Look for festive fun with these July food-and-drink events at Wilmington-area restaurants

It's a red (wine), white (buttercream) and (True) blue month of food and wine happenings in the Wilmington area. Here's a look at some of what July has in store at local restaurants, breweries and bars.

July 1: There's one more night of a pride-themed pop-up in the former home of a popular gay club in Wilmington. The space at 115 S. Front St. is home to Prost Biergarten now, but you can relive the days of the Micky Ratz nightclub from 6-10 p.m. Look for performances by Tara Nicole Brooks, Ebony Addams and Purina Chow.

July 4: There are so many places to have some fun on the Fourth with fireworks, music and more. One popular event, Freedom Fest, is hosted each year at Waterline Brewing Company at 721 Surry St. in Wilmington. Look for games, prizes, face painting, a food truck and a water balloon fight beginning at 1 p.m.

July 5-7: The revamped bar at 1756 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington has been hosting afterparties for shows at the nearby amphitheater, including these after Michael Franti concerts. Look for cocktails, and live music at Greenfield Lake Yacht Club.

July 7: The downtown bar known as Cape Fear Spirits & Beer is celebrating its 21st Anniversary at 139 N. Front St. There will be collab beers, special merch and cool glassware. It starts at 1 p.m.

July 9: The Cape Fear Food & Wine Club at The Seasoned Gourmet is hosting Founding Fathers wine dinner with sommelier Mike Summerlin and chef Gwen Gulliksen featuring wines from Virginia, France and Italy. Tickets are $90 and it starts at 6:30 p.m. at 5500 Market St. in Wilmington.

July 11: You can help support two local nonprofit organizations at events happening today. There's a Fondue Fundraiser for Kitty Patrol at Little Dipper Fondue at 138 S. Front St. in Wilmington. Also, nearby at 18 S. Water St. the GelaRto gelato shop is donating a portion of proceeds to NourishNC. You can also drop off donations for a food drive to be eligible for a giveaway.

July 11: The Historic Wilmington Foundation and The Cotton Exchange are hosting a Preservation Crawl where local mixologists from businesses like Banter, Dram & Draught, The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge, KGB, Prost and Wine Knot Sky Bar & Lounge will be serving specialty cocktails, and Momentum Spirits will be offering a tasting. Tickets are $75 and the event takes place 5-8 p.m.

July 12: Ellipsis, the innovative dining venture from We Are True Blue restaurant group, is changing things up a bit. Instead of ticketed events that change each night, they're introducing themed culinary pop-ups for six weeks at a time now. The first is Farfalla, a take on an Italian summer, and will be available Wednesday through Saturday 4-9 p.m. with reservations available starting today at 1502 S. Third St. in Wilmington's South Front District. The menu includes dishes like roast chicken with artichokes, olives, and lemon broth, and a vegan twist on Cacio E Pepe with cauliflower and almond ricotta.

July 12: The grand opening of the newest Fun Bowl in Monkey Junction takes place today with samples and more in the former Breadsmith location near Cape Fear Seafood at 5226 S. College Road.

July 14: In honor of National Mac and Cheese Day, Brunswick Beer Exchange at 113 Village Road NE in Leland is hosting a cookoff, as well as a food drive for NourishNC that begins July 1. The tasting for the cookoff begins at 3 p.m. and there's a $5 fee for the competition and the tasting.

July 17-18: Ruth's Chris Steak House at 244 N. Water St. in Wilmington is continuing their monthly series with a two-night Caymus Wine Dinner. Cost is $130 per person and they begin at 6:30 p.m.

July 20: It's been one year in Wilmington's Soda Pop District for Bowstring Burgers and Brewyard. They're hosting a free celebration at 1002 Princess St. with three bands beginning at 3 p.m.

July 25: In Leland, the wine-and-yoga Unwined on the Square business at 2163 Britton Road hosts a variety of events. Today, it's a Cake Decorating Class with BB Bakes NC. You'll learn how to apply a proper crumb coat, get a smooth finish and piping techniques. Materials are provided for each participant to decorate and take home a six-inch cake. It's 6-8 p.m. and after registration, cost is $40.

July 26-28: More than 10 Wilmington bars and restaurnts are coming together to celebrate the original coffee cocktail. For the Espresso Martini Weekend participating establishments will have featured specials and events. Participants can also vote for their favorite.

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com