SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — It’s Azalea Festival week and while Li’l Friday features some of the events below, it also highlights a dozen of other ways to enjoy the weekend via theater, music, art, culinary happenings and more.
READ MORE: N.C. Azalea Festival is here, with plenty of ways to enjoy spring
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, April 3
Justin Moore
Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St. • Tickets: $57 and up
Justin Moore has built a loyal following over the past decade with his traditional country sound and captivating live shows. His latest single “This Is My Dirt” just earned him his 13th No. 1 hit; it follows the RIAA Platinum-certified “You, Me, and Whiskey,” a duet with Priscilla Block.
Over his decade-long career, Moore’s No. 1 hits have included “Point at You,” “Lettin’ The Night Roll,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Small Town USA,” and “Till My Last Day,” as well as Platinum-certified albums and singles. Moore also has earned multiple ACM, ACA, CMT, People’s Choice, and ACC Awards nominations, as well as an ACM Award win.
Opening for him will be Nashville country artist Kameron Marlowe, who was born and raised in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Marlowe’s hit “Giving You Up” led to his deal with Sony Music, on which he released his Gold album “We Were Cowboy” and his recent 16-track hit “Keepin’ the Lights On.” Marlowe has since toured with Thomas Rhett, Riley Green, Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘Tartuffe’ — French playwright Moliere’s “Tartuffe” is being performed by students in Cape Fear Community College’s theater program for the next two weekends. The satire is best known for highlighting themes of religious hypocrisy, extremism and blind devotion, with a plot revolving around the charlatan, Tartuffe, who attempts to con a family by playing a pious, moral man. The show will be staged at the Studio Theater in the Wilson Center on April 3-4 and 9-12 at 7 p.m. and tickets are $5 to $12.
‘God of Carnage’ — Big Dawg Productions is hosting its next show at the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater, “God of Carnage.” First published in 2008 by French playwright Yasmina Reza, the show provides dark humor in its reflection of contemporary issues in middle-class society and won the Laurence Olivier Award and Tony in 2009. It’s been translated by Christopher Hampston and follows two Brooklyn couples looking to settle a playground scuffle. However, niceties soon turn bitter as the argument escalates. Tickets to the show are $35 here and it runs April 3-14, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m.
‘Blithe Spirit’ — The longest-running comedy in British theater is being hosted on UNCW’s campus for the next two weekends. “Blithe Spirit” is a tug-of-war love story and comedy — only one half of the couple happens to be … a ghost. The events unfold after a novelist hires someone to host a séance in his home, which conjures his wife’s return from the afterlife. Only problem: his second wife isn’t so happy with the turn of events. Ed Wagenseller is directing the show and it runs April 3 through 6 and 10 through 13, with 7:30 p.m. shows Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. The show will be staged at the Cultural Arts Building’s main stage theater on UNCW’s campus. Tickets are $5 to $14 here.
Friday, April 4
‘Mary Poppins’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $42
Everyone’s favorite nanny is taking the stage by storm in “Mary Poppins,” produced by Thalian Association for Community Theater on Thalian Hall’s main stage.
The famed Disney classic is based on stories published by P.L. Travers, as well as the 1960s film, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. The story follows two children of the Banks family, who are introduced to a new, magical nanny, Mary Poppins. She takes the kids through fantastical adventures, singing along the way to classics like “Spoonful of Sugar” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
The musical — with lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (the Sherman Brothers) and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and a book by Julian Fellowes — opened on Broadway in 2006 and has had numerous revivals, as well as scored numerous nominations for the Tony Award and Laurence Olivier Award for its UK tour.
The local show stars Heather Setzler as Mary and Phillip Clyde Bernier as Bert, with Anna Williams and Bryce Brown as Jane and Micahel Banks. The show is directed by Emily Graham.
Tickets are $43 here and the show runs April 4 through the 13 on Friday through Sundays, 7:30 p.m. except for matinees at 2 p.m. held on Saturdays and Sundays.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Fermental Beer Garden Party — There are other ways to celebrate Azalea Festival around the city outside of festival-endorsed events. In the Cargo District, Fermental is hosting a Beer Garden Party, featuring floral-themed wines, mimosas, frozen drinks, beer, cider and more. A free wine tasting will take place at 5 p.m. as well. The bottle shop welcomes attendees to wear their best garden party attire or springtime costume. There will be Leo’s Pizza food truck at 5 p.m. and Perry Smith performing at 4:30 p.m., followed by Roots and Blues Band at 7 p.m.
