SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features plenty 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. 23
Greek Fest Drive-Thru
St. Nicolas Greek Orthodox Church, 608 S. College Road • Food individually priced
Though the annual Greek Festival takes place every spring, each fall it hosts a mini drive-thru event so folks can nosh on homemade goods prepared by parishioners of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
This weekend, Oct. 24-26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. — and until 5 p.m. on Sunday — cars line up at the church grounds to gather the goods. Moussaka, spanakopita, gyros, patstitio, tiropita, dolmathes, pastries and more can be ordered. A platter is also available for those who want a little bit of everything, including pastries.
Prices on the menu range from $7 to $25.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘Macbeth’ — Did you miss Cape Fear Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” earlier this summer? You can catch a revival of the show for one night only on the lawn at The Rift, located at 2144 Wrightsville Ave. in Cargo East. Directed by Caylan McKay, “Macbeth” follows a Scottish general who, from a prophecy told by three witches, learns he will become king one day. But what it takes to get there is a psychological twister and, with his wife by his side along the way, erupts in violence and eventual tyrannical ruling due to political power and ambitions. Doors open at 5 p.m., with 6 p.m. showing on both Thursday, Oct. 23, and Friday, Oct 24. Admission is free.
Pumpkin-Carving Competition — Think your carving skills are on point? Let Flytrap Brewing see them as part of their pumpkin-carving competition held at 8 p.m. Thursday. The brewery turns into a pumpkin patch every fall, so there the seasonal vibes will be turned up to 100 and folks can purchase the pumpkins from their patch (but bring your own carving tools). Prizes include gift cards to the brewery and DJ Professor Dub will be spinning tunes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with food truck Birrieria La Rosita set up from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Flytrap is located at 319 Walnut St.
ARTFall Show and Sale — Head to the Community Arts Center at Second and Orange streets this weekend for the annual ARTFall Show and Sale, featuring varied works by dozens of artists. The event is open to the public one last weekend through Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Only original works created in the last two years were accepted and judged by award-winning artist Benjamin Billingsley, a professor of studio art and art history at Cape Fear Community College. The awards reception handed out more than $500 in prizes.
Meet Loaf Tribute Band — At Bowstring Brewyard, a tribute act is performing in honor of the one and only Meat Loaf, a.k.a Michael Lee Aday. Meat Loaf’s 1977 “Bat Out of Hell” album remains popular, coming in at #13 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top Rock Albums chart in the US in 2022 after Meat Loaf’s death. Aday created it with Jim Steinman who helped songwrite and orchestrate the works, including the three-part rock opera “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.” The seven-piece tribute act, including Benny Israel Resonance, Ariel Eva Resonance, Alberto Pizarro, Marco Pizarro, Dennis “Bach” Blischak, Cecilia Roy, and Adrian Perez, perform it among other Meat Loaf songs, such as “Rock and Roll Dreams Come True” and even hits “Hot Patootie” and “Time Warp.” The band also performs Steinman hits — “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” and “Making Love Out of Nothing At All” — who wrote for artists like Celine Dion, Cher and Bonnie Tyler.
Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra — To throwback to the Appalachia, head to Bourgie Nights Thursday at 7 p.m. Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra — an eight-piece out of Oslo, Norway — are performing uptempo rhythms and ballads, with sounds steeped in folk music lore and traditions, embracing both Celtic and Norwegian fiddle tunes. $20 tickets are here and doors are at 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24
Haunted Forest
Winnabow • Tickets: $54-$81
It’s a weekend of camping, music, haunted trails and general spooky vibes going down in Winnabow at the Haunted Forest Halloween Festival and Trail, taking place Oct. 24-25. There will be costumed dance parties with themed nights, as bands, variety shows and DJs perform.
The live music includes Dubtown Cosmonauts, Domicile, Tripodacus, Dragons with Matches, The Casserole, Jesse Stockton, happy Colored Marbles (Ween tribute) Heter Pan’s Murder Mystery Band, Damien Thompson, Superhuman Jam, Al Al Ingram and Heter Pan with CC Rider take the stage. Plus, there will be a circus side show and plenty of visual artists, such as Watinne Visual, Art by Nugget, and Brittany E Lampe Art and more. Psychic medium Megan Leah also will be part of the event, with potluck dinners provided by Incognito Bar-rito on Friday and Touch of Smoke BBQ on Saturday.
