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, Sept. 17
‘Avenue Q’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $37
If you love “Crank Yankers” or the idea of Muppets turned a little dirty and vulgar, then “Avenue Q” is the show for you.
This puppet musical follows a college graduate, Princeton, trying to find his purpose in life. With his neighbors, who live in the rundown Avenue Q of New York, the show highlights the struggles of the everyday man … err, puppet. They struggle with love and sex, how to pay the bills and find a job, all with a touch of raunch unexpected by such cute-looking creatures.
The musical hasn’t been performed in Wilmington for roughly 20 years, last staged at City Stage in the early aughts. Panache Theatrical Productions is behind this iteration at Thalian Hall’s Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater. It’s being directed by Ben Thomas-Reid, with puppet actors including Ethan Warren, Courtney Rickert, Bianca Shaw, Devin DiMattia, and more.
Music is by Amanda Clawges, with choreography by Jason Aycock. Tickets are $37.45 here; the show ia for 16 and up only.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Cape Fear Arts in Motion — An annual event celebrating movement celebrating dance and choreography in Wilmington, Cape Fear Arts in Motion takes place at Thalian Hall. The show blends art forms, joining choreographers, dancers, musical and visual artists to showcase the talents of Forward Motion Dance Company director Tracey Varga. Varga founded Forward Motion Dance company with a mission of providing the community with quality modern contemporary dance and education in the art of dance. The event will feature modern, contemporary, hip hop, classical and jazz dance; filmworks are created by filmmaker Patrick Ogelvie and there is one exciting new teen piece featuring teenage dancers from local studios. Three flutists, Sallie Dunn, Sarah Hand, and Mary Gheen, and members of the Wilmington Flute Choir. The show takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. both Thursday and Friday nights. Tickets are $37 here.
Friday, Sept. 18
Wilmington Coffee Fest
The Cargo District, 15th Street, between Castle and Queen streets • Tickets: $32
Java is at the center of celebration this weekend as the Wilmington Coffee Fest returns.
The Cargo District is hosting the two-day event, kicking off Friday night with the fifth annual Latte Art Throwdown at Azalea Station at 6 p.m.. Local baristas will compete for the title and the event is free and open to the public.
Then on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. various coffee vendors will be set up on South 15th Street, between Castle and Queen streets. The festival is a chance to find new coffee shops and roasters, enjoy samples, check out artisans, bakeries, tea and vote for best hot brewed coffee and iced or cold coffee.
Tickets are $32 here and include a limited edition coffee fest mug, plus tote. Also, a portion of proceeds are donated to area nonprofits NourishNC and Coastal Carolina Wildlife Rehab.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Widespread Panic — Widespread Panic is returning to Wilmington’s Riverfront stage for a two-night run this weekend The band officially opened Live Oak Bank Pavilion in July 2021 and last returned to the stage in September 2023. Consisting of guitarist/singer John Bell, bassist Dave Schools, drummer Duane Trucks, keyboardist John “JoJo” Hermann, and guitarist Nick Johnson (filling in for Jimmy Herring), the group has released more than a dozen studio albums, including 2024’s “Snake Oil King.” The band will perform Friday and Saturday nights, Sept. 18 and 19. Tickets are sold out but verifiable resales through Ticketmaster can be found here.
Occult and Oddities Fest — If the weird and wondrous get your oil sizzling then be sure to head to the Elks Lodge this weekend for the Occult and Oddities Fest — and just in time for spooky season. There will be cursed curiosities and unsettling vibes, with vendors including ghost hunters, bone artists, taxidermists, wet specimens, Ouija boards, horror art, spell books, gothic art and more. The event takes place Sept. 18, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 21 and up. The food truck Reno’s on a Roll will be parked from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Then on Saturday, the event takes palace from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Rude Bwoys Jerk Grill from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Elks Lodge #532 is located at 5102 Oleander Dr.
