SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday is a weekly roundup of events in art, music, theater, comedy, pop-up markets and more.
This week features festivals galore — Riverfest, Bark in the Park, Oktoberfest, Belville Fall Fest, Pets in the Park and more. Plus, it’s the best month of the year, when all the spooky fun kicks off and it starts this weekend with Zombie Run, “Laughing in the Dark” comedy sketch and a horror film fest.
All events featured were scheduled as of Thursday; however, it’s wise to check in ahead of attending any one. Inclement weather, changes in schedules and unforeseen circumstances may shift for organizers at the last minute.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. • Tickets: $35 and up
The Spanish Harlem Orchestra brings authentic, New York-style hard-core salsa with eruptive energy to audiences. The ensemble consists of 13 world-class musicians and vocalists who have released eight studio albums. Out of six Grammy nominations, they’ve won three.
The group, led by Oscar Hernández, last put out 2022’s “Imágenes Latinas” under Hernandez’s Ovation Records. Hernández grew up in the Bronx with the nearby Spanish Harlem neighborhood inspiring his musical tastes, blending Latin Jazz and American pop radio. He is also known for his arrangments for Gloria Estafan’s 2015 Broadway musical “On Your Feet.”
Tickets to the show start at $35 here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Dance classes — Want to learn how to shag or lindy hop? Two dance classes are offered Thrusday at various locations. Gio Fund in Leland is offering a Carolina Shag night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to advanced dancers, and no partner is needed. In downtown Wilmington, lindy hop will be taught and no partner is required. It’s $10 a lesson or you can sign up for three classes for $20. The event takes place at the Historic USO/Community Arts Center.
Fire Viking Dance Musical — The Barzarre on Castle Street is hosting an unforgettable evening of dance, featuring Fire Viking of Nordic Pyrotechnics. It takes place in the backyard of the venue and features a series of choreographed performances with fire dancing and lights, set to a musical score of dubstep and rap. Tickets are $25.
Laughing in the Dark — Halloween is here and local comedy troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is hosting a sketch show at Thalian Hall’s black box theater this weekend only. “Laughing in the Dark: Origins: Resurrections: The Final Chapter: The New Blood: Season of the Witch,” is celebrating the season with grim, gothic and gory entertainment. Expect fake blood, fake body parts, and adult content. The event takes place Oct. 4-5, 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 6, 2 p.m.; tickets are $21-$26.
Friday, Oct. 4
‘Young Frankenstein‘
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets start at $28
A Mel Brooks musical, based on the comedic film written by and starring Gene Wilder, will be staged locally at Thalian Hall the next two weekends.
The show is a parody of the horror genre — particularly based on Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” produced by Universal Pictures in the mid-20th Century. It covers a madman scientist’s arrival to Transylvania. After inheriting his grandfather’s castle, he attempts to recreate his own monster.
Music and lyrics are by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, and tickets start at $28.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Nick Thune — An absurdist, known for his deadpan delivery, Seattle-born comedian Nick Thune is performing at Dead Crow Comedy this weekend. His storytelling — and zinger one-liners — have been popular among sold-out crowds countrywide. Thune has appeared on numerous late-night shows, at the Montreal Comedy Festival, Bonnaroo, and The Melbourne International. Recently, he presented as part the Variety Power of Comedy event at South by Southwest and delivered his bit by strumming the guitar: “My parents conceived me on a waterbed, which explains my fear of drowning while my parents are f**king, which is something I live with everyday.” Tickets to his show are $18 to $28, available here.
‘Everybody’ — UNCW is presenting a modern riff on a 15th century play, “Everyman.” “Everybody” was written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and will be directed by professor Elizabeth Wellman at the mainstage theater at the campus’ Cultural Arts Building. According to a release, the comedy is interactive and follows one person who has been singled out to embark on life’s greatest journey. “At each performance, cast members are assigned their roles on stage by lottery,” the release describes. “It’s all a matter of chance. Or fate. Or divine intervention. You decide.” Tickets are $5 to $14, available here. The show runs through Sunday, Oct. 6, with shows at 7:30 p.m. accept for the Sunday matinee, at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Riverfest
Downtown Wilmington • Various locations
It’s the official celebration of fall in downtown Wilmington; Riverfest will be held Oct. 5-6, featuring a street fair, BMX bike shows held both Saturday and Sunday, live local music, an antique and classic car display, and kids zone.
New this year is a drone show to happen Saturday at 8:30 p.m. over the Cape Fear River. The show is taking the place of traditional fireworks that have been scaled in Riverfests past. Images of various colors will morph and flow, featuring 20 to 25 designs created by five-person team from Open Sky Productions; they’ll operate 100 drones to create the configurations.
