WILMINGTON — Li’l Friday features more than a dozen ways to enjoy the weekend via theater, music, art, culinary happenings and more.
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, March 20
‘Witch’
UNCW Cultural Arts Building, 5270 Randall Parkway • Tickets: $3-$10
Taking place for one weekend only, the UNCW Theatre Department presents “Witch,” a play by Jen Silverman, in the SRO Theater.
The 90-minutes show follows a charming devil into the quiet village of Edmonton, where in exchange for the residents’ souls, the devil grants their darkest wishes. Well, except for one: Elizabeth. A “witch,” Elizabeth has been outcast by the town and needs a bit of convincing to follow the devil’s path. “Unexpected passions flare, alliances are formed and the village is forever changed,” so the plot line goes.
The show is part of UNCW’s Lab series of student-directed works, with “Witch” directed by Emma Rombold and starring Ameila Cox, Jadoryon Nicholoas, Hannah Duggins, Matthew Dinello, Livia Ciarlo and Evan Hamula. Tickets are $3 for students, $10 for faculty, staff and general public, and shows take place at 7:30 p.m. on March 20-22 and at 3 p.m. on the 23.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘Awakenings’ Art Opening — Nature artist Heather Hamby has an art opening at Flytrap Brewing (319 Walnut St.) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. “Awakenings” is about rising from winter’s hibernation — an emotional, physical and spiritual rebirth. The artist utilizes natural elements in her abstract works, including preserved moss, lichen, and more; she will be at the opening for a meet-and-greet. There also will be live music by Jessie Rae Rush and Made in Venezuela food truck.
Friday, March 21
Uptilt Film Festival
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets and passes: $25 and up
Three days celebrating the short film art form takes place this weekend at Thalian Hall. Uptilt Film Festival celebrates year nine focusing on content made by women and gender non-conforming creatives.
Various blocks of film are planned over three days, including comedies, dramas, and animations, with content focused on everything from families to identity. Filmmakers are from countries worldwide, including Iceland and Canada, United Kingdom, Puerto Rico and Israel.
There are also parties and dinners planned throughout the weekend. Uptilt is fully volunteer-based and all funds go to scholarships awarded annually to help support women’s filmmaking goals. This year’s recipients include Savannah Pfister, Samira Mian and Maya Simone.
See the schedule and secure tickets are here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
‘9 to 5 the Musical’ — The famed film from the 1980s, starring Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton, has become a stage show, with music and lyrics by Parton. “9 to 5” follows the tale of three female secretaries working in corporate America but who have to contend with a sexist boss, who has passed over the women on promotions yet not on plenty of scrupulous advances. The three women build a friendship and endure a night of hilarious fantasies, detailing how they would execute payback. Eventually, the daydreams somewhat become reality, leading the ladies to plotting against their boss, keeping him preoccupied and away from the office as they restructure the workforce and watch it flourish in his absence. The show is being produced by Cape Fear Academy at Thalian Hall from March 21 through 23, with shows at 7:30 p.m. except for on Sunday, with a 3 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $26 here.
Ryan Davis — Having appeared on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Insecure” and “All Def Comedy,” Charlotte native Ryan Davis will be at Dead Crow Comedy Room for four shows this weekend. The comedian has appeared on “Kenan Presents,” from the longest “SNL” member, Kenan Thompson, as well. Davis often discusses relationships in his standup, as seen on “Chocolate Sundaes Standup Comedy”: “Relationships are hard, that’s why I’m not in them,” he said. “God made the most important thing to a man: a vagina. Then he put it on somebody we don’t even know how to talk to … communication is your shit, ladies. Y’all do it at the highest level. No one has ever talked to a woman and went, ‘I think she left some shit out.’ … We are an underdeveloped version of y’all. We can’t communicate for shit. But for some reason, even though we keep showing y’all that we can’t, you think we can and that we are just not trying hard enough.” Tickets are $25 and up here.
Same As It Ever Was — The ultimate Talking Heads tribute band will be landing at Bowstring Brewyard (1002 Princess St.) this weekend bringing the high energy of the band’s heyday from the ’70s through ‘80s. The seven-piece act covers everything from “More Songs About Buildings and Food” to “Naked.” Talking Heads’ new wave, art-punk-pop sounds have become revered as genius minimalism; the band was made up of David Byrne (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). Tickets to the Same As It Ever Was show, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., are $20 here.
