Wilmington Events Calendar Thursday, 07/01/2010 - Sunday, 07/04/2010

Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament  The Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament would like to welcome all our sponsors, fishermen, participants, and spectators to this, our 38th annual event. This year looks to be a great time to be had by all. Once again, the headquarters and weigh station will be at Wrightsville Marina. Call 910.256.6666 for more information. Wrightsville Beach Marina 6 Marina Street Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 www.capefearbluemarlintournament.com/

Saturday, 07/03/2010 9:00 AM - Sunday, 07/04/2010

Cape Fear 7's Rugby Tournament  The Cape Fear Rugby Football Club will host the 36th Annual Cape Fear 7's Rugby Tournament. Cape Fear 7's is the oldest and largest 7-a-side weekend rugby tournament in the entire United States of America and attracts over 60+ teams from throughout the United States and from many international locations, as well. Admission is free and is suitable for children. For more information please contact Paul Kasper at 910.264.5277 or CapeFearSevens@aol.com. Ogden Park 615 Odgen Park Drive Wilmington, NC 28411 www.fearrugby.com

Saturday, 07/03/2010 9:00 PM

Pleasure Island Independence Day Fireworks  Come down to the beach strand directly in front of the Boardwalk in Carolina Beach and enjoy the best fireworks display this Island has to offer. Be sure to bring your blanket, beach chairs and food and prepare yourself for a show like none other. Fireworks begin at 9pm and are free and open to the public. Call 910.458.8434 for more information. Carolina Beach On the beach end of Cape Fear Blvd Carolina Beach, NC 28428 www.pleasureislandnc.org

Sunday, 07/04/2010 4:00 PM

Jazz at the Mansion  A new series in collaboration with Cape Fear Jazz Society. Bring your blanket or chairs and relax on the lawn to the sounds of America's classic songs played by outstanding Wilmington artists. Beverages & gourmet snacks available. Tonight's artist: Doug Irving Quartet. $12/$8 for members. 910.251.3700  Bellamy Mansion 503 Market St Wilmington, NC 28401 www.bellamymansion.org

Sunday, 07/04/2010 5:00 PM

4th of July Riverfront Celebration  Celebrate Independence Day with music, food and fireworks in Historic Downtown Wilmington! Entertainment will be provided by the 440th North Carolina Army National Guard Band in Riverfront Park. Join us on Water Street from 5pm to 10pm for food, music, fireworks and fun! Fireworks will begin at 9:05 pm from the Battleship North Carolina. For those viewing the fireworks along the river bring your radios and tune in to WGNI 102.7 FM. Primary viewing of the fireworks will be from downtown. WECT TV 6 will also broadcast the fireworks live beginning at 9pm. For more information call 910.341.7855. Downtown Wilmington Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401 www.wilmingtonrecreation.com

Sunday, 07/04/2010 6:00 PM

4th of July Cruise aboard the Henrietta III  Come aboard North Carolina's Largest Riverboat as we celebrate our Independence Day!! Enjoy the city sponsored fireworks from the promenade decks. Boards 30 minutes prior to cruise. Pre-paid reservations required. Boarding begins at 6pm. Call 800.676.0162 or 910.343.1611. Henrietta III Water & Dock Streets Wilmington, NC 28401 www.cfrboats.com

Sunday, 07/04/2010 9:05 PM

14th Annual Battleship Blast  One of the largest choreographed fireworks displays in the State explodes over the Battleship. View from historic downtown Wilmington. The Battleship closes at 6pm for fireworks. For more information 910.251.5797 Ext. 2048. Battleship North Carolina # 1 Battleship Road Wilmington, NC 28401 www.battleshipnc.com

Monday, 07/05/2010 2:00 PM

NC Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour...and More  The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is now offering an Extended Behind the Scenes tour that takes participants deeper into the hidden layers of the Aquarium. The program will feature the traditional behind the scenes tour, which includes exploring animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. The tour will then continue to the top of the Aquarium's largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, where participants will have the rare opportunity to view a live feeding of the 235,000 gallon tank from a newly created viewing deck. Sharks, stingrays, moray eels, spadefish, and other large fish call the exhibit home and will be swimming below during the tour. The 2 hour tour is for ages 8 and up, children 8 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The fee is $20.00 for ages 13 and up, and $18.00 for ages 8-12. Aquarium admission is included. Register by calling 910-458-7468.  NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher/programs

