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, June 26
“Hairspray”
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets start at $36
John Waters’ famed musical “Hairspray” takes on its second weekend of a three-weekend run on Thalian Hall’s mainstage, as produced by Opera House Theater Company.
The show follows the dancing craze of the 1960s amid heightened racial relations. Tracy Turnblad is dying to get on “The Corny Collins Show,” but also must face her nemesis, Velma von Tussle, to become the reigning Collins’ show dancing queen. Turnblad becomes an overnight celebrity in fashion, fun and dance and rallies against segregation.
This run also features former “Hairspray” Broadway national touring performers — and local actors — Erin Sullivan, Melissa van Pelt and Rhon Saunders. It also features numerous local faces, such as Jeff Phillips reprising his role as Edna Turnblad. Sullivan, who originally played a young Amber von Tussle on her Broadway tour will now take on Amber’s mother, Velma.
Directed by Jason Aycock, the music is overseen by Brian Whitted and choreography from van Pelt and Saunders.
Tickets start at $36 here and the show runs through July 6, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Carolina Beach Boardwalk Blast — Boardwalk Blast takes place at planned Carolina Beach’s Gazebo Stage at 6:30 p.m., consisting of 15 concerts a season weekly. Following each show will be a free fireworks display over the beach at roughly 9 p.m. This week brings the local cover act Machine Gun Band performing a variety of hits across multiple genres, including rock, pop, dance, country and more. The event is free.
Hooked on Sonics — In the greater downtown area near the Cargo District, Hooked on Sonics brings to the forefront experimental and noise sounds to the Barzarre (1610 Castle St.). Presented by local outfit Squidco, the event focuses on the sonic rainforest. It will feature experimental rock from Myrtle Beach’s Electric Bird Noise, vocal improvisation — influenced by Appalachian, Armenian, and Georgian polyphonic traditions — from Austin Glover, doom jazz and electronics by Monkey Johnson Trio, psychedelic tones and rhythms from Authorless, and local abstract sound artist Carl Kruger. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Fourth Thursday Hootenanny — Wilmington Wine welcomes Americana lovers to its listening room experience at 6:30 p.m. Bring an instrument to join in on the jams or come as a spectator. It’s free to attend at 701 Castle St. and lasts until 9:30 p.m.
WECT Sounds of Summer — Port City Daily’s media partner, WECT, hosts a free summer concert series annually at Wrightsville Beach Town Park. Thursday’s show highlights ReSoul Band, performing danceable tunes, R&B, soul and pop hits. The show is always free and chairs and blankets are welcome, as are coolers; however, alcoholic beverages are not. There also will be a food truck lineup from 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine, Well Fed-Ed, and Cool Beans Wilmington. The event takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, June 27
Tsunami Gift — Shore on Fire
Bottega Art and Wine, 723 N. Fourth St. • Free
The local art and wine bar that has attracted artists in Wilmington for two decades is celebrating 20 years in 2025. In doing so, it’s had a facelift and will begin relaunching more monthly and bi-monthly exhibits featuring singular artists across varied media.
Located in the Brooklyn Arts District on North Fourth Street, owner Addie Wuensch brought in a partner, Christopher Watson, a few months ago to help with the redesign. She said the changes lean into minimalism with a gray color palette, from the walls to the plush barstools, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and a few plants to allow the art to take center stage.
“Part of the inspiration is to make it more upscale and to better showcase the art for artists and our indie live music shows,” Wuensch informed Port City Daily. “A clean and fresh version of Bottega, like a beautiful new canvas to paint.”
Art shows have been a staple of Bo since it first opened on Front Street in 2005. Wuensch has worked for the gallery since its early days and when it moved to Princess Street in 2014. She purchased it in 2016 and moved Bo to its current location at 723 N. Fourth St.
They’re showing off Bo’s refreshed digs with the opening of Ry Small’s latest collection of work in “Tsunami Gift — Shore on Fire.” Featured in private collections as well as at Wilmington Distillery and Seahorse Gallery, Small’s artwork has been displayed in Bottega before, as part of a solo show in 2018.
“His style to me is an interesting, unique mix of postmodern graffiti collage and we wanted to kick off with this series because of the complex and moving content of the series, and how well the work fits and is showcased in the space,” Wuensch said.
The artist works in neo-expressionism and collage, and is also a writer. Roughly 10 large canvases will be featured, with bold colors intricately layering mixed-media materials — song lyrics, newspaper and magazine clippings, journal entries — accompanied by Small’s illustrations.
