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, Oct. 1
Jon Pardi
Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St. • Tickets: $92 and up
An American country music singer and songwriter, known for traditional honky-tonk sound with a modern twist, is taking over downtown Wilmington Thursday evening. Jon Pardi is coming through downtown’s Live Oak Bank Pavilion on his Gamblin’ Man Tour.
Pardi’s signature sound includes fiddles, steel guitars, and heavy twang heard on songs like “Dirt on My Boots,” “Heartache Medication,” and “Last Night Lonely.”
Pardi last performed in town in 2024; his return Thursday also welcomes opening acts Alexandra Kay and Sadie Bass. Though the show is sold out, verified resales start at $92 here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Haunted Thalian Hall Tour — Thalian Hall is more than 150 years old and has welcomed many speakers and performers through its doors. Throughout this time, there have been many unexplainable and eerie encounters, perhaps from playful spirits, and other unexplained phenomena that actors, staff and historians have attested to. From ghostly stagehands to spectral audience members, learn about the Hall’s ‘spirited’ past in a special tour, recommended for ages 13 and up. Call the box office for tickets — 910-632-2285, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.
Carolina Beach Pier Pumpkin Patch — If you want to enjoy some shoreline breezes while you choose your fall gourd, head to Carolina Beach Pier. The business has set up a beach pumpkin patch, with events happening Thursday and Friday throughout the month as well. There will be wine tastings, movie nights, bonfires and blankets, plus live music. Learn more here.
‘The Wolves’ — At the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater in Thalian Hall, PTPT Apprentice Theater has a production of “The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe running for two weekends. The show follows nine teenagers on a girls’ indoor soccer team, as they bond on and off the field before tragedy strikes. The play examines how the young athletes forge their identity, handle intense competition, and support one another during a critical coming-of-age period.
Friday, Oct. 2
‘Dracula’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $37
Thalian Association is producing Steven Dietz’s “Dracula” for one final weekend.
Directed by Joshua Zieseniss, with assistance from Sydney Smith Martin, the show will be on the main stage of Thalian Hall. Dietz’s adaptation embraces the classic tale of an ancient vampire, Count Dracula, traveling from Transylvania to London in search of new blood among a larger population to feed on. The show includes macabre horror, dark romance and psychological thrills.
It stars Corey Ahlers as Dracula, Mark Sutton as Van Helsing, Georgie Cole as Mina, Cat Thomas as Lucy, John Gibson as Harker, Chase Harrison as Seward and Caylan McKay as Renfield, among others. Read Port City Daily’s interview with the two lead actors here.
Tickets are $32 to $42 and showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Andy Frasco and the U.N. — Known for their high energy, Andy Frasco and the U.N. are no stranger to Greenfield Lake — or Wilmington, for that matter — as the band has sold out shows over again across the years with their blend of blues, rock, pop and hip-hop. They’re returning Friday and tickets are available for $39 here.
Shadows in the Parlor — Every Friday night in October, the Latimer House is offering night ghost tours at the 126 S. Third St. home. Attendees will be immersed in Victorian spiritualism and paranormal investigation from Carolina’s Unknown Paranormal Research, while learning about the tales, lore and legends surrounding the property. Guests 12 years of age and up are welcome and tickets start at $30 here.
Torment Haunted Laser Tag — Tagges as “two tales, one nightmare,” Jungle Rapids is getting into the holiday spirit with Torment Haunted Laser Tag. The Halloween attraction has guests battling through a fog-filled arena with horrors lurking around every corner. It takes place every Friday in October at 5320 Oleander Drive; tickets are $25 and it includes $4 free arcade games.
Farewell Summer Jazz Funeral — Kure Beach is mourning the passing of summer as fall kicks into high gear in southeastern North Carolina. The first Friday of October, a jazz band will lead a procession and a casket to the pavilion on the beachfront. All are welcome to attend, dressed in their finest funeral digs, masks and beads welcome. It takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the Port City Players providing the music. The T’Geaux Boys food truck will serve authentic N’awlins cuisine — laissez les bons temps rouler!
Creative Castle First Friday Art Walk — Castle Street businesses are hosting their own art walk on Friday, the inaugural event featuring live painting, art exhibits, music and more. Thirteen Castle Street businesses are participating, featuring artwork from local artists, such as Tiffany O’Brien, Katherine Barnes, Henry Gaßner, Dave Sylvester, Kim Barr, HP Fangs and more. The event is free and takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Castle Street between Third and 12th streets. Read more about it from Port City Daily here.
