SaltWorks

Garden in the Grove

Poplar Grove’s Annual Herb Garden and Fair is always a great weekend of family fun, and this spring will be no exception. In addition to a huge selection of locally grown plants of all kinds — herbs, perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, shrubs and native plants — there will be self-guided house tours, Pender County master gardeners, nature classes, and a performance by artist and musician Mark Herbert from Broccoli Brothers Circus. Tickets: $5. Kids under 12 are admitted free. March 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m; March 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Info: (910) 395-5999 or poplargrove.org.

North Carolina Black Film Festival

Founded in 1998, the Black Arts Alliance serves as an advocate for African-American arts and culture in Wilmington, where they partner with local universities and institutions on creative projects. This year the group hosts the 16th annual North Carolina Black Film Festival on March 21-24. In addition to separate days devoted to student films on short subjects and family cinema, the festival will feature “Music in Film,” a celebration of music associated with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Tickets: $8-$50. Various venues in downtown Wilmington and UNCW. For info: (910) 431-9008 or blackartsalliance.org.

Hail to the Chieftains

The Chieftains are an Irish cultural phenomenon. The six-time Grammy Award winners have successfully blended modern and traditional Irish music since 1962; among their historic performances: Pope John Paul II’s visit to Ireland in 1979, where they played to an audience of over 1.3 million; the Great Wall of China, where they were the first Western musicians to perform; and the International Space Station, where two of their instruments travelled with NASA astronaut Cady Coleman. Don’t miss an evening of Irish music that’s out of this world. Friday, March 8. Tickets: $25-$75. Kenan Auditorium, UNCW, 515 Wagoner Drive, Wilmington. For info: (910) 362-7999 or cfcc.edu/capefearstage/.

All That Jazz

The Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble (ALJE) is dedicated to the perpetuation of the music and heritage of Afro-Latin jazz. Led by pianist and musical director Arturo O’Farrill, the group performs contemporary compositions in the genre, honoring jazz pioneers such as Mario Bauza and Tito Puente. The ALJE has performed at the Cubadisco Festival in Havana, the Luminato Festival in Toronto, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Massachusetts. Tickets: $25-$75. March 5, 7:30 p.m. Kenan Auditorium, UNCW, 515 Wagoner Drive, Wilmington. For info: (910) 962-3500 or uncw.edu/arts/presents/2018-2019/alje.html.

Tee and Symphony

Ranked among America’s top 100 golf courses by Golf magazine, the Eagle Point Golf Club is the scenic locale for the 22nd annual Wilmington Symphony Golf Classic on March 11. The event provides additional sources of financial support for the Wilmington Symphony — now in its 47th year — and the orchestra’s youth education program. Round up a foursome at your office.

Sponsorship opportunities range from $150 for individuals to $3,999 for teams. Breakfast and registration, 7:30-8:30 a.m; shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Eagle Point Golf Club, 8131 Bald Eagle Lane, Wilmington. For details and registration: wilmingtonsymphony.org/golf-classic.html.

Gone Fishing

Striperfest is an annual two-day fundraiser for Cape Fear River Watch, held this year at the Coastal Convention Center. On March 29, come to a banquet and auction that includes vacation packages, boating equipment, restaurant packages — even works of art. March 30 will feature a catch-and-release judged striper tournament, which also functions as a study of migratory fish populations in the Cape Fear. There will also be boat rides and other family-friendly activities on tap. Proceeds from the event help in the restoration of the fisheries of the Cape Fear. March 29, 5:30 p.m.; March 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Coastline Convention Center, 503 Nutt St., Wilmington. For info: capefearriverwatch.org/news-events/striperfest.

A Preservation Celebration

Founded in 1939, Preservation North Carolina is devoted to promoting and protecting the state’s historic buildings and landscapes. On March 20 -22, the organization will host its annual conference, which this year is being held in Wrightsville Beach. Join architects, historians (including Catherine Bishir) and preservationists for three days of lectures, seminars and tours of historic Wilmington architecture. The conference is open to anyone interested in old houses and preservation. Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd., Wrightsville Beach. For info and tickets: (919) 832-3652 or presenc.org/experience/events.

Brunswick on Broadway

Thalian Association Community Theatre presents “The Best of Broadway at Brunswick,” its first production at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. Come listen to local performers singing favorite songs from Tony Award-winning shows as well as a preview of upcoming productions. Directed by Elisa Eklof Smith with musical director Michael Lauricella, the event is hosted by Jeff Rivenbark and will raise funds to support TACT’s theatrical productions. Tickets: $25. March 3, 3 p.m. Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland. For info: (910)251-1788.