New Hanover:
EyeCon Return to One Tree Hill
October 13th to 15th
515 Nutt Street, Wilmington NC 28401
Admission: Starts at $30; tickets can be purchased here
EyeCon One Tree Hill 7 at the Convention Center in downtown Wilmington, NC, features three days of star-studded fun with former actors and actresses from the popular show filmed in the Port City. The event includes games, panels, celebrity Q&As and photo ops, and autograph sessions.
Rosie the Riveter: American Women in WWII
October 20th at 7:30pm
120 South Second Street, Wilmington NC 28401
Admission: $16
Rosie the Riveter: American Women in WWII at the Hannah Block 2nd Street Stage, features a large collection of artifacts, posters, artwork, dolls, and more. The tribute to Rosie includes a presentation by Wilbur Jones and a special performance by Elizabeth Michaels, an American Historical Theatre storyteller.
Batty Battleship’s Halloween Bash
October 24th from 5:30pm – 8:00pm
#1 Battleship Road, Wilmington NC 28401
Admission: $5
Batty Battleship’s Halloween Bash at the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, NC, features a chance for parents to bring their wee ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating on the mighty vessel. The event includes games, activities, henna tattoos, and storytelling. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.
Paranormal Ghost Tours
October 13th, 20th, and 27th at 7:00pm, 8:00pm, and 9:00pm
10200 US Hwy 17th North, Wilmington NC 28411
Admission: $15
The Paranormal Ghost Tours at Poplar Grove Plantation in Wilmington, NC, features a chance to visit with spirits, which continue to haunt in and around the Manor House, Tenant House, graveyard and grounds! Groups limited to 15 people. Cameras and other paranormal equipment are permitted. No guarantee of ghost activity, they stir at their own leisure.
Brunswick:
Haunted Trail Fundraiser Hosted by Grissettown Longwood Fire & Rescue
Every Friday and Saturday in October plus October 30th and 31st starting at 7:00pm
758 Longwood Road, Ocean Isle Beach NC 28469
Admission: $12
The trail is a self-guided tour filled with interactive props and actors. Actors are firefighters and community volunteers. The trail takes about 30min to complete. Money raised goes to help fund the fire dept. This is not a little kiddy attraction, although it is family friendly. The trail yearly takes in about 3,000 customers from all over the state and has won 2 local awards for the scariest haunted attraction.
Hocus Pocus 5K & Monster Mile Fun Run
October 27th at 6:30pm
8178 Compass Pointe East Wynd, Leland NC 28451
Admission: $15 to $30
The Hocus Pocus 5K & Monster Mile Fun Run is an evening run through the secluded private community of Compass Pointe in Leland, NC, and includes “spooky” parts along the way. There is something for everyone as we will also host a Monster Mile Run for the kids. Costumes encouraged. Runners can register here!
Calabash Oktoberfest
October 28th from 11:00am to 5:00pm
10102 Beach Drive, Calabash NC 28467
Admission: FREE!
Get ready for lots of pure fun and entertainment! Join us and experience: Authentic Bavarian Food,
Oktoberfest Beer, Vendors, Wiener Dog Races, Masskrugstemmen (Bierstein holding) contest, and the Arm Wrestling Contest. Sing and dance with the Harbour Towne Fest Band! PLUS Win a weekend for two in Las Vegas incl. Flight, accommodation and a visit to The Hofbrauhaus. Tickets are for sale at Grand Strand Realty and Calabash Trading Co.
Pender & Onslow:
Autumn with Topsail Festival
October 21st and 22nd from 10:00am – 6:00pm
Admission: $5 One Day, $8 Two Day
Started in 1988, The Autumn With Topsail Festival is held on the grounds of the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the Assembly Building which houses the Missiles & More Museum in Topsail Beach, NC. The festival features a juried Artists’ and Crafts Court with over 100 regional artists displaying and selling their work. Enjoy exciting live musical entertainment, a variety of amazing food with beer and wine, games and rides for children, and much more! FREE Shuttle Service will be provided from various parking areas in Topsail Beach to the Festival Grounds. Please remember NO PETS are permitted unless they are service dogs.
Marsh Cruise Hosted by Friends of Hammocks and Bear Island
Wednesdays and Saturday from October 11th through November 18th at 1:00pm
1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, NC 28584
Admission: $15 donation
This 1 ½ – 2-hour guided marsh cruise leaves from the Hammocks Beach State Park mainland in the fall. The tour takes you through the marshes near Bear, Huggins, Dudley’s and Jones Islands. Where you can discover local wildlife, learn about the unique history of the park and the Swansboro area, or just relax and enjoy a ride around Bogue Sound on a 35 passenger Coast Guard inspected pontoon boat. Proceeds from this year’s marsh cruises benefit the Friends of the Hammocks and Bear Island, Inc. On-line registration is required here.
4th Annual Hallo-Weenie Toast & Tales of Olde Swansboro
October 27th from 5:30 – 10:00pm
102 Church Street, Swansboro NC 28584
Admission: FREE!
Join us for activities, food, and spooktacular fun! Come dressed in your wackiest, scariest or most creative costume for our costume contest with five categories: 2 & under, 3-5, 6-12, 13-17 and 18 & up. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with free games and activities, animal appearances with Eastern Exotics and performances from Swansboro Dance Studio and Jessica’s Dance Academy. Hot dog roast will begin at 6 p.m.; food will be served while supplies last! Take a narrated hayride through Swansboro and be regaled with tales of bootlegging, pirates, and maybe a ghost or two.
3rd Annual Fall on the Farm Hosted by Trinity United Methodist Church
October 29th from 3:00pm – 6:00pm
301 Marine Blvd, Jacksonville NC 28540
Admission: FREE
Join us for our 3rd Annual Fall on the Farm! From 3-5pm we will have games, prizes, The Barnyard pony rides & petting zoo, exotic animals, a fire engine, bounce houses, Rita’s Italian Ice, and other food. From 5-6 is Trunk or Treat. Wear your costume and bring your treat bag! Everything is FREE! When you arrive at the event, please register at the Information Table. You will receive a free event wristband which will allow you to enjoy our fun activities. All children who wish to go on a pony ride must wear closed toe shoes!