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, Sept. 25
Molly Tuttle
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Drive • Tickets: $47
American singer-songwriter Molly Tuttle has been celebrated as the first woman to receive the International Bluegrass Music Association Female Player of the Year, and won the 2022 Grammy for her album “Crooked Tree.”
She is currently touring with a new all-female band in support of her latest, 12-track album “So Long Little Miss Sunshine” (Nonesuch Records), including contributions from Ringo Starr and Tuttle’s partner Ketch Sector, who is in Old Crow Medicine Show. Produced by Jay Joyce, the album has topped number one on U.S. Bluegrass charts and includes its debut track “That’s Gonna Leave a Mark,” written with Better Than Ezra’s Kevin Griffin. It also includes a cover of Icona Pop’s and Charli XCX’s 2011 hit “I Love It.”
It follows 2023’s “City of Gold,” recorded with Tuttle’s former band Golden Highway and produced by bluegrass legend Jerry Douglas, a 14-time Grammy-winning dobro artist.
Tuttle announced in May of this year Golden Highway was going its separate ways, with members pursuing solo projects. Her current The Highway Knows Tour 2025 includes an all-female lineup, including Ellen Angelico, Vanessa McGowan, Mary “Mair” Mulroney and Megan Jane.
Tickets are $47.75 here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘William and Judith’ — The greatest writer of the English language and world-revered playwright who brought to life the comedies and tragedies of everyday life is the centerpiece of “William and Judith.” The play is being produced by Big Dawg Productions at Thalian Hall for the next two weekends. Written by Cody Daigle-Orians, “William and Judith” is fantasia, fictionalizing the relationship between Wiliam Shakespeare and sister, Judith — who is disowned by her family for refusing to marry. She moves to London at a time when William undergoes a creative crisis and must confront creative thievery that threatens his work and family. The show delves into the creative process and self-identity. Directed by Mirla Criste, the local cast consists of Charles Auten, Tamica Katzmann, Joshua Lowry, Jon Ripley, La’Tuan Dupra, Truü Danns and Wes McAdams. The show takes place Sept. 18-28, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, 3 p.m. Tickets are $35 here.
‘Museum of Unborn Memories’ — Cuban artist Naya A. Mauricio, who now lives in Ecuador, is opening a new show at UNCW’s CAB Art Gallery inside the Cultural Arts Building, 5270 Randall Drive. An artist reception takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring 70 small oil paintings on paper. Mauricio noted in his artist statement the exhibition focuses on memories, to “reconstruct scenes” from experiences, ideas and contemplating forms of varied art. “In this, we are no different from a fiction writer,” he writes. The exhibition will be open through Oct. 29.
Battle of the Bowls — The Leland Fire Department is facing off against the Leland Police Department at Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Way. The Battle of the Bowls is a chili cookoff and will include live bluegrass from Massive Grass, plus artisan vendors. It’s free to taste but costs $1 per vote. Family-friendly, the event is open to the public and admission is free; however, a public contribution of nonperishable goods will go to Manna Ministries. It’s also a football-themed event, with attendees encouraged to wear a favorite football jersey. The winner of the competition is announced at 7:45 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 26
‘The Rocky Horror Show’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $42
Originally brought to life by Tim Curry as the “sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania,” the 1975 cult-classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is celebrating 50 years in 2025. Locally, its stage version is coming to Thalian Hall just in time for Halloween.
A cult favorite, “The Rocky Horror Show” is being produced by Thalian Association Community Theater, with book, music and lyrics by Richard O’Brien — who wrote the musical in 1973 and the follow-up film screenplay, where he also appeared as Riff Raff. The story follows two lovebirds, Brad and Janet, who descend upon an old castle after enduring a flat tire. Inside, a Transylvanian convention is taking place, led by Dr. Frank-n-Furter and including wild characters who embark on Hedonistic behaviors, while singing rock songs like “Science Fiction/Double Feature,” “Time Warp” and “Toucha Toucha Touch Me.”
