The best things to do in New Hanover County

Thalian Hall Cinema keeps Wilmington cinephiles fed with a steady stream of first-run indies, foreign gems, docs, and a cult/vintage series inside a legit 1858 landmark. On deck this week, catch Reading Lolita in Tehran Aug 3-7 or Rose of Nevada Aug 3-9, with Little Shop of Horrors celebrating 40 years Aug 6-8.

From the Leland newsletter, August 4, 2026

Good Lie mixes mini golf with a neighborhood sports bar vibe, so you can watch the game, play your own, and refuel with drinks and pizza. Leland folks will appreciate the easy hang, league play, and the perfect excuse for friendly bragging rights with every putt.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 15, 2026

When cabin fever hits, Flip N Fly brings wall-to-wall trampolines, Olympic-style bounce zones, trick walls, a pro-level ninja course, and a slackline in a 28,000-square-foot playground that actually tires people out. Solid spot for birthday parties and weekday wiggles, no matter your jumping skills.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 19, 2026

Skip the streaming scroll and catch the newest releases at The Pointe 14, a straightforward multi-screen spot with quick online ticketing and solid snacks. They mix big blockbusters with special screenings and keep a handy release calendar, plus a loyalty program if you’re a regular.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 25, 2026

The brick-and-ivy charm at Bakery 105 brings instant wow, and their 128 South team handles full-service catering so you can focus on the fun. If a wedding or milestone is on your horizon, check it out this week... the indoor space plus garden courtyard keeps the flow easy and the photos dreamy.

From the Leland newsletter, October 7, 2026

Founded in 1896, Cape Fear Country Club brings Donald Ross pedigree to your week with a course that hosted the PGA Tour’s Azalea Open, plus lively tennis, standout dining, and socials that make weeknights feel like events. If you’re a member, grab a tee time or hit the courts, and actually use those dues.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 21, 2026

When the beach crowds and errands get old, 13th Hole Halloween Mini Golf brings Summerween energy to Wilmington with 13 spooky holes that keep putts playful and just creepy enough. Round up a couple friends, laugh at your terrible short game, then brag about the hole-in-one that probably didn’t happen.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 17, 2026

After Work Golf Club is a social golf club built for people who love the game and still punch a clock. Expect casual community vibes, a Summer League to keep you swinging, and Drop'n Birdies gear for when you actually start dropping them.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 22, 2026

Beau Rivage Golf & Resort brings real contour to coastal golf with an 18-hole championship course boasting up to 75 feet of elevation, ultradwarf Bermuda greens, and practice areas steps from simple one-bedroom suites. Six pickleball courts and the Veranda Bar & Grill keep the post-round vibes easy.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 15, 2026

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is that rare Wilmington spot where everyone finds their lane, from splash-happy waterpark folks to competitive go-kart, laser tag, and mini-golf fiends, plus arcade, mini bowling, climbing wall and the Kid’s Jungle. Great for birthdays, team hangouts, or spontaneous weekday escapes.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 16, 2026

Whether you’re chasing bragging rights with friends or just need a breezy reset, Jungle Golf serves up 18 holes of lush, jungle-themed challenges under that Carolina blue sky. Easy to drop in, fun to master, and the perfect excuse to say “one more hole” again.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 3, 2026

Whether your crew is into spellcasting, ancient mysteries, or creepy carnivals, Game Over Escape Room Wilmington serves up cinematic, hi-tech rooms with movie-quality props that pull you in.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 27, 2026

Porters Neck Country Club keeps it local with a welcoming membership vibe, a course to escape the inbox, tennis courts, aquatics and fitness, on-site dining, and a premier sports complex. It’s a solid pick for weekday workouts, weekend tee times, and hosting the life events you actually care about.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 20, 2026

Because your group chat needs a win, The Escape Ventures Wilmington (formerly Exit Games) throws you into movie-quality sets with puzzles where you tidy a chaos-ridden dorm, wrangle a blackout motel, or survive a tattoo apprenticeship.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 29, 2026

Porter's Neck Country Club blends a Colonial-style clubhouse, a friendly golf scene, and a dining and social scene inside a private, gated community tucked along the water. If you want a place where neighbors actually hang out, and boating plans make perfect sense, this is it.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 13, 2026

If you get the call, Eagle Point Golf Club rewards it with immaculate fairways, dialed-in greens, and a quietly polished vibe that feels very Wilmington. It’s the kind of private track where every lie is pure and the facilities make post-round lingering a given.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 27, 2026

With 45 holes by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus to rotate through, Landfall Country Club - Dye Golf Clubhouse keeps your game honest, then rewards you with casual or formal dining curated by the Executive Chef. Members, line up a tee time and make it a proper Wilmington evening.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 10, 2026

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.