August events happening in Southeastern North Carolina | Cape Fear Weekend Planner

WILMINGTON, N.C. (CAPE FEAR WEEKEND) -

Whether you’re interested in experiencing live entertainment at one of Wilmington’s amazing venues, strolling historic downtown at for an artisan market or spending time under the bright lights of fireworks there is an event for everyone happening this August.

Soak up all that the rest of summer has to offer this month in Wilmington with events from this month’s Cape Fear Weekend Planner.

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August 3rd

Pitchin for Paws

Buck Hardee Field | 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Join us to cheer on our Wilmington Sharks as they face the Peninsula Pilots! This game night will be in support of A Pawsitive Mission, a Paws-Ability program providing financial assistance to pet parents of New Hanover County. Pre-sale tickets to be sold in advance for 10$ each. Tickets can be purchased via email at apawsitivemission@paws-ability.org. Can’t wait to meet you all at the field!

August 4th

Butterflies, Moths, and Plants, oh my! Creating backyard butterfly habitat

N.C. Cooperative Extension - New Hanover County Center 6206 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403| 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Butterflies and caterpillars (the larval stage in the butterfly life cycle) provide food for birds and other organisms, pollinate flowers and are easy to attract to a garden or backyard landscape. Butterflies are found throughout North Carolina and will flourish within a well-designed landscape of native plants in both rural and urban areas. Join Matt Collogan, Consumer Horticulture Agent, to learn what you can do to create habitat for butterflies in your own backyard.

First Friday Jazz Night w/ The Jim Ferris Trio

Bourgie Nights 127 Princess Street Wilmington, NC 28401| 7:00pm – 10:00pm

The Jim Ferris Trio relocated to Wilmington, NC in 2018, after being a fixture on the Raleigh jazz scene since 2008, playing throughout the region. They have been #1 on the Raleigh ReverbNation Jazz Charts since 2015 and are still in that spot today, receiving outstanding recognition and accolades from jazz lovers of all types & ages.

Limited VIP tables will be available, but general admission seating is first come first served. Standing room will be available once seats are filled.

August 5th

2023 Backstreet Music Festival

James Arthur Herring Event Center, 206 Southwest Railroad Street, Wallace, NC 28466 | 10:00am-9:00pm

Enjoy music, dance, food, vendors and a motorcycle show! There will be a Motorcycle Sound system competition bring extreme bikes with professional audio systems from hundreds of miles around!

Mega Hiring Community Day Event

Medical Research Building, 1638 Owen Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304 | 10:00am – 2:00pm

Cape Fear Valley Health will be hosting a Mega Hiring Event. We will be hiring for every open position within the Cape Fear Valley Health / Central Harnett / Betsy Johnson Hospital System. Please go to our website and click on the careers tab to view a listing of all open positions.

Please come with 3 or more updated resumes, casual dress, and ready to start your new career. Check out our calendar for details on registering for the event.

Trash’N Fash’N Show

New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403| 6:00pm - 8:00pm

On August 5th, students from Issac Bear are hosting the 2nd Annual Trash’N Fash’N Show. Area fashionistas and mindful creatives of all ages are encouraged to create and model their own unique garments. A panel of judges will award prizes for the highest scoring designs. Items can be made from old fabrics, used clothing, cardboard, paper, plastic and other single use materials.

The show’s goal is to encourage people to consider their shopping patterns and steer away from cheap clothes that they quickly toss. Participants are to incorporate recycled and upcycled materials into their designs and create stylish alternatives to wasteful “Fast Fashion” options.

August 6th

Enraged Yoga

The Eagle’s Dare 420 North 3rd Street Wilmington, NC 28401| 10:00am – 12:00 pm

Zen out and rage with us!

Hardcore and loud playlist!

Hardcore and loud deep poses!

Perfect to let out a yell!

Come do a yoga flow like no other with Shelby to channel and let out your inner rage.

$20 get you an hour of yoga with Shelby and a choice of a beer, mimosa or gut rot bourbon afterward!

