October Events Calendar
We’ve included events here that were scheduled at press time, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change. For programs offered through the Town of Leland, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/townofleland/ to register online or register in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
Oct 5
Gallery Reception at LCAC
Meet landscape artist Jim Kinstrey during a reception at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. The reception is 6-8 pm, and the artist’s work will be on display throughout October.
Oct 5-7
King Mackerel Tournament
The annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament, hosted by the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of commerce includes lots of fishing, and a wrap up event with music, awards, and lots of fish stories. The Tournament headquarters is at Dutchman Creek Park on Fish Factory Road, Oak Island. Visit https://www.usopenkmt.com/ for specific times and events.
Oct 7
Fall Festival — Belville
Celebrate fall at this family-friendly festival, with vendors, bounce houses, entertainment, and food trucks. This free event is at Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE, 10 am to 3 pm.
Oct 7
Intercultural Festival
The Brunswick Arts Council takes this annual cultural celebration to Belville’s Riverwalk Park, 11 am to 4 pm. It will be a day of day of music and dance, with an International village, craft vendors and food. The park is at 580 River Road SE, Belville.
Oct 7
Leland Green Sweep
Join your neighbors to help clean up Sturgeon Park (South Navassa Road). Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get dirty. The clean up is scheduled from 9-11 am.
Oct 8
Kayak Adventures — Masonboro Island Sunset Paddle
Paddle out to the popular island and see the local wildlife and sunset’s golden hour light. The paddle is scheduled for 3:30-6:30 pm, and the cost is $60, which includes kayak, paddle and life jacket rental.
Oct 12
Gallery Reception at LCAC
Basket weaver Pam Milat is the featured artist for the reception, 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way; her works will be on display this month as well. The reception is 6-8 pm.
Oct 12
Cape Fear Civil War Round Table
The program this month features a presentation by M. Chris Bryan on the Union XII Corps from Cedar Mountain to Antietam in 1862. The meeting is in the Elebash Hall meeting room of St. John’s Episcopal Church; enter at the rear of the church, located at 1219 Forest Hills Drive. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. (See a full story on this event in this month’s issue).
Oct 14
Buddy Walk — Belville’s Riverwalk
Help raise awareness for Down’s Syndrome at this annual walk on Belville’s Riverwalk by the Coastal BUDS of Southeastern NC and the Town of Belville. Festivities are 9 am to noon and include the walk, awards, music, vendors, and a dance party.
Oct 14
Big Toy Day — Cape Fear Regional Jetport
The Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis host this annual event, which gives children the chance to climb around all sorts of “big toys” like fire trucks, military vehicles and law enforcement vehicles. The event is 10 am to 3 pm at the Jetport, 4015 Airport Road, Oak Island. A limited number of Young Eagle flights will also be offered free of charge from 10:30 am to 1 pm (a parent or legal guardian must be present to give permission). The event is free, but a $10 per car donation would be appreciated by the Kiwanis Club. (Read more in a full story in this issue.)
Oct 20
Bluegrass, Bowls and Baskets
Enjoy works from local potters and weavers while Masonboro Sounds performs bluegrass. The Leland Police and Fire Departments will compete in a chili cook off, and attendees can vote by bringing a non-perishable food item donation. The fun kicks off at 6 pm at LCAC, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
Oct 21
Doo-wop concert
Shades of Grey doo-wop group will perform at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, with proceeds to support supplies and program scholarships of the Leland Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department. The concert is 7-9 pm, and tickets are $40.
Oct 21
Bands, Brews and BBQ
Amateurs and professionals compete in a BBQ cook-off, and there will be music, local craft beers and vendors on site. The event is in Belville’s Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE.
Oct 21
Port Brunswick Day — Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson
Local historians will recreate life in the lower Cape Fear region as it was in 1767. Explore the site from 10 am to 4 pm and see how early Brunswick County residents lived. The historic site is at 8884 St. Philip’s Road SE, Winnabow (off N.C. 133) and the event is free to attend.
Oct 21
Halloween Movie in the Park
Join the Town of Belville for a Halloween movie at Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE. The movie starts at 7 pm.
