Tryon Palace Wine on the Waterfront

NEW BERN — Tryon Palace presents Wine on the Waterfront June 29 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. as a benefit for Tryon Palace. Sip your favorite wines overlooking the 

Trent River at the North Carolina History Center with live music by Refried Beans. Tickets are $15 for Council of Friends members (Tickets & memberships available at the North Carolina History Center) and $20 General Admission & Day of event. Tickets available: North Carolina History Center; Mitchell Hardware; Village Butcher; Havelock Tourist & Event Center. Main entry to Tryon Palace is North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace, 529 S. Front St., New Bern. Tickets and visitor information are available there. For directions and further information visit tryonpalace.org or call 800-767-1560 or 252-639-3500.

Battleship Blast Fireworks July 4th Wilmington NC

 

Moored in quiet dignity and majesty the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, across the river from downtown Wilmington, beckons visitors to walk her decks. Envision the daily life and fierce combat her crew faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

 
From all across our Nation they came, young men who had grown up in the crucible of the Great Depression and now determined to serve their Country in its time of need. These are the men whose stories you will encounter through their oral histories, photographs, and mementos as you experience the Ship and the exhibits.
Step back in time and let history come alive through the crews’ stories. Discover and build your personal connection by steering the ship, starting her engines or even firing the guns. The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA It's Your Experience.

Wednesday, July 4 9:05pm Wilmington, NC

July 4, 2012  Time: 9:05 pm
A huge and wonderfully choreographed fireworks display explodes over the Battleship. View this
spectacular event from historic downtown Wilmington. The Battleship closes at 6 pm for
fireworks.

Shakespeares A Midsummer Night's Dream

Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green Festival celebrates its 20th season in association with the City of Wilmington with A Midsummer Nights Dream directed by Steve Vernon Drama Free Since 1993 Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre Fri Sat Sun + 2-Thursdays June 1-3&8-10&15-17&21,22,*23,24&28,29, 30,July 1 All performances 8pm Come early and picnic or enjoy a snack from our concession at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater *6-23 G Love & Special Sauce Benefit Concert no performance

Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green (CFSOTG) is among Wilmington’s most anticipated summer traditions. Since 1993, visitors and residents have enjoyed free productions of the Bard's works in a family atmosphere at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Located in the heart of Wilmington on the lake's edge, the stage is surrounded by stately moss-draped cypress trees and well-manicured gardens of Greenfield Park. With 900 seats, the amphitheater is the only one of its kind in Southeastern North Carolina and is among Wilmington’s largest entertainment venues. Most importantly, we are able to offer free admission to the public, staying true to our mission of artistic excellence available to all.

By reaching out to young people and underserved audiences, we keep Shakespeare’s work alive and relevant to contemporary audiences. CFSOTG also remains committed to strengthening its position as the preeminent presenter of Shakespeare in our community. Our vision of a program that offers even greater access to the arts, with an expanded 2012 CFSOTG 20th includes an education initiative for students throughout the city.

In support of our mission, the city of Wilmington, NC signed an official proclamation designating May and June of each year as the Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green Festival months at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Each year, CFSOTG serves nearly 6,000 people, young and old, in Wilmington and visitors from all over the country. We invite you to be a CFSOTG supporter as we enter our nineteenth season!

Local Fireworks 4th of July 2012

If your looking for local fireworks in the Jacksonville, Swansboro, Hubert, Richlands, and Camp Lejeune area hopefully we can help you out below!!

July 3rd 2012


SURF CITY - Festivities will be held at Soundside Park, next to the Surf City Swing Bridge, beginning at 6 p.m. with entertainment by Tim Roberts and The Breeze. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. No coolers or alcoholic beverages permitted. Free shuttle service will be available.

Fourth Of July - July 4th 2012

JACKSONVILLE - Annual Fourth of July Freedom Festival held from 2 to 9:15 p.m. at Onslow Pines Park. Families are welcome to come out and picnic in the park. Vendors, children's rides, petting zoo, food, karaoke, fossil dig and a live band are on hand for entertainment. Fireworks go off at 9:15 p.m. Concessions benefit the New River Foundations.

HOLLY RIDGE-Fourth of July at the Holly Ridge Municipal Park, off of N.C. 50, begins at 6 p.m. with music provided by D.J. Storm. Inflatable and other fun activities planned for kids. Fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. Hot dogs, nachos and funnel cakes available.

