Beer and Wine Festivals at Live Oak Bank Pavilion to benefit Child Advocacy Center

October 23, 2024

WWAY News,

WILMINGTON, NC – This weekend, Wilmington’s Live Oak Bank Amphitheater will host two beer and wine festivals, both benefiting the Carousel Center, a local nonprofit that supports children who have been victims of abuse. The two events, taking place Friday and Saturday, promise a mix of fun, food, and philanthropy, while raising critical funds for child advocacy.

The first event, “Voracious,” will take place on Friday night, welcoming a smaller crowd of around 600 guests. Attendees will enjoy beer, wine, and champagne tastings, along with dishes prepared by several local celebrity chefs. Featured chefs include those from Salt and Charm, On Thyme, and Castle Street Kitchen. This year’s event also adds a sweet twist, with Nothing Bundt Cakes participating for the first time. Additionally, local oyster vendors will be present, and live music will set the tone for a relaxed evening.

Event coordinator Laura Pawlewicz says the Voracious event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and offers a more intimate, sophisticated atmosphere for attendees, ideal for a date night or evening out with friends.

The Voracious Wine, Beer, Oysters and Food Event is happening Friday night.
(Courtesy: Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival)

“Watching the sunset, listening to good music, you really get an opportunity to talk to the vendors that are there and like get to know what they do,” Pawlewicz said.

Saturday’s event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (with a VIP entry at noon), is expected to attract a much larger crowd of around 6,000 guests. This event will feature live music, food trucks, and plenty of beer and wine tastings, with an emphasis on fun and festivity. It offers a livelier, more party-like atmosphere compared to the previous evening, and guests are encouraged to sample responsibly.

Both events raise funds for the Carousel Center, which provides crucial support to children who are victims of abuse. The center works closely with law enforcement and the Department of Social Services to provide medical evaluations, forensic interviews, trauma therapy, and family advocacy for children involved in abuse cases. The goal of their process is to ensure that children only need to share their stories once in a safe environment, helping build a case that can stand in court without requiring the child to testify.

Tickets for both events are available on the Carousel Center’s website, and for those interested in attending both days, a discounted ticket package is also offered.