Oct 21
Trunk or Treat — Winnabow
The Gator Hole Country Store and Tackle hosts this trunk or treat with plenty of treats for the kiddos. There will be prizes for the best dressed trunk and for best costumes too. The event is noon to 4 pm at the store, 2801 River Road SE (N.C. 133).
Oct 21
Living Voices of the Past — Southport Historical Society
Society members will share stories of 10 people buried in the Old Smithville Burying Ground, 2-4 pm. A $5 donation is requested for this event, and the location is 401 E. Moore St. (Rain date is Oct 22, 2-4 pm if needed).
Oct 23-27
Peer Fishing Festival — Operation North State
Wounded warriors, disables veterans and their guests will have five free days of fishing at the Oak Island Pier. Fishing is from 6:45 am to 5:30 pm, rain or shine, and lunch will be served daily. To register as a participant or to volunteer to help out, email mailbox@operationnorthstate.com or call 336-764-5967.
Oct 27
Kayak Adventures — Cypress Cove Full Moon and Campfire Paddle
Paddle out from this waterfront park and enjoy a campfire! The paddle is scheduled for 4:30-8:30 pm, and the cost is $60, which includes kayak, paddle and life jacket rental.
Oct 28
Trunk or Treat — Leland
Bring out the kiddos in their costumes for this fun Halloween event, 4-6 pm at East Cutlar Crossing (Brunswick Forest).
Oct 28
Classic Cars ’n Rock ’n Roll
The Cape Fear Cruisers host their annual show, with more than 80 awards in various categories, including a prize for the best Halloween-decorated vehicle. The show runs along the riverfront/Howe and Bay Streets in Southport from 8:30 am to 3 pm. The Back Porch Rockers will perform, and there will be a raffle; proceeds benefit local charities.
Oct 30
Brunswick Civil War Round Table Ladies Forum
Renowned local historian, author, and popular guest speaker Chris Fonvielle will join the Civil War Ladies’ Forum at its annual meeting to explore a most interesting subject rarely discussed at Civil War presentations —“Sex in the Civil War.” The program will be held at Murrow Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St., Southport, and it begins at 6 pm.
Oct 28-29
Watercolor Workshops to benefit Friends of LCAC
Artist Mark Polomchak will lead two days of workshops. Attendees can take one day of classes or both; each day will feature group and one-on-one instruction and artists will complete a painting. Some supplies provided; check details when registering. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Friends group. The class is 9 am to 4 pm each day.
Nov 2
Artist Reception — LCAC
Artist Trey Moore’s work is on display; his work features composite of on-site sketches and photographs with works taking different views of the world around us. The reception is 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
Nov 4
Contra Dance
This communal-style folk dance is easy to learn, and no partner or experience is necessary. Beginners lessons start at 7 pm, and flat, closed-toe shoes are recommended.Tickets are $15, and the dance is 7-10 pm at LCAC, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
Nov 4
The Great Pumpkin Blowout
For just $10, you can blow up a pumpkin at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson. Take your own pumpkin, and use the same technology used to detonate Civil War era torpedoes. The event is 11 am to 4 pm at the site, 8884 St. Philip’s Road SE, Winnabow (off N.C. 133). This event is a particular favorite of this magazine publishers, by the way.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College
150 College Road NW, Bolivia
Oct 13 — The Long Bay Symphony with John Popper
Oct 14 — Celebrate Brunswick featuring The Spongetones at 9 pm and The Hatch Brothers at 8 pm
Oct 19 — DSB - The Journey tribute
Oct 21 — Ranky Tanky
Nov 3 — Who’s Bad - The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute
Visit https://bccowa.com/
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
701 N. Third St., Wilmington
Oct 5 — Alice Cooper
Oct 7 — The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra presents Romantic Masters
Oct 9 — An Evening with Billy Ocean
Oct 13 — Nick Carter
Oct 14 — Pam Tillis
Oct 22 — City Ballet presents “Jane Eyre,” a ballet based on the Charlotte Bronte novel. Attendees are are invited to dress up in gothic, romantic, or period attire from favorite works of literature.
