SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features dozen of ways for people 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, May 29
Wilmington Riders Social Cycle
Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St. • Free
The Wilmington Riders — a group of cyclers who meet to enjoy rides throughout the community — are gathering at Satellite Bar and Lounge at 5:15 p.m. to ride from the bar around nearby Greenfield Lake and onto the Cross City Trail to Halyburton Park.
It will be a 15-mile, no-drop ride, with sightseeing of various wildlife, urban and green spaces. Bikers should be prepared for some road riding.
It ends at Satellite for drinks and tacos from Block Taco in the back courtyard. Learn more about the social cycle group here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Boardwalk Blast: Jack Jack 180 — Taking place at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for free, the weekly concert and fireworks series takes place at 6:30 p.m. Dance and party band Jack Jack 180 — playing pop, Motown, rock and more — will take to the Boardwalk Gazebo Stage at 6:30 p.m. and the fireworks display begins over the Atlantic Ocean at roughly 9 p.m.
Family Feud — Down by the Cape Fear River at Waterline Brewing, MC Events and Entertainment is hosting a live version of one of America’s favorite games, “Family Feud.” Bring your team for game night and showcase your wits for bragging rights. It starts at 7 p.m. Waterline is located at 721 Surry St. at the foot of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
Music Bingo — If music trivia is more your speed, Captain Bill’s Backyard Grill (4240 Market St.) has your team covered. Music bingo takes place from Top Shelf Trivia at 7 p.m. Free to attend; food and bevs for sale.
Summer Roll 101 — Always wanted to learn how to make the perfect sushi roll? Join Chef Tee of Shoyu and Cheese to learn how to hand-make 10 various rolls created with fresh veggies and proteins. Enjoy nibbles on mango salad and chicken satay skewers with various sauces while creating the sushi. The workshop is open to eight people here for $65.
Friday, May 30
Rory Scovel
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. Third St. • Tickets: $36-$48
Greenville, SC-born comedian, writer and actor Rory Scovel — recently seen in the Apple TV show “Physical” with Rose Byrne and in Amy Schumer’s film “I Feel Pretty” — is headed to Dead Crow Comedy Room for four shows this weekend.
Scovel has been a comedian since the early to mid-2000s and whose standup has been seen on Comedy Central, “Conan” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” He’s released multiple comedy albums, including 2013 live at Third Man Records in Nashville, and has appeared in various comedy specials, such as on Netflix in 2017, followed by a self-release on YouTube in 2021 and last year’s Max special, “Rory Scovel: Religion, Sex, and a Few Things in Between.”
“One time my daughter asked me what happens when you die,” he said on “Religion, Sex and a Few Things in Between.” “And I was like, ‘I don’t know and neither does anyone else, and anyone who tells you they do is lying to you.’ My wife was like: ‘Why don’t we pull it back a little bit.’”
Tickets are $36 to $48 here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
ALL Art Show and Sale — The Art League of Leland’s annual juried sale and show is taking place Thursday, May 29, through Saturday, May 31. There will be hundreds of original 2D and 3D works from area artists out of 400 entries. The event takes place at the arts center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ — Heidi Schreck’s comedy, “What the Constitution Means to Me,” is being produced by Big Dawg Productions just in time for Memorial Day, and gives a new take on the Constitution and how it will shape the next generation of Americans. The show follows 15-year-old Heidi, a nationwide Constitutional debate winner who earns her college tuition through competitions. She recounts four generations of women through the founding document that shaped their lives. The shows run through June 1, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $35.
‘Crimes of the Heart’ — A theater production is also opening at Cape Fear Community College’s Union Station. A local amateur theater company, Pine and Curtain, focusing on stories of the South presents Beth Henley’s “Crimes of the Heart.” The dark comedy follows the McGrath sisters, Lenny, Meg and Babe, during a reunion in their Mississippi hometown. Their bond is strengthened by past traumas, heartbreak, and family secrets. Henley’s play is a Pulitzer Prize winner, blending drama and comedy and highlighting the human spirit’s resiliency. Show starts at 7 p.m. on both May 29 and 30, at 502 S. Front St. and tickets are $36.
