5 Events to Check Out Near You This Week

Looking for things to do in Southeastern North Carolina from Friday, October 2, through Thursday, October 8, 2026? These four picks span Surf City food and a community fundraiser, Southport galleries, and live music in Wilmington.

Food Truck Festival

Friday, October 2 | 4–7 p.m.
Earl G. & Inez Batts Recreation Complex, 380 JH Batts Road, Surf City, NC 28445 (Pender County)
Cost: Free entry; food purchases extra.

Surf City gathers area food trucks for an evening at the recreation complex. Grab a bite and enjoy the park and playground; check the town's listing before heading over.

First Friday Gallery Walk

Friday, October 2 | 5–7 p.m.
Participating downtown galleries, Southport, NC 28461 (Brunswick County)
Cost: Free to browse; art purchases extra.

Stroll between Southport art galleries and meet featured artists while browsing their latest work. The linked Brunswick Islands listing names the participating galleries and their individual street addresses.

Reel Housewives of Topsail Island Annual Bike Ride

Saturday, October 3 | opening 8 a.m.; 26.2-mile ride begins 9 a.m.
Starts and finishes at Surf City Soundside Park, 517 Roland Avenue, Surf City, NC 28445 (Pender County)
Cost: $35 rider registration, including a T-shirt and lunch.

This community fundraiser supports local breast-cancer patients and survivors. The organizer plans lunch, an auction and live entertainment after the ride; check registration and safety details directly before traveling.

Andy Frasco & The U.N. at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Friday, October 2 | doors 6 p.m.; show 7 p.m.
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheatre Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 (New Hanover County)
Cost: Ticketed; check the official ticket listing for current prices and availability.

Spend Friday evening with the band at Wilmington's lakeside outdoor amphitheater. The venue posts event-specific doors and show times, as well as day-of weather and parking guidance.

Please note: Dates, times, ticket prices, availability and weather plans can change. Check each linked official event page immediately before leaving for last-minute updates or cancellations.

Southeastern North Carolina events FAQ

What free events are available near Surf City and Southport on Friday?

Surf City's Food Truck Festival has free entry from 4–7 p.m.; Southport's First Friday Gallery Walk runs 5–7 p.m. and is free to browse. Food and art purchases cost extra.

When does the Topsail-area benefit bike ride start?

The Reel Housewives of Topsail Island event opens at 8 a.m. Saturday, October 3, at Surf City Soundside Park; the 26.2-mile ride begins at 9 a.m. Rider registration is $35 per the organizer.