Wednesday, 07/07/2010 2:00 PM

NC Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour...and More  The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is now offering an Extended Behind the Scenes tour that takes participants deeper into the hidden layers of the Aquarium. The program will feature the traditional behind the scenes tour, which includes exploring animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. The tour will then continue to the top of the Aquarium's largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, where participants will have the rare opportunity to view a live feeding of the 235,000 gallon tank from a newly created viewing deck. Sharks, stingrays, moray eels, spadefish, and other large fish call the exhibit home and will be swimming below during the tour. The 2 hour tour is for ages 8 and up, children 8 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The fee is $20.00 for ages 13 and up, and $18.00 for ages 8-12. Aquarium admission is included. Register by calling 910-458-7468.  NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher/programs

Thursday, 07/08/2010 6:30 PM

Sounds of Summer Concert  Bring a picnic and enjoy a music-filled day in the park. Sponsored by WECT and hosted by Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation, tonight's band is Big Al Hall& The Marching Rams. In the event of rain, concerts will be held the following Thursdays. Wrightsville Beach Park 1 Bob Sawyer Drive Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Friday, 07/09/2010 - Sunday, 07/11/2010

Annual East Coast Got Em On Classic King Tournament  The East Coast Got-Em-On Classic King Mackerel Tournament- This is our oldest and biggest fundraiser. Sponsored by the East Coast Got Em On Live. Details Call 910.512.0542 for more information.  Carolina Beach Yacht Basin Carolina Beach, NC 28428 www.got-em-on.com

Friday, 07/09/2010 2:00 PM

NC Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour...and More  The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is now offering an Extended Behind the Scenes tour that takes participants deeper into the hidden layers of the Aquarium. The program will feature the traditional behind the scenes tour, which includes exploring animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. The tour will then continue to the top of the Aquarium's largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, where participants will have the rare opportunity to view a live feeding of the 235,000 gallon tank from a newly created viewing deck. Sharks, stingrays, moray eels, spadefish, and other large fish call the exhibit home and will be swimming below during the tour. The 2 hour tour is for ages 8 and up, children 8 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The fee is $20.00 for ages 13 and up, and $18.00 for ages 8-12. Aquarium admission is included. Register by calling 910-458-7468.  NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher/programs

Friday, 07/09/2010 6:30 PM

Free Summer Concert  Summertime at the beach is all about sun, sand, waves, seafood and MUSIC! So we're bringing you our FREE Summer Concert Series held at the Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area in Kure Beach. Bring blankets and chairs for the whole family and prepare to boogie the night away. please do not bring pets or beverages. Beverages will be for sale. Call 910.458.8434 or email visitor@pleasureislandnc.org. Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area 118 Riverfront Rd Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.pleasureislandnc.org

Saturday, 07/10/2010

Life on Fort Fisher's Waterways  Celebrate NC's "2nd Saturdays" at Fort Fisher as we look at life between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Demonstrators and vendors will exhibit and sell traditional water crafts. Period music and costumed tours with weapons demonstrations will happen at scheduled times throughout the day. 910-458-5538 Fort Fisher State Historic Site 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/fisher.htm

Saturday, 07/10/2010 6:00 AM

28th Annual Tri-Span Race - 5K and 10K Race  Race will begin at the Wilmington Hilton on Water Street, proceed from Water to Ann, Ann to Front, Front to Church, Church to Front, Front to Wooster, Across the Memorial Bridge to US 421, across the 3rd Street Bridge to Front Street, Front to Red Cross, Red Cross to Water to the finish line. Call 910.251.9622 Ext. 224 for more information or email gray.lambeth@wilmingtonfamilyymca.org. Downtown Wilmington Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401 www.trispan.active.com

Saturday, 07/10/2010 9:00 AM

Classy-Chassis Car Show & Country Flea Market  STS TOP 20 EVENT for 2010. The most memorable show of the summer takes place under big old shade trees at Historic Poplar Grove Plantation. Cars and trucks 1985 and older may register to compete for trophies and wall plaques. Antique (1975 and older) Tractor Display. A Country Flea Market spreads front to back on this old peanut farm. Vendors offer handmade crafts, furniture, jewelry, gently used goods and more. Take a break from the summer heat with an ice cream sundae in the air conditioned barn. Show-goers can treat themselves to real southern bar-be-cue sandwiches, hot dogs, beverages, funnel cakes and of course, peanuts! Free! Car entry registration $20 before June 30. $25 after. Call 910.686.9518 for more information. Poplar Grove Plantation 10200 US Hwy 17 North Wilmington, NC 28411 www.poplargrove.com