Directed by Sydney Smith Martin, the local cast includes Carson Sikorski and Lily Rowan as Brad and Janet. “The Rocky Horror Show” will be staged Friday through Sunday through Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m., except on Sundays for 2 p.m. matinees.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Steep Canyon Rangers — Americana act Steep Canyon Rangers have received a Grammy and been nominated for many more, including from their last live album, 2019’s “North Carolina Songbook” recorded at MerleFest. It featured songs by multiple artists born in the Tar Heel State (James Taylor, Doc Watson, Thelonious Monk). The group also has recorded with banjo-playing actor Steve Martin, a longtime fan and collaborator, including on 2014’s “Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers featuring Edie Brickell LIVE.” They also released a Greenfield Lake Amphitheater album to showcase their energy of performing live; check out the trailer for it here. Catch them at the intimate venue that inspired the release, with tickets available for $42 here.
Savannah Boat Classic — A fishing tournament is taking place this weekend in Carolina Beach with events also planned at The Silver Dollar and Sand Dollar/Nollies Express at Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Savannah Boats, in partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes Alumni and local sponsors, is hosting the inaugural Savannah Boats Classic King Mackerel Tournament Sept. 26 and 27. The event welcomes anglers, families, and the community for fishing, food, raffles, live entertainment, and fundraising, all to benefit America’s veterans and local waterways. The Silver Dollar Bar and Sand Dollar/Nollies Express are the official headquarters, with a kickoff off on Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. called Celebrity Fun Fish (7 a.m.- 3 p.m.), where anglers can donate to fish alongside local sports legends like Stanley Cup Champion Cam Ward (Carolina Hurricanes) and members of Team Red, White & Blue. There will be a captain’s meeting at 5:30 p.m. and a captain’s party (6 p.m.- 10 p.m.) featuring live music, cold beer and cocktails, delicious food, and rooftop afterparty vibes. Saturday, Sept. 27, the tournament begins at 7 a.m., with weigh-ins from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and a winners celebration, including food, family fun, entertainment, and raffles all open to the public, with a chance to win a 2025 Savannah 190is with Mercury 115hp + Lowrance GPS and Evolution BBQ Smoker by Superior Smokers. This event is expected to raise more than $150,000, a nonprofit enriching veterans’ lives through physical activity and social connection, with a portion of proceeds supporting The Carolina Beach Inlet Association, ensuring the inlet remains open and safe for navigation. Registration is $2,000 and tournaments pay out $1,000 to $15,000.
‘Measure for Measure’ — Directed by Christopher Marino, Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” is being performed Sept. 25-28 and Oct. 2-5 in the style of the Riot Grrls, a ‘90s feminist punk movement. Thus, the production features an all-female cast. Dubbed the Bard’s most provocative play, the show takes place at a time when Vienna’s long-ignored morality laws are suddenly enforced and a young novice named Isabella finds herself caught between silence and sacrifice. Tickets are $5-$14 and the show takes place at UNCW Cultural Arts Building’s Main Stage, 5270 Randall Drive.
‘Mark Twain Tonight’ — The comic genius of Mark Twain will come to life from Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas (“Ozark,” “The Americans”), who has most recently appeared in Broadway’s “Our Town.” “Mark Twain Tonight” was written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook; Thomas is the first and only actor authorized to perform in his stead since Holbrook’s passing in 2021. The show brings to life the dramatic recitation of Twain’s writings and was originally written and performed in the 1950s, but continued on stages until Holbrook’s 2017 retirement from the show. Thomas will perform at the Wilson Center and tickets begin at $63.
Saturday, Sept. 27
Indigo on the Cape Fear Living History Event
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, 8884 St. Philip’s Road SW, Winnabow • Free
On Saturday the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site will host a free living history event, “Indigo on the Cape Fear.” The program will include a variety of historic crafts and trades that represent how enslaved African laborers were able to extract dye from indigo plants. The cultivation process was a part of the Gullah Geechee culture.
All visitors will be able to view and work an active fermentation vat, as dyeing demonstrations occur throughout the day. The Friends of Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson will sell shirts for $25 each for visitors to try their hand at resist dyeing.
The site is a major pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, as Brunswick was abandoned and burned during the American Revolution and never fully recovered. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop the old village site, and helped serve defenses below Wilmington before the fall of the Confederacy.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Rocktoberfest — Eagle’s Dare is bringing the rock to fall with the fourth annual Rocktoberfest from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. River Shook — formerly of Sarah Shook and the Disarmers — will make their solo debut, with India Ramey and Macelyn Batten also performing. Tickets are $19 here and Eagle’s Dare is located at 420 N. Third St.
