Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Organizations across Cape Fear are planning Veterans Day events to honor their veterans. The Town of Wrightsville Beach will host a ceremony on Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. at Wrightsville Beach Park with retired Brigadier General Robert S. Cooley Jr. as keynote speaker—Columbus County will hold a parade on Nov. 8 in Downtown Whiteville and ceremonies with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park of America and at the historic courthouse. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ The Island Men of Carolina Beach are hosting their fourth annual Backyard BBQ Cook-Off at Fort Fisher on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.—local pitmasters will grill pork butts while families enjoy live music, artisan vendors and a tasting contest; attendees pay $15 for all-you-can-eat barbecue and a $10,000 donation to Ocean Cure will be presented at noon. WWAY
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new memorial honoring early Scottish settlers is set to be unveiled on Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site — organizers said the cairn will recognize Highland Scots who built new lives in the area. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Li’l Friday offers a diverse lineup of local events—ranging from the play 'Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors' at Thalian Hall starting Thursday to Government Mule performing live at Greenfield Lake today—along with festivals, costume sales and comedy shows through Sunday. Attendees should note that ticket prices range from $10 to $140 and details may change due to weather or scheduling updates. Port City Daily
- ➤ ABC's edgy crime drama RJ Decker has opened production offices in Wilmington—its pilot was shot here in 2025 and pre-production is underway—with production expected to start in November. Local film crews hope this brings more work to the area. Wilmington Star-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ NCWorks is hosting its semi-annual Jobtoberfest event next week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wilmington National Guard Armory so veterans, transitioning service members and civilians can meet local, statewide, national and remote employers—offering opportunities in project management, healthcare and transportation. FOX Wilmington
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews began a survey on Oak Island for a beach nourishment project—officials said the data will guide planning for the project in the coming months. The survey aims to collect essential information so future work can improve the local shoreline. WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wrightsville Beach reopened its beach accesses after a weekend nor’easter—Public Works smoothed the sand to make the beaches safe—visitors are advised to watch for a few uneven spots. WECT
- ➤ Cape Fear Public Utility Authority closed the eastbound turning lane on the 4300 block of Market Street for sewer inspections—traffic was shifted into the through lane and the closure is expected to last around three hours. WECT
- ➤ The Town of Leland has received a $443,108 grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund—requiring matching funds from the town—to build an ADA-compliant public boat dock and boardwalk at future Sturgeon Creek Park. The project will boost outdoor recreation while protecting the local marsh ecosystem. FOX Wilmington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. James Coley of Novant Health explained how his team (including medical, surgical, and radiation specialists along with nurses and social workers) works together to diagnose and treat breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. WECT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington residents will enjoy a busy fall weekend as the inaugural Brunswick County Agricultural Fair Expo in rural Ash and local festivals, live music, plays and food events take place across New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. Weather forecasts show clear skies with highs near 70 and lows in the 50s—except for a slight chance of rain Sunday. Wilmington Star-News
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Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival
12:00 – 3:00 p.m. — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Admission includes sampling glass — Enjoy a fun-filled festival with over 300 beers, 100+ wines, and live music.
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Tedeschi Trucks Band Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of the legendary Tedeschi Trucks Band live in Wilmington.
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5th Annual Bluegrass Festival
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Humphrey Farms Inc — $10 admission — Enjoy live bluegrass music, craft vendors, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
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John Legend Concert
8:00-9:30 PM — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Tickets from $13 — Enjoy a night of soulful music with the incredible John Legend.
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Dave & Boo-sters Boo Bash
4-7 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Wilmington — Tickets from $14.99 — Celebrate Halloween with crafts, games, and a costume contest in a safe environment.
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Wilmington S'more Run
3 – 8 p.m. — Concorde Espresso Bar — Tickets on sale now — Enjoy a fun-filled evening with 3k and 5k runs, bonfire, and delicious S'mores.
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Tricmas Celebrity Event
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — One Tree Hill: TRIC — General Admission required for ages 6+ — Celebrate with cast members from 'One Tree Hill' featuring photo ops and a festive banquet brunch.
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The Revivalists Concert
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying sounds of The Revivalists in a scenic setting.
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IL Divo Concert
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Ticket prices from $70 — Experience the rich vocal harmonies of IL Divo live in concert.
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Tab Benoit Concert
8-11 p.m. — Kenan Auditorium — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience the soulful sounds of blues guitarist Tab Benoit.
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