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 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, Aug. 6
Carolina Beach Boardwalk Blast
Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach Ave. S. • Free
Oc3ans will perform as part of Carolina Beach Boardwalk Blast, weather permitting.
The group consists of Brooke Renshaw (vocals), Josh Boyd (guitar), and Joey Lamb (drums), performing hip-hop and high-energy pop and soul. The Boardwalk Blast concert is free and takes place at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Carolina Beach Gazebo.
Fireworks will take place at 9 p.m. The event is free every Thursday through Labor Day weekend, with a different band taking the stage weekly.
Friday, Aug. 7
The Wallflowers
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Dr. • Tickets: $59
Jakob Dylan and the Wallflowers will be back at Greenfield Lake to perform 1996’s album, “Bringing Down the Horse,” for its 30-year anniversary. The album features the hit song “One Headlight,” as well as “6th Avenue Heartache” and “The Difference.”
The group formed in Los Angeles and released its debut self-titled album in 1992. Since, it has sold over 10 million albums internationally, won two Grammy Awards for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and “One Headlight” won Best Rock Song. The song also featured in Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 100 pop songs.
Tickets are available here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
The Oak Ridge Boys — At Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center, The Oak Ridge Boys have become renowned for their four-part harmonies and earned Grammy, Dove, County Music Association, and American Country Music awards. They released varied hits, including a dozen charting at No. 1 such as 1981’s “Elvira” and more than 30 Top Ten songs. Live, they’re known to bring high energy to fans. Baritone singer William Lee Golden is joined by Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and new tenor Ben James, releasing songs like “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” “Thank God For Kids,” and “American Made.” Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, the group has collaborated with legendary artists including Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Paul Simon, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Waylon Jennings. Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015. Tickets start at $47 here.
Airlie Gardens — Airlie Gardens’ Friday night concert series features TripleWide, who plays a mix of rock, jazz, blues, and funk. The band takes the stage under the 400-year-old Airlie Live Oak, with tickets, if available, costing $3 to $10 here. A free shuttle runs to and from the venue, with pick up at the New Hanover County Public Library – Northeast Branch located at 1241 Military Cutoff Road.
Surfalorus Film Festival — This weekend, Aug, 7-9, the Surfalorus Film Festival returns to Wrightsville Beach and Jengo’s Playhouse, presented by Cucalorus Film Foundation. The film festival is partnering with the Wahine Classic, one of the East Coast’s premier all-female surfing competitions. There will be a free outdoor screening of the Wahine Shorts Block at 8 p.m. at Surf City Surf Shop in Wrightsville Beach, starting Friday at 8 p.m., to kick off the annual Wahine Classic. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy seven short surf films screened under the stars. Then on Aug. 8 there will be a screening of “Jack Johnson: SURFILMUSIC” at 8 p.m. at Jengo’, which takes a closer look at Johnson’s journey, from filming friends surfing on Oahu’s North Shore to becoming a popular musician of hits like “Banana Pancakes” and “Upside Down.” Finally, on Sunday, Aug. 9, two films: “Kingdom of the Evening” directed by Surfalorus alum Clint Davis, and “Fun Island” from Wilmington filmmaker and former Outer Banks resident Jason Andre, will screen. “Kingdom of Evening” follows renowned surfer Kepa Acero as he returns to Morocco 15 years after a life-changing surf trip to reunite with his longtime friend Yassine. “Fun Island” follows an international surf trip during the COVID era, which takes an unexpected turn as two crew members become stranded in quarantine. Individual tickets are $10, and festival passes are just $15 here.
Saturday, Aug. 8
Wahine Surf Classic
Wrightsville Beach’s Crystal Pier, 703 S Lumina Ave. • Free for spectators
Since 2013, the Wahine Surf Classic has been held in Wrightsville Beach to celebrate female surfers.
All ages and levels, from pro-short to longboard, amateur and professional, are welcome and there’s even a “Teenie Wahine” division. The event also raises money to give to local nonprofit organizations that promote wellness for women and girls.