Sip and Shop Fashion Show

Ironclad Brewery 115 North 2nd Street Wilmington, NC 28401| 12:00 pm

Join us for a fabulous afternoon of fashion, fun, and sipping fresh brews at the Sip and Shop Fashion Show! Featuring fashions from Vintage Values Resale Shops, chosen by our models to show their true authentic selves. With Performances by Jeremy Mathews and Kristie Campbell. All ticket proceeds benefit Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.

August 10th

Morning Bliss Yoga at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach

Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, 1706 North Lumina Avenue Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480| 8:00am - 9:00am

Come enjoy a Blissful Morning Yoga Practice with the beautiful oceanfront backdrop. All practices will be tailored to your needs. Open to all - hotel guests and locals! Feel free to park at Lumina even if you aren’t staying there. Just let the attendant know that you are attending yoga.

Women’s Networking Collective Luncheon

Brunswick Beer and Cider 1313 South Dickinson Drive Leland, NC 28451| 12:00 - 1:30pm

The Women’s Networking Collective is the new networking group for smart, savvy women in the Wilmington, NC area.

We meet once a month to create authentic connections, learn from each other, and ultimately, grow our businesses. We know that women network a bit differently than men, and we are creating a space where women can create their tribe and thrive!

We would love to have you join us at our very next Luncheon! Guests are welcome to come to one meeting before joining. Space is limited, please be sure to register for your spot.

August 11th

Family Beach Fishing at Bald Head Island

Access 5 Bald Head Island, NC 28461 | 9:30 - 11:00am

Head to the beach and prepare to get your hands dirty catching fish! Family Beach Fishing provides families with a hands-on fishing experience using modern and traditional fishing techniques such as rod & reel and seine nets. No experience necessary. This program is recommended for children 10 and up. If your child is younger please reach out with any questions. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Anyone over the age of 16 who wishes to participate in program-related fishing activities must possess and have on hand an NC Fishing License.

Meet at Beach Access 5. All equipment and bait are provided. Registration ends 60 minutes prior to program start time.

August 12th

Bolton Community Day

Goshen Medical Center, Inc., 213 9th Street, Bolton, NC 28423 | 9:00am - 2:00pm

Join us at the Bolton Community Day for FREE sports physicals for school-age children, FREE Cardiac Screenings for adults, FREE school supplies for the first 100 children, and much more.

Stone Soup Zine Fest - A Pop Up Market Celebrating DIY Publishing

Bottleworks ILM, 921 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC 28401| 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Stone Soup Zine Fest is an all-ages festival dedicated to promoting zines (self-published magazines), mini-comics, and other forms of small press, alternative, and underground DIY media and art. Admission is free and vendors are able to travel from all over the East Coast. Special local guests will also be in attendance like GLOW teacher and artist HP Fangs, as well as Tales of Cape Fear’s Angle Fernot. Stone Soup has been the sole event in Wilmington that specifically provides this platform in our growing community. Discover the magic of alternative comics that break away from the norm of big named superheroes and venture forth into more personal stories of growth, adventure stories with original worlds, or some sentimental tributes to pets and family we love.

Tropical Fruit Party

The Eagle’s Dare 420 North 3rd Street Wilmington, NC 28401| 1:00pm

The Plant Ecologist Presents an immersive experience of fruit sampling and tropical plants to pair with your beverage of choice. You’ll also have the chance to win fantastic prizes from local small businesses. Tickets are $30 and include: samples of a wide variety of tropical fruits, a glass of wine, and an exciting educational experience delivered by a true plant professional.

August 13th

Drag the River Divas & Decades brunch

Warehouse on Water 15 South Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Join us once again at Warehouse on Water for our next Drag the River- Drag Brunch on Sunday August 13th from 12-4pm for our Divas & Decades Brunch party!

***This is a 18+ EVENT***

We have brought some favorites back along with some new amazing girls to show you how to throw a Pride party like no other!