Hobby Greenhouse Club Spring Plant Sale —The annual spring plant sale hosted by the local Hobby Greenhouse Club takes place April 4 through 6, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. A portion of proceeds benefit horticulture scholarships at both Cape Fear Community College and Brunswick Community College. Plants will include everything from natives, succulents and tropicals to vegetables. Only cash and checks are accepted and the sale takes place rain or shine. More information can be found here, and the event is hosted at 2318 Metts Ave.
Azalea Festival Street Fair — The street fair will close off Front Street from Red Cross to Orange streets, welcoming food and arts and crafts vendors, selling wares and grub to the public. It’s open Friday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Throughout the weekend, there will be free multicultural events and children’s performances. A children’s area will feature family-friendly vendors and hands-on activities. Plus on April 5 at 1 p.m. the Azalea Queen’s Court, the Azalea Festival Princess and Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett will take the stage. There also will be an Azalea Alley Beer Garden open and presenting refreshments and live entertainment. See the performance schedules for the street fair here.
The Poor Man’s Garden Party — A Poor Man’s Garden Party will be hosted during the Azalea Fest in downtown Wilmington. At Third and Red Cross streets, The Eagle’s Dare celebrates all-things in bloom with a free gardeny party from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Live music will feature Matthew Sexton, Macelyn Batten and Bootstrap Cowboy’s. Webo’s Food Truck will be parked onsite.
Flo Rida — Hip-hop will turn up Riverfront Park for the annual Azalea Festival, as Flo Rida hits the stage. The 45-year-old hip-hop artist is best known for his 2007 breakout single “Low,” featuring T-Pain, released on the debut album “Mail on Sunday.” Flo Rida has sold 80-million records worldwide, with other hits including “Right Round,” “Club Can’t Handle Me,” “Wild Ones,” “Whistle,” and “My House.” The Miami artist has collaborated with Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, will.i.am and Sia, among others in the industry. His last album was “Wild Ones,” released in 2012. Tickets start at $55 for lawn and go up to $170.
Laura Peek — Laura Peek is an LA-based comic originally from Nashville who has been featured on Comedy Central’s “Stand Up Featuring,” performed in festivals and has worked with comics including Iliza Shlesinger, Fortune Feimster, Marc Maron, and others. During a bit on “Don’t Tell Comedy,” she talks about mental health — “taking my pills, I feel good … It’s for herpes. … I can always tell my mental health is declining when I find myself commenting ‘literally me’ on Instagram. … My friends are like, ‘Laura, that’s literally a picture of Vladimir Putin.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, but he’s eating a roast beef sandwich. That’s my guy!’” She performs four shows at Dead Crow Comedy Room this weekend, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., for $20 to $30.
Tab Benoit — Coming to UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium at 8 p.m. is Tab Benoit, hailed for his shredding on guitar and a voice filled with raspy soul. From Baton Rouge, Benoit is well known for his rock take on Delta blues and was nominated for a Grammy for 2006’s “Brother to the Blues.” In 2024, he released “I Hear Thunder” with Anders Osborne from the North Mississippi Osborne, formed in conjunction with the North Mississippi Allstars. The album, which also centers on a commitment to environmental advocacy, was released on Benoit’s Whiskey Bayou Records. Sam Morrow will be a special guest performer at the show as well. Tickets start at $35.
Saturday, April 5
Alt-zalea Fest
Brooklyn Arts District’s various locations • Free
One of Brooklyn Arts District’s most well-attended events is also a celebration of area music, as the Alt-Zalea Festival welcomes almost 100 local performers and bands to various stages at BAD businesses. It’s celebrating a decade of highlighting the talent in southeastern North Carolina.
From noon to 8 p.m., the all-volunteer indie music festival will host varied genres — from singer-songwriter to folk, punk to funk, pop and more. Roughly 14 businesses will have stages welcoming anywhere from four to eight performers each, starting every hour on the hour beginning at noon. The participating venues include:
- BAC Main Stage
- BAC Annex
- Bottega
- Brooklyn Cafe
- Commodore Pub
- Dalisay
- The Eagle’s Dare
- Edward Teach
- Flytrap Brewing
- Goat & Compass
- The Kitchen Sink
- Palate
- Pizzeria Don Luca
- Three10
“The heart of Alt-Zalea Fest is the local community,” festival founder Anna Mann said in a release. “It’s about connection, celebration, and showcasing Wilmington’s incredible musical talent. Whether it’s veterans of the scene, high school students performing for the first time, or artists finding their voice after years of playing privately, Alt-Zalea Fest offers a unique space where every performer is on equal footing.”
