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, June 25
‘Twelfth Night or What Evah’
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheatre Dr. • Free
Cherri McKay is directing a classic as part of Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green with the youth production of “Twelfth Night or What Evah.” The romantic comedy takes on tales of mistaken identity and love triangles as a shipwreck separates twins on Illyria who, through hijinks, find their way back to one another.
Also taking place as part of the show is the Illyria Music Festival with local guest musicians performing each night. The show starts at 8 p.m., is free, and takes place on final run on June 25, with gates opening at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater at 6:30 p.m. Picnics welcome.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Concerts at Wrightsville Beach —Machine Gun Band will be performing the free show in Wrightsville Beach Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Also parked will be food trucks, including A&M’s Red, Maine Lobstah, and Brain Freeze. Beer and wine will also be sold onsite, but outside alcohol is prohibited. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.
Boardwalk Blast — In the southern portion of the county, free fireworks and another concert is taking place at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Spare Change, out of La Grange, North Carolina, will bring the party to life with a diverse playlist. The group performs rock, country, beach, funk, rap, current Top 40 hits, and classic rock. Lawn chairs are welcome, dancing shoes mandatory. The fireworks take place at 9 p.m. The show is free and weather-dependent.
Friday, June 26
Ella Langley
Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St.
Ella Langley’s “The Dandelion Tour” will stop in Wilmington at Live Oak Bank Pavilion, with Dylan Marlowe and Gabriella Rose also performing.
The tour is in support of Langley’s album “Dandelion,” to be released April 10, and executive-produced by Langley alongside Miranda Lambert and Ben West. The album includes the title track “Dandelion,” as well as “Choosin’ Texas.” The latter track reached Number One on the Billboard Streaming Songs chart this week. It also charted in the top spot on Spotify and Apply Music in the United States.
Langley has been touring for years and performing with some of country music’s most established acts. This year she also will tour in support of Eric Church’s “Free The Machine Tour” and Morgan Wallen’s “Still The Problem Tour.”
Tickets are sold out but resales can be found here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
“The Outsiders” — Performance Club Theater Company is presenting “The Outsiders,” based on the novel by S. E. Hinton. Adapted to the stage by Christopher Sergel, the show delves into the rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs but centers on the coming-of-age story of a 14-year-old who is dealing with family, friendships and loss. The show is helmed by youth director Sara Rudeseal, featuring an all-teen cast. It will be staged June 26-28, with both 3 p.m. matinees and nighttime performances offered at 7 p.m. Tickets are $32.
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ — Caylan McKay is directing a classic as part of Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The comedy runs one final weekend and is set in Athens and takes on multiple plots revolving around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. The play is famous for its magical elements, including the mischievous fairy Puck, who uses a love potion to prompt chaos among lovers. The show starts at 8 p.m., is free, and takes place June 26-28, with gates opening to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater at 6:30 p.m. Picnics welcome.
Glow in the Dark Scars — You can catch this old school Wilmington indie-rock band twice this weekend, first at Dram Tree Tavern on Friday, June 26, 7 p.m., and then on Saturday, June 27, at 7 p.m. Glow in the Dark Scars is made up of Fred Champion, Jarrod Drobot, Sam Goodman, Jamie Tomosunas and Cameron Champney; the group released a 13-track self-titled album on Bandcamp. Glow in the Dark Scars blend quippy, fun lyrics with sentimental ethos, including droning guitars, poppy melodies, some infused with punk overtones, and Champion’s wispy vocals. The music is free at both venues.
Saturday, June 27
‘Gypsy’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $36-$48
Often called the greatest American musical, “Gypsy” is directed by Suellen Yates, with music direction by Brian Whitted and choreography by Bradley Barefoot at Thalian Hall weekends through June 28.
The classic tells the story of ambition, show business, and family, with Broadway classics like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” from Sondheim. “Gypsy” tells the classic story of Mama Rose and her daughters. This production stars Tony-nominated and Grammy-winning Broadway star NaTasha Yvette Williams as Mama Rose and will star Tony-nominated and Grammy-winning Broadway star NaTasha Yvette Williams as Mama Rose.
