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...
The 2025 North Carolina Blueberry Festival brought an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 more visitors to historic downtown Burgaw this past weekend, making it another successful event and a major economic win for Burgaw, Pender County, and local businesses. Preliminary estimates suggest the annual celebration generated $2 to $2.5 million in direct and indirect economic impact through spending on food, crafts, lodging, and...
Burgaw’s Blueberry Bash: Everything You Need to Know About the NC Blueberry Festival — From Sweet Sounds to Juicy Berries Each summer, the charming town of Burgaw, North Carolina, transforms into a vibrant celebration of one of the state’s sweetest treasures — the blueberry. The North Carolina Blueberry Festival is more than just a fruit-themed event; it's a cultural tradition, a showcase...
The North Carolina Blueberry Scholarship Pageant proudly celebrates its 12th anniversary in 2025, continuing its mission to honor the area's rich blueberry heritage and empower young women through scholarship and community engagement. This year's event will feature 23 talented contestants from the area. The pageant, scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM, will take place at the Penderlea Auditorium. The...
WILMINGTON, NC –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, October 17 - 19, 2025....
Ranked #8 in USA TODAY’s list of North Carolina’s top beaches, Topsail beckons with quiet sands, sea turtle rescue, pirate lore, and WWII missile towers. Topsail Beach has claimed the #8 spot on USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice list for Best Beaches in North Carolina. This acclaim underscores its appeal as a treasured coastal gem—ideal for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking...
June is the perfect time to visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, NC! This wonderful facility is open 7 days a week throughout the month and is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick and injured sea turtles that call our coastal waters home. 🕐 Public Tour HoursMonday – Friday: 12 PM – 4 PM Saturday – Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM Please...
Celebrate 22 Years of Blueberry Fun at the North Carolina Blueberry Festival! Join us this summer as the North Carolina Blueberry Festival returns for its 22nd annual celebration in charming downtown Burgaw, centered around the town’s historic courthouse square. Festival Weekend Highlights:Kickoff Concert – Friday June 20: The fun begins that evening at 7 PM with a free concert featuring the legendary...
Explore Responsibly with the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles North Carolina’s breathtaking landscapes—from our rolling mountains to scenic coasts—are treasures worth preserving. That’s why Outdoor NC, in partnership with Leave No Trace, promotes a set of principles designed to protect and sustain our natural spaces for generations to come. Whether you're hiking, paddling, fishing, or...
Surf City Live NC, the beloved annual community music festival set against the scenic backdrop of the SURF CITY BRIDGE, is thrilled to announce its expansion to a two-night event in 2025. This exciting development comes as the concert series continues to grow in popularity, drawing music enthusiasts from across the nation to Surf City, North Carolina. SURF CITY LIVE NC The 2025 edition of Surf City Live NC will take...
There’s nothing quite like the taste of a fresh-picked blueberry—sweet, juicy, and warm from the summer sun. In Pender County, we celebrate this delicious fruit with an entire season dedicated to the joy of blueberry picking. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, blueberry picking is a perfect way to soak in the charm of our countryside and enjoy a fun, family-friendly activity. Blueberries...
From sunny beach days to scenic backroads and family-friendly festivals, summer in Pender County is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor exploring coastal Carolina. 1. Hit the Beaches of Topsail Island Whether you're sunbathing, surfing, or searching for seashells, the pristine shores of Surf City and Topsail Beach, offer the ultimate seaside escape. 2....
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...