Tickets are $54 for individual nights (doesn’t include camping) and $81 for a weekend pass ( includes camping, parking, haunted trail and live entertainment). A limited number of tickets are available, first-come, first-served — no weapons, firearms or fireworks are allowed. The live music schedule is here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Joanne Shaw Taylor — Discovered at the age of 16 by the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, Taylor is a well-known guitarist who has performed with Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder and Annie Lennox. In 2009, Taylor released a debut album, “White Sugar,” in 2009 on Ruf Records. Since then, she has released 10 albums to date, including 2012’s “Almost Always Never,” which included the UK radio hit “Soul Station.” She has performed on BBC’s “Later With Jools Holland” and broke into the U.K. Top 20 in 2019 with “Reckless Heart,” followed by a No. 1 hit on the blues chart, 2021’s “The Blues Album” and 2022’s “Blues From The Heart Live.” “Black & Gold” was released in 2025 on Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records and produced by Kevin Shirley, blending blues-rock, Americana, indie rock, and retro ’80s pop. Taylor will perform from her catalog of music at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $33.
Octet — A contemporary art exhibition will feature eight locals’ works. Curated by artist Addie Wuensch, the show will include new painting from Wuensch, in addition to works showcased by Phil Covington, David Fernandez, HP Fangs, Jahde Art, Palma Minnich and Angel Murrill. There will be a live DJ and refreshments, and the event takes place downtown at DFS Agency, 254 N. Front St., 203, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Paul Cauthen — Americana rocker Paul Cauthen was born in Dallas and had his start in the indie folk duo Sons of Fathers before going solo. He’s released three studio albums and an EP, the most recent being “Country Coming Down” in April 2022. Cauthen comes from generations of musical talent, taught to sing harmonies by his grandfather and raised in a church where his dad sang a cappella. “My Gospel,” Cauthen’s first solo record released in 2016, was listed as number 23 of Rolling Stone magazine’s top 40 country records of the year. Nicknamed “Big Velvet” for his distinctive baritone voice, Cauthen often plays with and has collaborated with Cody Jinks, Orville Peck, Margo Price and others. He is performing at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater and tickets are $39 here.
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Shadowcast — The cult classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” turns 50 this year and in celebration it’s screening a few times this week, twice with a shadowcast bringing live-action to retell the famed 1977 film. The Eagle’s Dare is hosting a shadowcast with Pineapple Shaped Lamps on Thursday at 8 p.m. for $10 and then on Saturday the group heads to the larger Thalian Hall for a 7:30 p.m. screening. The local comedy troupe will have actors dressed up as Rocky Horror characters and will re-enact the film as it plays on the big screen. The audience is encouraged to participate as well, dressing up, doing callbacks and singing along to the classics, “Time Warp,” “Science Fiction Double Feature,” “I Can Make You a Man” and more. Tickets to Thalian Hall’s 500-seat event are $35 and it’s for ages 18 and up only. The hall also has regular screenings without the live action hosted this week during multiple times, including a midnight screening on Oct. 24.
Dance with the Fishes — The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is hosting a silent disco. Marine life will swim about in large tanks, visible from the dance floor, though won’t be disturbed by the music, as dancers don headphones and have varied channels to bring in their favorite tunes. The fundraiser is also Halloween-themed and encourages costumes, with admission including entry into a costume contest. Good Hops and Waterline Brewery have provided alcoholic beverages for purchase and SharkBites will be on-site with food and drinks for purchase. Tickets are $44 and benefit the aquarium, with the event taking place at 900 Loggerhead Road from 6 p.m to 10 p.m.
Film Family Flea — It’s been a slow year for the local film industry with only a handful of projects rolling cameras in town. To help support the locals who make the magic happen onscreen, head to the Film Family Flea at 905 N. 23rd St. (behind Dunton Cine, located near Cinespace Studios). There will be all kinds of goods for sale, including vintage, handmade, movie swag, set decor, wardrobe, art, music and more, with funds going back to those who work in the industry. Plus, there will be special effects makeup from Bearded Skulls FX, and contests. It takes place both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25
City Ballet’s Masquerade
Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. • Tickets: $22.75
If you’re looking to put some culture into your Halloween celebrations this season, then look no further than City Ballet’s Masquerade performances. Multiple shows are taking place at the Wilson Center.
The group will perform Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” and Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Both will be part of Saturday’s show, while “Alice in Wonderland” also will have a 4 p.m. Sunday matinee. That event welcomes families and will include “Alice’s Garden,” featuring students from the City Ballet School.
Dancers will go down the rabbit hole with Alice and her adventures into a fantasy world. Expect dancers taking on varied creatures — the White Rabbit, hookah-smoking caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter — all of whom make Alice’s journey more colorful, as she appears before the Queen of Hearts in a croquet game.
“Dorian Gray,” as part of Saturday’s 7 p.m. show, is recommended for ages 10 and up. Choreographed by Merlee Hill, novelist Oscar Wilde’s cautionary tale combines Gothic romance with a haunting ending. It centers on Gray, whose vanity and search for eternal youth outweighs living in spiritual authenticity.
