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  • PCP Fri Sep 26: Wilmington Weekend: Rock Gyms, Rainy Day Fun & New Adventures

PCP Fri Sep 26: Wilmington Weekend: Rock Gyms, Rainy Day Fun & New Adventures

Don’t let the weather slow you down—learn to climb indoors now and be ready for Pilot Mountain’s real rocks in October.

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning Wilmington!

We’ve got a couple of weather systems that are looking to affect our area–bringing plenty of rain this weekend and into next week. That makes it a great time to try something new—like discovering the thrill of climbing at Wilmington Rock Gym! Discover Climbing is the perfect intro session—ideal for kids too young to belay, vacationers, or anyone who just wants to maximize climbing time on their first visit.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

  • “Catch” to Relocate After Market Street Property Sale

  • NC Lawmakers Approve Sweeping Bail & Mental Health Bill

Wilmington Favorite “Catch” to Relocate After Market Street Property Sale

WWAY-TV Catch, the beloved Wilmington seafood restaurant led by award-winning chef Keith Rhodes, is preparing to move after its Market Street property was sold. The restaurant, which has been a local staple since 2009, closed earlier this month but plans to reopen in a new location soon. While the next address hasn’t been revealed yet, Rhodes says he’s excited for the next chapter and confident Catch will continue its tradition of excellence. In the meantime, fans can still find Rhodes’ food at Catch’s food trucks, Tackle Box Kitchen inside UNCW’s Fisher Hall, and his upcoming bistro Voyce on Market Street.

Experience a Day on the Rocks.

🗓️ Mark your calendars, we're hosting FOUR new outdoor climbing dates on beautiful Pilot Mountain!

A Day on the Rocks is tailored to meet climbers where they are and introduce them to the outdoor climbing community.

Learn the nuances of outdoor climbing etiquette while we get outside and touch some real rocks! No outdoor climbing experience is needed. We will provide all gear and handle all safety and setup.

Upcoming Dates:

📌 Saturday, October 11th
📌 Sunday, October 12th
📌 Saturday, October 25th
📌 Sunday, October 26th
📌 Saturday, December 13th
📌 Sunday, December 14th

Reservations cover one day, however, climbers are more than welcome to sign up for both days if desired!

After Charlotte Light Rail Stabbing, NC Lawmakers Approve Sweeping Bail & Mental Health Bill

WBTV Following the fatal light rail stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina lawmakers passed “Iryna’s Law” (House Bill 307), sending it to Gov. Josh Stein’s desk. The bill tightens bail and pretrial release conditions, expands magistrate accountability, and adds mental health procedures for defendants with violent charges. Supporters call it a needed overhaul, but critics argue it fails to address systemic issues like limited mental health resources and overreliance on incarceration. Defense attorneys warn the bill risks punishing low-level offenders without solving underlying causes, particularly the state’s shortage of mental health professionals and intervention services.

News Roundup

Local News

Wilmington physician Dr. Gabe Frank has agreed to surrender his medical license after a state investigation found he overprescribed testosterone, ignored abnormal test results, treated patients without proper licensing, and allowed unlicensed staff to inject controlled substances. WECT

Twenty-six people face charges after an ALE investigation uncovered illegal drug sales, gambling, and unlicensed alcohol activity at ABC-licensed businesses in Wilmington, including the seizure of $32,000, gaming machines, and drug paraphernalia. WECT

What You Should Know

Hurricane Humberto has strengthened in the Atlantic and could soon be joined by a second storm, Imelda, creating a rare setup that may threaten the southeastern U.S. with flooding, strong winds, and coastal surge early next week. AccuWeather

U.S. fighter jets were scrambled to intercept four Russian warplanes, including Tu-95 bombers and Su-35 fighters, flying near Alaska in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. CBS News

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a rare, urgent gathering of hundreds of U.S. generals and admirals at Quantico next week with no stated reason, raising confusion and concern among top military leaders. The Washington Post

What Might Surprise You

China now has more than two million robots in its factories—more than the rest of the world combined—boosting its dominance in global manufacturing and technology. The New York Times

Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted on charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice tied to his 2020 Senate testimony, following pressure from President Trump on the DOJ to accelerate the case. NPR

Don’t Miss

Watermans’ Oktoberfest

SAT SEPT 27: 3-8PM @ Watermans Brewing Company - WB
Authentic German food, Festbier lager, live Oompah music and dancing with Harbour Towne Fest Band

Oktoberfest on the Beach

SUN SEPT 28: noon-5PM @ Carolina Beach Pier - CB
Oktoberfest is coming back to Carolina Beach Pier for another epic day of beer, polka, and beachside fun! 🎶🌭🍺 Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 28th, and get ready for an all-ages, dog-friendly celebration featuring live music, a beach pumpkin patch, a steinholding contest, and plenty of German-inspired food & drinks!

SCBC Oktoberfest Weekend!

SAT SEPT 27: 11AM - SUN SEPT 28: 8PM @ Surf City Brewing Co. - SC
Get ready for a weekend celebration that’s big on beer, bold on bratwurst, and bursting with Bavarian flair!

We’re transforming the brewery into a mini Munich with:

🍺 German-style beers brewed just for the occasion. 🍖 Exclusive Oktoberfest menu from Horned Hog Smokehouse—highlighting the best of German foods. 🥨 Games, stein-holding competitions, and more

Southport Oktoberfest

SAT SEPT 27: 1-7Pm @ Howe Street - SP
Pull out your lederhosen and dirndls—it’s time for Oktoberfest! Join us for a full day of Bavarian fun, cold beer, and friendly competition right here in Southport.

🎶 What’s Happening:

Live Oompah Band for fantastic Oktoberfest tunes and entertainment

Weather

Fri, Sep 26: 🌥️ Partly Cloudy | 85°/72° | 22% | SSW 10 mph
Sat, Sep 27: ⛈️ Scattered Thunderstorms | 79°/70° | 56% | SSE 8 mph
Sun, Sep 28: ⛈️ Scattered Thunderstorms | 78°/71° | 53% | ENE 8 mph

Sunrise on WB by Karen

Live Music

Today

The Ford Project

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM @ The Bend - OGD

Crooked Cult, Unchained, Asleep Beneath The Soil

7:30 PM - 10:30PM @ Bottega Wine Bar & Art Gallery - DT

Country Night

10:00 PM @ The Palm Room - WB

Saturday

The Brent Stimmel Band

7:00 PM @ Fermental - CD

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

7:00 PM @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater - GFL

Flannel Rebellion

7:00 PM @ Seven Mile Post - OG

Sunday

Backyard Bluegrass

3-6:00 PM @ Tapyard - ILM

Brad Heller & The Fustics

4:00 PM @ Live at Teds - ILM

Andreas False Consciousness, Paper Skulls, Dial O, Jack Chick Army

8:00 PM @ Barzarre - CD

After honing in your indoor climbing skills, take it to the next level—join A Day on the Rocks at Pilot Mountain this fall. With all gear and safety covered, it’s the perfect way to step outside and touch real rock.

-Jason