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, May 21
‘The Wild Party’
Thalian Hall’s Red Box Theater, 310 Chestnut St. • Cabaret tables here
Opera House Theater Company will be hosting Andrew Lippa’s “The Wild Party” at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Taking place in the roaring 1920s, the score includes jazz and is based on Joseph Moncure March’s 1928 narrative poem about a decadent, booze-soaked party in 1920s Manhattan. The story centers on a vaudeville dancer, Queenie, putting together an over-the-top party with the goal to publicly humiliate her volatile clown husband, Burrs.
The show stars Tracy Byrd, Sydney Smith Martin, Alexander McConkie-May and others, and is directed by Kendra Goehring, with choreography by Cassandra McAlister, music by Brian Whitted and stage managed by Mike Thompson.
The show runs in Thalian’s Red Box Theater, through May 24, from Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets are available here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘Men on Boats’ — Big Dawg Productions has a new production in the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater of Thalian Hall. A play by Jaclyn Backhaus, the show reimagines an historic journey from 1898 with 10 explorers on expedition down the Colorado River, facing uncharted waters and treacherous terrain. Courage, grit, and resolve will be challenged in a bold tale with an all-female cast bringing energy, humor, and heart to the stage. Tickets are $35 here and show the runs through May 24, Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Friday, May 22
moe.
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheatre Drive • Tickets: $44
The jam band from upstate New York is bringing its sounds to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater and will perform their signature improvisational skills. Rob Derhak, Chuck Garvey, Al Schnier, Jim Loughlin, Vinnie Amico and Nate Wilson are touring in support of their 2025 album “Circle of Giants.”
“Live is different because the band is so improvisational and in the moment, so you just have to be on your toes,” relative newcomer Nate Wilson told Port City Daily earlier this week. “You have to listen and react and not have an ego about things or try to push things in certain ways.”
A dollar from every ticket sold will go to Eddies Hugs nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting those affected by mental illness.
moe. concert tickets are $44 here and read the full PCD interview here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
38 Special — Formed in 1974 out of Florida, 38 Special has released 13 studio albums. The band has published hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up In You,” “If I’d Been The One,” “Back Where You Belong,” and “Second Chance” over its more than 50-year tenure. 38 Special is celebrating more than five decades together with a tour stop at Wilson Center on May 22 at 7 p.m., in support of “Milestone” — the band’s first studio album in 20 years. Released in 2025, “Milestone” is guitar driven and defined by “anthemic melodies,” according to the band. Tickets start at $60 here.
Oc3ans — Wilmington’s Oc3ans, featuring Brooke Renshaw of “American Idol,” will showcase regional talent as part of Marina Grill’s Sunset Live music series that takes place for free every Friday night throughout the summer. Starting at 6 p.m., the band will take the stage to perform a mix of originals and covers across multiple genres, from hip-hop to rock to pop. The venue is located at 18 Harnett St. in downtown Wilmington.
Pleasure Island Pride Silent Disco — Ahead of Pride month in June, an event for the LGBTQ+ community is taking place on Pleasure Island this weekend. On May 22, a silent disco is planned with a special appearance by drag star Belle Bloom. It’s free but it’s also first-come, first-serve for the first 100 headphones. All donations will be given to the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast. The event takes place at Kindred Events at 205 Charlotte Ave. from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dead Letter Office: A Tribute to R.E.M. — A tribute to one of the most famous ‘90s alternative acts, R.E.M. is planned at Bowstring Brewyard this weekend. Dead Letter Office — named after an album of rarities and B-sides from the band — consists of Chris Sanchirico, Matt King, Chuck Eaton, Dave Shahin, and Scott Ryan. The group plays, note for note, measure for measure, songs like “Radio Free Europe,” “Driver 8” and “The Great Beyond,” to better known tracks like “Losing My Religion” and “Man on the Moon.” The group has been joined by former R.E.M. members, including Mike Mills and Peter Buck. Tickets to their show on Friday are $26.69.
Saturday, May 23
30th Annual Orange Street ArtsFest
Hannah Block USO/Community Arts Center, 120 S. Orange St. • Free
The 30th annual Orange Street Arts Fest is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend and features almost 100 artisans and creators selling their unique works.
The festival, presented by The Thalian Association Community Theater, is the biggest springtime event in downtown Wilmington, featuring artists from North Carolina and surrounding areas. It will be held May 23-24 on Orange Street, next to Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, and on Second to Dock streets. Artists will also be set up inside the arts center.