See more here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Azalea Fest Parade — Starting at 9:30 a.m. the annual Azalea Festival parade will move down Third Street from Market to Bladen streets. The main viewing area will be set up along Third, with tickets for sale $8 in advance and $10 the day of.
Parking is accessible at downtown decks, with the deck at Second and Princess streets, accessible only via Princess, closing at 8:45 a.m. Cars cannot leave this deck until the parade has concluded. ADA parking will be available at Chestnut and Third streets, accessible via Chestnut until 8:45 a.m. Bleacher seats are available for $8 here.
Tunes and Blooms — If local, free live music piques your interest, check out the lineup of bands for Tunes and Blooms as part of Azalea Fest. Kicking off at noon, concert-goers can expect to hear Audiomelt, The Hot Flashes, Sometimes Fun, Frank and the Feelin’, The Losers, La Veta Pass, and acoustic sets from Delia Stanley Duo, Ian Daviz, and Caroline Lemley. Arts and crafts vendors will be set up and there will be refreshments sold. It takes place at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater and starts at noon.
Azalea-A-Go-Go — Wilmington’s DJ duo The Beehive Blondes also are getting into the springtime spirit. They’re hosting Azalea A-Go-Go this weekend at Tap Yard Wilmington — a new indoor-outdoor venue on 16th near Castle Street. Known for their retro throwbacks on the needle and their party-starting fun all across town, Beehive Blondes throw dance parties that are themed and encourage attendees to dress to the nines while they let loose all their best moves. DJs Jess James and Lauren Jones will be spinning tunes throughout every decade; the party is free from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Azalea Festival Fireworks — Be sure to head downtown around dusk on Saturday to catch the sky light up over the Cape Fear River. The Azalea Festival fireworks display usually takes place around 9 p.m. It’s free for all to view along the Riverwalk, however, to amp up the watch party, tickets are available to the Battleship Boom and Bloom. This gives attendees an opportunity to view the display from aboard the Battleship North Carolina. Tickets include a folding chair, bag of popcorn, music and dancing. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase as well, including from food trucks Wheelz Pizza, Glizzies On The Go Hot Dogs, and Pepe’s Taco Truck. Kids under 5 are allowed free entry. The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Nollie’s Street Style Pro/Am Jam — Love skateboarding? Then head to Carolina Beach this weekend, particularly Nollie’s Taco Joint at 3 Pelican Lane, where the streets will be closed off for a little friendly competition between noon and 8 p.m. There will be professional and amateur skaters showing off their skills, plus vendors on site. Then the party will continue at The Sandspur for live music beginning at 6 p.m. with Valiant Himself DJ set, Evening Shadows, and The Girls Yule. It’s an all-ages show.
Sunday, April 6
Herb and Garden Fair
Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 US Highway 17 • Admission: $5
Gardening season has arrived in southeastern North Carolina, and Poplar Grove is celebrating with its herb and garden fair.
The annual event takes place Saturday and Sunday in Hampstead, featuring more than 100 plant, herb, nursery, and garden vendors, as well as artists and artisans selling wares. Plus, food trucks and concessions will be on site.
Admission is $5 (kids 12 and under free) and all proceeds benefit the historic site, located at 10200 U.S. Highway 17. The event hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The manor house will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday; an additional $5 ticket required.
Find out more here.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Flytrap Family Day — Carolina Beach State Park welcomes families to a free event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at its visitor center. Flytrap Family Day will educate on the carnivorous-eating plants located in the park and indigenous to the area, with ranger-led talks taking place every half hour. Plan to wear comfortable shoes for the plant hikes. Also, arts and crafts will be available for kids.
UNCW GameCon — UNCW Esports is hosting a free-entry gaming convention, with tournaments, vendors, tabletop and video games, and more on UNCW’s campus. It takes place at the Watson Education Building from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The schedule of events include a Dungeons and Dragons Rumble, Magic: The Gathering draft, Cosplay competition and Beat Saber tournament, among other events. Players can register for up to two tournaments and parking is available at the east deck on campus. Learn more here.
Jubilee — City Ballet is presenting “Jubilee” at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium at 3 p.m. It features a diversity of works, including the local premiere of Andrea Hill’s “Petrouchka.” Stravinsky’s music accompanies a traveling magician at a village festival who brings to life three puppets — a ballerina, harlequin, and a warrior — all of whom experience human emotions of love and jealousy.. The performance also includes Hill’s “Signatures,” Lane Grosser’s “Some and Others,” and new contemporary and character works. Tickets are $15 to $25.
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