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, April 23
Indochine 25th Anniversary White Lotus Party
Indochine, 7 Wayne Drive
Stepping into the magical, lush gardens of Indochine on Thursday evening will be transformative as the Beehive Blondes host their dance party at the restaurant in honor of its 25-year celebration. The restaurant was founded by Niki Thompson more than two decades ago and continues on in her legacy by her three children, Marie, Barbie and Boo, since her passing in December.
The blonde DJs are known for throwing themed dance parties that bring in crowds of dancing shoes. Thursday’s event embraces “White Lotus” — in celebration of season three’s Thailand location, apropos to Indochine’s vibe.
Attendees are welcome to come dressed as their best Parker Posey or Walter Goggins characters for a best dressed contest (think caftans and breezy attire, straw hats and sandals). Beehive Blondes will spin tunes inspired by the famed HBO show and there will be hors d’oeuvres, a special 25th anniversary cocktail menu, plus VIP Garden Huts are available, with exclusive Indochine swag, and cocktail service throughout the event.
It takes place at 6 p.m.; tickets are here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘Footloose the Musical’ — Wilmington Performing Arts is taking on the ‘80s classic that has kids fighting for their right to have a prom, as the strict, religious community they’re reared in has banned dancing. Ren McCormack moves to a small rural town from Chicago, where the kids race tractors and find ways to have fun around the strict tenets the local preacher has set forth in Bomont. McCormack rallies the town youth to take a stand against the restrictions; the show, with book by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, features music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Pitchford, but also tracks from the original 1984 film, by artists like Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman. Expect to hear the title track, “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and “Almost Paradise.” The show is staged by WPA students at North Front Theatre, with performances taking place April 23-25, with staggered showtimes at 7 p.m. or 3 p.m. Tickets are $17-$23; see the rundown here.
‘Disaster the Musical’ — It’s 1979 at the grand opening of New York’s first floating casino and disco. But a wave of calamities hit — earthquakes, fires, floods and more — as the passengers on board scramble for survival. The Tony-nominated musical features songs like “Knock on Wood” and “Hot Stuff,” among other ‘70s hits. It will be staged at Thalian Hall from Panache Theater Productions April 23-26 and April 30-May 3, at 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $37.
The Chase Brock Experience — The NY-based dance company founded by North Carolina native Chase Brock also takes place at Thalian Hall on April 23 at 7:30 p.m. “Come Home” is the latest program from the dance company, featuring vintage recordings of sea shanties, with an original score from Eric Dietz and choreography by Brock. The dance encompasses the mysteries of the sea, presented in “more of a tone poem than a narrative,” Brock writes in the production notes. Tickets are $48 and up here.
Friday, April 24
Daniel Van Kirk
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. Third St. • Tickets: $27-$39
Comedian Daniel Van Kirk will perform at Dead Crow this weekend. Kirk released his comedy album “Thanks Diane” which debuted at #1 on Apple Music and in 2024 released his comedy special, “Rose Gold.”
He has toured the festival circuit and appears on weekly podcasts “Pen Pals’ and “Dumb People Town.” Kirk also has been named a “Comic To Watch” by Comedy Central and has been on “Bob’s Burgers” (FOX), “The Morning Show: (Apple TV+), and the lead in the feature film “Wine Club” (Amazon Prime).
Kirk performs Friday and Saturday, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., nightly. Tickets are $27 to $39.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
‘Bacchae’ — The famed Greek tragedy by Euripides will be staged by the Cape Fear Community College Department of Fine Arts for the next two weekends. “Bacchae” centers on Dionysus returning to Thebes to establish his cult. In the process, he punishes the city and King Pentheus who will not praise his divinity. The story was written more than 2,000 years ago and showcases the outcomes of abused power and manipulation, themes relevant today more than ever. Tickets are $5 to $15 and the show runs April 23-25 at 7 p.m.
‘Crimes of the Heart’ – Three dysfunctional Southern sisters, Lenny, Meg, and Babe Magrath, are reuniting in Mississippi at their grandfather’s house and dealing with familial trauma, past resentments and scandal. Such is the plotline to American playwright Beth Hanley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Crimes of the Heart,” which will be staged from the UNCW Department of Theatre this weekend. The show touches on survival and a woman’s resilience, and was turned into a film adaptation in the 1980s, starring Sissy Spacek, Jessica Lange and Diane Keaton. Tickets to the UNCW show are $5 to $14 and the show is performed at 7:30 p.m. April 23-25, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on April 26.
Saturday, April 25
Wings Over Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach Boardwalk, anywhere along Pleasure Island beaches • Free
Taking flight on Friday and Saturday over Carolina Beach is an airshow from ILM Aerospace Foundation featuring Warbird Thunder. Spectators will see aerobatics performed with a variety of aircraft, including historic WWII-era planes.
It’s free to watch, however, donations are welcome to support ILM Aerospace Foundation’s work — expanding access to aerospace education, career pathways and hands-on learning.
The event kicks off at 3 p.m. Friday, April 24, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. Attendees will see aerial performances by Chris “CT” Thomas and Mike “Buick” Eberhardt of Warbird Thunder, Bob “Rooster” Schmidle, Marco Bouw, Doug Litton, and John Hampton.
