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, June 11
Wyatt Flores
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Drive • Tickets: $55
A Mexican-American country and Americana singer-songwriter from Oklahoma is coming through Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Wyatt Flores has released two albums, “Welcome to the Plains” and “Scared of Heights.”
Earlier this year, he also collaborated with Waylon Wyatt — who performed in Wilmington in May — on a single, “Didn’t Forget,” to positive reception.
Flores was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Rise Star earlier this spring, followed by the release of “Scared of Heights,” featuring tracks like 13 tracks including “Half the Man.”
OTHER THURSDAY EVENT
Sidecar Show — Everyone is welcome to local improv troupe Dare Devil’s show planned at 721 Surry St. at Waterline Brewing Company. A pre-show showcasing performers takes place before a jam opens up to anyone who wants to join and learn about impromptu acting without a script. Doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned comedian, an actor or not — this is the place to test your chops. It’s free to attend and begins at 8 p.m.
Rolling Together Tour — A tour bringing together G. Love, Donovan Frankenreiter and Moon Taxi on one bill will take place at Bowstring Brewyard, 1002 Princess St., at 7 p.m. G. Love is known for his Americana blend of hip-hop and blues, while Frankenreiter has traveled the globe both as a professional surfer and musician, bringing soulful sounds to the forefront of his surf-folk-funk acoustic sound. The Nashville-based indie alternative rock band blends sounds of rock, pop and electronic music. Tickets to the show are $39.95 here.
Line Dancing for Adult Seniors — The Dance Element is bringing together adults and seniors for a 6:30 p.m. dance class throughout June. There is no registration required, just show up readying to move and only pay for the class you attend for $12 (discounts offered for more classes). First-time beginners and lifelong dancers welcome, just wearing clothing you can move in. Learn more here.
Sunset and Moonrise Kayak — Want to connect to nature with a kayak to Masonboro Island for yoga and then kayak back as the moon rises? Carolina Adventure Company in Carolina Beach has the opportunity at 5:30 p.m. The event is held in conjunction with Salty Dog Yoga, which will guide the yoga class on a remote part of the island once there. It’s $55 for people who bring their own kayak or $75 to rent the equipment. Learn more here.
No Regretz — Local rock cover band No Regretz is kicking off Wrightsville Beach Concerts in the Park at 321 Causeway Drive. The music begins at 6:30 p.m. and this year beer and wine will be sold on the premises; no outside alcohol is allowed. Folks are welcome to bring chairs, and blankets to enjoy the free show.
Friday, June 12
Cape Queer Pride Fest
Brooklyn Arts District, Fourth and Red Cross streets • Free
Embracing a CandyLand theme, Cape Queer Pride Fest takes place all weekend along Fourth Street in the Brooklyn Arts District. There will be live music, art, performances, food, vendors, and all-inclusive community events celebrating pride in the Cape Fear.
A portion of the festival proceeds will benefit The LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast, supporting work providing resources, advocacy, education, and safe spaces in the community.
On Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m., BAD also hosts a social district day — meaning folks who purchase alcoholic beverages from the participating 20 or so businesses can carry their drinks into the public rights-of-way (no outside alcohol allowed in the social district perimeter). Each business will likely tailor celebrations to pride as well.
For instance, Avenue B. is hosting a “no beach all party,” meaning tropical sounds with DJ Josh Ivey and DJ Bo Fader take over the Sugar Shore courtyard. There will also be “pay what you can yoga” on Sunday at 2 p.m., followed by an open mic at 3 p.m., with storytelling, music, and poetry welcome by all.
Flytrap Brewing is going with Gumdrop Garden takeover on Saturday at noon. There will be Cape Queer Pride beer releases, a tie-dye station, Hannah’s Hawaiian Ice, Kimchi Taco truck, and Doodle Jam with local artists HP Fangs, meaning games and creative musings, and RizzyBeats setting the vibe with his tunes.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
‘Six the Musical’ — The Broadway Musical “Six” is touring through Wilmington’s Wilson Center June 12-14. The story revels in girl power as six wives of Henry VIII sing through heartbreak and who suffered most from their husband. The show has been hailed for its originality and each Tudor Queen’s solo is inspired by real pop icons and historical events. Tickets start at $70 and the show takes place on all three days at various times, either 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.; learn more here.
Halfway to Halloween — Legion Stadium is celebrating the halfway point to the spookiest time of year with the baseball team The Wilmington Sharks. It’s Halloween on June 12 and everyone is welcome to don their best costumes, enjoy candy and of course baseball. The Sharks will play the Queen City Corndogs at 7:05 p.m. There also will be a KidZone with bounce houses and a jumper, but bring cash to pay for the amenity ($12-$15). Concessions only accept cards.
Dan Duvall — Comedian Dan Duvail performs at Dead Crow Comedy Room for four performances this weekend, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. The Pacific Northwest comedian’s work has been featured on Adult Swim and has inspired the documentary Funny Tweets in Canada. Duvail’s storytelling includes personal experiences, specifically about getting sober. Tickets to his show are $22-$33.
