TOPSAIL BEACH, N.C. — There’s no trick to this Halloween treat! The Historical Society of Topsail Island and Missiles and More Museum are bringing back the popular Topsail Beach Walking Tour on Oct. 31. The approximately 1-mile, paved walking tour offers a fascinating look at Topsail Island’s history, including the top-secret Operation Bumblebee, a U.S. Navy project that developed guided rocket technology...
RALEIGH – North Carolina residents are invited to help clean up roadsides, so trash doesn’t overshadow our state’s natural beauty entering the fall foliage season. The N.C. Department of Transportation is calling on volunteers to join the 2026 Fall Litter Sweep, scheduled for Sept. 12–26, to help remove litter along state-maintained roads and keep communities clean. “Even with...
The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild proudly announced the results of the 2026 NC Brewers Cup competition. Among the statewide winners were Pender County’s own Surf City Brewing Company and Salty Turtle Beer Company. Salty Turtle Beer Company won a gold medal for their Oktoberfest beer in the German-Style Oktoberfest/Festbier category. Surf City Brewing Company won the following categories: American-Style...
ArtExposure Gallery, in collaboration with the Greater Topsail Art Association, proudly presents the inaugural DRIVEN: The Art of the Car®, a unique celebration of automotive design and fine art opening Saturday, September 19, 2026. Bringing together artists, collectors, and automobile enthusiasts, Driven explores the automobile as more than transportation—it is engineering, craftsmanship, innovation, history,...
The 1865 Society of Pender County was founded in 2023 to commemorate the historical significance of Juneteenth. The non-profit organization has grown and hosts other events throughout the year. Yet, it is the Juneteenth celebration that draws attendees to the Pender County Courthouse Square to celebrate African American heritage and the impact Pender County's citizens have had on the fabric of our community. ...
If you are planning to visit the beach and you require specific amenities, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program reminds coastal residents and visitors about its helpful, interactive public beach and waterfront access map. The map can be accessed directly from mobile devices and desktops to help locate public beach...
Pender County is fortunate to have dedicated people who desire to preserve the past today! In honor of National Museum Week, the Pender County Tourism Development Authority salutes our county's museums. Missiles and More Museum features dug-out canoes and pirates and the guided missile technology developed on the island. Camp Davis memorabilia, an exhibit about women pilots, and a new exhibit of an Operation Bumblebee...
Celebrating America’s 250th with a Roadmap to Freedom CURRIE — The Moores Creek Battleground Association, in conjunction with the First in Freedom Festival, is pleased to present the Roadmap to Freedom Passport. The First in Freedom Passport booklet features more than 40 destinations, including the Wilmington Railroad Museum, Missiles and More Museum, N.C. Maritime Museum, Duplin County Veterans Museum...
The Pender County Tourism Development Authority is pleased to announce that Ocean Fest has been bestowed the 2026 Kaleidoscope Green Initiative Award and the Best Event Impact Support Award in its collaboration with Wilmington Compost Company. Ocean Fest, a Topsail Island-based festival featuring live music, vintage surf competitions and environmental programming, was notified by the Southeast Festivals and Events...
May 9 Historic 1726 Sloop Point Plantation House Event, Hampstead, North Carolina: A Charitable Benefit for Pender County Historical Society & Museum Sloop Point Plantation House, built in 1726, is among the rarest colonial buildings not only in the Cape Fear region, but in the entire state of North Carolina. Built 50 years before the Battle of Moores Creek and the Declaration of Independence, this year is the...
The First in Freedom Festival attracted more than 17,500 visitors to Moores Creek National Battlefield on Feb. 27-28 for the 250th commemoration of the victory at Battle of Moores Creek Bridge and the 250th Anniversary of America's Independence. The week started on Tuesday with a Naturalization Ceremony as the nation welcomed 57 new citizens at the very site of the first Patriots' victory of the Revolutionary...
The Pender County Tourism Development Authority announces that two local festivals earned Excellence Awards from the North Carolina Association of Festivals & Events. Ocean Fest , a Topsail Island-based festival featuring live music, vintage surf competitions and environmental programming, received the award for Best Event Poster in the Medium Category, which represents festivals with budgets...