Riverfest officials were able to input seven suggestions of imagery indicative of the region.
“So you’ll see a makeshift of the U.S.S. North Carolina,” Riverfest President Rod Bell told PCD in August. “We are going to have a pink ribbon since it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month — things that are important to people and close to Wilmington.”
Music will accompany the show as well. All Riverfest events are free and the full lineup can be found here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Oktoberfest Under the Bridge — Waterline Brewing is hosting its celebration of beer and stein-holding with Oktoberfest Under the Bridge taking palace Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. The Harbour Towne Fest Band will perform from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and there will be four German-style food trucks, along with Crofton Pretzels on site. Folks are encouraged to dress in their best lederhosen and dirndl for the costume contest at 2 p.m. and bring a favorite stein or purchase one from Waterline. The event is free and includes a stein-holding, yodeling and keg squat contest. There also will be a shuttle for folks from Leland to downtown; it will operate every 30 minutes from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m,. with pickup at the Villages of Brunswick Forest between Emerge Ortho and Lowes.
Gregory Farms Fall Festival — A Currie, North Carolina, farm is welcoming the public to celebrate fall with live music, food trucks, craft vendors, hayrides, pumpkins and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. It’s an $8 admission with music by Flat Top Mafia and Austin Band; chairs and blankets welcome. No outside coolers or alcohol allowed, though there will be wine and beer sold on site. The farm is located at 2576 Montague Road.
Belville Fall Festival — Port City Rockers will perform all day on the Riverwalk in Belville as part of its fall festival, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be 50 arts and craft vendors, a kids play area, inflatable obstacle courses, pumpkin painting patch, face-painting, balloon animals, a beer and wine tent and more. The event and parking is free, with food, drinks and wares individually priced. In the event of rain, the fall festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 12.
First Cut Horror Film Festival — To get into the spooky spirit, Jengo’s Playhouse is welcoming horror fans to an all-day film festival showcasing local, national and international films as part of First Cut Horror Film Festival. There will be four 90-minute blocks showcasing works of horror, macabre or other obscure genres. Submissions opened last December, with more than 100 coming in from 15 countries. There will be question-and-answer sessions with the directors hosted after each block. An afterparty also will take place after the movies wrap at 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 per block and the event takes place at 815 Princess St., with a full bar and concessions open for purchase.
Fire in the Pines — Returning to Halyburton Park is a family-fun event aimed at teaching the community about the importance of controlled burns, specifically in the longleaf pine ecosystems. Events throughout the day include a hayride, live music, educational activities, live animals, and food trucks. A live controlled burn — a low-intensity fire — takes place at the end of the event. Controlled burns ensure a forest remains open enough so sunlight can penetrate to its floor and reduce buildup of fuel loads. It also protects habitats and wildlife, including red-cockaded woodpeckers, Venus flytraps and a host of other carnivorous and rare plants that need fire to thrive and survive. The demonstration Saturday will give details about the burn’s importance and aftereffects. The festival is free; learn more here.
Wilmington Big Band on Battleship — Friends of the Battleship is hosting a concert on Saturday with a 16-piece orchestra, Wilmington Big Band. Tickets are $10 to enjoy the performance live on the deck of the Battleship overlooking the Cape Fear River. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show takes place at 6:30 p.m. The band plays jazz and swing music from the mid-20th century and is performing “A Musical Salute to the Battleship.” The U.S.S. North Carolina was de-commissioned in June 1947 and became a dedicated memorial in October 1961. Saturday’s event is a celebration to its arrival in the Port City.
Reggie’s 20-Year Anniversary — Wilmington’s beloved rock ‘n’ roll music venue Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern is celebrating two decades bringing one-of-a-kind artists to its stage. To celebrate, it’s also hailing the 20-year anniversary of Thunderlip, whose member Chuck Krueger also is part owner of Reggies. Throughout the years, the band has released three LPs, toured with bands like Lucero, and had a switch-off of multiple musicians. Alongside the venue, the band is considered one of Wilmington’s “dirtiest staples.” Celebrations will commence with other acts taking the stage as well, including Freedom Hawk, Mega Colossus, Treasure Pains, Oort Patrol, Beard of Antlers, and Children of the Reptile. Tickets are $25, available here.
Pumpkin Patch at Flytrap — It’s fall, y’all! That means pumpkin patches are perking up everywhere, including in downtown Wilmington at Flytrap Brewing. The brewery on Walnut Street will have pumpkins available for purchase throughout the month, as well as seasonal beer releases like the Spiced Sweet Potato Porter, apple cider, live music and more fall fun, including arts and crafts workshops. The kickoff is Oct. 4 and takes place throughout October or until the pumpkins run out; learn more here.