Taking place in a beautifully historic 1856 venue on the river, this show is like no other. General Admission tickets are $12 and there are multiple VIP options available.

August 17th

Wilmington Indoor Night Market

Coca Cola Bottleworks Building, 921 Princess Street | 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Discover your next great find at the restored Coca Cola Bottleworks Building in the creative Soda Pop District, a short walk from historic downtown. There is always something different and unique during this climate-controlled market held in the expansive communal area filled with eclectic vendors, rotating food trucks, mocktails or zero proof cocktails, music and more.

August 18th

Brown Dirt Cowboys in Concert

Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie RoadWilmington, NC 28403 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm

The Airlie Gardens Concert Series continues with a lively songs of the Brown Dirt Cowboys celebrating their recording debut of Golden in the Moonlight. Noted for their original songs, creative covers, and wonderful vocal harmonies, their lively stage show sure to please the entire family and get everyone dancing. You are welcome to bring lawn chairs, small picnic-sized tables, blankets, coolers, food and beverages to enjoy an outdoors evening in the music-filled gardens. Please visit their website for details on shuttle service and parking

August 19th

5th Annual Port City Jerry Day

Amphitheater @ Greenfield Lake, 1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 | 5:00pm - 10:00pm

Join us at the amphitheater at Greenfield Lake for the 5th Annual Port City Jerry Day, a charitable concert presented by the City of Wilmington in support of the United Way of the Cape Fear Area!

This year, the Possums will be opening the show and The Garcia Project, featuring original Jerry Garcia Band members Maria Muldaur and Buzz Buchanan, will be recreating a 1978 JGB show.

Doors open at 5 pm, allowing you to explore the offerings of local vendors and food trucks inside the gates. There will also be a pre-concert drum circle led by the Omni Percussion Ensemble. The music starts at 6 pm.

Flamenco Night

La Mar Salada - SPANISH MARKET, 908 Castle Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 | 5:00pm - 10:00pm

Join us for a mesmerizing evening of Flamenco at La Mar Salada - SPANISH MARKET! Get ready to experience the passionate rhythms, soulful melodies, and electrifying dance moves of this traditional Spanish art form. Located on Castle Street, Wilmington, NC, USA, our intimate venue sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable night. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and let the music transport you to the heart of Spain. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness the magic of Flamenco up close and personal. Grab your friends and come join the fiesta!

Silent Disco: Taylor Swift Night + Friends & Foes

Hi-Wire Brewing - Wilmington 1020 Princess Street Wilmington, NC 28401| 7:00pm - 11:00pm

A full night dedicated to the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift. Swifties get ready for an unforgettable silent disco event!

The event will have 3 channels going:

Red will be all Taylor, All night.
Blue will be friends with Taylor. We are talking Selena Gomez, Lorde, Ellie Goulding, Bleachers, HAIM, Ed Sheeran, Avril Lavigne, Olivia Rodrigo, Joe Jonas and that list goes on.
Green will be the channel for all the beef. Any foe to meet Taylor will be playing on Green. Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Joe Jonas again!, Demi Lovato, Calvin Harris, Nicki Manaj, This list could get long but good thing we have a blank space,...

The entire night will be filled with killer music and plenty of Taylor Swift festivities. So forget your reputation and dress up like your favorite Taylor video character and we will see you at Hi-Wire Brewing Co.

August 20th

Wilmington’s End of Summer Party + Music Festival

Waterline Brewing Co., 721 Surry St, Wilmington, NC | 12:00 – 4:00pm

Head under the bridge for brews and shopping with local vendors. Celebrate the end of the summer season with live music, gifts to buy, and great drinks.

Exhibit Reception for Four Artists

Art in Bloom Gallery, 6866 Main St, Wilmington, NC 28405 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Join us in the gallery on Sunday, August 20th, 2-5pm for a special artist’s reception to celebrate three new shows featuring the pastels of Jeri Greenberg, ceramics by Brian Evans and Dianne Evans as well as photography by David A. Norris. Enjoy special refreshments, meet our artists and enjoy live music by solo jazz guitar, Roger Davis!

