SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Blue skies, sunshine, 80 degrees. We’re in the throes of springtime bliss in coastal North Carolina. Add to it Gov. Cooper’s latest executive order, dropping outdoor mask mandates for vaccinated people, and getting out and about to enjoy all the season offers seems more welcoming than ever.
It’s Li’l Friday, and you know what that means: Time to plan your weekend walkabouts. Lucky for you, PCD is here to help.
Want to have your voice heard for social justice? Tonight is your night for a gathering for justice for Andrew Brown.
Need a little live music in your life? No worries, plenty of options are listed below — practically daily.
Want to sweeten the good weather even more? A dessert market awaits you on Sunday.
Whatever you choose to do this weekend, may it be nothing but full-on fun. Cheers to Li’l Friday!
Have an event you want considered for inclusion in Port City Daily’s Li’l Friday Roundup? Email shea@localdailymedia.com by every Wednesday, noon.
THURSDAY, APR. 29
Justice for Andrew Brown
Social justice gathering • 1013 N. 3rd St. • Free
Andrew Brown Jr. was shot in the head by a deputy sheriff last week in Elizabeth City, NC, after he purportedly hit an officer with his car while evading an arrest warrant. Seven police officers have been put on leave from the incident, which happened one day after Derek Chauvn was found guilty of killing George Floyd.
On Apr. 28, a judge ruled against the release of the body-cam footage to the public and will allow a viewing only to the family of Brown.
Local activists will gather at the 1898 Memorial on 3rd St. at 5:30 p.m. to speak out against violence on Black America and in honor of justice sought for many Black lives taken in recent years at the hands of police brutality.
MORE THURSDAY HAPPENINGS:
Two Picky Guys — Two local musicians, “Spider Mike” Bochey and Bob Sarnataro, blend finger-picking and flat pick for a unique night of music at Panacea Brewing Co., 4107 Oleander Dr., Unit H. Starts at 5 p.m., free!
Veteran Connection Summer Kickoff — Free food, support and networking at Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church, 601 Causeway Dr. Lasts from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
FRIDAY, APR. 30
Curbside Cinema: “Moana”
UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium parking lot. • $28/car load
Curbside Cinema has been set up on UNCW’s campus in the Kenan Auditorium parking lot since last June. The drive-in theater will host its last film on Apr. 30 with Disney’s “Moana.”
The film follows an adventurous teenager, who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. Along the way, she meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. Their voyage entails meeting enormous monsters and overcoming impossible odds as Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors for self-discovery.
A short film, curated by Cucalorus Film Festival, opens the screening, which starts at dusk. The parking lot opens at 7 p.m. and all tickets and guidelines can be found here.
MORE FRIDAY HAPPENINGS:
Adopt A Shelter Pet Day — Hi-Wire Brewing is teaming up with Pender County Humane Society to host a pet adoption from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. A buck from every Hi-Wire flagship pint will be donated to the society.
Justin Fox Duo — Local musician Justin Fox plays a mixture of rock, country and blues and will take over Edward Teach Brewing at 7 p.m. for a free show.
SATURDAY, MAY 1
Kentucky Derby Parties
All across town • Free
It’s Kentucky Derby Day! After being moved last year from May to September because of Covid-19, the Run of the Roses returns to its normal spring ritual. Though happening in its home of Louisville, locally, numerous parties will get underway. So, grab your best hat and seer sucker to cheers its return with the tastiest Mint Juleps in town.
The Blind Elephant — The party goes from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the downtown speakeasy bar, complete with a big screen showing the races. Prizes will be offered to folks who choose winning horses, and specialty juleps will be crafted. Free entry at 21 N. Front St.
Rebellion — The downtown restaurant and whiskey bar will offer $8 Old Forrester pours and Woodford Reserve juleps for Saturday. It’s also throwing a contest for best dressed, so come decked to the Derby nines. Party starts at 5 p.m. at 15 S. Front St.
The Corner — Surf City’s boutique bar and eatery (2660 NC-210) also is celebrating the Run of the Roses and encouraging folks to don their best “tackiest” Derby wear. Best and worst hat will be judged, with cash prizes up for grabs for the best and “a silly prize” for the worst. All hats must be entered and photographed by 6 p.m. for winner announcement by 7:05 p.m. Mint Juleps will be on special and the party kicks off from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE SATURDAY HAPPENINGS:
Mother’s Day Arts Market — Still haven’t picked out a present for mom for Mother’s Day, May 9? No sweat. A Downtown ILM Mother’s Day Market is taking place from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 1801 Market St. today. You can shop through jewelry, art, soaps, candles and more — all locally crafted.
Masonboro Sound — Flytrap Brewery will be welcoming the bluegrass and Americana sounds of Masonboro Sound on Saturday at 6 p.m. It’s free to attend the show in the beer garden at 319 Walnut St. Earlier in the day, noon -4 p.m., California Taco NC will be serving grub from the food truck.
SUNDAY, MAY 2
Wilmington Dessert Market
Waterline Brewing • 721 Surry St. • Free
A dessert market will take place on Sunday underneath the Cape Fear Bridge. Much like the Saturday Riverfront Farmers Market hosted at Waterline, the Wilmington Dessert Market will be set up outside. Up to a dozen vendors will be on site peddling the sweetest of treats from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Though free to attend — treats sold separately — interested attendees should register ahead of time here. Covid-19 regulations will be put in place per standards of gathering in large crowds.
MORE SUNDAY HAPPENINGS:
Yoga Flow at Hi-Wire — Center yourself before indulging in Sunday Funday with Yoga Flow with Jessica at 11 a.m. in the Hi-Wire taproom. The class is $10 (and includes a pint after the class) and focuses on balance, strength, and mindfulness. Space is limited to 25 people and mats will be spaced 6 feet apart. Register here.
Philip Gerard: Live in the Galleries — UNCW creative writing professor is turning in his pen for one night in favor of picking the strings. Gerard is most known for authoring “Cape Fear Rising,” “The Last Battleground: The Civil War Comes to North Carolina,” and Down the Wild Cape Fear; however his love for music is also evident every time he picks the 6- and 12-string. Gerard will play at Cameron Art Museum as part of its current exhibit, “Elizabeth Bradford: A House of One Room.” Concert is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and free with museum admission.
Have events you want considered for Li’l Friday? Email shea@localdailymedia.com
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