Saturday, June 13
Cape Fear Blues Festival
The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. Fifth Ave. • Tickets: $10-$20
The blues has been celebrated in the Cape Fear region since 1996 with an annual festival bringing together sounds from the Delta, Chicago, Piedmont and contemporary blues artists.
This year’s event takes place June 12 through 14 at Wilmington’s blues haven, the Rusty Nail — best known for its Cape Fear Blues Jam. Music will take place indoors and outdoors underneath a tent on two stages.
Bands scheduled to perform include:
- Friday, June 12, 8 p.m.: The Instigators (Chicago blues, cover $10)
- Saturday, June 13, gates at noon, music at 2 p.m.: Carter Minor Blues Band, Randy McQuay, Maggie’s Kitchen, Two Picky Guys ($20 cover)
- Sunday, June 22, doors at 1 p.m. and music at 4 p.m.: The Rhythm Bones and Dram Family Jam Band ($10 cover or free when showing Saturday wristband)
There will be various vendors, food, and raffles throughout the weekend as well. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs for outdoor stage seating, but no pets or coolers are allowed. All concert-goers must be 18 and older, though only those over 21 can remain on the premises after 10 p.m. nightly. Anyone 18-20 must be accompanied by a 21-year-old. No pets nor coolers allowed.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
‘The Runarounds’ Set Sale — A series produced and shot in Wilmington that wasn’t greenlit for a second season is hosting a set sale all weekend. Costumes, props, set decoration, and fun specialty items will be sold from the production of Amazon MGM’s “The Runarounds.” It will be hosted June 12-15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1325 Castle Hayne Road; cash only is accepted.
Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ — One of experimental rock’s most famed bands will have its exemplary album “Dark Side of the Moon” played from start to finish in Thalian Hall’s current Hubblo immersive theater dome. The 360-degree experience is available at 3:15 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. Upon exiting, a psychedelic dance floor with swirling lights will welcome dancers to a Pink Floyd silent-disco. The experience is available through June 30 only at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Tickets are $34.
La Vie En Rose’: A Celebration Of Rosé Wines — Fermental is celebrating hot weather and rose wines from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It’s rosé all day, with Fermental featuring limited wines from Maison Mirabeau. Rosé wines maintain the intricacies of red grape varietals, carrying forward bright fruit undertones, such as nuances of strawberries and other red fruit, making them perfect for summer months. On site will be Fitz’s Biscuits at 5 p.m. and live music from the Dan Davis Group, a jazz trio, begins at 7 p.m.
Let’s Dance ‘80s Night — Put on your lace gloves or leg warmers and plan to dance the night away to Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston and more as Let’s Dance at The Underfront celebrates the 1980s with Rizzybeats spinning tunes. The dance party is $10 and takes place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Let’s Dance is a night of vinyl presented by James Tritten of Fort Lowell Records; Rizzybeats is a well-known Wilmington DJ and producer, often found spinning hip-hop at Underfront every first Friday of the month as well. The bar is located at 265 N. Front St.
Gaga and ‘Rocky Horror’ Shadowcast— Pineapple-Shaped Lamps and The Eagle’s Dare are celebrating Pride Month — and halfway to Halloween — with a special tribute to Lady Gaga and thereafter a screening and shadowcast of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Show.” PSL comedy troupe members dress up like all of the “Rocky Horror”’s famed characters: Dr. Frank-n-Furter, Magenta, Columbia, Riff Raff and more. But before the shadowcast,, there will be a Lady Gaga-themed night of tribute acts and drag queens, who wrap their show at 10 p.m. Rocky Horror is a non-ticketed event, though donations are accepted at the door to benefit the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast for Pride. The Eagle’s Dare is located at the corner of Red Cross and Third streets.
Sister Hazel — At Bowstring Brewyard, Sister Hazel composes five seasoned musicians from Florida, whose song “All for You” topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997 and sent their self-titled album to platinum status. The group has also topped country music charts with tracks like “Lighter In The Dark” and have continued charting with album releases throughout the years. The band also gets up, close and personal with fans at annual events like “Hazelnut Hang,” cofounded “The Rock Boat” cruise featuring nonstop opportunities for fan/artist interaction. Founded by singer Ken Block and the Band, the charity unites musicians and celebrities for concerts and auctions to benefit cancer research and patient-care charities and will perform at Bowstring Brewyard in the Soda Pop District; tickets are $30.
Sunday, June 14
Stars, Stripes, and Service: Army’s 251st Birthday
Battleship North Carolina, 1 Battleship Rd.
The U.S.S. North Carolina Memorial will illuminate the evening of Sunday, June 14, to observe the 251st anniversary of the United States Army and Flag Day.
The Army is the nation’s oldest military service, created more than a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. June 14 is also Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States by the Continental Congress in 1777.
The day honors the enduring ideals of freedom, unity, and service represented by the American flag. The Battleship will be illuminated beginning at sunset and visible throughout the evening from downtown Wilmington. Learn more here.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Tara Nicole’s Drag Brunch — It’s a special Pride brunch event at Hi-Wire Brewing with light snacks and heavy fund as Wilmington’s premiere drag queen, Tara Nicole, entertains crowds. Tickets are $13 here and VIP seating is available with doors at noon and showtime at 1 p.m.
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