Tickets are $36 to $48.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Oc3ans — Known on the Wilmington scene for their soulful sounds, Brooke Renshaw on vocals, Josh Boyd on guitar, Joey Lamb on drums and MC/rapper Jared Sales are performing at The Bend from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Renshaw is best known for her stint on “American Idol,” and with the band performs a blend of of rock, soul and hip-hop. It’s free and The Bend is located at 7227 Market St.
Luke Null — Blending music with comedy, Luke Null hails from the Windy City and will bring his catchy earworms and humor to Dead Crow Comedy Room this weekend. Null spent a year in New York as a featured player on “SNL” before moving to LA and performs regularly at the Hollywood Improv and comedy clubs and colleges across the country. He released a live standup special, “Pretty Songs, Dirty Words,” in 2024. His four shows this weekend take place at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $27 to $39.
Juneteenth Gospel Concert — In Pender County, the 1865 Society of Pender County is hosting a free concert in the courthouse public square, 100 N. Wright St. The show features multiple groups including Monica Ross and Family, Chris Ledbetter and Friends, and Andre Murrill and Kids, with the event hosted by MC James Murphy. The concert takes place at 5 p.m. in celebration of hope and resilience; lawn chairs are welcome.
Tommy Shell and the Shondells — Performing at the Wilson Center at 7:30 p.m., Tommy James and the Shondells take on Top 40 hits, including “Crimson and Clover,” “Mony Mony,” “Hanky Panky,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” and “Draggin’ the Line.” In the 1980s, James’ hits became a revised sensation when pop star Tiffany covered “I Think We’re Alone Now” and rocker Billy Idol released his version of “Mony Mony.” James can still be heard on Sunday’s SiriusXM Radio show “Gettin’ Together with Tommy James.” He also wrote the bestselling autobiography, “Me, The Mob and the Music,” now being turned into both a feature film and a Broadway play. Tickets to the show start at $47 here.
Sunday, June 28
Dock Street Pride Party
33 S. Front and Dock streets • Free
Dancing, drinks and drag. That’s on deck for the 2026 Pride party along Dock Street, taking place beginning at noon. Vendors will be lined up outside of Duck & Dive from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and there will be face painting and body painting.
There will be a drag show featuring local performers Tara Nicole Brooks, Brenda the Drag Queen, Dezzy Monroe, Ebony Addams and more. There will be a vendor market, music and drinks specials from participating businesses, including Tempo.33, YoSake, Duck and Dive, Savard Beer and Board, Oden Brewing, Wilmington Distillery, Banter, Ibiza, Ponysaurus Brewing, Dixie Grill and Docs at the Ivey.
The event is free to attend.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Anime Fest— Hotel Ballast welcomes all anime lovers on Sunday to a festival featuring voice actors, vendors, and panels. Plus, there will be trivia, a lip sync battle and Cosplay contest. Tickets start at $12 here, but VIP packages are also available. Hotel Ballast is located downtown at 301 N. Water St.
Bloody Mary Crawl — The Cargo District is celebrating the Bloody Mary on Sunday. A Bloody Mary Crawl is taking place at area venues including Alcove, Fermental, The Starling, The Rift, End of Days Distillery, Azalea Station and The Alley. It takes place from noon to 4 p.m., with locations offering a map with a QR code to scan and vote on your favorites. The event is free to attend, but drinks are individually priced at each venue.
‘End Days’ — The Brunswick County Little Theater is opening “End Days” which runs through June 28 on weekends at 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. The story follows a 16-year-old, Rachel Stein, whose father remains in his PJs since 9/11 and whose mom has found Jesus and awaits the Apocalypse’s arrival … on Wednesday. Rachel reacts by shielding herself with sarcasm and black eyeliner and has a crush on a classmate who dresses like Elvis. The show was written by Deborah Zoe Laufer and is directed by Victor Gallo; it covers themes of science, faith, and meaning. Tickets are $28 here.
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