An Elegant Pairing
The Wilmington Wine & Food Festival will offer a variety of culinary experiences this year, among them a two-hour riverboat luncheon cruise on the Cape Fear, a Southern Smoke BBQ cocktail party, and a tasting event with offerings from chefs at locally owned restaurants, including Manna, Pin Point, and Savorez. Sunday’s party pairs local breweries, Champagne, and food trucks for a casual, wind-down luncheon. Admission: Prices vary by event. See website for details. May 16-19. Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market Street, Wilmington. For information and tickets: (910) 385-9463 or wilmingtonwineandfood.com.
Festival Latino
Brush up on your salsa for the 20th Annual Festival Latino, the largest Latino event in the Cape Fear region (last year’s attendance: 20,000). The multicultural celebration will include authentic foods from El Salvador, Mexico, Columbia and Venezuela, as well as live entertainment, a children’s soccer tournament, and a salsa dance contest. Admission: Free. May 4, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; May 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Ogden Park, 615 Ogden Park Drive, Wilmington. For info:
amigosinternacional.org.
Orange Street Art
Thalian Association Community Theatre presents the 24th annual Orange Street Arts Fest, one of the largest arts festivals in the Southeast. More than 80 artists from North and South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee will exhibit. In addition to live entertainment there will be food offerings and a wine and beer tent. Admission: Free. May 25, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; May 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 S. Second Street, Wilmington. For information: (910) 251-1788.
Artful Outsiders
“Minnie, Clyde, Annie, Vollis” focuses on the work of four North Carolinians considered “outsider artists” — isolated, often untrained, and working outside the artistic mainstream. A variety of the works of Minnie Evans, Clyde Jones, Annie Hooper, and Vollis Simpson have been selected from the CAM’s permanent collection, private collections, and the Gregg Museum of Art & Design in Raleigh. Not to be missed. Through September 22. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th Street, Wilmington. For info: (910) 395-5999.
Mass Appeal
The Wilmington Choral Society celebrates its 68th season with two very different interpretations of the Mass at its spring concert: Franz Schubert’s Mass in G of 1815 will feature the chorus accompanied by a chamber orchestra. A Little Jazz Mass composed by former King’s Singer member Bob Chilcott is choir only and accompanied by a jazz trio. The Choral Society will also perform Randall Thompson’s Alleluia. Tickets: $16-$20. May 17, 7:30 p.m. Wilson Center, 703 N. Third Street, Wilmington. Info and tickets: (910) 362-7999 or wilmingtonchoralsociety.com.
From River to Sea
May is Bike Month, which is a good enough reason to join in the 30th Annual River to Sea Bike Ride. The 20-mile, casual-paced ride from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach and back follows the path of the River to Sea Bikeway. The trip begins at 12 North Front Street, and bike helmets are required. Admission: Free. May 4. Registration, 6 a.m.; departure, 7 a.m. 12 N. Front Street. Info and registration: wmpo/org/bike-month.
Strike a Pose
Communities in Schools works in partnership with public schools in New Hanover and Pender counties, offering programs and community resources for students in danger of dropping out. The 4th Annual Communities in Schools Fashion Show will feature summer styles for men and women — and a celebration of the Kentucky Derby, so wear your best hat. Walking the runway will be community leaders as well as CIS students and board members. There will also be a mimosa bar and silent auction. Tickets: $65. May 1, 11 a.m. Country Club of Landfall, 1550 Landfall Drive, Wilmington. For info: countrycluboflandfall.com.
A Day on the Water
Carolina Beach State Park hosts the 4th Annual Marina Day. In addition to a display of classic boats, there will be safety demonstrations, vessel safety checks, and a display from Underwater Archaeology. Kayaks and paddleboards will be available as well as food trucks and refreshments. Admission: Free. May 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Carolina Beach State Park Marina, 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach. For info: (910) 458-8206.