There also will be live music throughout both days at Boardwalk establishments, including Sunny Daze, Hurricane Alley, and Silver Dollar/Top Dollar.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Wilmington Arena Project — A watch party for the Carolina Hurricanes entering the NHL Playoffs is taking place in downtown Wilmington at Live Oak Bank Pavilion on Saturday. It’s hosted by The Wilmington Arena Project as part of the Cape Fear Sports and Community Coalition Kickoff; the group wants to bring an arena to Wilmington, to use for hockey, other sporting events and concerts. There will be raffles, food and drinks, live music, games and more. Performing will be The Clams as part of the pregame party at 1 p.m and Vinyl Riot will take the stage during the afterparty at 8 p.m. Carolina Hurricanes play at 3 p.m. and there will be two intermissions. Live Oak Bank Pavilion is located at 10 Cowan St.
Kure Community Fest — Ocean Front Park welcomes families to enjoy arts and crafts vendors, live music, mini golf, bouncy houses, and food trucks as part of Kure Community Fest, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday. ReSoul Band takes the stage at 11 a.m., followed by No Sleeves Magic show from 12:30-1:30 p.m., and then ReSoul takes over the stage again for the rest of the day. Food trucks on site will include T’Geaux Boys Food Truck, Well-Fed Ed’s Smoothie Star Trailer, Donut Bus, RAWsalsa, and Joe’s Mom’s Travel Snacks. Paid parking is waived in all Kure Beach-owned spaces for the day.
Ocean Gala — From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. the “For the Ocean Gala” takes place at Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, featuring live music, food, drinks, and auctions to support the organization’s work. This year’s gala will honor Captain Charles Moore and Ralph Chami for their contributions to environmental awareness and ocean conservation. After the awards, there will be music from the Brunswick Big Band, as well as appetizers and desserts served. All proceeds benefiting Plastic Ocean Project’s ongoing efforts to address plastic pollution and promote environmental education in the Wilmington area and beyond. Tickets are $125 here.
‘Swan Lake’ — One of the most iconic ballets is coming to UNCW Kenan Auditorium at 7 p.m. from L.A.’s World Ballet Co. “Swan Lake,” Tchaikovsky’s four-part ballet, showcases mesmerizing movement in a tale about the battle between good and evil. A cast of 50 international dancers come to life, with more than 150 hand-sewn costumes and hand-crafted sets. The show is two hours and 30 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission. Tickets are $49-$95.
Lagerfest — Lagerfest returns to Wrightsville Beach Brewery (6201 Oleander Drive) at noon. Tickets are $2 and include easy-sipping lagers from local breweries Broomtail, Brunswick Beer & Cider, Front Street, Good Hops, Mad Mole, Nacho, Oden, Outer Dunes, Ponysaurus, Surf City Brewing Co, Waterline, and Wilmington Brewing. Music will be performed by Gin Fizz. Tickets include a tasting glass and unlimited sampling of the local lagers.
Jay Killman Trio — For more than a decade, Jay Killman has performed with jazz ensembles, singer-songwriter acts, hip-hop groups, and fusion bands. However, this weekend at Live at Ted’s, the Jay Killman Trio is turning its attention to Duke Ellington, in a tribute show to the jazz great. A graduate from UNCW and NCCU, Killman has performed with icons in the industry, like Branford Marsalis, Keith Ganz, Ralph Bowen, Isaiah Sharkey, and others. He’s also released two albums, “Rene Jay Nice Sounds Collection No. 1” and “Jay Killman Cycles.” Tickets to his 8 p.m. show are $20 here; doors open to the 2 Castle St. venue at 7 p.m.
Pollinator Palooza — The N.C. Coastal Land Trust is hosting its annual free community event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with activities and information regarding pollinators and native plants. Plus, 50 parsley plants will be handed out on a first-come first-serve basis as part of a demonstration. Free seeds of strawberries, cosmos, basil, nasturtium, and borage will be given away as well. The event takes place at 3 Pine Valley Drive.
America250 Veterans Jamboree — Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, UNCW is honoring generations of veterans this weekend as part of its America250 Jamboree. The event is hosted by the UNCW Office of Military Affairs, in partnership with the World War II Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition, and reflects UNCW’s commitment to military-affiliated students, families, and the broader community. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Veterans Hall Quad on UNCW’s campus (1040 Walton Dr), with two veteran service organizations on site, tabling military units, music by the Schoolboys Band, VIP guests, entertainment, and food trucks.
Sunday, April 26
Jewish Film Festival
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $10-$60
For more than a decade, the Wilmington Jewish Film Festival celebrates films that embrace Jewish culture. The 2026 festival will feature six films showing April 26 through May 6, with receptions including food and beverages as well.
Sunday’s screening features “The Ring,” directed by Adir Miller and Doron and Yoav Paz. Based on Miller’s Holocaust survival, the dramedy takes on three generations of family reconnecting with one another, as a son travels to Budapest in search of a mythical ring that saved his mother’s life in the past.
The full lineup of Jewish Film Festival screenings can be found here, along with festival passes on sale for $60 or tickets for $10 individually.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Food Truck Rodeo — Taking place at Ogden Park from noon to 5 p.m., the New Hanover County Parks Conservancy hosts the rodeo featuring over a dozen trucks and live music. The event is free to attend, though food and beverages are individually priced. Proceeds benefit New Hanover County’s All Wheels Pump Track at Northern Regional Park — expected to open this summer.
UNCW Seahawkappellas — The Seahawks co-ed a cappella group will have their final show of the semester at Lumina Theater, 615 Hamilton Dr., at 1 p.m. The group will perform classic, jazzy and pop songs, such as Radiohead’s “Creep,” Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” and Billy Joel’s “Longest Time.” It’s free.
Bellamy Family Fun Day — The historic Bellamy Mansion Museum is bringing Family Fun Day to the community from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It’s free and kids activities will includ pony rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, storytelling, games and more. Plus, food and drinks will be available for purchase.
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