Look for festive fun with these July food-and-drink events at Wilmington-area restaurants
It's a red (wine), white (buttercream) and (True) blue month of food and wine happenings in the Wilmington area. Here's a look at some of what July has in store at local restaurants, breweries and bars.
July 5-7: The revamped bar at 1756 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington has been hosting afterparties for shows at the nearby amphitheater, including these after Michael Franti concerts. Look for cocktails, and live music at Greenfield Lake Yacht Club.
July 7: The downtown bar known as Cape Fear Spirits & Beer is celebrating its 21st Anniversary at 139 N. Front St. There will be collab beers, special merch and cool glassware. It starts at 1 p.m.
July 11: The Historic Wilmington Foundation and The Cotton Exchange are hosting a Preservation Crawl where local mixologists from businesses like Banter, Dram & Draught, The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge, KGB, Prost and Wine Knot Sky Bar & Lounge will be serving specialty cocktails, and Momentum Spirits will be offering a tasting. Tickets are $75 and the event takes place 5-8 p.m.
July 12: Ellipsis, the innovative dining venture from We Are True Blue restaurant group, is changing things up a bit. Instead of ticketed events that change each night, they're introducing themed culinary pop-ups for six weeks at a time now. The first is Farfalla, a take on an Italian summer, and will be available Wednesday through Saturday 4-9 p.m. with reservations available starting today at 1502 S. Third St. in Wilmington's South Front District. The menu includes dishes like roast chicken with artichokes, olives, and lemon broth, and a vegan twist on Cacio E Pepe with cauliflower and almond ricotta.
July 20: Also celebrating an anniversary is Carolina Ale House. They're hosting a 25th Anniversary Party beginning at 11 a.m. The family friendly event will include live music, drink specisl and giveaways. Also look for 1999 Sports Trivia from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and raffle prizes 4-6 p.m. It's at 317 S College Road in Wilmington.
July 22: The grand opening of the newest Fun Bowl in Monkey Junction takes place today with samples and more in the former Breadsmith location near Cape Fear Seafood at 5226 S. College Road.
July 24: The Green House Restaurant at 1427 Military Cutoff Road in Wilmington is hosting a mid-summer soirée with a Garden Party theme. The event takes place in the flower-filled eatery, with live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a photo booth to best showcase guests dressed in their dapper and flowery best. Tickets are $50 per person, and beverages are not Included. It starts at 6:30 p.m.
July 26-28: More than 10 Wilmington bars and restaurnts are coming together to celebrate the original coffee cocktail. For the Espresso Martini Weekend participating establishments will have featured specials and events. Participants can also vote for their favorite.
July 27: Local women-owned bars and boutiques are hosting a Sip & Shop event in downtown Wilmington. A $36 ticket includes a cocktail at Wine Knot Sky Bar and Lounge, The Vine and Social Tequila, as well as complementary wine and discounts at boutiques like Coastal Connection, Homebody Collective, Hues of Violet, Aqua Fedora, and Lyn & Lou. Check-in times are available at noon, and 1 and 2 p.m.
July 28: The new gathering space, The Bend, is hosting a Petals & Pups Fest, featuring Venezuelan food, drink specials, adoptable pets and other vendors. It's noon to 4 p.m. at 7227 Market St. in the Ogden area.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Food-and-drink events at Wilmington, NC, restaurants, bars in July