Orange Street ArtsFest has been happening as a fundraiser for Thalian Association since 1995 to promote the arts in Wilmington and the Community Arts Center, located in the Historic USO building.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Pat Burtscher — Known for observational comedy that involves storytelling and personal anecdotes, Pat Burtscher is coming through the Dead Crow Comedy Room on May 22 and 23, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to perform four shows. The New York-based comedian is a regular at The Comedy Cellar, has performed on many festival circuits, from Edinburgh to Singapore, and has toured with heavyweights like Bert Kreischer, Brett Goldstein and others. He released his debut album, “Patty Cakes,” in 2019 and “Don’t Tell” on YouTube. Tickets to his show are $24 to $36.
‘Hello, Dolly!’ — A classic Broadway musical will be staged this weekend on Thalian Hall’s main stage from Thalian Association, with shows running Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. from May 15 through 24. “Hello, Dolly” is a musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play “The Matchmaker.” It has humor, romance and song and dance numbers that have become iconic on Broadway. A turn-of-the-century matchmaker, Dolly Gallagher Levi, meddles in the lives of others, trying to connect relationships, including one of her own. With book by Michael Steward, and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, the show includes songs such as “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” and “Hello, Dolly!” Since the 1960s, the musical has won numerous awards, including Drama Desk, Tony and Laurence Olivier. Tickets are $34 to $42 here.
Reggie’s Arts and Music Fest — Head to Reggie’s 42nd Street on Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to midnight to support all local artists in Wilmington. On the bill will be six bands, including American Chestnut, Speeding Kills Bears, Crosshair, Research Triangle, Roland Avenue and Magic Attic. Also set up will be varied visual artists, including Chris Mitlinski Chocolatier, Port City Harm Reduction, Ellabella, Goth Welfare, Brian Johnston, Spanxy Fox, Aaron Ballentine and others. There is a $10 admission fee.
Carolina Beach Market Opening Day — During the height of the summer season Carolina Beach hosts its farmers’ market at the Carolina Beach Lake every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. There are numerous farmers, growers and makers on site, selling everything from fresh produce, herb, eggs and locally raised beef to jewelry, candles, and other items. It’s free to attend but wares are sold individually from the vendors. Oftentimes, there is also local entertainment.
Jason Mraz — Most famously known for his hits “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up,” Mraz is returning to the stage in support of his eighth studio album, “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.” The album was created with the help of Los Angeles band Raining Jane and producer Martin Terefe, who helmed Mraz’s chart-topping 2008 album “We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.” “A song can stem from a place of shadow or darkness, but optimism will always be in my music,” Mraz said in a release about the uplifting spirit he imbues in his catalogue. “I always want to bring the listener back to the light.” Mraz also has appeared on Broadway, in the hit musical “Waitress,” and placed second on ABC’s Season 32 of “Dancing with the Stars.” He also started a nonprofit Jason Mraz Foundation, which supports inclusive arts education, food security, and equality. Mraz will perform at the Wilson Center at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are here.
Punch Brothers — The Punch Brothers will take the GLA stage on May 23. Founded by mandolinist Chris Thile in 2006 in Brooklyn, New York, the bluegrass band is an acoustic quintet. The band has six full albums and two EPs, and its 2018 album, “All Ashore” won the Grammy for Best Folk Album in 2019. Its most recent album was released in 2022 and titled, “Hell on Church Street,” and will be played on tour. Tickets are on sale and available for purchase here.
Wilmington 1898 Coup and Massacre History Tour — In 1898, Wilmington’s city government was overthrown by a white supremacist coup, inciting violence against African Americans. Those who were not killed were driven out of town. A walking tour addressing the history of the nation’s notorious coup d’état is being offered; it will be historian-guided as well. Reserve your $15 ticket here and wear comfortable shoes.
Sunday, May 24
Songs of the Sixties
Tempo 33, 33 S. Front St.
Tickets: $40
Reminisce back to the 1960s when the radio was filled with tracks from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones. The Kennedy Singers, produced and directed by Ray Kennedy, will be taking the stage at Tempo 33 for two shows on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Expect to hear songs like “Yesterday,” “I Got You Babe,” “California Dreamin’,” “My Girl,” and so more. Tickets are $40 each and there is a two-drink or food minimum.
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