WILMINGTON — It’s the first edition of Li’l Friday in 2026, and there are plenty of ways to kick off the New Year — many of which include getting the body moving with a First Day Hike or even 5K and half marathon.
Of course, there are also options to enjoy theater, music, art, culinary happenings and more this weekend.
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, Jan. 1
First Day Hike
Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road • Free
Annually, New Year’s Day is welcomed at Carolina Beach State Park with a First Day Hike. Participants can set wellness goals and start the year on track while hiking 2 miles on a scenic trail.
The guided hike takes place from 10 a.m. to noon, to Sugarloaf Trail from the Marina to Sugarloaf Dune and back. It’s free!
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Wrightsville Plunge — The Wrightsville Beach Plunge, a fundraiser for Communities in Schools, is scheduled for Jan. 1 at Crystal Pier, welcoming upward of a 1,000 people to plunge into the Atlantic Ocean as part of a first-day-of-the-year tradition. Registration is open for two plunges: at noon and 12:30 p.m. It’s $35 to do the plunge, and includes a T-shirt, trucker hat or beanie. Tickets are also available for the afterparty, to include craft beer from Wilmington Brewing Company, pizza, and music. Shuttles run to the event from Wrightsville Beach Park starting at 10 a.m.; day-of registration will close at 11:50 a.m. as well. Proceeds benefit CIS, whose goal is to keep kids in schools and reach graduation.
Surf City Dolphin Dip — Another dip into the sea — the 24th annual Surf City Dolphin Dip — is planned as a fundraiser for Share the Table, a nonprofit that helps feed vulnerable communities. The dip takes place in Surf City at Roland Avenue Beach Access. It’s free for anyone to participate, with merchandise like T-shirts for sale (cash only) and proceeds benefitting the nonprofit. Organizers suggest arriving by 11 a.m. to find parking, with the dip expected to take place at noon. For those who can’t make the dip, Share the Table also has a needs list here to donate.
Friday, Jan. 2
‘Rock of Ages‘
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $47
It’s every rock ‘n’ roll lovers’ dream, celebrating 1980’s anthems, big hair and bigger energy.
“Rock of Ages” continues its run at Thalian Hall. The American jukebox musical follows the story of a young midwest woman traveling to L.A. to chase her performance dreams. Meanwhile, two German developers convince the Los Angeles mayor to “clean up” the Sunset strip, including demolishing the famous Bourbon Room — but the club owner fight back to save it.
The show features songs like “Wanted Dead of Alive,” “Sister Christian,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and more. It is directed by Morganna Bridgers, with music direction by Chiaki Ito.
Produced by Opera House Theater Company, “Rock of Ages” kicked off as part of Thalian Hall’s New Year’s gala, but continues through Jan. 11. Show days and times are Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $47.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Cliff Cash — A local comedian who got his start at Dead Crow Comedy Room returns Friday and Saturday for four shows. Cliff Cash has been honing his standup for 15 years, touring nationwide and internationally, performing at well-known venues and underground clubs. During that time he has been a finalist for Standup NBC, dropped a comedy album that went to the top of the iTunes charts, and released his own standup special, “The Long Road,” at Thalian Hall (available on Apple, Amazon, Tubi, and Roku). He will be on the Dead Crow stage this weekend, dishing on his personal life and bringing to life impersonations of characters that feel relatable to many Southern folks, heavy-drawl included. Dubbed the “voice of the new South,” Cash tackles stereotypes others put on the region and he doesn’t shy away from politics or current events ticking the headlines. Tickets to his show are $30 to $42 here.
‘The View From Here’ — The Burgwin-Wright House continues to showcase works of art from Ellie Snow and Kathryn DeMarco in “The View from Here.” On display through Jan. 17, the show tackles observations, memories and imagination, as the two artists “navigate the space between humanity and the natural world — where identity and instinct intertwine,” according to the art show description. DeMarco’s art consists of collage and is a celebration of portraiture. Images made from varied cuts of paper include companion animals, winged creatures, and self-portraits. Snow’s paintings offer escape into a fairy-tale world. Admission is free and the art is for sale in the gallery, which is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
‘Boundless’ Tour in the PNC USCT Park — The life-sized bronze sculpture of United States Colored Troops by artist Stephen Hayes is located in Cameron Art Museum’s PNC USCT Park on CAM’s grounds. Erected in 2021, it serves as a reminder of the brave soldiers who fought for their own freedom in the Battle of Forks Road during the Civil War in 1865, with Hayes having cast the features of 11 African American men connected to the site and its story. From 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. the museum will host a tour of the park and the sculpture, offered as part of admission. Read Port City Daily’s NC Press Association Award-winning piece about “Boundless” here.
Saturday, Jan. 3
Carolina Beach Half Marathon and 5K Run
Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road • Registration: $40 – $80
If you’re looking to start 2026 with an increased heart rate, then Carolina Beach Half Marathon & 5K will help you kick off the new year right.
The race is timed and takes place at Carolina Beach State Park, with both 13.1- and 3.1-mile courses. All levels are welcome to partake, along the trails of a rolling pine-laced single track with water views.
The top three overall for both males and females and varied age groups will be awarded prizes for both the half marathon and 5K. But all racers receive a finish medal.
Registration is $40 for the 5K and $80 for the half marathon, with proceeds benefitting Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks. The nonprofit organization supports and promotes Carolina Beach State Park and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. The event is free for spectators.
The first race begins at 8 a.m.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Blarney Brogues — A four-piece Irish band will be performing its first show of the year at Brunswick Beer XChange – BBX-Bottle Shoppe at 6 p.m. The string band blends traditional Celtic sounds with fun covers. Brunswick Beer XChange is located at 201 Village Rd. NE and the show is free.
Wolf Moon Supermoon and Sunset Paddle — The first major lunar event of 2026 is scheduled for Jan. 3. The Wolf Supermoon will feature a moon that appears larger and brighter at sunset, due to it being in closest proximity to Earth. Kayak Carolina is hosting a sunset paddle at Masonboro Island to catch the best view from the water. Come dressed appropriately — some people even wear fleece pajamas — including knee-high waterproof boots to help protect your feet when getting in the water. Kayakers meet at 2:30 p.m. for a 3 p.m. launch at Trails End Park, 613 Trails End Road. It’s $30 to participate for those with a kayak and paddle or $60 for those who need a kayak and paddle; it’s free for club members. Registration is open here.
Hip Hop Dance Class — If moving more is on the list of 2026 resolutions, then a new Saturday dance class has your ticket. Phillip Clyde Bernier is teaching a hip-hop class from Jan. 3 to April 25, at Keller Williams Training Room, 1001 Military Cutoff Rd. It costs $225 for the semester, with ages 6 to 11 taught at 2 p.m., ages 12 to 17 at 3 p.m. and ages 18 and up at 4 p.m. There will also be a hip-hop showcase on April 25 at 5 p.m., at a location to be determined. Registration is open here.
Sunday, Jan. 4
A New Year Walk in the Woods
Abbey Nature Preserve, 927 Trace Dr. • Free
An impromptu walk in the woods is being hosted by Audi Cape Fear and Plastic Ocean Project on Sunday, at 2 p.m.
The group is headed to Abbey Nature Preserve and also will clean up the area as needed. Plastic Ocean Project does educational outreach and frequent area cleanups and will provide bags and supplies.
Also partnering is Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, which will provide three or four trees to add to the Abbey Foy-Moore canopy. Participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, but there will be snacks provided and a water-filling station.
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