Pets in the Park — Pleasure Island is planning a celebration of pet-centric businesses, nonprofits and rescues at its Pets in the Park event. Gates open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds around Carolina Beach Lake. Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome and the day includes food trucks, free face-painting, a pet costume and trick contest, giveaways, mimosas and beer for sale and more. Admission is $5.
Bark in the Park — Wrightsville Beach is also having its celebration of four-legged furry pals. Bark in the Park has become an annual celebration at Wrightsville Beach Park. The Skyhoundz Hyperflite Canine Disc Championship will take place, along with best dressed dog, team and most personality contests, with spectators voting. Registration is open by calling 910-256-7925 or clicking here.
George Huntley — The Connells are North Carolina rock icons, well known in the ‘80s and ‘90s for their melodic pop and guitar-oriented tunes. Their music was fine-tuned with North Carolina producers Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, both of whom worked with R.E.M. Musician George Huntley, who was childhood friends with brothers David and Mike Connell, was part of the group’s initial lineup in the ‘80s and performed both guitar and keyboards. He will perform Connells music, as well as his solo work from the last 20 years, at Bourgie Nights in downtown Wilmington. Joining Huntley will be Scott Carle (Dillon Fence), Andrew Branan (Cage Bird Fancier), Tom Mills (Johnny Folsom 4) and Alex Lawhon (The Roman Spring). Tickets to the show are $20, available here.
Sunday, Oct. 6
Bachtoberfest 2024
Fermental, 600 S. 17th St. • Free
Tallis Chamber Orchestra is hosting its annual celebration of Sebastian Bach’s 17th-century classical compositions. There will be Oktoberfest beers, pumpkin ales, and other seasonal varieties for sale. Donations also will be accepted for local nonprofit NourishNC.
The orchestra consists of seasoned musicians performing classical music from the 15th to the 21st centuries. The troupe of musical members will take over the outdoor beer garden stage in an auditory ensemble that promises to entertain.
The performance begins at 4 p.m. and food truck Sweet Cup will be parked at 5 p.m.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Boogie in the Park — From May through October, Kure Beach hosts free concerts at Ocean Front Park and this Sunday at 5 p.m. it will welcome Carl Newton’s Review. The party band plays R&B, dance music, rock, pop and more. Concerts are free the first and third Sunday of the month, and beach chair or blankets and picnics are welcome.
Kids Harvest Festival — Wrightsville Beach Brewery (6201 Oleander Dr.) is hosting a family-friendly event celebrating fall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring the kids and enjoy crafts, fairy hair, special guests and 15 vendors. The brewery is also collecting donations to benefit families suffering in the western part of North Carolina, due to devastation left behind from Hurricane Helene.
Seaworthy Western NC Fundraiser — Seaworthy Kitchen and Bar owner Joel Hartzler and his wife, Tarah, moved from the western part of North Carolina to Carolina Beach and opened Seaworthy in the last year. To stand in solidarity with those suffering in their former homestead, the business owners are hosting a fundraiser Sunday. It will benefit the western region of the area, such as Asheville, Hendersonville and Boone, all of which suffered devastation from landslides and flooding due to Tropical Storm Helene. On Sunday, Oct. 6, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the business will sell BBQ plates for $20 — to include BBQ, beans, slaw and roll, with 100% of proceeds donated to the Reconciliation House. The nonprofit organization serves Yancey County, with assistance in food, clothing, heating, and utilities. A percentage of bar sales will also support the Rec House. Seaworthy is located at 604 N Lake Park Blvd.
Zombie Run 5K and Monster Mile — Long Leaf Park in Wilmington welcomes runners and walkers to partake in a spooktacular physical event, just in time for All Hallow’s Eve month. A Zombie 5K ($40) and Monster Mile ($20) takes place at 4:30 p.m. and is being hosted by the Lyceum Academy through New Hanover High School. Zombies hide throughout the course and attempt to pull flags from runners’ belts. The first 50 participants who complete the course with at least one flag intact receive an additional prize and all participants will receive a T-shirt. Must be 12 years or older to participate, with parental supervision required of middle-schoolers. For less of a scary take, there will be a family-friendly Monster Mile run or walk with trick-or-treating taking place and zombie photo ops available; the creatures will be cheering alongside participants of MM course. Funds raised go to the educational trips and program opportunities for Lyceum Academy — an honors program at New Hanover High School. Registration is open here.
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