This collection coalesced from recent personal and observational experiences, Small said. The artwork tackles emotional upheaval, environmental collapse, social disarray, financial instability, psychological turmoil, and spiritual reckoning.
“I was doing a complete life overhaul about eight months ago,” Small told Port City Daily. “Certain aspects of my life had reached critical mass and I had a bit of a breakdown. Followed shortly after by a long overdue breakthrough. In the process of healing through deep, no-nonsense introspection, with the help of my friends, my family, especially, and counselors, I got in the habit of taking a great deal of notes and making long, meandering dreamy lists: looking into the dark corners of my soul to see what gremlins were in the works, where it hurt, and why. Jotting it down to jerk it out.”
“Tsunami Gift,” in essence, explores themes of rebirth and reconstruction. The goal, according to the artist, is not to view hardship, trials, tribulations and collapse as a final end to something but rather a new beginning. This is reflected in the exhibit’s title, derived from a song lyric Small wrote – “a tsunami is a gift when the shore is on fire” — as the artist is also a member of local band The Mysterious Bruises.
“I thought of the great waves that pass through our lives and wash away or churn up all the structures and constructs in them,” he said. “And the aftermath, that quiet hazy exhausted battlefield of disorder and rubble. How do we rebuild, from the chaos and disillusionment? What are our resources, our capabilities, what is salvageable, what is worth salvaging, what materials will I choose to start over, what are my thoughts?”
He used his journal entries to create what he calls “analytical universes” and “fever dreamscapes,” which opened a new dimension in the healing process. In the end, Small hopes the work connects others to engage conversation, embrace kindness and create space where people feel less lonely.
“Tsunami Gift” opens Friday and will have a meet-and-greet with Small from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Live jazz will also be performed and the exhibit remains on display through July 25. Bottega’s next exhibit will feature Sarah Myers Soucier.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
‘This is the Way’ — Another exhibit opening as part of Fourth Friday Gallery Walk in downtown Wilmington (as hosted by the Arts Council) is “This is the Way,” a father and daughter artistic collaboration between Kyle and Kate Highsmith. The works are bright and lean into the essence of summer and artistic DNA shared by parent and offspring. “Visitors will discover how familial bonds translate into visual language, creating a dialogue between generations that is both intimate and universally resonant,” according to New Elements Gallery press release. The show opens at 6:30 p.m. at 271 N. Front St. and continues through July 19.
‘Macbeth’ — Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green opened 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, violence and eventual tyrannical ruling erupts over political power. “Macbeth” continues at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater for one final weekend, June 26-27, with shows at 8 p.m. 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. Admission is free.
Tim Butterly — Philadelphia-based comedian, writer, podcaster and actor Tim Butterly will perform at Dead Crow Comedy Room this weekend in downtown Wilmington. Known as the In cohost of DadMeat and having appeared in “Field Trippin’” and “Tim Butterly’s Show,” the comedian brings “good-guy energy” to the stage. He often brings in musings from his personal life to the stage: “Probably not a lot of you with a 14-year-old son in here, but you ever have a roommate that doesn’t pay rent? And you almost catch beating off every single day? And smells weird. I have a constant ringing in my ears from laptops being slammed close in my house.” Butterfly will perform Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; tickets are $22 to $33.
Parker McCullum — Texas singer-songwriter Parker McCollum is performing at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington. McCollum independently released his debut album, The Limestone Kid, in 2015 and has released three more albums since, with 2025’s self-titled debut dropping June 27. 33-year-old McCollum takes inspiration from his musical idol and fellow Texan George Strait and blends it with more modern themes in Americana and pop. Tickets to his show are available here.
‘George Washington’ — Cucalorus summer series continues with David Gordon Green’s “George Washington,” shot in Winston-Salem in the early aughts and was screened at film festivals, including in 2001’s Cucalorus. It’s a coming-of-age story about kids in the rural South facing a tragedy and was the debut of actor Paul Schneider (“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” “Parks and Recreation”). Both Gordon Green and Schneider studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, with Green going on to direct “Halloween Kills,” “Halloween Ends” and “The Righteous Gemstones.” Schneider will be at the screening to host a question-and-answer after the film. Tickets are $13 here.
