Looking for things to do in southeastern North Carolina from Friday, September 18, through Thursday, September 24, 2026? These five picks span Pender and New Hanover counties, from a collector-car and fine-art showcase in Hampstead to live music and performing arts in Wilmington.
DRIVEN: The Art of the Car®
Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
ArtExposure Gallery, 22527 US Hwy 17, Hampstead, NC 28443 (Pender County)
Cost: Not stated on the event listing; check with the organizer before going.
ArtExposure Gallery and the Greater Topsail Art Association are bringing automotive design and fine art together for this inaugural Hampstead event. Browse original automobile-inspired artwork, see a one-day display of collector vehicles, and look for music, food and refreshments, awards, and opportunities to meet artists and vehicle owners.
Over Under Biathlon*
Saturday, September 19 | 6:00–10:00 AM
Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445 (Pender County)
Cost: Check the race schedule and registration page for current entry fees.
Start the weekend early with Surf City’s Over Under Biathlon, a community athletic event supporting Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina in honor of Perryn Miller. The Town of Surf City says the fundraiser has already contributed $89,000 to Make-A-Wish Eastern NC, with proceeds helping the event work toward its next $100,000 milestone.
September Gardenpalooza: Apple Fun!
Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, 985 Johnson Nursery Rd, Willard, NC 28478 (Pender County)
Cost: $10; garden members receive 50% off. Optional mixed-planter workshop upgrade is $65 per participant.
Johnson Nursery’s family-friendly Gardenpalooza invites visitors to explore garden paths, play lawn games, and enjoy seasonal food, apple-inspired treats, and drinks. The event is a relaxed fall outing for families and friends, with a complimentary bridal open house happening during the same garden day for eligible attendees.
Cape Fear Arts in Motion: Winds, Rhythm, and Soul
Friday, September 18 | 7:30 PM (doors open earlier)
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401 (New Hanover County)
Cost: Check the official venue and ticket page for current prices and availability.
Forward Motion Dance Company’s annual performance brings modern, contemporary, hip-hop, classical, and jazz dance together with music and film. The Wilmington performance offers an arts-focused night in historic downtown Wilmington; confirm current ticket availability with Thalian Hall before heading out.
Foreigner: Celebrating Fifty Years
Sunday, September 20 | 8:00 PM
Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park, 10 Cowan St, Wilmington, NC 28401 (New Hanover County)
Cost: Check the official venue and ticket page for current prices and availability.
Foreigner brings its 50th-anniversary concert tour to Wilmington’s Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Check the venue’s schedule and the linked official ticket page for current seating, prices, entry details, and any updates before making plans.
Details can change
Event times, prices, ticket availability, weather plans, locations, and cancellation status can change after this roundup is prepared. Confirm every event with its official organizer or venue page immediately before leaving home.
Southeastern North Carolina events FAQ
What is happening in Wilmington this weekend? Cape Fear Arts in Motion is scheduled at Thalian Hall Friday, September 18, and Foreigner: Celebrating Fifty Years is scheduled at Live Oak Bank Pavilion Sunday, September 20.
What are some family-friendly events near Hampstead and Willard? DRIVEN: The Art of the Car® offers art and collector vehicles in Hampstead, while Gardenpalooza: Apple Fun offers garden paths, lawn games, and seasonal treats in Willard.
Is there a Saturday event in Surf City? Yes. The Over Under Biathlon is scheduled at Soundside Park on Saturday morning, September 19; check the race page for registration and current fees.