Tickets start at $22.75.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Trick or Treat Fest 2025 — With 90 vendor tables set up to celebrate all-things pop culture, the Trick or Treat Fest 2025 is a Halloween-themed event, so come dressed in your best costumes. There will be comic books, Pokémon cards, retro video games, collectibles toys, horror-themed items, anime, Legos, movies, vinyl records, nerdy arts and crafts and more. All kids who attend and trick-or-treat will get free candy from participating vendors. The market opens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Elks Lodge, 5102 Oleander Drive. Tickets are $5 though kids 12 and under are admitted free.
Azalea Coast Monster’s Ball — The Studio Collective will meet for a dance-a-thon Monster’s Ball on Oct. 25, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. All dancers welcome — swing, shag, salsa, ballroom, etc. — with or without a partner and costumes encouraged, with prizes for the best. Bring a finger food (hold the real fingers, of course) to share and it’s BYOB, including water. DJ Dance Gypsy Patricia will be spinning the tunes. Admission is $10 to $12 at the door, cash only, and the studio is located at 5629 Oleander Drive.
Horror Films River Cruise — Want to learn more about the filming of 2021’s “Scream,” “Halloween Kills,” “Sleepy Hollow” or “I Know What You Did Last Summer?” Let Wilmington Water Tour’s Local Horror Films River Cruise entertain you this weekend from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Former StarNews film reporter Hunter Ingram leads the event and goes into details about the Wilmington and the Cape Fear region being a hub for the film industry over the last four decades. Tickets are $30-$40 open to 46 people, who will board at 212 S. Water St. in downtown Wilmington.
Charlie Berens — With observational humor often centered on the Midwest, Charlie Berens grew up in Wisconsin but is living in New York, and is a New York Times best-selling author, Emmy-winning journalist, musician and creator of the viral sensation, “The Manitowoc Minute.” Berens is performing multiple shows this week, Thursday through Saturday, at Dead Crow Comedy Room. In 2022, he released a comedy special “Midwest Goodbye” in Milwaukee, on which he quipped: “I grew up with a thick Wisconsin accent but I had no clue I went to school for broadcast journalism,” he said. “Back in the day, I wanted to be the next Brian Williams … I’m talking back before he got caught lying about the whole helicopter situation in Iraq … Do you remember those days when you could get canceled just for lying? Now lying is just a prerequisite to become president.” Tickets to his show are available for his four shows here.
Boos and Brews Halloween Bash — Waterline Brewing (721 Surry St.) is throwing down for its Halloween party all day Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will include live music by Vox Acousti, a costume contest, a food truck, face painting, craft drinks, games and vendors, trunk-or-treating and VW Cruise, sponsored by Circle the Wagens. It’s free for all ages with $1 per pint sold from Waterline benefitting the Salvation Army at 721 Surry St. Costumes are welcome and people driving VWs should feel free to decorate their vehicles.
Sunday, Oct. 26
‘Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors‘
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $35
A reimagining of the horror classic from Bram Stoker, this comedy is dubbed the love child of “Monty Python” and Mel Brooks. “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” presents 90 minutes of quick-paced, laugh-out-loud gothic comedy. It twists the classic tale, embedding pop-culture references and gender-bending characters along the way.
The story follows a real estate agent meeting one of the most harrowing clients in the town of Transylvania, before vampire hunters manage to chase Drac out of town into the British countryside with hijinks endured along the way.
The show is being produced by Big Dawg Productions at Thalian Hall Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 16-26. The play is performed at 7:30 p.m. except for 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday. Tickets are $35.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Oysterberfest — Beer, oysters, cool weather, music — all the things that make fall a gem in southeastern North Carolina. Wrightsville Beach Brewery (6201 Oleander Drive) will host its annual Oysterberfest from noon to 6 p.m., serving the brewery’s handmade brews and its locally procured raw oysters. The event takes place in the beer garden, with live music from Back Pocket Buddha starting at noon and Birdwell Beat beginning at 3 p.m. Entry is free, though food and drinks must be purchased.
Pup-O-Ween — Get Fido’s best costume ready as Hi-Wire Brewing is hosting a Halloween throwdown for the dogs. Pup-O-Ween welcomes our four-legged furry friends to showcase their spookiest, silliest, and most creative costumes, with the check in for the contest starting at 3 p.m. Winners will be crowned once the last pup struts the dog walk — categories include silliest and most creative, as well as dynamic duo (human and pooch coordinated look) and bartender’s choice. It’s a $5 entry per dog and the event benefits Wagon Tails Farm Rescue, a foster-based rescue helping animals find their forever homes.
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