It’s free for spectators but interested surfers can learn more here. Competition takes place Aug. 8-9 at Crystal Pier.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Vivace International Festival — The classical music festival wraps Aug. 8 at UNCW’s Beckwith Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Its Showcase Series, a Vivace Extravaganza, features co-artistic directors Marina Lomazov and Joseph Rackers, students and faculty in solos and ensembles. The program includes Debussy, Rossini, Piazzaolla, Schumann, Mozart, Bolcolm, and Shostakovich. Tickets are $47 here.
Dumpstaphunk — Head back to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater this weekend to hear the New Orleans jam band Dumpstaphunk perform music from Sly & The Family Stone. The band, founded by Ivan and Ian Neville, has been touring this summer paying homage to the ‘60s and ‘70s funk and soul icons and performing tracks like “In Time,” “Stand!” and “Everyday People.” Tickets to the show are $47 here.
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ — The musical-turned-cult-classic-film “Little Shop of Horrors” combines doo-wap music with a sci-fi storyline, involving young love and a carnivorous-eating plant that threatens Skid Row. The film, starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, and Steve Martin, is screening as part of its 40th anniversary at Thalian Hall. The movie-musical follows the love story of Seymour and Audrey, who work in Mr. Mushnik’s flower shop. Seymour, secretly in love with Audrey, begins taking care of a Venus flytrap, which he lovingly coins “Audrey II.” Meanwhile, Audrey is trying to leave an abusive relationship. Seymour’s R&B-singing carnivorous plant gains attention for its antics, but eventually the story takes a dark turn and Audrey II can no longer survive from the blood of mere flies and becomes bloodthirsty for humans. Showtimes are 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Friday, and 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday; tickets are $12 here.
Moleastic Book Fair — Mad Mole Brewing on Oleander Drive is hosting a book fair this weekend. On Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Mole-astic Book Fair will welcome local bookstores The Fuzzy Needle, Pomegranate Books, Memory Lane Comics, and The Roasted Bookery, as well as Sugar Spice Fairy Hair and Eat at Eastside will be parked on site. It’s free to attend, with books, beer and food individually priced.
Summer Scream: The Haunted Market — It’s Summerween at the Elk’s Lodge 532, 5102 Oleander Dr., from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be various vendors at pop-up markets to provide a one-day-only haunted shopping experience. Expect curated oddities — taxidermy, ethically sourced bones, Victorian funeral ephemera — metaphysical items, like crystals, herbs and oils, and hand-poured candles and Tarot readers, horror art, and more. On site will be food trucks, including Kimchi Taco, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Half Cup Confections, Leland Brewing Company, Bellator Roasting Company and more. Admission is $5, with kids 12 and under free.
Teen Summit 2.0 — A free youth event designed to inspire, empower, and connect teenagers with positive resources, leadership opportunities, and community support takes place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the MLK Center, at 401 South 8th St. Teens are welcome to congregate in a safe and encouraging environment to hear various panels and presentations, enjoy music and entertainment, play games and interact with various activities for a chance at prizes and giveaways. Plus, free food will be provided. The summit is open to teenagers and families throughout the Cape Fear region. Organizers encourage community members, educators, faith leaders, and youth advocates to participate and support this effort to uplift the next generation. Hosted by Better is Possible CDC — community-focused organization dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities for youth and families — admission is free.
Sunday, Aug. 9
Kitten Yoga
Station No. 2 Firehouse, 602 S 5th Ave. • Tickets: $25
All-level yogis are welcome to Station No. 2 Firehouse this Sunday for a Kitten Yoga class.
Hosted by Common Ground, there are two classes — one at 10 a.m. and one at noon. Class includes gentle movement, lots of laughter, and playful kittens to pet and cuddle in between.
Common Ground offers yoga, meditation, breathwork, mindfulness, creativity, and wellness experiences.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Pet Tintype Sessions — Satellite Bar and Lounge is hosting Studio Australis, a photography studio that does Tintype Pet Portraits. The company will be taking appointments at Satellite starting at noon. The cost of the 5-inch-by-7-inch portrait is $140, with $25 donated to the Big Paw Project in Kent Street Station, a nonprofit organization that receives donations to assist dogs in shelters and rescues. Tintypes are 1850s vintage photographs made by creating a direct positive image on a thin sheet of lacquered iron, rather than actual tin.
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