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PCJ Mon Aug 17: 🔥 WalkerWorld Summerfest was something else

PCJ Mon Aug 17: 🔥 WalkerWorld Summerfest was something else

WalkerWorld was something else — and if you missed it, Spooky Fest is October 24.

Jason @ Port City Pulse
August 17, 2026

Happy Monday, Port City Jams!

I went to WalkerWorld Summerfest on Saturday and I wasn’t sure quite what to expect.

The event ran 2–10 PM out at Castle Hayne, and from the moment started towards the parking area, it was clear this wasn't a typical local festival. The property has a quality where artistic spaces keep revealing themselves as you move through it — each path leads somewhere unexpected.

I caught fire dancers alongside a full drum circle, at least two or three live music performances happening simultaneously in different outdoor spaces, and artists and vendors set up throughout the grounds. The energy between zones was as much a part of the experience as the performances themselves.

At one point I overheard someone say: "I feel like I'm in a Busch Gardens theme park, but this is so much better." That's exactly right.

Now let's get into this week's live music.

Don’t Miss

Sheldon Benton at SeaWitch - Aug 18

TUE AUG 18 · 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM · SeaWitch Tiki Bar

Live music at SeaWitch Tiki Bar in Carolina Beach.

Learn More »»

Perry Smith at Wrightsville Beach Brewery

THU AUG 20 · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Wrightsville Beach Brewery

Live music at Wrightsville Beach Brewery.

Learn More »»

Slightly Stoopid: Road Trippin Summer Tour 2026

THU AUG 20 · 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM · Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Tickets & info.

Learn More »»

No Regretz Live at Airlie Gardens

FRI AUG 21 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Airlie Gardens

Classic Blues and Rock. Part of the Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series.

Learn More »»

Live Music

Mon Aug 17

Open Mic Mondays @ Barzarre - Aug 17	7PM–11:59PM @ Barzarre
Initialize at SeaWitch	7PM–10PM @ SeaWitch Tiki Bar
Open Mic Night at Mad Katz	8PM–11PM @ Mad Katz Bar
Open Jam at Wilmington Distillery	8PM–11PM @ Wilmington Distillery
Open Mic Night at D.W. Alchemists	8PM–11PM @ D.W. Alchemists

Tue Aug 18

Strings & Things Open Mic at Fermental	6PM–9PM @ Fermental
Tuesdays-Drum Jam (&Dance) at Barzarre - Aug 18	6:30PM–9:30PM @ Barzarre
Sheldon Benton at SeaWitch - Aug 18	7PM–10PM @ SeaWitch Tiki Bar
Cape Fear Blues Jam at The Rusty Nail	8PM–11PM @ The Rusty Nail
Open Mic Night at Lula’s A Pub	8PM–11PM @ Lula's A Pub
Open Mic Night at Dram Tree Tavern	8PM–11PM @ Dram Tree Tavern

Wed Aug 19

Open Mic Night at Brewha	6PM–9PM @ BrewHa
Crystal Fussell Duo at SeaWitch	7PM–10PM @ SeaWitch Tiki Bar
Stu Cru Jamaru at Pour Fellas Pub	7PM–10PM @ Pour Fellas Pub
Open Mic Night at Wild Goose Bar	8PM–11PM @ Wild Goose Bar & Lounge
Open Jam at Wilmington Distillery	8PM–11PM @ Wilmington Distillery

Didn't get a chance to experience it? You don't have to wait until next year. You can catch Walker World Spooky Fest this October 24.

-Jason