Events in Leland today

Enjoy a calming yoga session set within a gallery space that continually changes, inviting relaxation, renewal, and thoughtful reflection. The practice is accessible to all levels, including those new to yoga, and you may participate on a mat or from a chair. Settle into mindful breathing and gentle movement that support both body and mind. A suggested donation of $8 is appreciated, with part of the proceeds benefiting CAM’s Museum School Scholarship program for adults and youth.

Riftbound TCG Nexus Nights at Cape Fear Games is a constructed tournament run with Swiss pairings and capped at three rounds. Players bring their own decks and face off across a compact series of matches. Entry is $8. Every participant receives a Nexus Night Pack. An additional $8 per entrant is added to the prize pool and paid out to winning records. Any player who finishes undefeated earns one pack from the most recent Standard set. Only sets that have had a prerelease count as Standard. The event welcomes newcomers to Riftbound as well as competitors looking to sharpen their play.

A community drum and dance gathering hosted by The Barzarre brings together drummers, percussionists, and dancers of all experience levels. Admission is free, seating is casual, and the circle is open to all. Expect an open jam where hand drums and movement shape the groove as participants build rhythms together. New participants are encouraged to remove rings, watches, and bracelets before playing a hand drum and to ask permission before using someone else’s instrument. Balance playing with attentive listening, keep parts simple, and lock in with the pulse and rhythm. If questions arise about etiquette, ask Ron, the creator of Drum and Dance Downtown. Each rhythm gathering has its own style, so bring a positive spirit. Kindness, respect, fun, and a bit of shared magic set the tone.

Draft packs from the newest Magic: The Gathering Standard set, build a playable deck, and compete across three Swiss rounds. Entry is $20 and is purchased in store. Payouts go to players finishing X-0 or X-1, with 1.5 Play Boosters per drafter added to each pod’s prize pool. Winners also receive pins that can be traded in for additional prizes.

Ready to face the spotlight? This open mic welcomes music, comedy, and any bold experiment you are brave enough to share. Sing a song, strum a tune, tell a joke, or try something delightfully questionable... the microphone is waiting.

Blood on the Clocktower offers a social deduction experience guided by a storyteller. It accommodates five to fourteen players, with each participant receiving a token that assigns a unique character aligned with either the good side or the evil side. Those on the good side trade clues, build trust, and work toward identifying and executing the demon. Those on the evil side spread misinformation, hide what they know, and try to erode trust while the demon seeks to overrun the village. The entry fee is $5, and each player receives a $5 CFG Coin. SC or coin are not accepted for entry. A storyteller is already confirmed, and players are needed.

Music Bingo at The Kettle blends favorite songs with a bingo format. Look for drink specials, plenty of music, and prizes.

Explore the museum on a guided public tour that is included with regular admission. A knowledgeable guide leads the group through multiple exhibits, sharing insights that help you learn more about the artworks on view. For accessibility questions, contact Georgia Mastroieni, Deputy Director of Operations, at (910) 726-9492 or georgia@cameronartmuseum.org.

Smart Start brings the Circle of Parents program to the Wilmington community, creating a welcoming space for caregivers of children ages 0 to 8 and for families of children with special needs up to age 12. Hosted at Church of the Servant, the gathering starts with a shared family meal. Afterward, children head to their own group while parents take part in guided conversations with peers. Parents, caregivers, and older siblings are welcome. There is no cost to participate.

Billiards tournaments at The Wild Goose feature 8 Ball on Sundays and 9 Ball on Wednesdays. Each tournament has a $10 buy-in, and the venue matches half of the prize pot. Signups take place before play begins.

Experience a weekly tabletop roleplaying night guided by carefully selected Game Masters who craft immersive stories and memorable quests. Seating is limited, so advance online registration is required, with new sign-ups opening each week. A $10 entry fee supports the Game Master's preparation and storytelling. Core materials and a shared game library are provided, so bring your love of the game and dive into the adventure.

This movie night at The Eagle’s Dare features the film adaptation of The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. Admission is free with an RSVP. Drinks are available for purchase at the bar. Attendees may bring their own movie snacks and are expected to clean up afterward to respect the venue.

Clear out the clutter and give great items a second life at this fall and winter kids consignment sale. Super Hearts gathers thousands of gently used essentials in one place so families can find what they need from maternity through the teen years. Expecting a baby, outfitting a classroom or daycare with manipulatives, toys and books, shopping for grandkids, or hunting for the best prices... this sale is set up to help stretch any budget. Browse clothing from newborn through 16+ for girls and boys, shoes up to adult size 10, maternity wear and items, baby equipment, toys, puzzles, games, electronic toys, home decor, a holiday section, costumes, books, feeding supplies, bath and potty gear, beach and pool items, arts and crafts, DVDs, bags and purses, book bags, lunch bags and sporting goods. The selection is extensive and covers just about everything kid related. Have items to sell? All brands are welcome, consignors earn 70 percent, and earnings can increase by volunteering for a shift or two. The sale takes place at the Winter Park Baptist Church Gym in Wilmington. Organizers share live videos and photos on social media during the sale.

Smart Start facilitates Circle of Parents gatherings in the Wilmington community for families with young children. Parents and caregivers are welcome, and older siblings can attend, too. The gathering begins with a shared family meal, after which children take part in their own group while adults engage in a parent discussion. There is no cost to participate.

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.

Hosted by FIT4MOM Wilmington, Sip + Stroll Moms Club, and 4th Trimester Mission, Coffee Walk + Talk is a free community gathering created with new moms in the 4th trimester in mind, especially those waiting for exercise clearance. It offers an easygoing walk outdoors and space for meaningful conversation, and mothers at any stage are welcome to attend. Complimentary coffee will be provided. Meet near shelter 5 to grab a cup before heading out for a relaxed stroll and supportive connection.

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.