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, June 9
‘Carrie the Musical’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $27
The famed Stephen King novel set to 1970s film is coming to life on the stage in PTPT Apprentice Theater’s “Carrie the Musical.”
The musical was penned by Lawrence D. Cohen, who also wrote the screenplay for the 1976 film. The story follows Carrie White, an outcast at her high school who becomes bullied by classmates and whose religious mother’s strict rules also constrict the teen’s happiness. However, her telekinetic powers come to life as she exacts revenge during the school prom.
The Broadway production first failed at the box office in the 1980s but saw a resurgence in 2012 and has won numerous awards. The local performance put on by PTPT Apprentice Theater is directed by Esme Madi and choreographed by Cassidy Fisher and Kalyn Dinkins, starring Savannah Ashworth as Carrie and Cindy Colucci as her mother. The production also features Harbor Chandler, Ben Estrem, Haley Schnur, and Ethan Warren.
Tickets are available for $27 here and the show takes place July 9-12, at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Blackberry Smoke — Blackberry Smoke will perform at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater this weekend. From Atlanta, Georgia, the five-piece was founded in 2000 by Charlie Starr (guitar), Paul Jackson (guitar), Richard Turner (bass), his brother, and Brandon Still (keyboards). The band has added touring members in recent years, including Preston Holcomb and Benji Shanks in 2018, and Kent Aberle in 2022. Performing for two decades, the band is known for their high energy, Southern rock sounds. It has released eight studio albums, 2024’s “Be Right Here” (3 Legged Records), including the track “A Little Bit Crazy.” Tickets to the show are sold out but resales can be accessed here. Read their interview with Port City Daily from last September here.
Friday, June 10
‘The Shark is Broken’
Thalian Hall Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $35
Shark Week takes place July 26 through Aug. 1 this year but Big Dawg Theater Company is bringing in the fanfare a little early with its latest produced comedy.
This 2019 show “The Shark is Broken” goes behind the scenes of a summer classic: the filming of “Jaws.” It was the 1975 movie that launched Stephen Spielberg’s career and also the first summer blockbuster movie — despite no one on set realizing its cult-classic potential. Instead, the cast and crew were dealing with feuding costars, unpredictable weather, and a shark prop constantly on the fritz.
The production, written by British playwrights Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, is a perfect foray into summer, particularly for cinephiles and “Jaws” fans alike. It takes a deep dive into the often shaky and murky waters of the making of a major motion picture, featuring the movie’s stars Robert Shaw (father of co-writer Ian), Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider bonding, arguing, drinking, gambling, and praying for the film’s final wrap to come.
“The Shark is Broken” will be staged July 9-19, 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday. It stars local actors Woody Stefl, Bradley Coxe and Jamie Lane, with $35 tickets available here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Motel Soap — The Airlie Summer Concert Series takes place on Friday evening, 7 p.m., featuring cover band Motel Soap. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the group performs popular rock, pop, and dance hits, including Bowie’s “Modern Love,” ELO’s “Evil Woman,” Zeppelin’s “Ramblin’ On” and more. Tickets to the concert series are $10 here and a shuttle runs to and from the historic gardens to catch the shows under the 400-year-old Airlie Oak. Picnics and chairs and blankets are welcome.
Matt Maeson — From Virginia Beach, indie blue-rock musician Matt Maeson will be on the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater stage on Friday. Maeson, whose parents played in Christian metal bands, grew up playing at prisons, biker rallies, and ministries. He signed to a major record label in 2016 and released the hit song “Cringe” which went to No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs in 2019, followed by “Hallucinogenics” in 2020. He’s released three studio albums to date, including 2025’s “A Quiet and Harmless Living.” Tickets to his show are $45 here.
Josh Mandl — The 24-year-old comedian will be coming to Dead Crow Comedy Room to perform four shows this weekend. The founder of Next Stop Comedy, a stand-up organization that brings comedians to more than 100 venues countrywide, Mandl has gathered a following online, often recording sketches from his apartment. His standup includes personal stories about dating, family, including about his grandfather, and internet culture. Tickets to his show are $24 to $36 here and he performs both Friday and Saturday nights.
