SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features dozens of ways for people to enjoy the weekend via theater, music, art, culinary happenings and more. And this week most events are dedicated to July 4th.
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, July 2
NC Symphony Stars and Stripes
Wilson Center, 703 N 3rd St. • Tickets: $33 and up
Celebrating America’s 250th, the North Carolina Symphony is returning to the Wilson Center for a special July 4th celebration.
“Stars and Stripes” features patriotic tunes and classics, with tickets starting at $33 here.
The show takes place on July 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 3
‘Jaws’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $10-$12
The screening of a summer classic will be taking place at Thalian Hall on both July 2 and 3, with multiple times at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“Jaws” was released in 1975 and has become a cult classic, with a man-hunting, blood thirsty shark taking out swimmers on summer vacation. It’s also Steven Spielberg’s first foray into directing; the plot follows a police chief, a marine biologist, and a fisherman who team up to hunt a giant Great White that is terrorizing a New England resort town.
Tickets to the movie are $10 to $12.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Boardwalk Blast — Carolina Beach has pushed its normal Thursday fireworks show to Friday, July 3. There will be live music on the boardwalk stage from the Carl Newton Review, which performs R&B and soul. The music starts at 6:30 p.m. and the fireworks take off over the Atlantic at 9 p.m.
TapYard Independence Day Weekend — One of the Cargo District’s popular bars will be having a weekend-long celebration for the red, white and blue. On Saturday, the party at TapYard (502 S. 16th St.) will have live wrestling at 2 p.m., a Hot Dog Showdown at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. music from Bands End. Dress in your best holiday colors.
Airlie Concert Series — The Cruise Brothers Band will perform sounds from Motown to Nashville as part of Airlie’s summer concert series. The series takes place under the 400-year-old oak on the historic grounds from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Offsite parking is available with a shuttle and tickets are $10 here.
Saturday, July 4
Fourth of July Downtown Wilmington
Riverfront Park and Battleship • Free
In honor of celebrating the 250th founding of the United States, the City of Wilmington is planning two simultaneous fireworks displays over the Cape Fear River on Saturday, July 4.
They both begin at 9 p.m., with one show including fireworks shot off from a barge near the Battleship and another show taking place over the Cape Fear River near Riverfront Park on the north end of downtown.
There also will be live entertainment at Riverfront Park available for free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and it will include music from the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, kids’ activities, food, and more.
No outside food or beverages are allowed in the park, except for water. It’s a cashless event so only debit, credit or mobile pay are allowed. Also, beach chairs (with legs no longer than 9 inches) and blankets are welcome.
Riverfront Park Stage Schedule:
6:30 p.m. — Mackenzi Morris and Joshua Alan Rupp, featuring the Theater for All chorus
7:30 p.m. — Wilmington Symphony Orchestra with premiere of a newly commissioned work by local composer Chelsea Loew, created in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
9 p.m. — Simultaneous Fireworks Show — launched across from Riverfront Park and another from a barge near the Battleship. Spectators will be able to enjoy the displays from locations throughout downtown and along the Riverwalk
There also will be a boating safety zone for 30 minutes after the fireworks around the launch site and no through boating traffic will be allowed. See street closures here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Southport Parade — Downtown Southport is blocked off for street vendors, arts and crafts sellers and food trucks from July 2-4. On the Fourth, there also will be the annual Independence Day parade starting at 11 a.m. Plus, live music is performed at the Waterfront Park stage. Check out Southport’s full rundown of events here, with fireworks scheduled at 9 p.m.
Freedom Fest — Annually, the Freedom Festival takes place in Jacksonville, North Carolina at Onslow Pines Park, 1250 Onslow Pines Road. There will be live music from Should’ve Been Cowboys performing ‘90s country music from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra performing funk, soul and R&B from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will also be free amusement rides and food trucks parked on site. The fun gets underway at 3 p.m. with fireworks topping off the night at sunset.
Fourth of July Boatyard Bash — Marina Grill is throwing a Boatyard Bash on Saturday as part of the July 4th holiday. There will be live music, local vendors, waterfront views, food, and cold drinks. Uptown Easy takes the stage at 6 p.m. and The Wave Market showcases local vendors. The fireworks can be seen from the marina at 9 p.m. The event is free.
Gianmarco Soresi — A New York-based stand-up comedian, actor, and creator will bring his observation comedy and spry energy to Dead Crow Comedy Room this weekend. Gianmarco Soresi is known for his upbeat candor with dark comedy. He’s performed stand-up on “The Tonight Show,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” Comedy Central, and more. He was also featured on Netflix’s recent multi-comic stand-up series “Verified Stand-Up” and has acted in Billy Crystal’s “Here Today,” “Hustlers,” “The Last OG,” and hosts the popular podcast “The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi.” Soresi debuted the special “Thief of Joy” on his YouTube channel, which has garnered more than 3 million views. He performs July 2-3 and tickets, if available, are here.
Sunday, July 5
Excitable: A Tribute to Def Leppard
Bowstring Brewyard, 1002 Princess St. • Tickets: $25
The stage presence and note-for-note harmonies will make you believe Excitable is bringing Def Leppard to life, right before your eyes.
The tribute act plays through the Brit band’s famed “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Rock of Ages,” “Love Bites,” and “Hysteria.” The band consists of Jason Dozer, Billy Grey of FOZZY, Victor Adriel, Max Frye, and Ryan Seay and will perform at Bowstring Brewyard at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $25 here.
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