Community Calendar

Get ready for an unforgettable night of live music, friendly competition, and community impact at Battle of the Bands!

Five of the area's best local bands will take the stage at Bowstring for an electrifying showdown, each performing a high-energy 20–30 minute set while competing for an incredible prize package. But this isn't just about great music, it's about making a difference.

Here's where you come in: You decide the winner!

Audience members will cast their votes through donations, with every dollar supporting the life-changing ministry of First Fruit Ministries. Watch the live leaderboard as bands battle for the top spot and cheer on your favorite performers.

The winning band will receive:

🎸 A $1,000 paid return performance at Bowstring
🎙️ An exclusive professional recording studio session
📸 A professional band photoshoot

Event Details
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Bowstring

Come enjoy an incredible evening of local music, support talented artists, and help transform lives in our community. Five bands. One stage. One mission. Every vote makes a difference.

The Local Boys, a blue grass band based in Charlotte, North Carolina,have been sharing their love of Bluegrass and Americana music for more than 20 years. The band blends traditional bluegrass, old-time country, and rock 'n' roll into a lively, authentic sound. They've appeared at festivals across the country—including MerleFest—and their debut album, Stories, features original music rooted in the rich traditions of American roots music. Join us for an evening of exceptional musicianship, rich harmonies and classic bluegrass entertainment.
All Music on Market Concerts are free, open to the public and family friendly
Tickets are not required. Venue Seating is Limited.
Seating is on First-Come, First-Served basis.

Pull out your best sequin outfit and join us on the dance floor at Azalea Station! Sparkle for STEM is a fun night out celebrating and supporting our Young Scientists! Dinner and hors-devours will be provided by Spoonfed Kitchen and each ticket comes with one drink ticket.

Showtimes
Dates: Friday September 11, 2026 - Sunday September 20, 2026
Friday - Saturday Time: 7:30 pm
Sunday Time: 3:00 pm
Location: 2nd Street Stage Hannah Block
Historic USO/Community Arts Center

Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon the Musical JR
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture
In association with Universal Theatrical Group
Book & Lyrics by Kate Thomas Original Music & Lyrics by Veronica Mansour
Originally developed through the DreamWorks Theatricals/
Music Theatre International Emerging Writers Program

Based on the DreamWorks Animation hit, How to Train Your Dragon JR. brings fire-breathing action, epic adventure and big laughs to the stage.
Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation.
How to Train Your Dragon JR. was created through the DreamWorks Theatricals Emerging Writers Program, a collaboration between DreamWorks Theatricals, Music Theatre International, and NBC Universal.

Experience the charm and creativity of coastal North Carolina at the Historic Downtown Wilmington Marketplace’s Sunday Artisan Market. Held weekly on Dock Street (between Front and 2nd Streets), just steps from the downtown Riverwalk, this open-air market brings together a thoughtfully curated collection of local artists, makers, and small businesses in the heart of Wilmington.

Each Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, visitors can stroll through a vibrant street market filled with handcrafted goods, original artwork, and unique artisan pieces. From fine art and pottery to woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and mixed media, the market showcases a diverse range of creative expressions. Every booth offers something one-of-a-kind, making it the perfect place to discover meaningful pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

The Sunday Artisan Market is ideal for tourists exploring Wilmington, locals seeking a relaxing and inspiring weekend outing, and anyone who values handmade, high-quality goods. Its central location makes it easy to pair with brunch, shopping, or a day along the waterfront. Guests can enjoy the energy of downtown, take a walk along the nearby Riverwalk, and connect directly with artists—learning about their craft and the stories behind their work.

Admission is free and open to the public. Come experience the creativity, meet the makers, and be part of Wilmington’s growing arts scene.

Location: Dock Street (between Front & 2nd Streets), near the Downtown Riverwalk
When: Every Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Admission: Free

Explore the waters on a custom pontoon boat around Masonboro Island and Wrightsville Beach. Captained by a naturalist ,this one hour trip provides a combination of natural history and local flora and fauna ecology

Join the folks at Fermental as we celebrate the arrival of February with our weekly SUNDAY JAZZ JAM, hosted by local artist, Jay Killman.

5pm - 8pm

With a solid foundation of house musicians including Killman, Jon Hill, and Gabrielle Sánchez, this recurring renaissance of jazz welcomes all level of performers: students, professionals, and beginners.

Bring your instrument or bring your ear and enjoy a weekly session of jazz artists and jazz enthusiasts.

Family friendly. Pet friendly.
FREE parking available throughout the Cargo District

More info: 910.821.0362

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Host Jay Killman is a professional musician performing with a wide array of acts including jazz ensembles, singer songwriters, hip hop groups, and fusion bands. He is also an avid composer, arranger and teacher. He is currently an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. www.jaykillmanmusic.com

SOBER SUNDAY! Day 2 of the Hope Arts Fest. A weekend celebrating art, community, connection, and hope.

After getting into a car accident while drunk on the day of her sister's wedding, Gwen Cummings is given a choice between prison or a rehab center. She chooses rehab, but is extremely resistant to taking part in any of the treatment programs they have to offer, refusing to admit that she has an alcohol addiction.

28 Days, starring Sandra Bullock, used Wilmington for studio work at EUE/Screen Gems Studios and on-location shooting, including a memorable limo-crash sequence featuring a specially built fake porch in the historic Forest Hills neighborhood. There will be a community discussion after the screening!

*You do not need to be a person in recovery to attend this event. We welcome everyone.

⛳️ Swing into action to support rescue dogs and help them find their forever homes!

Join us for a fun-filled day on the green fore a great cause at the Paws Place Annual Golf Tournament, returning Monday, September 21, 2026, at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland, NC.

Event Schedule: • Registration: 8:30 AM • Morning Announcements: 9:45 AM • Shotgun Start: 10:00 AM

Boxed lunches will be waiting in your golf carts, and pizza will be served after the tournament. Plus, take part in a fantastic silent auction, win exciting raffle prizes, and applaud our top players during an awards presentation.

All proceeds benefit Paws Place Dog Rescue, a no-kill shelter giving dogs a second chance at life. We can’t wait to see you there!

Ready to secure your foursome? Just click Join Us!

ARTfall showcases outstanding original artwork by emerging and established artists while providing the public an opportunity to purchase original works from talented regional creators. Preference will be given to artists from the Lower Cape Fear region.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday, September 18–19, and Monday through Saturday, September 21–26, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.