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, Feb. 26
‘The Sixties Show’
UNCW Kenan Auditorium, 515 Wagoner Drive • (910) 962-3500
“The Sixties Show” is an award-winning Off-Broadway production that time-travels to an era filled with social and historic change, as well as musical shifts that continue to impact society today. The production is coming to UNCW’s campus on Thursday evening and includes special effects, narration, ‘60s archival audio and newsreel footage, and a light show.
The cast features current and former band members of The Who, The Rascals, and John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival). Consisting of Craig O’Keefe, Tom Licameli, Jim Boggia, Kevin Bents, Scott Devours, and Peter Chiusano, they recreate live hits, B-sides, and deep album cuts from 60 years ago, note-for-note — all performed on vintage equipment and gear.
Audiences can expect tracks like The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” The Beatles’ “She Loves You,” Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman,” The Who’s “My Generation,” The Kinks’ “Sunny Afternoon,” and more.
Tickets are $41 to $56 here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘Come From Away’ — After staging the show at Thalian Hall’s Red Box Theater last week. “Come From Away” returns to North Front Theater this weekend from And Seen Theatrical Productions. While it’s a phrase used to describe a newcomer or foreigner in areas like Newfoundland and Canada, “Come From Away” is a musical that takes place in Gander, Newfoundland, on 9/11. It’s based on a true story of that fateful day in American history when 7,000 airline passengers were forced to land as airspace was closing in the U.S. due to the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The passengers were stranded in Gander and the local islanders welcomed them. The show, which takes a microcosmic look at compassion and generosity, was written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and has been widely acclaimed, with numerous Tony Award nominations and a win for Best Direction with Christopher Ashley; it also scored two Drama Desk awards and two Laurence Olivier awards. The music combines classic theatre style with Newfoundland orchestrations. It will be performed Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m., and tickets are $30.
Friday, Feb. 27
Geoffrey Asmus
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. Third St. • Tickets: $30 and up
Coming off the release of his standup special, “The Only Funny White Man in America,” Minnesota’s Geoffrey Asmus is performing at Dead Crow Comedy Room this weekend. The comedian is co-host of the podcast “You’re an Idiot” and released his first comedy album “Prodigal Little Bitch” through 800lb Gorilla Records, which charted #1 on iTunes.
Asmus is known for his faux “alpha comic” demeanor and often speaks to woke culture and doesn’t shy away from tackling topics of controversy. In one bit, “Liberals Need Conservatives,” he quips:
“Covid ripped. I loved when people who didn’t get vaccinated and got Covid and survived were like: ‘No big deal man. It’s just the f***ing flu, man. Covid can’t take Jake!’ [pounds chest] No one reacts that way to any other deadly disease. No one’s ever like: ‘Didn’t even need chemo you bald p****y. Chemo’s just liberal radiation, dude.’ … You guys think people get too offended these days? Alright, keep that in mind during this next one.”
He performs on Feb. 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $30 here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ — The Pulitzer Prize-winning Southern novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee takes a look at a segregated town in Alabama, when a Black man is wrongfully accused of raping a white woman. The story captures themes of racial injustice, compassion and courage. Directed by Justin Smith, “To Kill a Mockingbird” will star former Wilmingtonian and acclaimed actor Cullen Moss (Dep. Shoupe, “Outer Banks,” Judge Smith “The Underground Railroad”) in the role of Atticus Finch. The show also stars Hannie Bowen as Jean Louise (the adult Scout), Maezie Domescik as young Scout, Louie Chaplin Moss as Dill Harris, as well as other local well-known actors including Stoney b. Woods, Chad Hsu, Don Baker, Fracaswell Hyman, Jamey Stone, Nicholas Basta and others. The show takes place Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. through March 1. Tickets start at $32 here.
Fourth Friday Gallery Night — Every month on the fourth Friday, the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County hosts a gallery crawl among downtown venues from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It offers the public a chance to visit 20 participating galleries or businesses to see new artworks in varied media created by local artists. Acme Art Studios, 711 N. Fifth Avenue, will feature new art by Katie Knoeringer and Michael Secor, while Aces Gallery features “@Transient Neighbors (Portraits of the Invisible)” by Randx Nieves. Click through all the gallery participants here.
Port City Taste — Port City Taste showcases specialized menus from two dozen restaurants in the region. Diners will find multiple options for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a variety of cuisine styles and flavors. And the best news: There is a menu for every budget, priced at $20, $35 and $50. Going local is the heartbeat of Port City Taste; supporting restaurants created and operated by those who live in the greater Wilmington area helps foster a thriving economy. The nonprofit Business Alliance for Local Living Economies breaks it down like this: For every $100 spent at a local business or restaurant, $68 stays in the community, as compared to $43 retained by a national chain’s footprint. No coupons, special passwords, or tickets are needed to participate in PCT. Check out all the participants and menus here.
‘True Confessions of a Failed Debutante’ – A new one-woman show, written and performed by Beth Ann Bryant-Richards, will take viewers into Southern small-town life, providing a romp of a good time, imbuing humor with cultural anomalies and rituals found south of the Mason Dixon Line. Directed by Jen Ingulli, “True Confessions of a Failed Debutante” tackles the stories we tell ourselves and social expectations that come from them, as illuminated onstage via vignettes. The hour-long performance doesn’t have an intermission and takes place at the Ruth & Bucky Stein Studio Theatre at Thalian Hall, Feb. 27 through March 8, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Audience members who arrive wearing pearls will receive a small gift.