Saturday, 07/10/2010 10:00 AM

Battleship Arts Fest - A 2nd Saturday Event  Arts Fest features creations for sale by local artists working in ceramics, metal, wood, and other media. The DREAMS Center for Arts Education, whose focus is offering free-of-charge arts programming to youth, will have young artists selling their work, face painting by donation, entertaining the crowd with African drumming, and offering bottled water and baked goods for sale. This event is free at the park and open to the public with ample free parking available but does not include the tour of the ship. For more information call 910-251-5797 x3004.  Battleship NC #1 Battleship Road Wilmington, NC 28401 www.battleshipnc.com

Monday, 07/12/2010 2:00 PM

NC Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour...and More  The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is now offering an Extended Behind the Scenes tour that takes participants deeper into the hidden layers of the Aquarium. The program will feature the traditional behind the scenes tour, which includes exploring animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. The tour will then continue to the top of the Aquarium's largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, where participants will have the rare opportunity to view a live feeding of the 235,000 gallon tank from a newly created viewing deck. Sharks, stingrays, moray eels, spadefish, and other large fish call the exhibit home and will be swimming below during the tour. The 2 hour tour is for ages 8 and up, children 8 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The fee is $20.00 for ages 13 and up, and $18.00 for ages 8-12. Aquarium admission is included. Register by calling 910-458-7468.  NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher/programs

Thursday, 07/15/2010 - Saturday, 07/17/2010

Port City Puppet Festival  UNC-Wilmington will host this year's Puppeteers of America Southeast Conference. The Port City Puppet Festival will attract artists from throughout the nation and feature a wide variety of puppet performances, including shadow puppetry, marionettes, stop-motion animation and more. Events include art exhibits, community workshops, films and live puppet performances for all ages. Comprising many of the most renowned puppetry artists in the nation, the Puppeteers of America gathers every two years for a multi-day regional festival, with previous festivals taking place in Atlanta, Charleston, Birmingham and Orlando. This summer's festival marks the organization's first visit to the Port City. Venues include UNCW Campus, Cameron Art Museum, Thalian Hall, Community Arts Center and more.For more information and/or to purchase tickets for the public performances: 910.962.2082, www.uncw.edu/arts UNCW Campus 601 S. College Ave Wilmington, NC 28406 www.portcitypuppet.org.

Friday, 07/16/2010 - Sunday, 01/09/2011

PuppetArt  The puppets are here! The exhibition features large-scale puppets and set designs from the famous Vermont-based Bread and Puppet Theatre, and selected international puppets from various historical periods drawn from the collection of Atlantaâ??s Center for Puppetry Arts. PuppetArt is presented by the Cameron Art Museum in collaboration with the Port City Puppet Festival, sponsored by the Puppeteers of America Southeast Region and the UNCW Office of Cultural Arts. Cameron Art Museum 3201 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28412 www.cameronartmuseum.com

Friday, 07/16/2010 7:00 AM - Sunday, 07/18/2010

6th Annual Reef/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest  Enjoy 3 days of spectacular surfing at the 6th annual Reef/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest. Watch some of the world's best professional and amateur surfers ride the waves, while you soak up some rays. More than just a killer contest, the festival is sure to be nothing but fun in the sun. Festival starts at 7 a.m. daily. Call 910.256.3821, email tony@wblivesurf.com or see the web site for more information. Wrightsville Beach Oceanic Street Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 reef.wblivesurf.com/

Friday, 07/16/2010 2:00 PM

NC Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour...and More  The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is now offering an Extended Behind the Scenes tour that takes participants deeper into the hidden layers of the Aquarium. The program will feature the traditional behind the scenes tour, which includes exploring animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. The tour will then continue to the top of the Aquarium's largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, where participants will have the rare opportunity to view a live feeding of the 235,000 gallon tank from a newly created viewing deck. Sharks, stingrays, moray eels, spadefish, and other large fish call the exhibit home and will be swimming below during the tour. The 2 hour tour is for ages 8 and up, children 8 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The fee is $20.00 for ages 13 and up, and $18.00 for ages 8-12. Aquarium admission is included. Register by calling 910-458-7468.  NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher/programs