Saturday, May 31
‘Macbeth‘
Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green, 1941 Amphitheater Drive • Tickets:
Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green opens its 32nd season with the Bard’s most famous tragedy, “Macbeth.” Directed by Caylan McKay, “Macbeth” follows a Scottish general who, from a prophecy told by three witches, learns he will become king one day.
But what it takes to get there is a psychological twister and, with his wife by his side along the way, erupts in violence and eventual tyrannical ruling due to political power and ambitions.
“Macbeth” opens at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater on May 31 and runs this weekend through June 1, with shows starting at 8 p.m. However gates open at 6:30 p.m. and audiences are welcome to bring a picnic to catch the show, which continues by CF Shakespeare adult company on June 6, 8, 13-15, 21-22, and 26-27. Admission is free.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Dogs and Daqs — The Eagle’s Dare, in collaboration with Von Barkee’s Dog Spa and Bakery, is hosting a dog-friendly event with daiquiris and hot dogs, vendors and live music, plus games and giveaways. It takes place at 420 S. Third St. starting at 2 p.m. and leashed, well-behaved pups are welcome.
Steely Dead — Have a particular fondness for Steely Dan and Grateful Dead? Then Bowstring Brewyard (1002 Princess Drive) has the concert for you, blending multiple styles — funk, jazz and jamband — into one. Dave Abear on guitar, Matt Abear on bass, Chris Sheldon on drums, and Dylan Teifer on keys make up Steely Dead, which has toured nationally celebrating both rock outfits seamlessly with free-flowing, melodic improvisation and song segues, such as “New Minglewood Blues” into “Josie.” The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20 here.
Saturday Night Contra Dance — Grab your partner, do-si-do! Contra Dancers will join at the Hannah Block USO from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. A partner is not needed to enjoy a night of dancing, with Contraforce playing live music as the caller leads the dancers in formation. Comfortable shoes are a must and prepare to spin! Beginner lessons will start at 7 p.m. before dancing begins. Admission is $15 at the door and students get in for just $1.
Mam Jam: Dan and Shay — Live Oak Bank Pavilion is welcoming the country-pop duo of Dan and Shay, best know for their Grammy-winning hit “Tequila.” The duo is headlining the Navy Federal Mam Jam Concert Series — which celebrates and honors military communities in honor of Military Appreciation Month. It took place in only two cities, including Cedar Park near Fort Cavazos on May 17 and now Wilmington, due to its close proximity to Camp Lejeune, this Saturday. While tickets are free to military active duty members, it’s $75 general admission here.
Sunday, June 1
Pride Events
Various locations • Free
June 1 officially kicks off Pride month nationwide and some Wilmington establishments are not wasting one day to celebrate all the rainbow communities.
At Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wilmington (4313 Lake Ave.) a service in honor of LGBTQ+ acceptance takes place at 10:30 a.m.
At Hi-Wire Brewing, Pridefest takes place from noon to 4 p.m. featuring plenty of local vendors, including nonprofits, artisans and businesses, set up throughout the parking lot. Plus there will be a drag show at 5 p.m., though a community drag stage is set up at 3 p.m. Plus, DJs will spin tunes and food and beverages. It’s free to attend but everything is priced separately otherwise. A portion of proceeds will benefit LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast and other nonprofits.
Love is Love Pride Fest is also planned for The Bend in Ogden from noon to 4 p.m., again with proceeds benefitting LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast. There will be fresh coffee from Brighter Days, face-painting from Vicki Paints, live music from School of Rock and local musicians, and small business vendors. The Bend’s Middle Sound Grille will be serving food and craft beer and cocktails will be available for purchase.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Teddy Swims — After having to postpone his show earlier this month due to inclement weather, Teddy Swims is coming back to Live Oak Bank Pavilion Sunday at 7 p.m. Known for songs “The Door” and “Lose Control,” Swims won BMI’s 2025 Pop Song of the Year Award for the latter. It broke records after clocking more than 90 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100. All previously purchased tickets will be honored at the show or are available here starting at $67.
‘The Sleeping Beauty’ — City Ballet is presenting “The Sleeping Beauty” at 4 p.m. at Wilson Center, also on Cape Fear Community College’s campus. Andrea Hill, City Ballet’s director, takes on the fairytale classic of virtue put to the test, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s symphonic score. Tickets start at $19.
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