Fall is fast approaching, and while we all know it's not exactly a fall-like season, Wilmington-area food and beverage event organizers are looking to ring in the season with summer farewell parties and Oktoberfest fun. Here's what's on the horizon for September.
September 1stIn Wilmington, Seagate Bottle Shop 6005 Oleander Drive will be hosting a 5th anniversary party with live music from Signal Fire Duo and a DJ from 5 to 8 p.m.
September 2: Mankind Brewery9600 Ploof Road in Leland. Labor Day Picnic Join community partners for a traditional barbecue with complimentary hot dogs and sides, fun activities like a putting green challenge presented by The Golf Barn, draft beer, giveaways and more. Starts at noon.
more:What's Farmer's Almanac's fall weather forecast for Wilmington?
September 6: The monthly fish fry season has come around again. American Legion Chapter #10702 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington. Options include fried whiting or grilled chicken quarters (with a side dish) for $12 a plate. You can eat in or take out. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 7: Front Street Brewery In downtown Wilmington Old Hillside Bourbon The tasting will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Taproom, 9 N. Front St. Tickets are available for $10 in advance or $15 at the door and include three tastings and a light appetizer buffet.
September 8: Ibis At Coffee & Cocktails Italian themed pairing dinner It will be held at 921 Princess St. and will include a four-course dinner prepared by chefs from Salt+Charm, as well as cocktails and wine. Tickets are $85 and are selling out fast.
September 9: Waterman's Brewing A farewell reception will be held at 1610 Pavilion Place in Wilmington. We are waterThe group will embark on the final 110-mile leg of a 325-mile journey along the North Carolina coast. There will be a silent auction to raise funds, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. The event begins at 5 p.m.
September 12: It's a choose-your-own culinary adventure at Ruth's Chris Steak House, 244 North Water Street, downtown Wilmington. Tonight, from 6:30 p.m., Silver Oak Wine Dinner $165 per person, Buffalo Trace Cigar and Cocktail Dinner For the same price.
September 13-14: Finally 2024 Wilmington Coffee Fest 1502 Castle St. This is the place to meet some of the best coffee roasters, learn about unique shops, and have fun with all things coffee. The Latte Art Throwdown is Friday from 6-9pm, and the festival is Saturday from 9am-3pm. Tickets are $28.
September 14th: Again Pirate Feast The event will take place at Belleville Riverwalk Park. It's a free, all-day pirate-themed event with fun, food trucks, games and vendors from 10am to 4pm.
September 15: Wine Gal, Jelly Cabinet, Wine Not Sky Bar and the Lounge are teaming up for a pastry and wine pairing event. Tickets are $40 and are expected to sell out for the 1 p.m. event, located at 201 N. Front Street, Suite 909, downtown Wilmington.
September 19: Queen of Wines and Three10 restaurant at 1022 N. 4th St. in Wilmington Italian Wine Dinner The event will feature a selection of wines from small, independent wineries. The event begins at 6pm. Interested parties are encouraged to call 910-399-5428 for more information.
September 22In downtown Wilmington, Mana is bringing back its popular “Beggars Can't Be Choosers” two Sundays each month. For the second event in September, seating will begin at 5 p.m. in the bar area at 123 Princess St. Reservations are required.
September 26Sponsored by Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina Celebrating Waterman's Celebrity Bartending EventCelebrities will compete to see who can earn the most “tips for wishes” for the organization at Waterman's Brewing, 1610 Pavilion Place, Wilmington, from 5 to 9 p.m.
September 26At The Point at Berkeley, Far From France Bakery & Bistro There will be a five-course wine dinner featuring lobster, bison and red snapper, priced at $120 and reservations can be made by calling 910-833-5002. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. at 1474 Barclay Pointe in Wilmington.
September 27-28: the Oktoberfest time Salty Turtle Beer CompanyThe event kicks off at 6pm on Friday and continues through Saturday, when there will be food trucks, games and free mugs for the first 50 customers at 103 Triton Lane in Surf City.
September 28: of Beach Shop & Grill The restaurant is located at 701 S. Anderson St. in Topsail Beach. Friends of James Beard Charity Event: An Evening in Coastal North CarolinaThe welcome reception will feature signature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, an oyster station and a six-course dinner with optional wine pairings prepared by Chef Jim Foss and Pastry Chef Gerald Hawkins. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $110 per person. A portion of proceeds will benefit James Beard Foundation programs.
September 28: CAM Cafe Chef Chip Pridgen BBQ & Bourbon Party The event will be held at the Cameron Museum of Art, 3201 S. 17th St. in Wilmington. His band Hood's Creek will perform and there will be a menu of traditional barbecue comfort food. Adult admission is $55-65.
September 28: At Pleasure Island, Good Hops Brewing will be hosting a free Oktoberfest event, Hoptoberfest Beer, sausage festival band music, food, mug-holding, wiener-throwing, etc. It will be held at 811 Harper Ave. in Carolina Beach from noon to 6 p.m.
September 28: Many more celebrations planned for the future Southport OktoberfestVenue Southport Tap & Cellar827 N. Howe St. Scheduled to feature a performance by the Harbor Town Fest Band, three food trucks, a best dressed contest and mug and keg contests. 1 to 7 p.m.
Stay connected: Sign up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest food news in the area.
Alison Ballard is StarNews' food and beverage reporter. She can be reached at aballard@gannett.com.