Saturday, 07/17/2010 10:00 AM

Battleship 101  Ship volunteers stationed throughout the ship engage visitors in specific subjects and areas including: gunnery, radar, sickbay, galley, engineering and daily shipboard life. Call 910.251.5797 ext 3006 or 3026. Battleship North Carolina #1 Battleship Rd Wilmington, NC 28401 www.battleshipnc.com

Saturday, 07/17/2010 10:00 AM

Oakdale Historical Tour  Friends of Oakdale Cemetery will offer a Summer Series of Historical Walking Tours of North Carolina's oldest rural cemetery. Tours will be the third Saturday of the month at 10am â?? 12pm. No Advance reservations â?? Admission is $8 per person. Participants should park outside the cemetery gates at the end of Fifteenth Street. Tours will be canceled if there is inclement weather. Call 910.762.5682 for more information. Oakdale Cemetery 520 N. 15th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 www.oakdalecemetery.org

Wednesday, 07/21/2010 9:30 AM

Black River Nature Cruise  4-Hour Relaxing Getaway adventure up to the Black River, Miles of Scenic Wilderness, Narrated Plant and Wildlife Interpretation by Audubon North Carolina. Photographers' Paradise, Refreshments (Please feel free to bring your own lunch and beverages -- Coolers welcome). $59 per person; $40 12 and under with limited seating. Pre-paid tickets required (minimums apply). Boarding at the Battleship NC. Call 910.343.1611 or 800.676.0162. Boards at Battleship NC #1 Battleship Road Wilmington, NC 28401 www.cfrboats.com

Friday, 07/23/2010 - Sunday, 07/25/2010

Cape Fear Blues Festival  A 3-day celebration of blues music between the beautiful beaches of the Cape Fear Coast and the historic riverfront of downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. Events include a Blues Cruise, workshops, outdoor concert, live club shows, and an all-day blues jam. Call 910.350.8822 or email admin@capefearblues.org. Greenfield Amphitheater & other Venues 3rd Street & Carolina Beach Rd Wilmington, NC 28401 www.capefearblues.org

Friday, 07/23/2010 6:00 PM

Jazz at the Mansion  A new series in collaboration with Cape Fear Jazz Society. Bring your blanket or chairs and relax on the lawn to the sounds of America's classic songs played by outstanding Wilmington artists. Beverages & gourmet snacks available. Tonight's artist: Stardust. $12/$8 for members. 910.251.3700  Bellamy Mansion 503 Market St Wilmington, NC 28401 www.bellamymansion.org

Friday, 07/23/2010 6:30 PM

Free Summer Concert  Summertime at the beach is all about sun, sand, waves, seafood and MUSIC! So we're bringing you our FREE Summer Concert Series held at the Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area in Kure Beach. Bring blankets and chairs for the whole family and prepare to boogie the night away. please do not bring pets or beverages. Beverages will be for sale. Call 910.458.8434 or email visitor@pleasureislandnc.org. Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area 118 Riverfront Rd Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.pleasureislandnc.org

Friday, 07/23/2010 7:30 PM

Cape Fear Blues Cruise  3 bands, 3 bars, and 3 decks of pure blues fun! Heavy appetizers are served by Angie's Catering. Call 910.343.1611 for tickets. Henrietta III Water & Dock Streets Wilmington, NC 28401 www.cfrboats.com

Saturday, 07/24/2010 9:30 AM

CFCC Boat Show, 11th Annual  Presented by the CFCC's two boat building programs, the show serves as an annual celebration of the craft of boat building. Held on the banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, CFCC's boat show attracts thousands of visitors every year. New this year, organizers are opening up the show to professional boat dealers and boat building material suppliers from around the region to create a more comprehensive exhibit and provide information about modern boat building techniques along with traditional wooden boat building methods. Displays included hand-made kayaks, rowing skiffs, sailboats, powerboats and boats from the Simmons Sea Skiff Club. Students in CFCC's Boat Building program will exhibit their own work in wooden and fiberglass boat building. Build-a-Boat event! If you have ever wanted to build your own boat, now is your chance! 910.362.7020 CFCC Campus; Riverfront Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401 cfcc.edu/boatshow

