Leland Gets Its Own Downtown This Summer: What July 31 at Founders Park Actually Means

Leland, NC celebrates the grand opening of Founders Park on July 31 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 113 Town Hall Drive. Following a $7.8 million renovation, the 22-acre civic space features a new amphitheater, splash pad, walking trails, and Leland's first licensed municipal beer garden featuring local craft breweries.

For 26 years, outdoor Friday evening concertgoers in the Cape Fear region drove east to Wrightsville Beach Town Park. Sounds of Summer operated as a biweekly tradition across the river, until Leland partnered with WECT to bring the series west of the Cape Fear River. The event signals a defining shift: Leland is establishing its own civic core at Founders Park.

Founders Park Grand Opening Schedule & Amenities

The event marks the official grand opening of Founders Park, formerly Leland Municipal Park, following a comprehensive $7.8 million renovation. Upgrades include a new playground, outdoor fitness stations, a veteran's memorial, paved walking trails, an interactive splash pad, and a permanent performance amphitheater.

• 5:00 p.m. — Gates Open: Family lawn games behind the amphitheater, community organization trail, splash pad, and playground access.
• 5:30 p.m. — Ribbon Cutting: Mayor Brenda Bozeman officially opens Founders Park at the main amphitheater stage.
• 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. — Main Concert: The Embers featuring Craig Woolard perform Carolina beach music in the amphitheater.

The Beer Garden Policy & Participating Leland Breweries

The grand opening introduces Leland's first designated beer garden on public parkland, featuring two local breweries established in northern Brunswick County:

• Leland Brewing Company: 133 Old Fayetteville Rd, Leland, NC 28451 (Located directly across from Town Hall; features an 8,000 sq ft two-story taproom, downstairs bar, and upstairs mezzanine).
• Brunswick Beer and Cider: 1313 S Dickinson Dr, Leland, NC 28451 (Situated in The Villages at Brunswick Forest; 2025 US Cider Open Silver Medalist for its lavender-infused semi-sweet cider).

Outside alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited inside Founders Park. All beer garden patrons must be 21 years of age or older with valid identification.

Food Truck Lineup & Local Dining Vendors

A curated selection of regional food trucks will operate along the park trail throughout the evening:

Attendees are encouraged to bring cash for vendors and bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for amphitheater seating.

Commercial Growth & Incoming Leland Restaurant Wave

The park opening coincides with significant commercial retail development across the US-17 and Gateway corridors in Leland:

• McAlister's Deli: 1109 New Pointe Blvd, Leland, NC 28451 (7,926 sq ft casual dining space near Westgate).
• Little Caesars: Shoppes at Westgate, Leland, NC 28451 (Take-out location filling former retail space).
• Texas Roadhouse: Leland Town Center, Leland, NC 28451 (7,926 sq ft full-service restaurant opening in 2026).
• MOBA Beer Co. (Museum of Beer & Art): 9600 Ploof Rd, Leland, NC 28451 (5,000 sq ft brewery, art gallery, and live music venue occupying former Mannkind Brewing facility).

Practical Event Details, Parking & Navigation

Visitors planning to attend the grand opening should keep the following logistical notes in mind:

• Primary Address: Founders Park, 113 Town Hall Dr, Leland, NC 28451.
• Overflow Parking: First Baptist Church, 517 Village Rd, Leland, NC 28451 (Connected to the park via a 0.6-mile paved multi-use trail).
• Community Exhibitors: Informational booths along the trail include Animal House, Chick-fil-A Leland Town Center, Lifepoint Church, American Legion Post 68, GLOW Academy, and Leland VFW.

Related Reading

• Guide to Leland's Master-Planned Communities: Brunswick Forest, Compass Pointe & More
• The Best Golf Courses in Leland, NC & Brunswick County
• Wilmington NC Luxury Real Estate & Coastal Estates Guide
• Meet Kristin Freeman | Thirty4 North Properties Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Founders Park located in Leland, NC?

Founders Park is located at 113 Town Hall Drive, Leland, NC 28451, directly adjacent to Leland Town Hall and Old Fayetteville Road.

Is parking available on site for the Founders Park grand opening?

On-site parking at Founders Park is limited. Official overflow parking is provided at First Baptist Church (517 Village Road), connected to the park via a 0.6-mile paved multi-use trail.

Are outside food and alcohol allowed at Founders Park events?

Food trucks will be on site, but outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. Beer and cider must be purchased directly within the designated park beer garden.

What features were added during the Founders Park renovation?

The $7.8 million renovation added an amphitheater, interactive splash pad, updated playground, fitness stations, a veteran's memorial, and 0.6 miles of paved walking trails.

Data Sourced: Town of Leland Parks & Recreation Master Plan, Brunswick County Commercial Permits, and WECT Event Schedules.