Wilmington
News Feed
Events
Local Businesses
Classifieds
Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Could Wilmington’s film stages really sit idle for the next three years?

Also check out Wilmington Farmers Market on the Wilmington Patch calendar

Monday August 31st Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Coffee in hand, Wilmington? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could Wilmington's film stages really sit idle for the next three years?
  • Remember when a downtown Wilmington theater went X-rated in 1983?
  • How a long-closed Wilmington plant still brings workers together today

Also on today's calendar: Wilmington Farmers Market and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Wilmington Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Wilmington Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Wilmington.

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Tuesday: A couple of showers, temps: high: 92, low: 73.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 94 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Film productions on course to leave NC again unless changes made to incentive (portcitydaily.com) — Wilmington's film industry is bracing for a potential three‑year drought after changes to North Carolina's film grant cap halted new awards, pushing projects like Jonas Pate's 'Kildare' to consider leaving the state. Local studio owners, union leaders, and lawmakers warn that without a fix, Dark Horse Studios, crews, and a third of pending projects tied to Wilmington could be forced elsewhere.
   

2. From the archives: Downtown Wilmington theater gets X-rated (starnewsonline.com subscription) — A look back at downtown Wilmington's Manor Theater recalls its 1983 clash with city rules over X-rated films and the adult-entertainment ordinance. The story traces the Market Street building's evolution into venues like Jacob's Run and Ziggy's by the Sea, and its eventual partial demolition in 2024, reshaping a familiar corner of downtown.
   

3. Former Babcock & Wilcox employees reunite 43 years after Wilmington plant closed (wwaytv3.com) — Former employees of Babcock & Wilcox gathered in Wilmington for their 43rd annual reunion, remembering a plant that once anchored the Port City's manufacturing scene. Attendees, including former New Hanover County Sheriff Joseph McQueen, shared stories of work, friendship, and the company's contributions to local schools and community projects.
   

4. Phoenix overcome slow start, score late in draw against William & Mary (elonnewsnetwork.com) — Elon men's soccer battled back for a 1-1 home draw and now turns its attention to a road trip to face UNC Wilmington on Sept. 5, bringing CAA action to the Port City. The coach praised late chances but says the Phoenix must toughen their defense before coming to Wilmington.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

Subscribe

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Wilmington

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Wilmington Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Wilmington PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The kid bet his dad five dollars I couldn't fix it in under an hour.
    I didn't know that until I was already done. Called about a garage door making a loud bang every time it closed. Homeowner said his son was convinced… (Nextdoor Masonboro Woods)
  • Reaching out again, in case anyone finds Smokey.
    He was last seen on Middle Sound Loop road off Bailey Ave. in the Marina area. He's been missing for several weeks. Please contact me if seen. (Nextdoor Historic Downtown)
  • The Vision Hospitality Group posted a job opening for Night Auditor in Wilmington. Apply here.
  • Public Storage posted a job opening for Customer Service - Self Storage Manager in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

Ok Wilmington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

More from Wilmington
News | Aug 17
See more on Patch >

Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Wilmington Patch

Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.

©2026 Patch Media. All Rights Reserved

Do Not Sell My Personal Information