EMERALD ISLE- Festivities held at McLean Park by Chapel by the Sea on N.C. 58 near mile marker 18. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Public viewing area on vacant land on each side of the church. Bring blankets/chairs. No coolers. Parking along N.C. 58 and nearby streets. Handicapped parking (with handicap placards) in church lot.

ATLANTIC BEACH - July Fourth Celebration held from 7 to 11 p.m. at Atlantic Beach at The Circle. Sammy O'Banion and the Mardi Gras Band will provide the musical entertainment. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Parking available along East Drive, West Drive, and Atlantic Boulevard. Two parking lots available on East Bogue Boulevard.

MOREHEAD CITY- Visit the waterfront for live music with the Carolina Beach Club Band from 7 to 11 p.m. at Jaycee Park. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

SWANSBORO-Visit the historic downtown for music by The Craig Woolard Band from 7 to 10 p.m. Fireworks sponsored by towns of Swansboro and Cedar Point at 9 p.m.

Camp Lejeune 4th of July Celebration

 
Camp Lejeune, NC - 4:30 p.m.


Celebrate America's birthday at the 4th of July Celebration on Mon, 4 Jul beginning at 4:30 p.m. on W.P.T. Hill Field. This annual event is filled with pride and tradition and fun for the whole family! Event is FREE and open to the public.
Musical entertainment includes: 5 p.m. - Rising Star Bobbie Allen; 7 p.m. - Country Stars the JaneDear girls, presented by WRNS; 8 p.m. - 2d Marine Division Band. There will also be a Naturalization Ceremony at 6:30 p.m., plus children’s activities and inflatables. Please, no pets, no alcohol, no sparklers, and no personal fireworks. Allow extra time to clear the security checkpoint.

Rain date: July 5 (fireworks only)

The 4th of July Celebration is sponsored by HP, AT&T, USAA, Sprint/Nextel, WRNS, and Le Bleu. No federal or USMC endorsement implied.

1 Roosevelt Boulevard Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium. If your looking to take a trip with the family to an aquarium be sure to visit Pine Knoll Shores. Below are some of the questions you ask yourself when visiting the aquarium with family or large groups and hopefully you will find the answer to many of these:

1) How long does it take to tour the Aquarium?

It can take approximately 2 hours to tour the Aquarium. If you plan on participating in any programs or event, please allow yourself some additional time.

2) When is the best time to visit?

For a less crowded experience, fall and winter months are excellent times to visit the Aquarium.

3) What types of disability access do you have?

All entrances, exits, exhibits and restrooms are wheel chair accessible. The Aquarium has several wheel chairs.  Pocketalker personal amplifiers are available to assist our guests free of charge. Inquire about availability with our visitor services staff.

4) Where do we park?

From March through May, many school groups visit and buses often fill the parking areas. Parking areas can also fill to capacity during peak summer months. During these times, and on rainy summer days, expect to park in our over flow parking lot.

5) Do you allow photography and videotaping at the Aquarium?

All types of photography are permitted at the Aquarium. A tip for taking photos inside the Aquarium is not to aim the camera straight at the tank. The flash will cause a light spot in your picture. Instead, position yourself so the camera is at a 45-degree angle to the window.

6) Are food and drink allowed in the Aquarium?

No. The Aquarium does not allow food or drink inside the building to ensure our animal’s health and safety. Snack and soft drink machines are available outside the Aquarium exit doors, as well as having a vendor on-site that offers a variety of food/drink options. We ask that all visitors eat outside while enjoying the wonderful weather.

7) Who do I contact if I have lost something at the Aquarium?

Lost and found inquiries can be made with our Visitor Services Coordinator at 252-473-3494, ext. 225. The Aquarium keeps found items for 30 days before donating them to local charities.

8) What type of payment does the Aquarium accept? Is ID required?

The Aquariums accepts cash, traveler’s checks, master card and visa as payment for admission fees. The Aquariums do check ID for the safety of our visitors so please bring your id with you during your visit.

9) How do I get there?

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is located off of Airport Rd., approximately 3 miles North of Manteo. The Aquarium is adjacent to the Dare County Regional Airport. For directions from a specific location, call toll free 1-800-832-3474 ext. 4.

10) How do I register for programs?

To register for a program, please call our registrar at 252-473-3494 ext. 232.  If the registrar does not answer right away please leave a message and they will call you back as soon as they can.

11) Do you provide strollers? Coat racks?

The Aquarium does not have a coat room or provide strollers.

12) Can my family get a group rate?

