SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features dozens 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, Aug. 21
‘Oklahoma!‘
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets start at $36
A Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “Oklahoma!” is being staged at historic Thalian Hall at 7:30 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. through Aug. 24, Wednesday through Sunday.
“Oklahoma!” — which won a Pulitzer Prize, Tony, and Olivier for the stage show and an Oscar for its film adaptation — centers around love, rivalry, and community on the Western frontier. Set at the turn of the 20th century, its score includes hits like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “I Can’t Say No” and the title track.
Opera House Theater Company is producing the show, directed by Ron Chisholm. Tickets start at $36.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘The American Constitution’ — A feature film premiere will screen at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium about the creation and unveiling of the American Constitution. It’s set in 1787 Philadelphia when George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin came together to create the foundation for the country. A keynote address will be delivered by County Commissioner Rob Zapple and Mayor Bill Saffo, and an audience Q&A will follow with the director and historian. David Garrigus is an award-winning filmmaker behind the PBS critically acclaimed “Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brothers’ Journey of Invention.” He has been working on the film for 18 years while living in WIlmington. He said it spawned from an internal desire to understand the Constitution more. The UNCW screening is one stop on his 20-month roadshow tour before the movie will screen on PBS in fall 2026. The film will include an audience contest with prizes and more as well.
Zoso — The Ultimate Led Zeppelin cover band will be performing at Bowstring Brewyard on Princess Street. Hailed as one of the greatest in blues, folk and hard rock, Led Zeppelin is known for songs like “Houses of the Holy,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Kashmir,” and “Immigrant Song.” Zoso, which began performing in 1995, takes on Zep’s catalogue note for note. Tickets start at $14, here.
Roots and Boots — If ‘90s country is more your jam, Wilson Center is bringing Roots and Boots to the stage. The group consists of Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, and Collin Raye, who will perform together and break-off into their own mini sets. Tickets start at $53.
Friday, Aug. 22
Good Vibrations
Bourgie Nights, 123 Princess St. • Tickets: $10
Wilmington musicians are coming together to honor the work of one of music’s greats — Brian Wilson.
Best known for his time with The Beach Boys and producing the groundbreaking “Pet Sounds,” Wilson passed away at age 82 in June. Bourgie Nights will turn into a concert in homage to his legacy.
Locals taking the stage include Sean Thomas Gerard, Tracy Shedd, Lady Die, Cardinal Spirit, Blase, Ahna Ell, Finch and Duff, Jason Andre, Brian Weeks and Mythcity.
The show gets underway at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Chris Higgins — Chicago native Chris Higgins, whose album “Good Boy” debuted on iTunes at number one in 2022 and who won Best of the Fest at the 10,000 laughs Comedy Festival, is coming to Wilmington’s Dead Crow Comedy Room. Higgins’ humor can be self-deprecating, joking in “Rise and Crime” from Don’t Tell Comedy: “I got up here and you guys were like: ‘Wtf is that? It looks like he teaches drug-dealing at Hogwarts. … I don’t know about you guys but before they legalized weed, I was committing tons of crime. About every two hours throughout the day. Usually, I was committing a crime as soon as I woke up in the morning … a little ‘rise and crime,’ if you will.” Tickets to Higgins’ show is $22 to $33, and he will perform Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
‘Mercury’ — Big Dawg Productions is producing an original piece by Wilmington actor Lee Lowrimore. “Mercury” takes place in 1977, at the height of disco, in Manhattan. A gay “off-off-off Broadway” theater is funded by Mercury Messages, a hole in the wall telephone answering service, threatened by newly launched cheap answering machines. The show covers friendship and love and ensuring the show goes on; adult language and situations, laughter and tears expected. The show takes place Aug. 21-31 at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $35.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Andy Frasco and the U.N.
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Drive • Tickets: $37
A rock band known for their high energy is headed back to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater on Saturday.
Andy Frasco and the U.N. are touring in support of their 10th studio album, “Growing Pains,” produced by Frasco. The release features collabs with other well-known musicians, such as Billy Strings on “Life Isn’t Easy” and G. Love and Eric Krasno on “Swinging for the Fences.”
Much of it was written in Nashville, with Frasco’s goal to be seen as a legitimate songwriter, not just a crowd-surfing party band. The group continues to bring a fusion of sounds to their makeup, including blues, rock, pop and hip-hop.
No stranger to Greenfield Lake — or Wilmington, for that matter — the band has sold out shows over again across the years. Tickets are still available for $37 here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Diminishing Republic Party — From 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wrightsville Beach’s famed Palm Tree Island will be the center of a day party; the sandbar appears at low tide, marked by a synthetic palm tree and hosts gatherings whenever the waters recede twice daily. DJ Speedy will spin tunes. A donation of $20 is requested and reservations must be made here for the shuttle, which will ferry folks to the island from the 109 Causeway Drive boat ramp — or paddle or boat over on your own. Coolers and chairs are welcome; partiers must pick up after themselves and leave the island as they found it. Rides back to the boat ramp will begin at 3 p.m. Read more about Palm Tree Island from previous PCD reporting here.
ABBA ‘Farewell to Summer’ Dance Party — The Beehive Blondes are hosting a summer farewell party at 1107 Princess Street’s Perennial Harbor, 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Perennial Harbor is a secret garden hideaway but will be turned into a night of homage to ABBA. The DJs, Jess James and Lauren Jones, will be spinning tunes from ABBA all night long and welcoming all the “Dancing Queen” lovers to the floor to belt out “Waterloo,” “Fernando” and more. Most extra ABBA or disco attire is welcome and there will be a best dressed and best moves contest. Tickets are $19 here.
Taste of Truckz — Taking place at Cape Fear Community College Schwartz Center parking lot will be a food truck rodeo hosted by Genesis Block. A $25 donation is requested to get a taste of Wilmington’s food truck scene,and beer, wine, and spirit tastings will be offered throughout the afternoon. Food truck vendors will compete for the coveted title of “Best Dish,” with awards being determined by the festival’s attendees through a People’s Choice vote. Proceeds benefit the Genesis Block Foundation food innovation campus. The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and there will be a Kids Zone on premises too.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Forward Motion Dance Preview
Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. • Tickets: $8-$12
Forward Motion Dance Company features dancers and guest performers that create one-of-a-kind pieces annually for its Arts in Motion performance held every September at Thalian Hall. Ahead of this year’s show, it will give a sneak peek of what’s to come from participating performers.
There also will be modern-contemporary works created by Tracey Varga, who founded Forward Motion. For instance, a piece featuring eight dancers and set to classical guitar and violin by composers Isaac Albeniz, Francisco Tarrega, and Luigi Boccherini, or a duet with dancers Nicole Dalier and Savannah Brooks and music by Peter Gabriel. It also will include works from the 2025 Wilmington Dance Festival, such as “Come Join,” set to music by David Byrne. There also will be a new dance from teen performers, featuring Kate Bush’s “KREAM” remix.
The preview at Cameron Art Museum allows the audience a first look at the creative process dancers, choreographers, and art collaborators go through and questions will be accepted. It takes place from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and tickets are $8 to $12.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
History Comes Alive River Cruise — Want to know how the Cape Fear River was used during war time? Join local historian Chris Fonvielle on the History Comes Alive River Cruise from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday. A professor emeritus in UNCW’s history department, Fonvielle is hosting the tour via Wilmington Water Tours and will discuss the Civil War in the Lower Cape Fear. Wilmington played a vital role in American history. In 1860, North Carolina port city was the busiest seaport and most populated. By 1863 Wilmington became the lifeline of the Confederacy and was a main seaport for the blockade running trade. Tickets are $20 to $45 here.
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