‘Psycho’ — The Alfred Hitchcock classic is showing at Jengo’s Playhouse, the Cucalorus Film Festival headquarters and art house cinema at 815 Princess St. Hitchcock’s thriller follows a young lady who has taken off with stolen cash to help her boyfriend’s financial woes. When she stops at a roadside motel, horror awaits unknowingly, as Norman Bates and “his mother” live in a world of psychological madness. UNCW film professor Juan Carlos Kase will lead a Q&A after the screening, showing twice at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The screening is part of WHQR’s Cinematique series and admission is $10.
Saturday, June 11
Straight No Chaser
Wilson Center, 701 N. Third St. • Tickets: $38 and up
A cappella fans will have a chance to catch the global phenomenon Straight No Chaser in Wilmington this summer. The nine-man group is slated to bring its “2026 Beach Bash” tour to Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center at 7:30 p.m.
Known for breaking the “strait-laced” stereotype of traditional male vocal groups, Straight No Chaser blends contemporary hits with humor and tight harmonies. The group originally formed at Indiana University in 1996. The founding members went their separate ways after graduation, until a 1998 video of them performing a mash-up rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” went viral on YouTube in 2007.
Their YouTube video has amassed over 25 million views and led to a multi-album deal with Atlantic Records. Since then, they have become a household name in the genre, collaborating with icons like Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John.
Beyond their holiday staples, the group is known for vocal reinventions of pop classics, including their medley of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” as well as covers of Radiohead’s “Creep” and Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend.”
The current lineup features Walter Chase, Jerome Collins, Seggie Isho, Michael Luginbill, Steve Morgan, Luke Bob Robinson, Jasper Smith, Tyler Trepp, and Freedom Young. Fans can expect a mix of musical eras and the group’s signature onstage banter.
Tickets are $38 and up here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Diminishing Republic Party — From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wrightsville Beach’s famed Palm Tree Island will be the center of a day party; the sandbar appears at low tide, marked by a synthetic palm tree and hosts gatherings whenever the waters recede twice daily. A donation of $20 is requested by and reservations must be made here for the shuttle, which will ferry folks to the island from the 109 Causeway Drive boat ramp. Coolers and chairs are welcome; partiers must pick up after themselves and leave the island as they found it. Rides back to the boat ramp will begin at 3 p.m.; check here for updates. Read more about Palm Tree Island from previous PCD reporting here.
Downtown District Day — If you want to explore the various areas of downtown Wilmington, then District Day will offer the chance from noon to 7 p.m. A free trolley runs all day from Cargo District, Castle Street District, South Front District, Brooklyn Arts Districts, North Waterfront District, Soda Pop District, and Central Business District. Downtown Business Alliance is behind the event — a volunteer-driven nonprofit, dedicated to strengthening, promoting, and advocating for businesses in and around historic downtown Wilmington. District Day will showcase various businesses, restaurants, bars and more in and around downtown, celebrating music, specials, food trucks, and even art vendors in some instances. The map is here.
Sunday, June 12
Bubble Fest
The Bend, 7227 Market St. • Free
It’s family-friendly and it’s all about bubbles at The Bend on Sunday.
From noon to 4 p.m., there will be a summer celebration featuring bigger and better bubbles, with live bubble performers, foam zones and over a dozen bubble machines. Expect tabletop bubble stations and individual bubble wands.
Plus, there will be face-painting, and ice cream and food available from Middle Sound Grille and Grumpy’s Ice Cream. The Parlor House will be open, serving cocktails and mocktails.
It’s free to attend.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Wilmington Sharks — Locals can watch the Wilmington Sharks face off against the Asheboro Zookeepers at Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium. The game starts at 5:05 p.m. with tickets starting at $12. To book a seat ahead of time, tickets can be purchased online here.
Bedroom Division — Eagle’s Dare will be hosting the Greensboro-born recording project created by songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Dylan Wishon. With musical inspiration by artists like Mac DeMarco, Djo, Bleachers, and The 1975, Bedroom Division’s music can be described as “shimmer pop” and introduces a blend of indie rock with synth sounds. The show starts at 7 p.m.; tickets cost $17.50 and can be purchased here.
Sunday Villa Nights — Ladies interested in reality television and garlic knots are invited to join the Wilmington Girls Club at Ponysaurus for their Sunday Villa Night. Starting at 8 p.m., there will be themed drinks and snacks available for free, and everyone is invited to sit down at 9 p.m. to tune into a new episode of “Love Island.” Ponysaurus is located at 214 Market St.
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