Group rates are for out of state school groups and for civic organizations. They are not available for large family groups.

13) How do I find out what activities are going on during the time I will be visiting?

To find out what programming, events, etc. that will be occurring during your visit please visit our calendar. If you have further questions, please call 252-473-3494.

14) When do you feed the sharks?

The sharks are fed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. However, due to the method we use to feed our sharks visitors are not able to view a feeding unless they go behind the scenes. If you are interested in seeing a shark feeding, consider signing up for our special activities program, Snack with the Sharks.

15) I’m planning a school group visit, how do I register; pay and what are the policies regarding chaperones, etc.?

School group reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance with our Aquarium Registrar at 252-473-3494 ext. 232. Registered NC students and school personnel are admitted free. All non-staff chaperones will receive ½ regular admission fees. Registered out of state school groups will receive a 15% discount off regular admission prices. Group payments are expected at the time of arrival and in the form a single transaction. All group members must check in with our admissions staff and enter together in order to qualify for our group discounts.

16) Are pets allowed into the Aquarium? What is the Aquarium’s pet policy?

Pets are not allowed into the Aquarium in order to ensure the health and safety of our animals. Also, the Aquarium discourages bringing animals to the Aquarium and leaving them in cars. Our weather is frequently hot and humid and animals in cars do not handle this well. If you have brought your pet with you on vacation we highly recommend leaving it at your house while you enjoy the Aquarium.

Historic Sites: The Bellamy Mansion

The Bellamy Mansion is one of North Carolina's most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture 

built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now the house is a museum that focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action.

Visit Histortic Fort Anderson

Fort Anderson

After decades of calm, the site once again entered the forefront of history in a national storm, the Civil War. In 1861 the Confederate States of America decided to build a large fort at the site as part of the river defense of Wilmington. The Cape Fear was an essential route for supplies moving by rail from Wilmington to Petersburg and Richmond for General Lee's army.
The Confederate army used manual labor to construct the large sand fortification originally called Fort St. Philip's. There were two batteries, each with five cannons overlooking the shipping channel and providing protection to blockade runners.
In February 1865, following the fall of Fort Fisher at the mouth of the river, Union forces repositioned to attack Fort Anderson. Federals attacked from the land and river. After three days of fighting, the Confederates evacuated the fort at night. Union gunboats started firing at first light, unaware Federal soldiers were breaching the walls of the fort. The infantry frantically waved sheets and blankets to stop the deadly fire from their own forces. There was a one-day fight north of the site at Town Creek before the Federals occupied Wilmington on George Washington's birthday, February 22, 1865.

The Site Today

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, archaeologists uncovered foundations from Brunswick's earliest days. The most visible structure is the hulk of St. Philip's Anglican Church with its surviving walls dating back to 1754. Another interesting foundation is Russellborough, an old sea captain's house that was used by royal governors Tryon and Dobbs.
The visitor center houses several displays that cover the time periods of both the old town and the fort. In the lobby is a colorful mural created by Claude Howell and Catherine Hendricksen depicting a scene from a Spanish attack on the town in 1748. A cannon on display was recovered from the river in 1986 and is believed to be from the Spanish ship Fortuna, which blew up in the river as the townspeople regained control of the port.
The remains of homes, businesses, and other buildings bear witness to the story of Brunswick. Along with artifacts from the Civil War and the imposing mounds of Fort Anderson, this site offers a unique look at two fascinating periods of American history.

Arlie Gardens

Life today moves at a fast pace, sometimes too fast to enjoy the old fashioned pleasures of nature. At Airlie Gardens, those simple pleasures can again be yours. Take time to admire azaleas, camellias, stand in the shade of our 467 year old Airlie Oak, or simple sit quietly watching a butterfly float by. Celebrating more than a century of gardens by the sea, our history dates back to 1886. Join us then in a self-guided walking tour of these 67-acres of historical gardens of mighty live oaks, tall pines and lakes which are abundant with colorful wildlife. Airlie Gardens, where history, art and nature come together to create a destination spot for garden lovers throughout the world.

