Days of food and fun: 20 events to check out at Wilmington restaurants in May
It’s a great month to be a foodie in the Port City area. We begin with events like Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby and progress to brunch-filled Mother’s Day and the ever-popular Greek Festival and end with a boozy burlesque brunch. If you’d like to make delicious plans, here’s some of what’s happening. If there’s another foodie event we should include, email aballard@gannett.com.
May 5: The Green House will be La Casa Verde for one night only, offering a $39 three-course Mexican inspired, plant-based menu. You can also try a variety of margaritas, in traditional and non-alcoholic versions at 1427 Military Cutoff Road in Wilmington
May 5: The Underfront Co. Bar & Lounge at at 265 N Front St. in downtown Wilmington is offering a special one-time-only margarita menu – with flavors like Smoked Seven Pepper, Watermelon Radish and Tajin Dream – for Cinco de Mayo.
May 6: The series of 'grand wine tastings' at Bridgewater Wines + Dines in Leland (1132 New Pointe Blvd.) and Porters Neck (178 Porters Neck Road) have become popular ways to try a variety of varietals. Their Spring Fling event begins at 4 p.m. and features 12 wines appropriate for Mother’s Day.
More: For Mother's Day and more, check out these brunch restaurants in the Wilmington area
May 6: The Derby4Dogs fundraiser is a favorite for a few reasons, including champagne, puppies and a menu of heavy hors d'oeuvres by Milner’s Catering. This year, it's adding a Bourbon Lounge experience. Tickets start at $125 and it takes place this year at Union Station at Cape Fear Community College.
May 6: Rebellion NC (15 S. Front St., Wilmington) is hosting a watch party beginning at 2 p.m. for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, with specials from Woodford Reserve.
May 6-7: Bluewater Grill is kicking off their summer season in a big way. First, on Saturday, it's partnering with Blue Shark Vodka for a beach clean-up. It starts at 9:30 a.m. at Oceanic (meet there or take a 8:45 shuttle from Bluewater) with materials provided and free drink after the event. Then, the restaurant is hosting a Low Country Seafood Boil 4-8 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $55, but clean-up participants get $15 off.
May 7: The new Greenfield Lake Yacht Club has rescheduled its grand opening celebration for Sunday at 1756 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington in the former Dubliner location. Look for barbecue, beverages and a live music line up that begins at 2 p.m.
More: The latest in restaurant news: 10 openings and closings in the Wilmington area
May 11: Sauce'd and Cape Fear Distillery are hosting a party to launch the state's first tequila. Billfish Tequila is featured in the "It’s LIT” cocktail at the lounge and fry bar at 224 S. Water St. in downtown Wilmington. General admission tickets are $30 and include samples, drink specials, party favors and swag bags.
May 12: LaPolena Bed & Breakfast and Uncorked by the Sea in Southport are working together for an Oregon-focused wine tasting at 201 River Drive in Southport. There’s a sparkling wine to start, four wine samples, with a glass of your favorite to finish. There will also be live music and a food truck. Tickets are $45, and reservations are required.
May 13: The Oak Island Seafood Festival & Cruise In combines great food and a car show 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 4610 E. Dolphin Drive. It's free to attend. Look for food trucks, seafood vendors, a craft market and, of course, cool rides.
May 14: Hi Wire Brewing (1020 Princess St., Wilmington) is hosting another of its popular Drag Brunches, with hostess Brenda The Drag Queen. Although you can opt for entry-only tickets, there's also the choice to get a ticket and boxed lunch from Point Break NC for $30. Reservations encouraged; doors open at noon.
May 18: Ruth's Chris Steak House at 244 N. Water St. in downtown Wilmington hosts a series of wine dinners throughout the year. This one, though, pairs a five-course dinner with selections of whiskeys from Michter's Distillery and the option of a cigar presentation, too. The event begins at 6:30 and tickets start at $145.
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More: Wilmington's Greek Festival: What you need to know about tickets, parking and the food
May 19-21: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is back to offering a full, in-person version of this Wilmington tradition with traditional food, music and dancing. It's 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Adult tickets are $5 and good for the whole weekend. The event takes place at 608 College Road and there are free options for off-site parking.
May 23: Blue Surf Arboretum West at 414 Arboretum Drive between Mayfaire and Ogden has started hosting a monthly wine dinner. They next features a Spanish theme, with chef Jon Webb planning menu to pair with a selection of wines.
May 26: A regular event, Mykonos Party in the Garden, begins at Kipos Hellenic Cuisine in Lumina Commons. Guests can sip, dance to music provided by a live DJ, and relax in the restaurant’s new windchime garden 9 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
May 26: Maritime Market on Bald Head Island is starting their free Wine & Cheese Tasting series at 3 p.m. It will be a weekly event for the market at 8 Maritime Way.
May 27: Outer Dunes Brewing at 7976 Market St. In Wilmington is hosting a beach-themed second anniversary party beginning at 2 p.m. Look for beer pong, a local vendor market, music and a food truck. Those who wear their beach gear can be entered to win a prize bad. All attendees must be over 21.
May 27: It’s the annual Kidstock Festival at Wrightsville Beach Brewery. They’ll have face painting, fairy hair, food and entertainment from Revolver Music! It’s noon-2:30 p.m. at 6201 Oleander Dr. In Wilmington.
May 28: The Eagle’s Dare is hosting another boozy Sunday morning event with the Sunny Side Up Burlesque Brunch with performer Velvetina. Look for light fare and a complimentary drink. Tickets start at $35. It’s at 420 N 3rd St. in Wilmington.
May 30: Seabird restaurant is hosting a fundraiser to support The Wilmington Farmers Market’s Fresh Bucks program, which provides access to fresh produce to underprivileged families. Tickets are $125 and include a family style meal with vegan and gluten-free options, two glasses of wine, and access to a silent auction. It’s at 1 S. Front St. In downtown Wilmington
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Food and drink events to check out in May in Wilmington restaurants