Foodie Festival — Riverlights welcomes the community from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday as eight food trucks line up, along with multiple artisan and craft vendors. Foodie Festival is free to attend, though drinks and bites will be individually priced by Brighter Days Coffee, Island Squeeze, 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine, Well Fed Ed, Fusion Fries, Coastal Lumpia, Gustu Peruano and Chef Driven food trucks. More than 30 retailers will sell baked goods, hot sauce, olive oil and more. It takes place at 3786 Village Green Drive.
Once Upon a Pumpkin — Amber Dale’s Pumpkin Patch is hosting a weekend event at 2307 N. College Road, featuring Disney’s very own Cinderella. Kids are welcome to attend dressed in their favorite costumes for a meet and greet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There also will be local vendors, themed crafts, face-painting, and glitter tattoos, plus mums and pumpkins. The event takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Battleship Alive — World War II living history interpreters will be at the Battleship Saturday to showcase what life was like on the ship, including daily duties and drills. The activities are included with Battleship admission and take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets to the Battleship are available here.
Contra Dance — Charleston-based quartet ContraForce will perform live at Hannah Block USO as part of the Saturday night dance hosted by Cape Fear Contra Dancers. Tom Macklin will do the calling and those who are interested don’t need experience or a partner as Macklin will lead the dance and moves before the music starts. It’s $15, with a beginner lesson beginning at 7 p.m.
Coffee Fest — It’s back! Wilmington Coffee Fest is taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring coffee vendors, artisans, bakeries, tastings, goodie bags, and more. The street fair will be set up on S. 15th Street, between Castle and Queen streets. Visitors will be able to meet people behind their favorite brew, discover new coffee shops and roasters, enjoy samples and more. Tickets are $33 general admission for Saturday. However, there are also special Friday events, including the first annual cocktail showdown at the Cargo District’s Azalea Station at 4:30 p.m., with area bartenders, mixologists and baristas competing for a vote for the best coffee cocktail; tickets are $36. At 7 p.m., baristas also will compete for the best latte art, which is free and open to the public. Learn more about Coffee Fest here.
Barbecue and Bourbon Bash — The Cameron Art Museum will have a third annual barbecue this Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the CAM Café courtyard. There will be live music with Hood’s Creek band, led by Chef Chip Pridgen, plus a buffet of traditional barbecue and fixins’ this includes beef brisket, Texas-smoked sausage, southeastern pulled barbecue, BBQ chicken leg quarters, and sides like baked beans, macaroni and cheese, collards, deviled egg potato salad, cole slaw, watermelon and hush puppies, with banana pudding to finish it off. Tickets are $15 to $65 here, and there is a cash bar open. It will entail craft beers, specialty bourbon cocktails, and other mixed drinks, with local distilleries providing the finest flavors.
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors — The Memphis Americana band — comprising front man Holcomb, guitarist Nathan Dugger, bassist Rich Brinsfield, drummer Will Sayles, and keyboardist Ian Miller — is returning to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. They have released 14 albums, including 2023’s “Strangers No More.” Tickets are $37 to the show.
Sunday, Sept. 28
Oktoberfest on the Beach
Carolina Beach Pier, 1800 Carolina Beach Ave. N • Free
From noon to 5 p.m., head to Carolina Beach to get into the autumnal spirit. Oktoberfest on the Beach will take place for free and welcome all ages on Sunday.
It features a stein-holding contest, live Polka music, and lots of beer. Breweries featured include Highland Brewing, Flying Machine Brewery, Bill’s Brewing and Legion Brewing. Don’t forget your lederhosen or dirndl.
There also will be Oktoberfest foods — dogs and pretzels — plus fire pits on the beach near the pumpkin patch. The latter opens for the season on Sept. 26 and features live music every Friday night around the fire; Highway Miles performs on the 26 and the shows conclude Oct. 24. S’mores kits also are available for purchase over the fire pits.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Soweto Gospel Choir — Multi Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir is performing at Wilson Center this weekend. The group is performing South African freedom songs and traditional spirituals. Plus, inspirational classics Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leon Cohen and more will be sung. The group celebrates the power of African gospel music and has been heralded by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey. Tickets to the show start at $31 here.
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