Wrightsville Beach Boat Show — Want to check out the latest boats from top dealers? Head to the Wrightsville Beach Marina this weekend, March 21 and 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and March 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the annual boat show. There will be industry vendors also on site at 6 Marina St.
Double Feature: Scala!!! and Female Trouble — Jengo’s Playhouse is celebrating the arrival of the one and only John Waters to UNCW by hosting a double feature of his films. Waters is hailed as a filmmaker of cult cinema and often dubbed the “Pope of Trash.” While many know his work via “Hairspray” or “Cry Baby,” Jengo’s — home to Cucalorus Film Festival — will screen two of his earlier films, “Scala!!!” and “Female Trouble.” “Scala!!!” is a documentary about a cinema house in the U.K., opened from 1978 to 1993, that showed Kung-Fu and LGBTQIA+ films. The doc interviews people, including activists and artists, who often frequented the space. “Female Trouble” is a dark comedy written in 1974, starring Divine — American performer and drag queen who often appears in Waters’ movies — as a runaway high school student who embarks on a life of crime. The celebration comes as Waters speaks at Kenan Auditorium on Saturday night as well (be sure to listen to the new podcast Cucalorus Conversations for an interview with Waters, conducted by Aaron Hillis). Tickets start at $15 here.
‘One Tree Hill’: The Show Must Go On — Annually, one of Wilmington’s most celebrated locally filmed series gets its due of celebration, bringing together fangirls and guys alike to the Port City to see where Lucas, Peyton, Nathan, Brooke, Haley and the gang embarked on their love triangles in the coming-of-age show. “One Tree Hill” filmed across Wilmington for nine seasons, 2003 to 2012. TRIC Tours hosts a convention in its honor this weekend, March 20-23, welcoming many stars who appeared in the show — Barbara Alyn Woods and Mark Anderson, Bethany Joy Lenz and Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty and Barry Corbin and others. They will be at numerous events, including a trivia night, souvenir hunt, concert and plenty of photo-ops and autograph sessions. Ticket prices vary by event and the full rundown is here.
Saturday, March 22
John Waters “Devil’s Advocate”
UNCW Kenan Auditorium, 515 Wagoner Drive • Tickets: $35 and up
The counter-culture icon, whose cinema and works combine wit, taboo and a lot of unabashed subversion, John Waters is speaking at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
Waters last spoke at Thalian Hall roughly two decades ago, walking audiences through his colorful world of creating 16 films — including “Pink Flamingos,” “Hairspray” and “Serial Mom.” He also has released 10 books, including 2022’s “feel-bad romance” “Liarmouth,” slated to become his latest film, but the project was pulled as of November.
A master of the absurd, Waters’ talks include his observations of the world, which also include pushing the boundaries on societal norms. Waters is often hailed as an icon in the LGBTQ+ community and has become a voice for marginalized communities. He uses humor to tackle topics like race, sex, gender and more and has said: “The only way I’ve learned to change anyone’s mind politically is to make them laugh.”
He will present “The Naked Truth” on March 22, 7:30 p.m.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Island Men Mac and Cheese Festival — Around 1,000 people file through Good Hops Brewing (811 Harper Ave., Carolina Beach) annually to take up bites of mac and cheese and vote on their favorites, all for a good cause. This weekend is the official Island Men Mac and Cheese Festival, welcoming area chefs to compete to win the Golden Noodle while competing for the best bite of America’s most popular comfort food. Various mac and cheeses are served, from traditional to Buffalo chicken, lobster and more. The Island Men nonprofit — consisting of upward of 300 men — use proceeds from the event to put back into the community and help charities, sports and educational programs, food-insecure families and civic needs. Entry is $10 to taste everything (children under 10 are admitted free) and vote; the event takes place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
N.C. Azalea Festival Spring Fashion Show — Though the official Azalea Festival is two weeks away, an early event takes place at Embassy Suites by Hilton on Saturday, 11 a.m. Tickets include a brunch buffet, two glasses of champagne or wine and a fashion show, as curated by area vendors. The styles will include wares perfect for the festival’s annual Garden Party, black-tie events and other festival happenings. After the fashion show, participants also will be able to try on styles from the vendors and there will be a silent auction. Tickets are available at the Azalea Festival box office at 5725 Oleander Drive, Ste. B-7.
