harris, introduced warm, groove-forward cuts like “Out Tonight” and “Flowers (Carry Me Home),” while the 2025 EP Chance Encounter leans into candid lyrics and full-band punch. They closed 2025 with three sold-out hometown performances and a Grammy.com Grammy Reimagined feature for their version of the Eagles’ “Lyin’ Eyes.” This North American headline run continues that momentum with tight musicianship, heartfelt songwriting, and the communal spark that shaped their journey from house jams to major stages.