Oct 25 — The North Carolina Symphony presents Classical Favorites
Oct 26 — Portrait of Aretha: CeCe Teneal honors the legacy of the Queen of Soul
Oct 28 — Ofrenda: a Dia de Los Muertos Celebration
Nov 1 — Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington
Oct 4 — Gov’t Mule
Oct 5 — Drive-By Truckers with rican Aquarium
Oct 12 — Switchfoot - The Beautiful Letdown 20th Anniversary Tour
Oct 13 — Common Kings - Celebration Tour
Oct 15 — SOJO with guests Hirie and Mihali
Oct 20 — Leftover Salmon
Oct 21 — Paul Cauthen
Oct 22 — The Cat Empire - Where the Angels Fall Tour
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10 Cowan St., Wilmington
Oct 5 — Jelly Roll: Backroad Baptism Tour 2023
Brunswick Beer & Cider
1313 S. Dickinson Drive
Oct 14 — Octoberversary — Enjoy live music on the new stage, a new beer/cider release, plenty of food and drink specials, and The Wave vendor market; starting at 11 am.
Nov 4 — Applearchy Ciderfest — enjoy samples of beer and cider from North and South Carolina, along with food and local vendor booths. Tickets are $30 and the event starts at noon.
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
1175 Turlington Ave Suite 101, Leland
Oct 6 — Fresh & Raw Tour together with Truist — The concert is free to attend, and money raised from donations will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Local musician Lorna Ford will open, and musicians Barrett Baber and Taylor Goyette will also perform. Music starts at 6 pm.
Brunswick Beer Xchange Co.
113 Village Road, Leland
Oct 7 — Octoberfest and 2nd Anniversary Celebration, featuring games, food, and of course, delicious beer selections. The festivities start at 3 pm.
Ongoing Events
Riverwalk Marketplace at the Belville Riverwalk
Fridays 11 am - 5:30 pm; Saturdays 10 am - 5:30 pm; and Sundays 10-4 pm; Produce, ice cream, and fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River.
Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation
Check out https://www.townofleland.com/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources for more information on classes and programs, including painting, pottery, jewelry-making, acting, dance and more.
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
8884 St. Philip's Rd. SE, Winnabow
There is plenty to do and see, with a museum, historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
Wilmington River Tours
212 S. Water St., Wilmington
Tour the beautiful Cape Fear River and learn more about the area’s history and ecology. Sunset cruises include acoustic music Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.
NC Maritime Museums - Southport, 204 E. Moore St.
Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.
Art League of Leland (ALL) at the Leland Cultural Arts Center
The group welcomes artists of all kinds and meets monthly (except in summer months) 4-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
Beer & Wine
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar
1175 Turlington Ave, Suite 101, Leland
Full menu featuring seafood — also hosting live music with seating inside and outside.
The Joyce
1174 Turlington Ave.
Great pub food, brunch on Saturdays, music and special events.
Local’s Tavern
1107 New Pointe Blvd., Leland
Live music, karaoke, great food, special events and a great neighborhood vibe. All the football games showing on Sundays.
Bridgewater Wines+Dines
1132 New Pointe Blvd., Leland
Food and wine, including free wine tastings. Enjoy Tuesday trivia, wine tastings on Thirsty Thursdays, Wine Down Fridays and Sipping Saturdays.
Brunswick Beer Xchange Co.
113 Village Road, Leland
Board games, live music and open mic nights, Bunko games on Mondays, open mic comedy night on Wednesdays, trivia and food trucks on Thursdays, and tastings.
The Scapegoat Taproom
2789 Compass Pointe South Wynd, Leland
This taproom has more than 40 beers and ciders to choose from, and plenty of wines too, all with a great neighborhood vibe, live music, and food truck appearances. Enjoy college football Saturdays and pro football on Sundays.
Brodee Dogs Brew House
103 A Village Road, Leland
Dogs and burgers with delicious toppings, including a special house sauce, craft beers, and live music.
Brunswick Beer & Cider
1313 S. Dickinson Drive
Enjoy good food, ciders and beers; outside seating also available. Join the monthly run, or walk — a 4-mile trek that ends with food, beverages and social time. The run starts at 6 pm, Oct 5.
Blossoms Restaurant (Magnolia Greens)
1800 Tommy Jacobs Dr.
Check Facebook for drink and food deals and special events.