Saturday, Oct. 3
Oktoberfest Under the Bridge
Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St. • Free
It’s been a decade since Waterline Brewing has been celebrating its annual fall throwdown, featuring games such as a stein-holding contest and best dressed contest. This Saturday throw on your most colorful lederhosen and dirndl, come down to the brewery under the foot of the Cape Fear Bridge holding your best stein and enjoy a day of Oktoberfest.
Five food trucks serving eats throughout the day including A&Ms Red Food Truck, 2Bros Coastal Cuisine, Johnny Cheesehead, Crofton’s Pretzels and Celtic Creamery. The Harbour Towne Fest Band will perform as well. Gates open at noon, with the event starting at 1 p.m. Waterline is located at 721 Surry St. It’s free to attend, but beer and eats are individually priced. Last call is at 7:30 p.m. and the festival ends at 8 p.m.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Carolina Beach Music Fest: Reggae Edition — Carolina Beach Music Festival is returning to this fall in celebration of reggae. Taking place at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk stage, the festival will include acts Ballyhoo, Signal Fire and Cape Fear Rising. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door (kids 10 and under, free), with gates at 10 a.m. and the show starting at 11 a.m. Coolers, food, beach towels and chairs welcome; no umbrellas, shibumis, glass or liquor allowed.
Wilmington Sky Lantern Festival — Head to the Riverwalk at 128 S. Water Street to see lanterns released above the Cape Fear River. Ascent Sky Lantern Festival is scheduled to take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event includes live entertainment, music, local vendors, interactive experiences, and the signature synchronized sky lantern launch after dusk. Tickets are $67 here.
Latin Night — Hi-Wire Brewing welcomes all who have their dancing shoes on to learn a Latin dance lesson at 7 p.m. followed by social dancing until 10 p.m. Expect to dance the salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia and more. It’s free to attend and all levels are welcome; no dance partner is needed. Hi-Wire is located at 1020 Princess St.
Bark in the Park — Dogs of all breeds, ages, sizes, colors and experience levels are welcome to register for Bark in the Park — an annual competition in Wrightsville Beach that showcases the best of the best in canine disc champions. Taking place Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m., is the Hyperflite Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championships at Wrightsville Beach Park, 321 Causeway Drive. Competitors are scored on the distance and accuracy of catches, with mid-air catches worth extra points. Plus, there is a Best Dressed Team, and Best Dressed Dog and Most Personality for the four-legged friends. The event is free for spectators and participants, but registration is required here.
Pumpkins and Ponies — Looking for the perfect pumpkin but want to have a family fun day doing it? Let Amber Dale’s Pumpkin Patch at 2307 N. College Road be of help; this Saturday they will have pony rides with Port City Minis, face-painting by Debby, ArtVentures Mobile Art Experience Mobile Art Studio, local vendors, fall photo ops and of course a large selection of pumpkins and mums. It’s free to attend but the gourds and flowers are individually priced.
Tappin’ the Gourd Pumpkin Festival — Tapyard Wilmington is also having a fall festival on Saturday starting at noon. There will be pumpkin beers on tap, plenty of contests — pumpkin-carving, pie-eating — plus games. 3 Docs in a Box will perform from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s free to attend and Tapyard is located at 502 S. 16th St.
Pot Fest — To support area ceramicists, head to Trask Family Farms this weekend at 3650 Blue Clay Road. Pot Fest 2026 is taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with proceeds supporting Dream Center for Arts Education. It’s free to attend, with each selection of pottery individually priced by artists from Fat Cat Pottery in Wilmington and Ocean Isle Beach studios. There also will be hands-on clay activities and a Great Pottery Throwdown competition. Sail Away Ladies are performing live bluegrass music at 1 p.m., plus the farm’s seasonal activities — u-pick pumpkin patch and flower fields, hayrides, corn maze — are underway. Food vendors will be onsite as well.
Sunday, Oct. 4
‘Waitress’
Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. • Tickets: $55 and up
The Broadway musical inspired by the 2007 film of the same name, “Waitress” is headed to Wilson Center Friday through Sunday.
Featuring music by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles, the story follows Jenna, an expert pie maker who dreams of leaving her small town. A baking contest and the town’s new doctor could be just the key, but Jenna must find strength and courage to escape an abusive marriage and make changes, especially once she learns she is having a child.
The musical won the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards; it will be staged on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Lettuce — Brooklyn-based funk outfit Lettuce is coming through Greenfield Lake Amphitheater on Sunday. The six musicians in the band —Adam Deitch, Erick “Maverick” Coomes, Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff, Ryan Zoidis, Nigel Hall, and Eric “Benny” Bloom — are known for their high energy and improvisational work on tracks like “Outta Here” and “Hang Up Your Hangups.” They’re stopping at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater as part of their Lettuce Cook Tour; tickets are $44 here.
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