For anyone who knows American folk art, Airlie Gardens means something more; it was the inspiration for the vibrant, colorful, and intricate paintings of Minnie Evans.
Evans came to Wilmington with her mother in 1893, when she was a year old. Her mother remarried a man who was employed by Pembroke Jones, a wealthy industrialist, and by the age of 17 Minnie found work as a domestic in the Jones household. Jones’ wife, Sarah Green Jones, was the one who established Airlie Gardens. From 1948 to 1974 Minnie was the gatekeeper at Airlie, collecting admissions and selling her artwork. She painted her delicate and fantastical scenes as a result of a divine vision when in a dream god told she must paint or die. Her art works depict angel and ornately adorned figures but the art work clearly evokes the lushness and greenery of the garden setting that she saw every day. She once said, “God has some 600 shades of green, and He dressed the world with them.” To her the natural surroundings were a divine revelation, as one can readily see in her painting displayed in the Fenimore Art Museum collection dedicated to Minnie and or at special showings at the Cameron Museum of Art in Wilmington.
Minnie sold her artwork at Airlie, and had her first “exhibitions” there, spreading her paintings on the lawn at the gates entrance offering many for only fifty cents or a dollar. She died in 1987, but her work is so connected with the site that local artists created a memorial sculpture garden within Airlie in her honor. Bottle Chapel, sculptures and its garden were constructed in 2004 and has become a central feature to the gardens, popular with many visitors.

Fort Macons Summer Concert

ATLANTIC BEACH—The Friends of Ft. Macon’s free summer concert series continues its 2012 season. Cajun/Zydeco band Unknown Tongues performs on June 15. Bluegrass group Samantha Casey & The Bluegrass Jam will play on June 22.

Music is from 7 to 8 p.m. within the walls of historic Ft. Macon. Picnic baskets are welcome (no alcohol or pets), and donations are accepted. Fort Macon is located at the end of East Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach. For information about the fort, call 252-726-3775. For information about the shows, call 252-354-5259.

Tidewater Art Gallery Swansboro

Tidewater Art Gallery in Swansboro will open a solo exhibition featuring nearly 30 small scale works in oil by Robin Cheers on June 15.

 “Vignettes” will feature figurative works representative of the artist’s expressive depictions of everyday life. The exhibit will have an opening reception on June 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The show will run through July 14. Tidewater Gallery is located at 107 N. Front St. in Swansboro.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 p.m.

 For more information, call 910-325-0660, email tidewatergallery@eastnc.twcbc.com or visit tidewatergalleryswansboro.blogspot.com.

Camp Lejeune 4th of July Celebration

Location: Camp Lejeune, NC
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 910-451-2785

Celebrate America's birthday at the 4th of July Celebration on Mon, 4 Jul beginning at 4:30 p.m. on W.P.T. Hill Field.

This annual event is filled with pride and tradition and fun for the whole family! Event is FREE and open to the public.

Musical entertainment includes: 5 p.m. - Rising Star Bobbie Allen; 7 p.m. - Country Stars the JaneDear girls, presented by WRNS; 8 p.m. - 2d Marine Division Band.

There will also be a Naturalization Ceremony at 6:30 p.m., plus children’s activities and inflatables. Please, no pets, no alcohol, no sparklers, and no personal fireworks. Allow extra time to clear the security checkpoint.

Rain date: July 5 (fireworks only)

The 4th of July Celebration is sponsored by HP, AT&T, USAA, Sprint/Nextel, WRNS, and Le Bleu. No federal or USMC endorsement implied.

For more information about the 4th of July Celebration, please call (910) 451-2785 or visit

Jacksonville Out Doors Festival

JACKSONVILLE — Onslow County Parks and Recreation, The Bicycle Gallery, New River Foundation, Onslow County Sheriff’s Department, Jacksonville Police Department and Jacksonville Kiwanis is hosting an Outdoors Festival June 23 at the New River Waterfront Park from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The festival is a celebration of outdoor recreation. A Triathlon (Paddling, Bicycling 11 Miles, and Running 5K) will be held at 8 a.m., the fee is $10 includes T-shirt. This unique festival is designed to increase awareness, participation and appreciation for the many recreational opportunities available in Onslow County. This free Family Friendly event will feature live music, recreation booths, and a Bicycle Rodeo at 10:00 am (bring your bicycle) free bicycle helmets. Their will be great food all day long. So bring your family and friends, because life is better outdoors

Canoe and Clam Day

JACKSONVILLE — On June 16, New River Foundation will enjoy a "Canoe & Clam Day at Courthouse Bay Marina." 

