Six events and festivals you do not want to miss this season
Pumpkins are out there for the taking right now and we not only have a roundup of places to go with your family to grab some, but wanted to share with you all the fun festivals and upcoming events the family can enjoy. Here are some things you do not want to miss this fall in the Wilmington area.
Goosebumps in the Grove
October 30-31
Stroll the grounds of Poplar Grove Plantation to visit more than 75 artisan vendors, food trucks, trick or treating for kids, carnival games, prizes and spooktacular fun. There will be Halloween vignette photo ops, balloon animals, and an additional $5 ticket will get you into the haunted mansion. Check out their website for more.
Cape Fear Fair and Expo
Oct. 29-Nov. 7
Bring the whole family out to a classic fall fair with a Ferris wheel, rides, games, contests, a pig race, live music and entertainment and juried art and crafts shows. Check out the ribbon-winning livestock and foods before eating some cotton candy or funnel cakes.
Airlie Oyster Roast
Oct. 15
This local fall tradition dates back to 1905 when oysters were enjoyed at an October feast along the banks of Bradley Creek. The tradition was revived in 2000 and become an important fundraiser for Airlie’s Environmental Education Programs, which includes hands-on education for the thousands of school children and garden guests each year. Purchase tickets in advance and enjoy all you can eat oysters, food, fixings, parking, drink tickets and live entertainment. This event is only for those 21+.
Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival
Oct. 30
Lighthouse Beer and Wine of Wrightsville Beach will throw their 5th annual festival to benefit the Carousel Center. Enjoy this year’s festival at the new Live Oak Pavilion sampling beers from dozens of breweries, wines, food vendors and live music. This event is only for those 21+.
Cape Fear Kite Festival
Nov. 6-7
Bring the whole family out to the beach on a windy November day to see kites in shapes and sizes you have never seen before. Watch serious kite flyers share their sky art at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for the 15th annual festival, presented in partnership with the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. Food trucks and other vendors will be on site.
Tickets on sale for Enchanted Airlie
Nov. 3
Since 2005 guests have fallen in love with Airlie Gardens holiday celebration, Enchanted Airlie. The entire park is transformed into a wonderland of creativity and Christmas lights. Walk around and sip hot chocolate, take in millions of lights and tell Santa what you want for Christmas. Enchanted Airlie goes from Nov. 27 through Dec. 22, but tickets go on sale Nov. 3 online and they go fast. Consider this your reminder to circle the date on your calendar.