The National Kickoff of America 250 and the 250th commemoration of the Battle at Moores Creek Bridge were a tremendous success. Thousands lined the battlefield for demonstrations, colonial music, dance, a play, book signings, and more. Special guest Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series, dazzled audiences with special events. Special thanks to the staff at Moores Creek National Battlefield...
As the NC First in Freedom Festival kicks off, history enthusiasts and craft beer lovers alike can toast the past with a beer inspired by America’s fight for independence. Flying Machine Brewing Company has partnered with the First in Freedom Festival to create the First in Freedom Battlefield Porter, a limited-edition beer brewed using research-based colonial techniques and timed to the festival’s launch...
CURRIE, N.C. — After several years of planning, the national kickoff of the 250th anniversary of the United States has arrived at Moores Creek National Battlefield. The weeklong commemoration will feature events across eight southeastern North Carolina counties from Feb. 21–28. The celebration will continue throughout 2026 as communities nationwide mark 250 years of American independence. “This is...
MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will close all Coastal and Joint fishing waters in North Carolina to both commercial and recreational Spotted Seatrout harvest at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, due to widespread cold stun events. Cold stuns are natural events that occur when there is a sudden drop in water temperature or prolonged periods of cold weather...
CURRIE, N.C. — February 2026 — As part of the national America 250 commemoration, North Carolina will spotlight its uniquely Scottish-influenced path to independence during the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival, culminating in the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, February 26–28, 2026, at Moores Creek National Battlefield. Fought on February 27, 1776, the Battle of...
TOPSAIL BEACH – The Historical Society of Topsail Island, in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, is kicking off the year with Colonial Topsail, an event featuring children’s activities, guest speakers, a “tea party” on the Intracoastal Waterway, demonstrations by weavers and spinners, an encampment of reenactors, and Virginia Reel dance lessons. Colonial Topsail will take place...
Burgaw, NC — The North Carolina Blueberry Festival Association is pleased to announce its annual Blueberry Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, set for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Burgaw Fire Station, located at 109 N. Walker Street. From 8 to 11 a.m., guests are invited to enjoy a hearty hometown breakfast featuring fluffy blueberry pancakes, sausage, and a beverage of choice. Tickets are $10 per person, with...
The America 250th Anniversary will be celebrated across the nation, especially in Pender County. In the wee hours of Feb. 27, 1776, the Loyalist and the Patriots fought a battle that was a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War. The Patriots’ victory invigored a beleaguered army, leading North Carolina to become the first of the 13 colonies to declare independence from England. This is why Pender...
The North Carolina First in Freedom Festival, in partnership with Moores Creek National Battlefield, the Moores Creek Battleground Association, and supporting partners, is proud to present an exceptional two-day literary and historical experience featuring world-renowned author Diana Gabaldon, celebrated creator of the Outlander series. Taking place February 27–28, 2026, this exclusive weekend of programs will...
BURGW – The NC Blueberry Festival Association is proud to announce the return of one of its newest and spiciest traditions — the 2nd Annual NC Blueberry Festival Chili Cook-Off! Set for Saturday, Nov. 15, in the heart of Historic Downtown Burgaw, at Dees Park on Courthouse Ave, this fiery competition will once again bring together talented cooks, hungry chili lovers, and community spirit in a celebration...
THALIAN HALL CINEMA · PREMIERE Minnie Evans: Draw or Die Not Rated | Documentary | 56 minutes UNITED STATES | ENGLISH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025 7:00 PM HISTORIC MAIN STAGE [RED] · RUTH AND BUCKY STEIN THEATRE [BLACK] PREMIERE TICKETS $15.00 | ADULT $12.00 | SENIOR (65+) · STUDENT (W/ VALID ID) PREMIERE SCREENING...
It’s a holly jolly Christmas, and Pender County is ready to celebrate! Gather the family and start planning your holiday memories now. Lake Linda’s Christmas Lights Kick off the season with Lake Linda’s Christmas Lights, a dazzling drive-thru display featuring hundreds of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday music. Tune your radio, enjoy the glow, and don’t forget to bring a new toy to donate....
Get ready to kick off your Independence Day celebrations with a bang—Surf City style! On Thursday, July 3rd, the Town of Surf City invites you to a red, white, and blue celebration filled with live music, dancing, delicious eats, and dazzling fireworks over the Atlantic! The Party Starts with Dalton Davis! Bring your beach chairs and dancing shoes because Dalton Davis is hitting the stage with high-energy country...