Saturday, June 28
Family Pride Festival and Community Walk
Long Leaf Park, 1701 S. College Road • Free
Family Pride Festival is wrapping up Pride Month at Long Leaf Park this weekend. There will be family-friendly crafts and games, plus a vendor market will be set up to support local artisans and businesses. Food will also be provided and the event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Before and after the event, there also will be a Family Pride Festival Walk. The goal is to celebrate inclusivity and acceptance, with the morning walk taking place at 10 a.m. and the evening walk happening after the festival concludes. All levels of walking skills accommodated, with strollers and dogs welcomed as well. Meet at Long Leaf Shelter 5 to join the walk.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
The Biggest Karaoke Event — UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium is welcoming all singers to its stage. Vocalists who want their 15 minutes will be allotted a chance to shine as part of The Biggest Karaoke event. Taking place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the experience will include professional sound and lighting, giving everyone a shot at stardom on the main stage. It’s hosted by the Port City’s Coast 97.3 Cire DJs Bigg B and Sandra The Midday Miss. The best performer will win tickets to a Chris Brown concert. It’s $10 to attend; tickets available here.
Big Something — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater will be bringing back the North Carolina boys, Big Something, to light up the stage in its annual stopover in Wilmington. The Burlington-based band is known for blending genres, including jazz, reggae, hip-hop, rock, funk sounds, honed over the last 15 years and across eight albums, the last being 2023’s “Headspace.” The group also hosts The Big What? annually, to take place Aug. 21-23 this year at Shakori Hills Community Arts Center in Pittsboro. Performers include Andy Frasco & The U.N., Sunsquabi, SUSTO, New Dawn StarkeStra featuring Rebekah Todd, Jeff Sipe, and Isaac Hadden and more. There will also be art, flow performers, a vendor village, late-night silent discos and more. Tickets to the Greenfield Lake Big Something show are available here.
Gladys Knight — Known for hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “I Feel a Song (in My Heart),” the Motown icon who once was the leader of her band the Pips, is performing at Wilson Center. Knight is revered for her impact on the music industry, having recorded more than 38 albums, awarded a Kennedy Center Honor for Lifetime Artistic Achievements, the National Medal of Arts, and a 2024 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. CFCC professor and well-known jazz musician Benny Hill will perform an opening set ahead of Knight’s performance. Tickets are $65.
Sunday, June 29
Wilmington Anime Fest
Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St. • Tickets: $20
If cosplay is more your style, this weekend’s Anime Fest is taking place on Sunday at Hotel Ballast from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be anime vendors, selling candy, magazines, toys, video games, artwork, apparel and jewelry. Plus, in attendance will be special guests, such as voice actors Peter Kalamis (“Dragon Ball Z,” “Goku and Ed”) and Kent Williams (“Fullmetal Alchemist,” “My Hero Academia”).
A lip sync battle takes place at 2 p.m. and there will be an anime trivia contest at noon, with a cosplay contest taking place at 4 p.m. It’s a $20 entry, but kids 11 and under enter free.
More details are available here.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Wilmington’s Funky Flower Fest — Waterline Brewing Co. is celebrating all-things floral from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. There will be floral-themed vendors selling local flowers, handcrafted goods, jewelry and more. Plus, there will be food from Kimchi Taco and Venezuelan Cuisine food truck, as well as Italian ice from Jeremiah’s, with live music and face-painting. It’s free to attend but items are sold separately.
‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ — The fourth best-selling series of all time as of 2020, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” comes to life on Thalian Hall’s mainstage, produced by Performance Club Theatre Company. The show follows Greg, a middle-schooler, dealing with fitting in with the popular crowd at school as well as overcoming annoyances of family life, with an older brother who bullies him and a younger brother who gets his way. He illustrates his daily life in a journal, which the show is based on. The musical has been dubbed “hilarious and heartfelt” and can be appreciated by all who have gone through — or are currently facing — the highs and lows of middle school and the angst that comes with growing up. The show runs one weekend only, June 27-29, tickets are $26 and up here.
Love Dance — Annually, Cameron Art Museum closes out Pride Month with a Love Dance. This year’s event takes place at the museum from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with tunes by DJ Louis and specialty drinks and food available through CAM Café. As well a Pride gallery tour will be offered and a pop-up Pride shop will be set up. CAM has installed three new works in its gallery, all showcasing a rainbow in honor of Pride month. They include Pat Steir’s 1974 lithograph, “Roll Me a Rainbow”; Joseph Cornell’s 1972 color screenprint “Untitled: How to Make a Rainbow”; and Jim Dine’s 1972 lithograph “Rainbow.” The event admission is $5 for students, $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. CAM is located at 3201 S. 17th St.
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