Ring in the New Year in Classic Coastal Setting

Why fight big city crowds when you can ring in the new year in a classic coastal setting – complete with waterfront celebrations? This year, welcome 2014 with a fun, laid-back getaway to Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach. 

From the river to the sea, there are many ways to celebrate. On New Year’s Eve there is a countdown at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. Celebration begins at 11am with crafts (streamers, noisemakers), singing and dancing. Kids and their families count down the New Year at 12pm (noon) with streamers, noise makers, a confetti toss and juice toast. Museum admission is required. Then at 9pm join the street dance/countdown party at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk featuring a deejay and a giant lighted beach ball drop, followed by midnight fireworks. 

Or sail into 2014 with a champagne toast aboard a riverboat cruise or party boat. There are also theatrical galas, cabaret-style dinner theatre productions, and a wide array of restaurant and nightlife options. Spend the weekend exploring the area’s island beaches and a 230-plus block National Register Historic District. Shop after-Christmas sales at beach boutiques and downtown specialty shops, and dine at outstanding restaurants. 

Visit www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com for more information.

For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina.

Top Stars for Grand Rapids, Michigan LaughFest

If it has to do with funny, you will find it at Gilda’s LaughFest – a 10-day festival of stand-up comedy, improv, live shows, films, authors, community showcases and a variety of other seriously funny stuff in Grand Rapids, Michigan from March 6 to 16, 2014.

Now in its fourth year, the headliners for the nation's first-ever community-wide festival of laughter include Lily Tomlin, making a special appearance in partnership with Broadway Grand Rapids; Chris Tucker; and LaughFest veterans, Jim Gaffigan and Sinbad. This year's Signature Event will feature Emmy award winning comedian, longtime TV personality and late-night talk show host Jay Leno.

LaughFest 2014 will also feature  Tenderloins, Jen Kirkman, Judah Fiedlander, Maria Bamford, Todd Barry, Rory Scovel, Nick Thune and many more. Check LaughFestgr.org to see the complete schedule and to purchase tickets.

All proceeds will benefit the cancer, grief and support programs offered through Gilda's Club Grand Rapids.

LaughFest is more than just a barrel of laughs. It also provides a way to raise awareness and funds for a very important cause. Gilda's Club Grand Rapids provides free emotional healthcare to children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death of someone in their life due to any cause. The comprehensive program, delivered by licensed healthcare professionals includes education, structured sharing times, networking, lectures, workshops and social activities.

Gilda's Club Grand Rapids is one of the largest and busiest of the 52 affiliates in North America. The organization runs entirely on charitable donations and currently serves more than 10,000 individuals each year at its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., in various schools and in five community centers. For more information, visit www.gildasclubgr.org.

Grand Rapids is an award-winning city with many grand events as ArtPrize, Restaurant Week, the Grand Rapids LipDub, Beer City USA and of course LaughFest.

Visiting Grand Rapids and want to know what shows you can see? Check out all the great line-ups and other LaughFest events.

For more information about top events in Michigan take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Michigan.