From fall festivals, oysters, beer, and some amazing kite flying, here are some fall events you can put on your calendar.
In October, what Wilmington lacks in apple cider festivals and corn mazes, we make up for in oyster roasts and family fun days spent by the water. For locals October is easily the most savory month of the year as the heat breaks off and parking spaces at the beach suddenly reappear.
Here are some of our favorite events happening right now around the community.
NC Oyster Festival | Ocean Isle, NC
October 19 & 20
Watch Oak Island’s Town Center Park transform into a walking district for the 43rd annual NC Oyster Festival. Expect oysters, foods, crafts, contests and musical performances.
Join in an oyster shucking contest, an oyster eating contest and if you aren’t competing in the oyster stew-off, be sure to vote for your favorite.
Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival | Wilmington
October 26
This event may be geared more toward the adults in the family, but the Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival is one of the biggest festivals of the year. Peruse through brewery tents with more beer than you can sample, live music, delicious food, all in one venue. Admission includes a souvenir sampling glass. For real beer afficionados, The Voracious Rare Beer Festival is a must-go event on Friday evening.
Goosebumps in the Grove | Scott’s Hill, NC
October 26-27
Dont miss this daytime Halloween gift show and carnival for the whole family at Poplar Grove. View the haunted manor house, shop through 75 artisan vendors, food trucks, kids can go trick-or-treating and play carnival games. All those 10 and under shouldn’t forget their costume for trick-or-treating! Book online now.
Ben Folds concert for WNC
October 29
Ben Folds and other musicians from Western, North Carolina will perform a Hurricane Helence disaster relief concert Tuesday, October 29 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Other musicians will include Jim Lauderdale, Mooshine State, Caleb Caudle & The Sweet Critters, and Josh Goforth.
Tickets are on sale now with 100% of the proceeds going to local charities assisting with emergency food, housing and home repairs.
Cape Fear Kite Festival | Kure Beach, NC
Nov. 1-3
Watch serious kite flyers (some known around the world) at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. See all shapes, sizes and styles of kites soar through the air at once. Festivities start with a “Night with Kites” event and then continue Saturday and Sunday on the beach. Expect live bands, food trucks and other vendors at the fall family event. We recommend making a parking and transportation plan far in advance as parking is limited. Check out more here.
Taste of Wrightsville Beach | Wrightsville Beach, NC
November 2
If you want to explore all the cuisine Wrightsville Beach has to offer in one night, Taste of Wrightsville Beach is a sampler’s haven. The 10th annual festival on the waterfront will host more than 35 food, wine and beer tasting booths under a huge tent with heaters. Celebrity judges will rate the dishes with a “Best in Show” while the public select “People’s Choice” awards. Tickets start at $100 for adults; $25 for ages 5-21; and children under 5 are free.
Polish Festival | Castle Hayne, NC
November 2
We looove the Polish Festival. The fact that for years St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and the Front Street Brewery have partnered to create a limited-edition baltic porter — well, its just one of those Wilmington traditions we relish in. Come for the pierogis and kielbasa and stay for the polka dancing, Polish cookies, crafts and more. Your whole family will have fun trying the foods and beers at this fall family event which goes from 9 to 5 p.m.
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