SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — It’s been the unofficial cry around the Cape Fear region since … well, forever: “It’s Li’l Friday!”
To translate in local speak: “It’s Thursday, which means it’s practically the weekend.”
To get a head start on making plans, Port City Daily will be rounding up a list of events to partake in Thursday through Sunday, every week — from local live music to farmers markets, art shows to exhibit openings, classes to festivals. Thus, readers will be able to jumpstart their weekend fun (something everyone deserves a hella lot more of since hibernating through the Covid shutdown over the last year)!
The sun is peeking through and the temps are warming — that’s enough for us to cheers to li’l Friday.
Have an event to be considered for Li’l Friday? Email shea@localdailymedia.com.
Thursday, Mar. 25
Visions 10 Film Festival and Conference
Though it hasn’t returned in person quite yet, folks can score a $10 badge to access all of Visions’ events and screenings taking place through Sunday, Mar. 28.
Hosted by UNCW, the event has five film blocks, which feature undergraduate filmmakers locally and globally, showcasing narrative, documentary, experimental, hybrid, and animation works.
There are also two conference blocks, a keynote address, a visionary panel offering nine workshops, video race, social rooms, and afterparty.
Find out more detailed information here.
Friday, Mar. 26
Legends Live On! Musical Revue
Scheduled to kick off last weekend, “Legends Live On!” was postponed because of cold, rainy weather. Why? Because it takes place outside of Thalian Hall on the portico steps, facing Princess Street.
Packed with Broadway performers, the musical revue will feature more than 40 songs performed by Justin Reynolds (“Pride and Joy: The Marvin Gaye Musical”), DeAundre Woods (“Hamilton”), Carson Rudisill Hobbs (“WICKED”), and Alex Hairston (“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical”). Wilmington’s own Tracy Byrd (“Motown: The Musical”) will also join the cast, as they dance and sing through songs from The Beatles to Bruno Mars in the Opera House Theatre Company-produced show.
It takes place through Sunday. Catch up on the full story here and score tickets to the show here.
Saturday, Mar. 27
Poplar Grove Plantation’s Herb and Garden Fair
Now that temperatures have risen and the garden beds are being tilled, it’s time to scoop up the herbs, vegetables and plants that go in them. Poplar Grove’s annual herb and garden fair will take place this weekend.
The event will be open to the public in two time slots to keep within Covid-19 protocols. Folks can come from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., and can prepay for entry (have the confirmation email ready to show upon arrival) or pay $5 general admission at the door.
More than 100 vendors will be set up selling annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, shrubs, houseplants, garden art and accessories, and more.
Poplar Grove also will have an open house at its stables from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., so folks can meet the animals, and the blacksmith shop will be fired up for demos.
More information and early admission can be purchased here.
Castle Street Makers Market
Taking place near downtown on Castle Street, across from Luna Caffé, the Castle Street Makers Market will have 16 vendors set up Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.. They will sell a multitude of art, from pottery to jewelry, clothes to food, and more.
It’s free to attend and a food truck may be set up as well.
Riverfront Farmers Market
The Riverfront Farmers Market will kick off this weekend at Waterline Brewing Company on Surry St. Once pandemic restrictions lift a bit more, it will return to Dock St.
More than two dozen vendors will line up selling fresh vegetables and herbs, flowers and foliage, as well as specialty items, like art, food stuff, jewelry and more.
It’s free to attend and takes place from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Mar. 28
Catawba Brewing’s Grand Opening
A new brewery in town is officially celebrating its opening on Sunday. The doors open at 11 a.m. with a Catawba pint-glass giveaway until noon.
The brewery will have 24 taps dedicated to Catawba and Palmetto beers and Twisp Southern hard seltzer. Plus, there will be gift-card giveaways, complimentary to-go items, and the new menu reveal from Chef Daryl King.
Local music will be played beginning at 1 p.m., featuring John Hussman and then Jarrett Raymond.
Catawba Brewing is located in the old Skytown Beer Company spot at 4712 New Centre Dr., across from Target. The restaurant and tasting room will operate seven days a week.
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