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 below 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, April 2
‘The Hermit of Fort Fisher’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $42
Robert Harrill is well-known along the Pleasure Island coast as a hermit who holed up in an abandoned World War II artillery bunker at Fort Fisher State Recreation Park.
Originally from Shelby, North Carolina, Harrill hitchhiked to Fort Fisher from the mountainous region of the state. He landed in Fort Fisher at age 62 and lived there — without modern-day amenities and off the ocean and kindness from strangers — until his untimely death 17 years later. While his death was listed from natural causes due to a heart attack, an autopsy was never conducted and some believe it remains a mystery.
During his time at Fort Fisher, Harrill was popular among local fanfare, becoming the second most visited attraction in the area, just behind the Battleship. He often took pictures with visitors and shared his “common sense” philosophy, living against the grain of societal expectations.
Even in his absence, folklore lives on about his presence and impact — and a play by David Wright was written depicting Harrill’s story. Big Dawg Productions is staging the show at Thalian Hall for the next two weekends with artistic director Steve Vernon directing. It’s Vernon’s sixth time guiding a cast, this time with Woody Stefl as the hermit.
“The Hermit of Fort Fisher” will run April 2-12, 7:30 p.m., except on Sundays at 3 p.m., at Red Box Theater inside Thalian Hall.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Line Dancing at Rock Creek — A line dancing class is open to the public at 6:30 p.m. at The Barn at Rock Creek in Leland. All levels are welcome, from beginner to intermediate, and the cost is $10 a person. The Barn is located at 500 Rock Creek Rd. NE.
Island Arts Poetry Thursdays — Island Arts will host a poetry reading at Riverview Restaurant, 121 Riverview Rd., in Kure Beach. It’s hosted by poet Brooke Lehmann, who last year published her collection of writing in “Of Salt and Song.” Nominated for a Pushcart Prize and having won the Charles Edward Eaton Prize (2024) and the Robert Golden and Mary Ruffin Poole Prizes (2025), Lehmann is enrolled in the MFA Creative Writing program at Queens University and is the poet in residence at Charlotte Center for Mindfulness. She will read her work first and then open the mic for others. The event begins at 6 p.m.
Friday, April 3
Amber Autry
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. Third St.
Nashville-based standup Amber Autry delivers high-energy, sharp performances each time she takes the stage. Having sharpened her skills at Chicago’s Second City, the comedian has toured with other heavyweights in the biz, such as Nate Bargatze, Fortune Feimster, and Tim Meadows. She also has appeared on “Netflix Introducing …” and Peacock TV and often talks about relationships and observations in everyday life.
At Dry Bar Comedy recently, Autry was talking about moving her mom to a small town, with the help of her boyfriend:
“He said, ‘I don’t want to kill the vibe or anything, but a bunch of people died here from absestos poisoning.’ … I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s the kind of guy I want to marry, ya know?Someone willing to keep the vibe alive or let my mom perish.””
Autry performs at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights; tickets are here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
The Great Easter Bunny Wipeout — More than 300 eggs are floating in the ponds at Surf’s Up Mini Golf in Carolina Beach this weekend. According to staff, the Easter Bunny crashed a massive wave while surfing and all the eggs he was carrying washed up on the mini golf course. Those who grab a net and catch an egg can keep the prize inside — including bags of candy, free mini golf passes, body boards, surfboards and the grand giveaway, a Hiboy Electric Scooter S2. The hunt is on at 1360 Barrier Bridge Road Friday through Sunday.
Susto — The band’s fifth full-length LP, “My Entire Life,” from New West Records, covers divorce, rebuilding a band post-pandemic, addiction and mental illness. And Justin Osborne, the frontman of SUSTO, will perform solo at Live at Ted’s at 8 p.m. this weekend. SUSTO is an American indie rock band from Charleston, South Carolina, known for music that is introspective and visceral, much like the Spanish interpretation of their name — spiritual, emotional shock. Tickets are $22.
Arts Sensation — Forward Motion Dance Company will host its annual celebration on Thalian Hall’s main stage. Having started in 2001 by Tracey Varga, the Forward Motion-produced show conjoins local musicians and dance artists to showcase a variety of genres. There will be music by local jazz musician Benny Hill and Forward Motion will showcase tap, cultural, and modern/contemporary, highlighting local choreographers and dancers. Company “T” Tap Dancers, choreographed by Tracey Varga. A VIP reception is planned, with ticketholders enjoying appetizers, beer, wine and cash bar, as well we receiving a Thalian Hall lapel pen and cup, and reserved theatre seating. Tickets start at $37, with all proceeds benefitting Thalian Hall’s capital fundraising campaign to undergo major renovations, transforming the theater into an arts and culture hub in the region.
Saturday, April 4
Departure
Bowstring Brewyard, 1002 Princess St. • Tickets: $20
Paying tribute to the ‘80s arena rockers, Departure brings to life the catalogue of Journey.
Lead vocalist Brian Williams matches Steve Perry’s vocal range and onstage presence, while his band — Doug Ballard, Brian Williams, Jason Wilson, Joel Hayes and Chris Stone — perform the group’s popular tracks, note-for-note.
Departure tours hundreds of shows annually. Audiences can expect to hear all the Journey standards — “Faithfully,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” and “Open Arms” — at Bowstring Brewyard in the Soda Pop District. Tickets start at $20.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Back in Time ‘80s Night — If relieving the sounds of Steve Perry makes you want to throw on tight spandex and a denim jacket, well head to Waterline Brewing, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., for a full-fledged ‘80s party that will be totally tubular. There will be live music of the era from the band JUNO, a best-dressed costume contest — leg warmers, neon, big hair and acid-wash jeans welcome — photo opportunities, drinks and more. It’s open to the public.
