Battleship North Carolina to celebrate 65 years in Wilmington with ‘Berth Day’ concert

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Battleship North Carolina is marking 65 years since its arrival in Wilmington with a special concert aboard the ship.

The Friends of the Battleship North Carolina will host “A Musical Salute to the Battleship” on Saturday, Oct. 3, celebrating the 65th anniversary of the ship’s 1961 arrival in Wilmington.

The concert will take place on the battleship’s fantail overlooking the Cape Fear River and feature the Wilmington Virtuosi Brass. The performance begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.

The Wilmington Virtuosi Brass is a British-style brass band with approximately 30 members. Its repertoire includes classical, swing, Broadway and movie scores, pop and patriotic music.

The group placed second in its division at the 2026 North American Brass Band Association Championships in April.

Proceeds from Saturday’s concert will benefit the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina and its restoration, preservation and educational efforts aboard the ship.

The concert is open to the public. Tickets are $10 per person for nonmembers and guests, while Friends members can receive two free tickets per household. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, food and beverages.