SURF CITY, NC – Surf City Live NC is back with a splash, and the 2025 lineup is bigger than ever! Organizers have announced an unforgettable two-day music festival set to take place November 7-8 in the heart of Surf City. With legendary performers and rising stars taking the stage, music fans from all over are expected to flock to the coast for an epic celebration of sound and community. The weekend kicks off...
Looking for meaningful and memorable ways to spend Memorial Day weekend? Pender County offers the perfect mix of reflection, relaxation, and small-town charm: 1. Attend a Local Memorial Ceremony Honor our heroes by participating in local observances. Check with area VFW posts or town offices for ceremonies in Burgaw, Surf City, or Hampstead. 2. Explore Historic Sites Visit the Pender County Courthouse Square,...
Nestled in the heart of Pender County, Burgaw has earned its title as North Carolina’s “Blueberry Town.” What began as a bold agricultural experiment nearly a century ago has blossomed into a thriving industry and a source of deep community pride. A Berry Bold Beginning In the late 1920s, Harold Graham Huntington, a World War I veteran and visionary farmer from New Jersey, saw the sandy, acidic soil...
The North Carolina Blueberry Festival will be hosting their 22nd annual festival this summer. The festival will take place on and around Burgaw’s historic courthouse square. On June 20th, we will have a kickoff concert featuring The Tams starting at 7 p.m., and on June 21st, a full day of festival activities from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. This event is free to the public and includes more than 175 artisan vendors,...
Governor Josh Stein announced today that the overall North Carolina tourism economy held strong against the headwinds of Hurricane Helene. Travelers spent more than $36.7 billion on trips to and within the state in 2024. The previous record of $35.6 billion was set in 2023. “Today’s news underscores what we all know: North Carolina is a fantastic place to visit,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As...
The Cape Fear Hospitality & Tourism Sector Partnership is a new regional initiative designed to bring together hospitality, tourism, and economic development stakeholders to address shared challenges and leverage opportunities. This collaborative partnership spans across the Cape Fear region—including Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties—and serves as a proactive platform to ensure the long-term...
Each year, National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) reminds us of the powerful impact that travel and tourism have on our local communities, our economy, and our quality of life. From May 4-10, we join destinations across the nation in recognizing the important role tourism plays—not just in driving economic growth, but in connecting us to the people, places, and stories that make our communities special. This...
This week, we proudly celebrate National Small Business Week, a time to recognize the backbone of our economy — the small businesses that bring heart, creativity, and vitality to our communities. From the charming boutiques in downtown Burgaw to the coastal shops of Surf City and the farm stands of rural Pender County, our local entrepreneurs are more than business owners — they are our neighbors, friends,...
At Pender County Tourism, we know there’s something truly special about Topsail Island—and we’re not the only ones! Recently featured by Southern Living, our beloved island continues to shine as one of the best-kept secrets along the North Carolina coast. Stretching 26 miles, Topsail Island is home to three unique communities: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. Each one offers its...
April 19, 2025—America250 Program—The events of April 19, 1775, marked a turning point in history. The first shots of the American Revolution were fired in Lexington, Massachusetts—an act that would ignite the struggle for independence. Known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” this moment signified the beginning of open conflict between colonial militias and British forces. Just...
In partnership with Pender County Tourism, the Pender Arts Council, the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, and Thalian Association Community Theatre proudly present, for one weekend only, Home, the Tony Award-nominated play by Pender County’s own Samm-Art Williams. Part of Pender County's 150th Anniversary Celebration, the production will be held on Thalian Hall’s Historic Main Stage,...
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's ride TOPSAIL BEACH – The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism and the Historical Society of Topsail Island are teaming up to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride on April 18, beginning at 7 p.m. at The Assembly Building, 720 Channel Blvd. “Nationwide state capitals and town halls will shine lights in commemoration...
The highly anticipated summer concert series is officially here, bringing a fantastic lineup of live music to our area! Kicking off this season of fun-filled evenings are three exciting performances you won’t want to miss. The Entertainers will take the stage first at Hampstead Alive After Five on Friday, May 16. Get ready to enjoy their iconic beach music sound and feel the rhythm for some classic shagging....
