Thursday, Feb. 10
Cirque Mechanics: Birdhouse Factory
Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. • Tickets: $25 and up
The artistry of acrobatic movement will be on full display at Wilson Center with Cirque Mechanics performing “Birdhouse Factory” at 7:30 p.m.
The performance is inspired by the artwork of Mexican muralist Diego Riviera, cartoonist Rube Goldberg’s work and Charlie Chaplin’s humor from the film “Modern Times.” The show blends jaw-dropping contortions with comedy and playful circus antics.
The underlying story follows factory workers in 1935 who break away from an assembly line to care for an injured bird, accidentally harmed by the main steam boiler. Set in the Great Depression, themes of hope, love, camaraderie and togetherness rising above adversity center the show.
Tickets start at $25.
MORE THURSDAY HAPPENINGS
Galentine Day Soiree — Gals looking for an evening of primp can head to Set Blowout Bar (7205 Wrightsville Ave.) for a girls night out. Various services will be offered from local vendors, including dry hair styling from Set, Botox and fillers from Tidal Wellness, tarot readings by Blonde Priestess, jewelry from Shelton Metal, and Blue Shark Vodka custom cocktails, with sweet treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes, plus giveaways. Early appointments for some of the services can be made by calling 910-679-4962.
Mac’s Speed Shop Karaoke Night —Every Thursday, Mac’s Speed Shop (4126 Oleander Dr.) brings together all the crooners in the county, performing their favorite tracks from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Courtney Lynn and Quinn hosts the free karaoke party.
Friday, Feb. 11
Galentine’s Day Tarot and Palm Reading
Hi-Wire Brewing, 1020 Princess St. • Free – $50
From 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., a Galentine’s Day tarot and palm reading event will take place at Hi-Wire Brewing. A market with select local vendors will be set up showcasing artisanal products and crafts, open to the public for free. However, a ticketed option, to benefit the Lower Cape Fear Diaper Bank, comes with a two-card tarot pull and palm reading with your galentine, to reveal what encompasses your friendship.
Tickets purchased in advance also include a goodie bag, featuring self-love potion by Conjure, an exclusive Maha Vintage silk scarf and bengals, galentine-themed gummies, lavender sachets, and tokens good for one drink at Hi-Wire.
The event is hosted by Conjure and tickets can be purchased here.
MORE FRIDAY HAPPENINGS
Starlight Speedway — The five-person outfit will bring their brand of Americana, blues, funky soul, garage rock, jazz, rock-n-roll, surf music, and vintage country to Bourbon Street (35 N. Front St.) Friday evening. The show gets underway from 9 p.m. – midnight; free admission.
Dogs in a Pile — Around the corner on Market Street, downtown at Varnish Ale and Spirits, New Jersey’s funk and jam act Dogs in a Pile will take over the nightclub. Also on the bill is Dubtown Cosmonauts. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
Saturday, Feb. 12
Beehive Blonde’s ‘80s Prom Party
Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St. • Tickets: $10 and up
The blonde deejaying duo that manages to cut footloose on every dancefloor they take over will turn up the volume even louder Saturday night. They’re hosting their first ‘80s Prom, just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend.
The Beehive Blondes — Jess James and Hannah Stewart — will set up at Satellite Bar and Lounge from 9:30 p.m. to midnight, spinning all ‘80s dance classics, from Cyndi Lauper to Madonna, Prince to Bowie, Peter Gabriel to Simple Minds to Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark.
Prom-goers are encouraged to don their best looks: neon, mesh and lace, sequins, side ponytails, curly, big hair — it’s all welcome. Prizes will be awarded to the best dancer, and Prom King and Queen will be crowned.
Tickets can be purchased here.
MORE SATURDAY HAPPENINGS
Cape Fear Hooley — A full day of Celtic music and Irish celebrations will be held at Waterline Brewing on Saturday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Hosted rain or shine (the event will be tented), entertainment will be provided by solo piper Dennis Ryan, Black Friday Celtic Band, Wilmington Police Pipes and Drums, Kelley School of Irish Dancers, and Banna Band. Plus, there will be a best dressed leprechaun costume contest and karaoke contest with cash prizes. Food will be available for purchase from Mommiez Food Truck, Wheelz Pizza, The Harp, and Chrome Gnome. The event is a fundraiser for the Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade, slated to take place Mar. 12.