Sunset Live — The Marina District is kicking off its live music series through October, with bands performing in The Boatyard every Friday and Saturday night. Uptown Easy — an eight-piece group with a powerhouse horn and rhythm section — is performing at 6 p.m. Plus, a Wave Market will be set up, with vendors selling locally made wares, art and more. It’s free to attend.
White Elephant Yard Sale — Burgwin-Wright House is hosting a community yard sale featuring housewares, books, vintage linens, antique furniture and more from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members will be able to shop early at 7:30 a.m. in the visitor center and under the porches. Shoppers should bring their own bags or boxes and all proceeds from sales benefit the Burgwin-Wright House (224 Market St.). Cash and credit cards accepted.
Easterween — Wilmington Goth Night is skirting the pastel this Easter in favor of a darkwave revelry. Otherwise known as “Easterween,” Barzarre is hosting a dance party, featuring European synth pop, cold wave, and dark medieval folk tunes, contemporary dark metal and post-punk played as folks are welcomed to the dancefloor. There also will be visual effects and music videos on the big screen. DJ Straftanz leads the party from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. It’s free to attend and an all-ages show.
Easter Egg Hunts — In honor of Easter weekend, plenty of egg hunts are taking place Saturday. Pine Valley Baptist will host a family-friendly event beginning at 10 a.m. for preschoolers through fifth grade. There will be a magic show by No Sleeves Magic, photos with the Easter Bunny, face-painting, crafts, free popcorn and giveaways. Leland Brewing Company will host egg hunts from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will also have food trucks, vendors, a visit from the Easter Bunny and more. Calvary Baptist Church on 23rd Street in Wilmington welcome kids and families for games, activities, refreshments and of course egg hunts; youth in grades sixth through 12th will hide the eggs with preschool kids through fifth grade hunting for them on the church grounds and nearby Kennedy Park. Bring a basket or bucket to gather the eggs. Across the bridge in Winnabow, what’s billed as the area’s largest Easter egg hunt will take place at The Golf Barn. There will be 10,000 eggs hidden with gates opening at 10 a.m. and the hunt begins at 11 a.m. Facepainting, Coastal Buddy Builders, Party Lab, Coastal Hats, Barn Bites Food Truck, and more will also be onsite.
Curated on Castle Vintage Market — Monthly, along Castle Street, a vintage market takes place that features one-of-a-kind vendors and businesses in the district. The market will be set up in front of the Rescue Mission, 502 Castle St., noon – 4 p.m., for visitors to shop through wares from Tiny Tiger, Strategic Vintage, Guilded Sun, Typeface 111, Van Gogh Gurt and others.
Wilmington Farmers Market Plant Sale — Taking place at 5329 Oleander Dr., the farmers market at Tidal Creek will feature a variety of plants to plant this spring. Saturday’s market begins at 8 a.m. and there will be spring veggie starters, herbs, native plants, flowers and more. Plus, the Master Gardener Plant Clinic will be on site to answer questions. Vendors also will be there selling fresh locally grown produce, pasture raised meats, eggs, baked goods, snacks and more.
Sunday, April 5
Easter Sunrise Services
Varied locations • Free
There are plenty of sunrise services offered along the coast for Christians looking to celebrate Easter Sunday; all are welcome and encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets unless otherwise noted.
The Bridge Presbyterian Church — 6:30 a.m. at Belville Riverwalk Park.
Cape Fear Baptist — 6:30 a.m. at 316 Carolina Beach Ave. North in CB
Church of the Servant — 6 a.m. at Wrightsville Beach access 4
First Baptist Church — 7 a.m. in Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Road, 7 a.m. The celebration takes place under the 400-year-old Airlie Oak.
First Baptist Church of Oak Island — 6:30 a.m. at Ocean Crest Fishing Pier on Oak Island. Beach baptisms also will take place.
First Christian Church — 6:30 a.m. at Long Leaf Park near the gazebo; chairs will be provided.
First Presbyterian Church — 6:30 a.m. at Wrightsville Beach Access #34
Fort Caswell — A long-standing tradition near Oak Island and Southport, Fort Caswell will open at 5:30 a.m. for its Easter sunrise service, to begin at 6:30 a.m. There will be music along the waterfront, led by Wendi Greemon and Daryl Trexler will provide the Easter message; chairs and blankets welcome. Should it rain, the service will move into Hatch Auditorium.
The Gathering in Surf City — 6:30 a.m. at Surf City Beach Access #13, located behind the fire department. Afterward the church will host a worship at Soundside Park at 10 a.m., with worship, a message, food trucks, and fun for the kids.
Grace Baptist Church — 6:30 a.m. at Wrightsville Beach Access #2 near Shell Island; limited parking, but a shuttle will run from Access #8 to our service 6:20 a.m. to 6:40 a.m.
Kure Beach First Baptist Church and Kure Memorial Lutheran Church — 6:40 a.m. at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park and Pavilion, located beachside at 105 Atlantic Ave. in Kure Beach. The sunrise service is a joint effort between the Lutheran and Baptist churches.
Life 90.5 Sunrise Service — The Christian radio station in town also welcomes worshippers to Crystal Pier, 703 S. Lumina, in Wrightsville Beach at 7 a.m. Towels and chairs are welcome and there will be songs from Puppetumes, breakfast, and coffee.
Pine Valley Baptist Church — Annually, the church hosts its sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. on the Battleship downtown. It’s open to everyone. Hot coffee and donuts served after.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Carolina Beach — Everyone is welcome to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk at 7 a.m.
Wrightsville United Methodist — Pastor Julia Hayes is delivering the Easter sermon on Wrightsville Beach at 6:30 a.m. It takes place at the end of Oxford Street on Wrightsville Beach. Blankets and chairs are welcome.
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