Participants will gather at Court House Bay Marina (aboard Camp Lejeune) at 8 a.m. and start issuingcanoes, life vests, paddles, and equipment needed to canoe and clam. There will be a safety briefing and an accountability of personnel and gear. After our clam harvest, the group will return to the Marina around 10:30 a.m. and start to cook the seafood harvest around 11 a.m. Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Bring old socks to wear in the water "toe clamming." Also, bring some gloves if you have work gloves you don’t mind getting wet. A limited number of spare gloves will be available

Morehead City Alive At Five

MOREHEAD CITY— The Alive at Five is a free, family friendly concert series that takes place in Katherine Davis Park on Arendell Street between 6th and 7th Streets from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Coolers are not allowed and beverages will be available. The full roster of bands booked for Alive at Five this year are: June 1- the Doerfels, July 6th-Band of Oz, Aug. 3- Liquid Pleasure, Aug. 31- Spare Change. For more information about Alive at Five or any other activities, call 252-808-0440 or visit downtownmoreheadcity.com.

Atlantic Beach and Music! 2012 Season

ATLANTIC BEACH—The Friends of Ft. Macon’s free summer concert series continues its 2012 season with a great bluegrass show on June 22. 

We are pleased to announce that Samantha Casey & The Bluegrass Jam will be entertaining in the Fort’s parade grounds. They are one of the most sought-after groups in North Carolina, and present a fun-filled show of traditional and original bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and fiddle tunes. All shows are free (donations welcome), music is from 7-8 p.m., and it all takes place within the walls of historic Ft. Macon. The “Sally Port” doors open early, and picnic baskets are welcome (no alcohol or pets). Fort Macon is located at the end of East Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach. For information about any activities at the fort, call 252-726-3775 or call 252-354-5259 about the shows.

ATLANTIC BEACH — The Friends of Ft. Macon will present Unknown Tongues at Ft. Macon on June 15. 

Unknown Tongues is a well-known and very popular Cajun/Zydeco band that livens up any venue with their special personality and infectious music. They turn the austere Fort’s parade ground into a Mardi Gras party for the evening. The show is free (donations welcome) and begins at 7 p.m. Ft. Macon’s historic doors open early for picnickers (no alcohol) and those who want to soak up the beautiful views. Ft. Macon State Park, with 424 acres of dunes, beaches, nature and history, is located at the end of East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. Call the Fort at 252-726-3775 for more information, or 354-5259 about the concerts.

Fire Works Dinner at SywanykS

Polka Fireworks Dinner and Dance at SywanykS, 222 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, NC Friday, July 20, 2012 from 6 till 9 PM.

Join in the fun...dinner and dance for only $12.00 a person. Includes all homemade Polish Food, Stuffed Cabbage, Kielbasa and Pierogi. Dinner is 6 PM followed by live Polka Music and Dancing from 7 till 9 PM. Call Eddie for more information (910) 382-3840.

Onslow County Fishing Derby

FISHING DERBY Please bring your fishing pole and join the Onslow County Parks and Recreation Department for an exciting, fun filled day of fishing. 

Kids 5 to 16 are invited to test their fishing skills at the Fishing Derby from 9:00 to 12:00 am. On June 9th at Jacksonville Training Academy 110 Stillwood Road (Hwy 17S off Dawson Cabin Road). Kids 12 years of age and younger must be accompany by an adult! Fishing Contest, Prizes and Food. The program is free. For more information please call 347-5332

Theater Camp - Aladin Jr.

Our theater camp starts July 9, 2012. We will meet Monday’s – Thursday’s in July. Our final performances will be on August 2 and 3 at 7:00pm. 

We will meet from 9am to 1pm. No experience is necessary to be a part of the camp. We teach the children everything they need to know from acting, singing, dancing, costumes, sets and putting on their final performance. We will be doing Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. and will be looking to cast at least 40 students! Our Summer Camp is $225 per student and $195 for active duty military and 2 or more children per family. The Cost includes costumes, sets, t-shirt, cast party, props and final performance. Students will need to bring a bagged lunch every day. We have snacks and water for sale everyday.

Business Networking With Artists And Crafters

Beginning at 6:30pm light refreshments are served and an opportunity to network with other artisans. 

The Featured Artist of the Month has the spotlight while we learn the lessons they experienced and have the opportunity to ask questions. Event listings and opportunities to promote your creative talents are available to everyone in attendance. The monthly newsletter’s cover spotlights the Featured Artist and the contents directly relates to artists and crafters. Guest speakers provide insight and guidance to artisans as they grow their craft which adds growth to their business. The Coastal Carolina Artists & Crafters Guild is made up individuals that love to create: hobbyists to shop owners. We encourage one another to grow. Join us on the last Tuesday of every month

Musical: Once On This Island

LTC presents Once On This Island, a highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale The Little Mermaid.