Venetian Carnevale Masquerade Ball — Another ball to benefit an area nonprofit will take place at Cape Fear Country Club from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Hope Abounds Cancer Network works to support people facing a cancer diagnosis and their families when it comes to advocacy, medical navigation, education and resources. It’s hosting a Venetian Carnevale Masquerade Ball and serving light hors d’oeuvres and desserts, with a cash bar from Mister Bartender of the Port City. The Beehive Blondes will be deejyaing and there will be a magician, Michael Mario, performing. Tickets are $79 each or $150 a couple here; prices increase if purchased at the door.
The Groove Market — Riverlights is back to hosting its outdoor markets, now that the weather is warming up. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Groove Market will be set up with around 30 vendors selling one-of-a-kind wares, plus live music will be played and food trucks will be on the site; the Riverlights marina restaurants and shops will be open, too. Leashed dogs welcome!
America’s 250th Fair — It’s the year of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the Burgwin-Wright House (224 Market St.) is hosting an event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in its honor. The fair will welcome all historic nonprofits and organizations — including Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic Site, Bellamy Mansion, Cameron Art Museum, Fort Fisher, Fort Johnson, Moores Creek National Battlefield, North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport and more — to share with the public the ways the anniversary will be celebrated in 2025. There will be demonstrations and interactive kids events, among other activities. America’s 250th Fair takes place in the BWH gardens.
Black Tie Sneaker Ball — Put on your best kicks to complement that formal suit and dress and head down to Pour Taproom Wilmington for an event that will benefit Cape Fear Outreach and Cape Fear Guardian ad Litem Association. Kicking off Change: The Black Tie Sneaker Ball is $100 a ticket or $160 a couple, with all proceeds helping empower youth, advocate for change and ensuring all children have an opportunity for success. Cape Fear Outreach helps disadvantaged youth through soccer and mentorship, while Cape Fear ad Litem helps children who have endured neglect and abuse and been turned over to DSS. The ball includes a DJ, red carpet, chef-curated small plates from Sawmill Cafe, two drink tickets, raffles, prizes and more. Tickets are available here.
Candlelight Celtic — Though St. Patrick’s Day has wrapped for 2025, Scottish and Irish tunes will permeate Thalian Hall on Saturday, as celebrations continue. Candlelight Celtic — brought to life from the creators of Christmas in Killarney and Rockin’ Road to Dublin! — will perform two shows, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., featuring rich, traditional Celtic. The performance is conducted by candlelight, as its name implies. It’s held in the Thalian Hall ballroom, with cabaret tables for two available, as well as general admission. Tickets start at $46 here.
Tap Yard Wilmington — Sure, Tap Yard Wilmington opened in the Cargo District at the end of last year, but now it’s ready to celebrate its grand rebirth at 502 S. 16th St. this weekend. Located in the former Transplanted Garden, the venue is an indoor-outdoor oasis, serving up craft cocktails and wine and beer, and welcoming families and dogs alike to set up at one of its many outdoor picnic tables for a game of corn hole or to enjoy live music and camaraderie. Saturday’s event will feature all-day festivities, including live music, food trucks and vendor market and events for kids and our quadruped furry friends. A dog adoption event also will take place.
Sunday, March 23
‘Book of Mormon’
Wilson Center, 711 N. Third St. • Tickets start at $31
If you missed its 2023 stop at the Wilson Center, now is your chance to catch “Book of Mormon” once again.
The musical comedy, first staged in 2011, will have four shows at Wilson Center Friday through Sunday.
The musical comes from the creators of “South Park,” with music, lyrics, and book by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone. The play is a satirical examination of the beliefs and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It won five Drama Desk awards, four Outer Critics Circle awards and one Grammy.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Culture Food Truck Bash — The event went so well last Sunday that it’s returning for a reprise this weekend. The Culture Food Truck Bash features seven trucks lined up at The Eagle’s Dare on Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. In addition to the food trucks, 18 vendors will be on site, selling jewelry, candles, art and other locally made goods. There also will be bouncy houses and DJ Bigg B spinning tunes. The event is hosted in collaboration with On Thyme Restaurant.
Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra — St. Jon’s Episcopal Church will welcome the students from the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras to perform a special program showcasing five chamber ensembles. Each will take on a selection of pieces to highlight the artistry and collaboration of small ensemble playing. The concert begins at 3 p.m. and it’s open to the public at 1219 Forest Hills Drive for free.
Enter your events here for free on PCD’s calendar.
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