Seersucker & Sundress Day Party

Halyburton Events Center, 4099 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28412| 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Come join APO, Inc. for the hottest party of the summer, the Seersucker and Sundress Party with a Purpose. Step out in your sharp Seersucker Suit and fly Sundress to support our Community Partnerships efforts. Music by Brandon “Bigg B” Hickman

August 24th

Morning Bliss Yoga at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach

Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, 1706 North Lumina Avenue Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 | 8:00-9:00 am

History & Architecture Walking Tour of Wilmington

1 Orange Street, Orange Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 9:30 am

Enjoy a 1.5 mile stroll through the National Register Historic District while seeing our towns most notable homes and churches. A chronological history of Wilmington is offered from settlement to current day. Topics include Colonial times and Revolutionary War, Antebellum Period, Victorian Architecture, Civil War, 1898 Coup WWI and II boom times, the exodus to the suburbs and how Wilmington makes its comeback

August 25th

Kayaking the Creeks at Bald Head Island

Village Creek Access, 111 North Bald Head Wynd Bald Head Island, NC 28461 | 9:00 - 11:00 am

Explore the unspoiled creeks of BHI on a guided trip at high, mid or low tide. Each trip offers a unique perspective of BHI and great views of wildlife; this is a must-do before you leave the island! While on the water, search for different marsh plants and animals and learn about their importance to this ecosystem. Double kayaks are used and all children 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Kayaking is not recommended for children under the age 14 with no experience.

Kayak trips are rated as moderate to moderately difficult due to sun, tides and wind on the marsh. Conditions may vary depending on the day.

$65/person (all participants in double kayaks)

August 26th

The Groove Market at Riverlights

Riverlights, 109 Pier Master Point ##100 Wilmington, NC 28412 | 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Come explore everything Riverlights has to offer and shop from 30 local makers!

Riverlights has many established bars and restaurants to choose from and they are also bringing out Brighter Days Coffee and Coastal Craft Creamery Ice Cream.

There will be live music and local vendors beneath the canopy of live oak trees and fairy hair with their booth inside the Information Center. Riverlights is located along on the Cape Fear River. It’s the perfect place to spend a day with the whole family, including your furry four-legged friends!

Dusk in the Desert Night Market

The Green at Hawthorne at Oleander, 3515 Adirondack Way | 4:00pm - 8:00pm

Come to the Oasis of the Forever Green Lawn. Shop the market and dine on local treats as we beat the heat with fun & live music, 25+ Vendors, Delicious Food, and a Golden Raffle.

Cape Fear Contra Dance

Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way Leland, NC 28451 | 7:00 - 10:00 pm

Join Cape Fear Contra Dance for a night of live music and fun! Contra is a communal-style folk dance that is easy and fun to learn. No partner or experience is necessary, but show up right at 7 PM for a quick beginners lesson! Throughout the night, a caller leads the dancers through a series of moves and the sequence repeats itself.

August 27th

5th Annual White “Line Dance” Party

128 South, 128 South Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 3:00 - 7:00 pm

Summertime is approaching, and that means it’s time for another Red Black & Love White “Line Dance” Party!!! This year’s event will be held on the beautiful128 South River View Deck with views of the Cape Fear River as the backdrop. Light refreshments will be served, and a cash bar will be available. A canopied tent will also provide protection and the assurance of summer fun in the sun regardless of the weather!!! Make plans now to join us in your best “All White - Summer Chic” casual outfits for the summer party of the year!

Don’t miss this exciting event, or the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of deserving, college-bound students. Tickets are $40 per person.

August 31st

Oceanic Summer Music Series

Oceanic Restaurant and Pier, 703 South Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Enjoy wonderful live summer music by the sea on the beautiful pier of the Oceanic Restaurant. Every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon in the summer months, live music will complement your experience of ocean dining at its best.