In almost non-stop song and dance, the show tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.

Friday and Saturday nights June 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7:00pm. We will also have two Saturday matinee performances on June 16 and 23 at 2:00pm. All performances will be held at our theater space; First Christian Church – 900 Gum Branch Road, Jacksonville NC.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students under 18. Call 910-545-2296 to purchase tickets.

Cape Fear Blues Festival July 27-29th 2012

Cape Fear Blues Festival The Rusty Nail & Various Locations Wilmington, NC 28401 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 on the Henrietta III, workshops, outdoor concert, live club shows, and an all-day blues jam.

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 on the Henrietta III, workshops, outdoor concert, live club shows, and an all-day blues jam.

Blueberry Festival June 16 2012 @ 9:00

North Carolina Blueberry Festival at Pender County Courthouse Square

North Carolina Blueberry Festival
Pender County Courthouse Square
100 S. Wright St.
Burgaw, NC 28425

The Festival celebrates the historic, economic, and cultural significance of blueberries in the southeastern region of our state. The first cultivated blueberry production in North Carolina began in the Pender County area in the 1930s. Today, Pender County ranks second in blueberry production for the entire state. Nestled in the heart of Pender County, Burgaw is a small town that exemplifies true Southern charm. With a population of around 4,000, the town is notorious for friendly folks and picturesque surroundings. The Festival has become a premier event in southeastern North Carolina and attracts more than 30,000 people who have come to enjoy some of the area’s finest entertainment, vendors and more serving up an array of delicacies and, of course, the blueberries!

Riverfest - Jacksonville NC

Friday, June 29th ~ 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 30th ~ 11:00 a.m. ~ 10:30 p.m.

An Independence Celebration held along the Waccamaw River in downtown Conway. This popular festival features many live entertainment acts, an artisan market, raft race, activities and games for all ages, food, fireworks and much, much, more!For more information call the Conway Chamber of Commerce at (843) 248-2273 or visit http://conwayscchamber.com/riverfest/

Outdoors Festival Saturday June 23 2012

Onslow County Parks and Recreation, The Bicycle Gallery, New River Foundation, Onslow County Sherriff’s Department, Jacksonville Police Department and Jacksonville Kiwanis is hosting an Outdoors Festival Saturday June 23 

at the New River Waterfront Park 8am – 5pm. The festival is a celebration of outdoor recreation. A Triathlon (Paddling, Bicycling 11 Miles, and Running 5K) will be held at 8am, the fee is $10.00 includes t-shirt. This unique festival is designed to increase awareness, participation and appreciation for the many recreational opportunities available in Onslow County. This free Family Friendly event will feature live music, recreation booths, and a Bicycle Rodeo at 10:00 am (bring your bicycle) free bicycle helmets. Their will be great food all day long. So bring your family and friends, because life is better outdoors.

29th Annual Freedom Festival

The Onslow County Parks and Recreation Department and Daily News are sponsoring the 29th Annual Freedom Festival on July 4, 2012 

Onslow Pines Park. Scheduled activities, Games, Rides and Vendor Booths will begin at 3 p.m. and the Patriotic fireworks display will be at 9:00pm Live entertainment on two stages featuring Galon Pope & SweetWater and Flatbed Dixie Band, beginning at 5pm. Information: 347-5332 or visit our website at www.onslowcountync.gov/parks

Annual Military Appreciation Day at Hammocks Beach

All active duty and retired service members and their families are invited to attend. The park will provide ferry rides to Bear Island. Lots of activities for the kids; face painting, t-shirt painting, inflatables, waterslides, nature exhibits and much more. FREE food and drinks for everyone. Vendors exhibiting their services that are available to military members. Live entertainment - performer TBA. We look forward to seeing you there!

On Shore Surf Lessons

Onslow County Parks and Recreation and On Shore Surf Shop will be offering Paddleboard and Surf Lessons for Beginners and Intermediates. 

 Surf Lessons begin June 2, 2012 lessons will be scheduled on Thursdays and Saturdays. Paddleboard lessons will be offered on Monday and Wednesdays 9:30 – Noon, $60.00 per lesson. Paddleboard limited 4 per session Surf limited to 6 per session …lessons will be held at Beach Access #2, 2950 Island Drive, North Topsail Beach. Certified Instructors Ages 7 – 70. Pre-register Call: 347-5332 or visit: www.onslowcountync.gov/parks.