Happy November! 'Tis the season for belly-filling plans, packing in family time, and a focus on gratitude. Lights and wreaths with jingle bells are starting already, but we're keeping our eye on the November ball - family, football, our favorite comfort foods, and so much to be thankful for.
For starters, this beautiful place we call home shines pretty bright this month. November is our favorite time to peruse the beach for shells, sea glass and sharks teeth, and depending on mother nature's mood, to dip our toes in the surf.
If you're planning on coming down to experience the start of holiday season here in Wilmington, be sure to catch a few of these hometown traditions. They will light up your visit. And, if you're a local, be sure to add a few of these to your list!
November Happenings not to be missed:
*Cape Fear Fair and Expo
November 1st-10th
ILM Airport
The fair has come to town! The almost two week long event includes livestock exhibits and competitions, acrobats, horticultural contest, rides, activities, food and live entertainment.
*21st Annual Polish Festival
November 2nd @ 11- 5
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Enjoy authentic polish food at the 21st Annual Polish Festival. What's on the menu? All of the polish favorites: kielbasa, pierogi, and golagki, plus drinks and an array of sweets. See polka dancing, visit craft venders, and a variety of entertainment for kids. Domestic and imported beers available including St. Stan's Baltic Porter, brewed especially for the Polish Festival by Front Street Brewery.
*Cucalorus Screenprints, 1994-2018
October 25, 2019 to November 18, 2019
ACES Gallery
Aces Gallery downtown, Wilmington, showcases the original screenprints made by the Cucalorus Festival’s artists and staff. See all the posters from 1994 all the way up to last years.
http://artscouncilofwilmington.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Cuc25.png
*Carolina Pines Fest
November 8th- 10th
Around Town
This weekend festival features music and arts of all forms. It promotes social and creative connection. View details for the full weekend events!
*Cucalorus Film Festival
November 13th-17th
Around Town
The 25th Annual Cucalorus Festival in showcases over 150 films from all over the world. The festival includes global cinema, indie hits performances and so much more.
*Listen Up Brunswick County Concert
November 16th at 7:00pm
Odell Williamson Auditorium, Brunswick Community College
Listen Up Brunswick County is a non-profit group formed to provide noteworthy live musical experiences. Upcoming performances by Nikki Talley and Jason Sharp. Opening is Lockwood River Trio.
www.listenupbrunswickcounty.com
*Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Concert
November 16th @ 7:30 PM
Wilson Center
Latin Soul comes to the Wilson Center featuring the return of the Austin Piazzolla Quintet in a concert and features El Amor Brujo by De Falla with its familiar "Ritual Fire Dance."
www.wilmingtonsymphony.org/latin-soul.html
*7th Annual Taste of Wrightsville Beach
November 16th 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Bluewater Grill
Join this outdoor tent event that celebrates the area's diverse tastings with more than 35 local food, beer and wine tasting booths. Proceeds support the Weekend Meals on Wheels program, which provides nutritious meals and social contact to senior and disabled persons in New Hanover County.
www.weekendmealsonwheels.org/taste-of-wrightsville
*Wine & Beer Walk
November 16th at 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Participate in a sampling tour of some of the island's finest!
*2nd Annual German Christmas Market
November 23rd at 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
The 2nd Annual German Christmas Market will feature live music by the Harbour Towne Fest Band, German food and beverages, gifts and crafts, local vendors and service providers, and 50/50 raffle.
www.christkindlmarkt.stmatthewsch.org/information
*Tidewater Camellia Club Fall Show & Sale
November 23rd at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
New Hanover County Arboretum
Come see hundreds of prize-winning blooms grown by club members and local residents, plus camellia care displays and demonstrations, tours of the Arboretum's camellia garden, and an interactive Children's Corner.
*10th Annual Womanless Beauty Pageant
November 23rd at 7:30 PM
Thalian Hall
Join the 10th Annual Womanless Beauty Pageant just like any other beauty pageant featuring an Evening Gown Competition, Talent Competition, and Interview -- except all of the contestants are men.
*Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake
November 29th at 7:00 PM
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Tis the season! Join in on the Carolina Beach tradition of Lighting at the Lake. This event features an opening ceremony with the President of the Island of Lights Committee, Pleasure Island elected officials, and musical entertainment. Santa makes an appearance and free refreshments are available.
www.pleasureislandoflights.com/lighting-at-the-lake.html
*Battleship Ho Ho Ho
November 29th 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Battleship North Carolina
Battleship Ho Ho Ho features a chance to fly an American flag with Santa, plus compose a retro e-card by posing in the ship's Happy Huladays banner; type a Christmas wish list on a vintage typewriter using genuine radio message paper; call the North Pole from the Battleship’s main radio room; and track Santa’s journey in the Combat Information Center.
www.battleshipnc.com/programs/events/battleship-ho-ho-ho
*Tree Lighting and Visit with Santa
November 29th at 5:30 PM
Wrightsville Beach Park
Join Santa and the Wrightsville Beach community in their annual holiday Tree Lighting.
www.ncholidayflotilla.org/weekend-events/tree-lighting-visit-with-santa
*Downtown Wilmington Tree Lighting
November 29th 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Downtown Wilmington -- Riverfront Park
Another Tree Lighting but this time, it's in Downtown, Wilmington! Event will have live entertainment, a countdown to tree lighting, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause.
*North Carolina Holiday Flotilla Festival in the Park
November 30th at 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wrightsville Beach Park
The NC Holiday Flotilla Festival in the Park features arts and crafts booths, and an antique car show, fun activities for kids, festival food, and more. AND AFTER THIS IS THE...
www.ncholidayflotilla.org/weekend-events/festival-in-the-park
*34th Annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla
November 30th at 6:00 PM
Wrightsville Beach (Banks Channel)
This highly anticipated event attracts more than 50,000 people to the area. It begins with fireworks followed by a procession of colorfully lighted boats filling Banks Channel. A traditional fireworks display follows the Boat Parade.