Wilmington Weekender

September 21-23

HOBBY
The Cape Fear Museum will host the N.C. Shell Show on Sept. 22-23. The largest collection of shells in the state, including some of the world’s most beautiful and rare shells will be on display, along with crafts made from them. The exhibit will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free for museum members. Info: 798-4368 or www.ncshellclub.com

FUNDRAISER
The Cameron Art Museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary Saturday, Sept. 22 with a gala. The evening will include experimental exhibitions, music, food and a silent auction. Tickets are $150 and must be purchased in advance. Info: 395-5999 or www.cameronartmuseum.com

Poplar Grove Plantation will host its Autumn 5K Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 22. This run will take participants along a scenic cross-country style trail. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers for each bracket, including trophies for the top male and female. Registration fees are $30 and include a T-shirt. All proceeds will benefit Poplar Grove Plantation. The race begins at 8 a.m. Info: 686-9518

FAMILY FUN
Legacy Farms in Wallace will host a Family-Friendly Corn Maze on Saturday, Sept. 22. Find your way from one end of the twisting cornfield to the other while enjoying the fall weather. The maze is open noon-6 p.m. Admission is $5 at the farm’s ticket booth. Info: 805-3276

Join the staff of the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher on a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum Saturday, Sept. 22. Discover information about the aquatic life, including how they live, what they eat and how they are cared for, then assist the staff in preparing and feeding the animals. Participants must pre-register and wear closed-toe shoes. This event is for ages 10 and over, and ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Fees are $23 for ages 10-12 and $25 for 13 and up. Info: 458-7468 or www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington will host Tiaras & Treasures on Sunday, Sept. 23. Dress as your favorite princess or pirate for an afternoon of fantasy fun. Activities will include creating crowns and eye patches, a treasure hunt, singing songs, a bounce house and food. A silent auction and a raffle will also be held. Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for non-members and parents are admitted free. The event will be held 1-5 p.m. Info: 254-3534 or www.playwilmington.org

CONFERENCE
The Arc of North Carolina will hold its annual conference Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21-22. This year’s keynote speaker is Zach Anner, the winner of Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star who then went on to host his own travel show on the Oprah Winfrey Network despite his cerebral palsy. The conference will be held at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside. Registration is required and can be done online. Info: 792-9146 or www.arcnc.org/conference

COMEDY
The Nutt Street Comedy Room presents Jesse Joyce on Sept. 21-22. Joyce has been shown on Comedy Central, The Tonight Show and Entertainment Tonight. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. Info: 520-5520 or www.nuttstreet.com

MUSIC
The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra will begin its Passport to the World season Saturday, Sept. 22, at Kenan Auditorium on UNCW campus. Featuring piano soloist Elizabeth Loparits, the orchestra will take audiences to Mozart’s Austria and Brahms’ Germany with music by these two famous composers. The show begins at 8 p.m. Info and tickets: 962-3500 or www.wilmingtonsymphony.org

Wilmington Wine invites guests to enjoy live music from Susan Salvia on Sunday, Sept. 23. The performance will be held on the shop’s back deck where guests can sip on wine and beer while enjoying the music. The event is 3-5 p.m. Info: www.wilmingtonwine.net

THEATER
TheatreNOW presents Murder at the Bellamy Mansion on Saturday, Sept. 22. This murder mystery is an interactive dinner show in which audiences choose the detective who will help them to solve the murder case. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $38 for adults, $32 for children under 12. Info: www.theatrewilmington.com