Our 2025 Visitor Guide: Discover the Best of Pender County Pender County Tourism is thrilled to announce the release of the 2025 Pender County Visitor Guide! This new edition is packed with everything visitors need to explore, experience, and enjoy all that Pender County has to offer. The 2025 Visitor Guide will soon be available at visitor centers, local businesses, and online, providing a comprehensive resource...
Burgaw’s music scene is getting a fresh twist this spring with the Burgaw Blueberry Jam Concert Series! Hosted by the Pender Arts Council (PAC) and proudly sponsored by Burgaw Now and Mojotone, also supported by Visit Burgaw and Visit Pender, this exciting new event will bring live music, local artisans, and community spirit together in the heart of downtown Burgaw. The concert series will take place every second...
We are thrilled to introduce PenderConnect, the official podcast that brings you closer to the heart of Pender County! Whether you're a lifelong resident, a new neighbor, or planning your next visit, this podcast is your all-access pass to the people, places, and stories that make our community unique. Each episode of Pender County Connect takes you behind the scenes of what makes our county thrive. Tune in for...
Calling all artists! The Pender Arts Council is excited to announce the opportunity for artists to participate in the 2025-2026 NC First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Contest, an event celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary. This contest is an invitation for artists to showcase their talents and contribute to a significant moment in history, highlighting the cultural, artistic, and historical milestones...
Poplar Grove Plantation’s Herb & Garden Market is a beloved annual event in Pender County, offering a vibrant celebration of springtime, gardening, and local craftsmanship. Nestled in the historic setting of Poplar Grove Plantation in Hampstead, NC, this market brings together plant lovers, herbalists, artisans, and outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend of shopping, learning, and community connection. What...
The best and the brightest in the Southeastern festivals and events industry were spotlighted this week at the Southeast Festivals and Events Association’s 2025 Kaleidoscope Awards Gala, a part of their annual conference held this year in Chattanooga, TN. An especially destructive hurricane season combined with the final stages of pandemic recovery within event teams and budgets makes what these organizations were...
Pender County 150 Years Old: Celebrating a Century and a Half of History and Community Est. February 1875 As Pender County celebrates its 150th anniversary, there’s much to reflect on—our rich history, natural beauty, and communities that make it such a special place. This sesquicentennial marks a significant milestone for a county that has grown and thrived since its founding in 1875. Over the past...
Mark your calendars for March 22, as Hampstead Kiwanis Park hosts the highly anticipated Art in the Park event, a celebration of local fine artists, music, and more. This exciting event is the result of a collaboration between the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, ArtExposure, the Greater Topsail Arts Association, and Pender County Parks and Recreation. In honor of Pender County’s 150th...
Pender County Tourism is excited to announce the 2025 Pender County Tourism Summit, taking place on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Hampstead, NC. This dynamic event will bring together industry experts, regional leaders, and local businesses to explore the latest marketing trends and collaborate on innovative strategies to enhance tourism in Pender County and beyond. The summit is to be an engaging day filled with...
Currie, NC- On Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, Moores Creek National Battlefield will be commemorating the 249th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. Park staff, park partners, volunteers, and other living historians will be offering a variety of programs and demonstrations throughout the weekend. The event will begin with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 10:00 am on Saturday the 22nd. Demonstrations...
Pender County is set to celebrate a milestone moment—its 150th anniversary—with a special ceremony at the Pender County Courthouse on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. Residents, visitors, and community leaders are invited to come together to honor the county’s rich history and bright future. This commemorative event will feature speeches from local leaders, reflecting on Pender County’s...
Remembering Stephanie Key: A Dedicated Colleague and Cherished Friend With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Stephanie Key, a beloved assistant with the Pender County Tourism Department, a co-worker, and a dear friend. Stephanie’s unexpected departure has left a hole in our hearts, and she will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Stephanie was known for her enthusiasm and dedication. She served...