Saturday, Feb. 28
North Carolina First in Freedom Festival
Moores Creek National Battlefield Historic Site, 40 Patriots Hall Dr., Currie • Free
America celebrates 250 years in 2026 and numerous historic sites and events are commemorating their role. This includes the Moores Creek Battlefield in Currie — located 23 miles from Wilmington in Pender County — which had the first Patriot victory that helped shape the course of the American Revolution.
Made possible through the support of America 250 NC, a program of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resource, the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival began Feb. 21, with many events taking place through Feb. 28. This includes the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, which led to North Carolina becoming the first colony to authorize its delegates to the 2nd Continental Congress to vote for independence
A family day will take place Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, featuring reenactments, living history encampments, and educational programming. Visitors can expect colonial crafts, costumed interpreters who bring the Revolutionary era to life, and ranger-led talks and guided tours that explore the battle’s significance and impact. It also honors those who fought at Moore’s Creek, and will include music, games, food trucks and more.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Comically Impaired Benefit — Local scenic designer Terry Collins — up for the Lela Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award this year as part of the Wilmington Theater Awards — has endured health challenges this year. The long-standing improv troupe Comically Impaired will host a benefit show in his honor this weekend and donate all proceeds to help with medical bills and other needs. The show, also part of the troupe’s 32-year anniversary, will include the group of actors culling suggestions from the audience to incorporate into their sketches. They don’t rehearse and instead bring a real-time performance to life before the audience’s eyes; expect adult language and content. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $21 here.
Cape Fear Hooley Under the Bridge — There will be Celtic music and Irish celebrations at Waterline Brewing from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine (the event will be tented) at part of the Cape Fear Hooley Under the Bridge. The event is a precursor to St. Patrick’s Day and acts as a fundraiser for the Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade, slated to take place Saturday, March 14. The parade will feature the Wilmington Police Pipe and Drums, Mighty Marching Scorps, and more. The Cape Fear Hooley at Waterline will feature the brewery’s specialty created Hooley Red, an Irish ale in honor of the event. Plus, there will be entertainment starting at 11:30 a.m. and running throughout the day, featuring Lone Piper, Nine Time Around, Triggle School of Irish Dancers, Wilmington Police Pipe and Drums, Banna and a local jam session. Food trucks will also be on site; the event is free, but food and beverages are individually priced. Learn more here. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.
Tidewater Camellia Show — The annual Tidewater Camellia Club’s Show and Sale is scheduled at the New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, for Saturday. The free will feature exhibitor blooms, to be evaluated by American Camellia Society Judges. They’ll be on display at noon, with the sale beginning at 11 a.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. Also offered until 3:30 p.m. will be camellia care tips, tours, family activities and NHC School’s Camellia Art Display. Learn more here.
DEI Comedy — Another group of comedians are coming together to Support the Port — a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing racial equity. At Law and Libations, 108 Grace St., a show featuring comedians Louis-Tee, Kimberly Daniece and Milton Young will take place, hosted by Jonathan Hicks. It’s an afternoon show at 3 p.m. with donations going to the nonprofit, founded by Cedric Harrison who also operates WilmingtoNColor shuttle tour, which educates riders on African Americans’ legacy in Wilmington and the 1898 racial coup — the only successful coup in U.S. history.
Reggie’s Punk Art and Music Fest — If art and music collide in your world don’t miss out on an evening event that combines both at Reggie’s 42nd Street. The Punk Art and Music Fest will feature 15 local artists selling their works and live painting and seven bands set to play from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. Artists include Addie Wuensch, Arielle Hill, Port City Harm Reduction, Wolfe’s Melting Pot, Dannybeecrafts, Weird Watercolors and Wearables, Etoile Stewart, PYRO NINJA and more. The bands taking the stage will be Degen, Tercel, Attach, Cook Jerk, Orbital Class, Shelby Smoak Duo and Emergency Nothing. It’s $10 admission and Reggie’s is located at 1415 42nd St.
A Taste of Ireland – An Irish music and dance sensation, A Taste of Ireland is arriving at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium just ahead of St. Patrick’s Day. The Celtic spirit will be conjured by former world-class Irish dance champions, from Lord of the Dance and Riverdance. There will be melodic folk mash-ups, a capella tap battles and storytelling, featuring revamped classics of “Danny Boy,” “Tell Me Ma,” “Wild Rover,” and more, reimagined into a contemporary score. Tickets are $38 to $68 here.
Sunday, March 1
‘Hamlet’
GLOW Academy, 4100 Sunglow Drive • Tickets: $12-$28
A local theater company, Mouths of Babes, has paired up with students at Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington to produce one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, “Hamlet.”
Two performances will take place this weekend: on Friday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. and on Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m., with tickets costing $12 to $28. However, GLOW families are admitted free. The show will run around just over an hour.
According to the show notes, this rendition of “Hamlet” has been “completely MoB-ified, featuring puppets, and a surreal musical score.” A group of young thespians are bringing to life the show, which centers on the tragedy of Prince Hamlet of Denmark, who seeks to avenge his father’s murder by his uncle, Claudius, now on the throne and married Hamlet’s mother.
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