SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — The weekend lineup of events highlights goings-on in 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, Jan. 8
Jazz at CAM: Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble
Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. • Tickets: $15-$60
Jazz at the CAM continues on the first Thursday of every month from September through April, featuring live performances from local and touring artists.
The first concert of the year will bring in the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble. The 20-plus group of high school students from the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area audition for the elite program. They perform big band jazz and professional standards, focusing on improvisation.
Tickets to Thursday’s show are $15 for students, $35 for CAM members and $60 for the general public. Music kicks off at 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 9
Sam Jay
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N 3rd St. • Tickets start at $27
Samaria Johnson — better known by the comedy world as Sam Jay — is headed to Dead Crow Comedy Room on Friday and Saturday nights.
Jay wrote for “SNL” from 2017 to 2020, has created two streaming specials for HBO Max and Netflix, as well as co-created the series “Pause with Sam Jay” and “Bust Down” for Peacock.
Known to keep it real, Jay often riffs on the state of the world, whether he suicidal walruses or the end of the world. However, she also gets personal, as seen in a Comedy Central special. Jay talks about being in New Orleans for a week with her wife.
“We’ve been married a year-and-a-half you know,” Jay said. “She’s beautiful. I love her. But it’s bad — marriage sucks. That’s what nobody tells you. … We fight all the time because it’s two people trying to make one life. Bringing issues and baggage. … We got in a fight the other day and she was like: ‘Why don’t you unload the dishwasher?’ I was like: ‘You don’t know my childhood!’ It was crazy.”
Jay will perform two shows each night at Dead Crow, with tickets here starting at $27.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Donna the Buffalo — Roots rockers Donna the Buffalo have played far and wide since their founding in 1989, including Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, Austin City Limits Festival, Merle Fest and more. This weekend they’ll take over the Kenan Auditorium stage. From Trumansburg, New York, the group has opened for The Dead, Los Lobos, Little Feat and others. DTB also helped found numerous festivals, including Shakori Hills in North Carolina, and their discography spans 10 releases including 2018’s “Dance in the Street.” Tickets start at $39.
Lamefest XVII — Reggie’s 42nd St. will host the 17th annual Lamefest this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Expect it to get loud with multiple rock bands on the bill, including Austin Glover, Beard of Antlers, The Buddy System, Late Bloomer, Will Pryzgoda, Yule, Ozzie Darden, Speedbag, The Explainers and Andy Lame. Tickets are $10 Friday and $15 on Saturday.
Saturday, Jan. 10
‘Rock of Ages’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $41
The final weekend celebrating 1980’s anthems, big hair and bigger energy has arrived with the last showings of Opera House Theater Company’s “Rock of Ages” 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 fights 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.
“Rock of Ages” is staged Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $47.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Chili Cookoff — Brisket, ground beef, turkey, shredded beef, vegetarian or otherwise — it’s time to show off the best of your chili-making chops. The Eagle’s Dare (420 N. Third St.) is hosting a chili cookoff, welcoming local chefs, home cooks and culinarians near and far. Just email events@theeaglesdare.com with your name and phone number that you want to participate and they’ll respond via text letting you know how many people to expect. Participants cook the chili the day of and bring it to the bar; The Eagle’s Dare provide tables, assorted cutlery and whatnot, and people vote on the winner. Bragging rights and a trophy is up for grabs.
January Jam Sesh — Cape Fear Swing Dance Society is kicking off the new year with some dance jams. Saturday will feature multiple workshops including the basic slow Balboa — a close embrace dance — at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by an intro to the Lindy Hop at 6:30 p.m. Then at 7:30 there will be social dancing with the Wilmington Big Band at 7:30 p.m. A full pas is $52 for the whole day, with individual workshops and the social dance priced at $22 here. The events take place at the Hannah Block USO and Community Arts Center at the corner of Second and Orange streets in downtown Wilmington.
Frozen at Leland Brewing Company — Families looking for an event to engage the whole crew can head to Leland Brewing (2115 Ale Ave.) from noon to 4 p.m. There will be meet-and-greets, local vendors, winter-themed games and crafts, a petting zoo, plus music and singalongs. Come dressed as your favorite “Frozen” character and engage in photo ops. It’s free to attend and hosted by Lazy Day Farm and Zen Hooves, in addition to the brewery.
Beginner Blacksmith — Interested in taking on a new hobby in 2026? How about a throwback to the 19th Century on Poplar Grove Plantation. 10200 US Highway 17 North? They’ll host a series of classes from Autym Day Blacksmithing teaching the ancient art of metal work, by heating iron or steel to create varied objects and sculptures. The beginner class is four hours and teaches students how to work in coal forge and bellows, and choose between four different projects to take home, including a fire poker, dinner bell, S hook, or candle holder. The class is open to ages 16 and up for $180; register here.
Firepower! Big Bang Tour — For history buffs wanting to learn more about the firepower on the Battleship NC (1 Battleship Road), Saturday offers a chance to board the ship and explore its fascinating gun batteries. Participants will spend three hours learning the steps to fire the 16- and 5-inch guns from target identification, acquisition in the Combat Information Center (CIC), to the fire control solution from a knowledgeable guide. The tour also includes a visit to the powder magazines and projectile handling space needed to make the big bang. Tickets are $32; prepare to climb through narrow ladders on the ship, so wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Tours begin at 9 a.m.
Sunday, Jan. 11
Floating Lantern Ceremony
Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. • Free
An annual celebration, CAM kicks off the new year with a floating lantern ceremony hosted at the pond on the museum’s campus. Activities take place from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., culminating in launching floating lanterns in the museum’s Reflection Pond, allowing visitors to reflect, remember loved ones and engage in hope and gratitude.
Participants are invited to purchase sleeves for $20 and create a lantern that honors a loved one or celebrates new hopes and dreams for the new year or expresses peace. Supplies will be available in the Pancoe Learning Center and food and hot chocolate will be sold.
There also will be live music all day, such as from Cape Fear Academy Jazz Ensemble and The Youth Choir of Wilmington, Royce Williams, Josh Yoush and Perry Smith, and Dara Kahkonen.
The museum will be open with all exhibitions available to tour through with $5 admission for adults and children 12 and older; free for youth under 12.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Sad Song Happy Hour — Bourgie Nights hosts free Sunday evening jams that slow things down a bit and highlight the local musicians playing on the scene. Hosted by Wilmington Unplugged starting at 6 p.m., Sunday will welcome Tanner Lackey, Emily June and recently relaunched indie rockers Glow In the Dark Scars, who have hit the scene again after a 15-year break. While it’s free to attend, tipping the musicians is encouraged. Doors at 6 p.m. with the music beginning at 7 p.m.
Benny Hill Jazz Brunch — Wilmington native and saxophonist Benny Hillis performing brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at True Blue Butcher and Table, 1125-A Military Cutoff Road. True Blue serves global cuisine with a modern American flair from Chef Bobby Zimmerman and sources local ingredients to serve quality meals and drinks to diners. The experience is elevated with the smooth sounds from Hill on sax.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