Wednesday, 07/28/2010 2:00 PM

NC Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour...and More  The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is now offering an Extended Behind the Scenes tour that takes participants deeper into the hidden layers of the Aquarium. The program will feature the traditional behind the scenes tour, which includes exploring animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. The tour will then continue to the top of the Aquarium's largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, where participants will have the rare opportunity to view a live feeding of the 235,000 gallon tank from a newly created viewing deck. Sharks, stingrays, moray eels, spadefish, and other large fish call the exhibit home and will be swimming below during the tour. The 2 hour tour is for ages 8 and up, children 8 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The fee is $20.00 for ages 13 and up, and $18.00 for ages 8-12. Aquarium admission is included. Register by calling 910-458-7468.  NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher/programs

Friday, 07/30/2010 - Saturday, 07/31/2010

2nd Annual TJM Celebrity Charity Kayak Fishing Tournament  The tournament is open to the public and celebrities. Permitted fishing area is Mason's Inlet to Bald Head Island. 100% of this tournament's proceeds will be donated to the Eastern North Carolina Alzheimer's Association to help fight the battle against Alzheimer's disease. There will be excellent prizes for event winners, silent auction items, raffle items, and celebrity autograph's as well as great food from Middle of the Island Catering, beverages and lots of fun for the entire family! Please come out and help support the Alzheimer's Association by kayak fishing or just show up for the silent auction, raffles, and celebrity autograph session at Fort Fisher at 2pm. Call 910.792.6945 for more information. Fort Fisher Federal Point Boat Ramp End of Hwy 421 Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.hooklineandpaddle.com/TJM Charity Tournament.html

Friday, 07/30/2010 - Sunday, 08/01/2010

Captain Eddy Haneman Sailfish Tournament  This is a gentleman's tournament. The purpose of it is to promote inshore fishing and local fellowship on our beach. Please fish safe and have a great time. We would like to dedicate this tournament to past charter boat captains and mates. Call 910.256.6550 for more information. Bridge Tender Marina Airlie Road Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 www.bridgetendermarina.com

Friday, 07/30/2010 2:00 PM

NC Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour...and More  The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is now offering an Extended Behind the Scenes tour that takes participants deeper into the hidden layers of the Aquarium. The program will feature the traditional behind the scenes tour, which includes exploring animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. The tour will then continue to the top of the Aquarium's largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, where participants will have the rare opportunity to view a live feeding of the 235,000 gallon tank from a newly created viewing deck. Sharks, stingrays, moray eels, spadefish, and other large fish call the exhibit home and will be swimming below during the tour. The 2 hour tour is for ages 8 and up, children 8 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The fee is $20.00 for ages 13 and up, and $18.00 for ages 8-12. Aquarium admission is included. Register by calling 910-458-7468.  NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd Kure Beach, NC 28449 www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher/programs

Saturday, 07/31/2010

An Evening with Ivey  In honor of Poplar Grove Plantation's 30th season, on Saturday, July 31st, Poplar Grove presents An Evening with Ivey. North Carolina's favorite artist Ivey Hayes, unveils an original painting dedicated to the historic southern peanut plantation. Details coming soon. Call 910.686.9518 for more information. Poplar Grove Plantation 10200 US HWY 17 S Wilmington, NC 28411 www.poplargrove.com

Saturday, 07/31/2010 9:00 AM

The Artful Peanut - Peanut-iest Day in the South!  It's been 30 years since Poplar Grove, the oldest peanut plantation in the south, opened its doors to the public for tours. Dating to 1795, the plantation found its way back to prosperity after the Civil War thought the cultivation of peanuts. On July 31, the plantation celebrates 30 years of "being nuts for its neighbors". Come and celebrate the arts, the south and of course, the peanut. The day includes an opening ceremony, NC artist Ivey Hayes, Creative Artists Annual Show & Sale, a Hammer In with the local chapter of Artist Blacksmith Association of North America, tours, exhibits, demonstrations, music and peanut treats. 910-686-9518 Poplar Grove Plantation 10200 US Hwy 17 Wilmington, NC 28411 www.poplargrove.com