Tree Giveaway — The Alliance for Cape Fear Trees and Warner Temple AME Zion Church will give away 600 3- and 5-gallon trees from 9 a.m. to noon at the church (621 Nixon St.). Participants are limited to two trees each. It’s best to arrive early for the best selection of oaks, maples, and elms. Arborists will be on hand to answer care questions and volunteers will help secure trees in vehicles as needed. Trees were donated by Worthington Farms in Greenville, NC.
Poker for Puppies — Starting at 11 a.m. at K2 Suites (3137 Wrightsville Ave.), a fundraiser for The Cape Fear Rescue League will be held and puppies will be onsite as well. A $50 buy-in secures 10,000 chips; 5,000 more will be available for $15 and rebuys will be allowed for $30 for 10,000, only after “busting.” Bonus chips can be won by answering trick questions. The poker tournament will be played out or until a deal is agreed upon by all players. Pay-out goes to the top five. Beer and hot dogs will be served.
Black Violin — Hip-hop duo Kev Marcus and Wil B. is turning up classical music to booming heights. The two will bring their brand of funk, R&B and hip-hop to Kenan Auditorium on UNCW’s campus as part of their Impossible Tour, with Kev Marcus on violin and Will B. on viola. The two have worked with Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, and Lil Wayne. Joining them at the Kenan show will be DJ SPS and drummer Nat Stokes. Tickets are $30-$70.
Makers Market on the Lawn — Once a month Pomegranate Books hosts a market from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 4418 Park Ave. Over 20 local makers will sell their goods in the lot behind the bookstore — homemade candles, home decor, accessories, jewelry, art and more. The bookstore and coffee shop also will be open.
Will Overman and Sam Foster — Virginia-based songwriter Will Overman will be performing at Live at Ted’s on Saturday from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Overman is a storyteller who released his first solo debut, “The Winemaker’s Daughter,” last year. He will be joined by North Carolinian Sam Foster, who plays a blend of country and rock ‘n’ roll and is cofounder of the five-piece outfit Whiskey Foxtrot. Tickets to the show are $15.
Sunday, Feb. 13
Super Bowl Parties
Various locations
By now, everyone has heard of the big rap concert slated to take place in L.A., featuring hip-hop OGs and rap royalty Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Eminem, along with Kendrick Lamar.
And a little football will be played, too.
NBC will be screening the big game — NFL’s final showdown of the season, with the L.A. Rams taking on the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl LVI.
End of Days Distillery is welcoming guests to their pre-game party from noon – 6 p.m. Cocktails will be served with one-of-a-kind EOD spirits, and bottles will be available for purchase to take home for the big game.
Parties across town also will screen the bowl, including Luck’s Tavern (6401 Castle Hayne Rd.). There will be a low-country boil, wings and other food available. Raffles will be sold for prizes, including for a 20-foot TV.
A free pig pickin’ will take place at Capt’n Bills Backyard Grill (4240 Market St.). Reservations are encouraged and food will be served at kickoff, 6:30 p.m.
At Joe’s Oasis, a tailgate party is planned in the parking lot at 6400 Carolina Beach Rd. Raffle tickets will be sold to benefit the SENC Veterans Day Parade and Beau Rivage Veterans Memorial, featuring gift cards from Savor, Celtic Monkey, Nail Wonder, among other businesses. Volunteers will be cooking pork butts and chicken quarters. Pierogies, wings and beer will be available; orders should be placed by Thursday, Feb. 10: 910-399-8585.
MORE SUNDAY HAPPENINGS
Stray Local — Wilmington’s husband-and-wife duo are returning home to perform some of their new pop tracks released over the past year. Hannah and Jamie Rowan will take to the stage as Stray Local at 4 p.m. for a two-hour set at Waterline (721 Surry St.) which will end before the Super Bowl. Free entry.
Periwink’s Galentine’s Day — In case you missed the other two Galentine’s Day events taking place throughout the weekend, Sunday’s celebration takes place at Grand View Luxury Apartments (7215 Wrightsville Ave.) and costs $20 per guest. It includes a signature hot or cold beverage, sweet treats, a carnation boutonnière, Oracle and Venus readings, plus discounts and freebies to local businesses. Tickets are available here, and upgrades are available for specialized gift boxes.
Super Sunday 5K — At 10 a.m., a 5-kilometer trail run will take place through the Brunswick Nature Park (2601 River Road, Winnabow). Everyone who joins will be treated to a complimentary beer at BBX afterward. It’s $20 to participate; registration is open here.
READ MORE: Where to eat and drink this Valentine’s Day across the Port City
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