Sunset Live Music Series — The Port City Marina in downtown Wilmington continues to host its weekly live music series through October. This weekend welcomes O3eans, a local high-energy soul, rock, and hip-hop band. It’s fronted by powerhouse vocalist and American Idol contestant Brooke Renshaw, alongside Josh Boyd (guitar), Joey Lamb (drums), and Jared Sales (MC). The series is free and starts at 6 p.m. at 10 Harnett St.
ZZ Top — Prominent Texas rockers ZZ Top return to the Port City, this time performing at the intimate Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Formed in Houston in 1969, ZZ Top is known for their Texas blues-rock, marked by the group’s signature long beards and sunglasses. The trio — with guitarist and founder Billy F. Gibbons, Dusty Hill and new drummer Michael Monahan replacing founding drummer Frank Beard who died in August — has released 15 studio albums. There are more than 45 singles, including “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Pearl Necklace” and “Legs.” Tickets are on sale as verified resales $81.
Pirates and Rum Speakeasy — If sipping rum and learning about the local lore of ghost ships and mysterious voyages speaks to your weekend vibes, then Brooklyn Arts Center has an experience for you. The Pirates and Rum Speakeasy is immersive with storytelling, theatrical performances, and four expertly crafted cocktails. Whether legend or truth, who knows — but have a drink and sit back and enjoy. The menu includes four handcrafted cocktails to pair with each haunting story and includes a Pirates Marberry Punch, Deadman’s Daiquiri, Coconut Mai Tai and Krakens Sweet Revenge. Guests must be at least 21 to attend the hour-and-a-half event. Tickets are $45 here.
Annual ARTfall — Inside the Historic USO Building, more than 50 artists will exhibit their work in various mediums: acrylic, alcohol ink, gouache, linocut, mixed media, oil, pastel, pen and ink, photography, and watercolor. The event is an annual juried exhibition and sale and is celebrating 11 years in 2026. It’s free to attend but works are individually priced. The event takes place Sept. 18–19, and 21–26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The artist awards take place on Sept. 17, 6 p.m., in the Lobby Museum of the Historic USO Building. Cash awards totaling $525 will be presented for first through third place, with honorable mention and the People’s Choice Award.
Hey 23: A Call Back to Tree Hill — The annual “One Tree Hill” convention is taking place Sept. 18-20 at the Wilmington Convention Center, 1121 S Front St. There will be a Friday Pep Rally and Saturday morning starts with a State Championship Basketball Game Reunion with guests James Lafferty, Chad Michael Murray, and more. Plus, there will be OTH cast photographs and autographs that afternoon, followed by the. Official One Tree Hill After Party presented by Antwon Tanner at 22 North. Sunday continues the 23rd Anniversary Celebration with a second chance to get OTH cast photographs and autographs. Learn more here about tickets and the schedule.
Larry Keel Duo — Award-winning flatpicker Larry Keel will be performing an intimate show at Live at Ted’s on Castle Street at 8 p.m. From Virginia, Keel’s influence in music came from the mountain culture, with bluegrass and classic country fusing rock and improvisational jazz. The singer-songwriter has created 100 original compositions, appeared on more than 20 albums, 12 of which he produced, and has written songs recorded and performed by Grammy-award winners Del McCoury and The Infamous Stringdusters. He will be joined by Winston Mitchell on mandolin and acoustic guitar. Tickets are $48 here.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Porch Fest Art + Music Walk
Varied downtown residences • Free
A self-guided tour through varied downtown neighborhoods will have area artists set up selling their wares and live painting, as musicians also perform.
Porch Fest returns for its fall event after launching to much success in April this year. Like a farmers market for area artists, roughly 20 addresses will feature upward of 40 artists showcasing media in all forms. Included in the fall event are Addie Wuensch, Jahde Art, Lisa Ramos, M. Matteson Smith, and others. In addition to their works being for sale, many also will be live painting.
Plus, music will be played throughout the day at the various stops, including Grass Shack Revival, Timmy Sherrill, Blind Dillon, O3eans Duo and more.
For more information, check out the map here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Flytrap Brewing Pumpkin Patch — Fall is only a few days away, but Flytrap isn’t waiting to launch its seasonal pumpkin patch and brew. The grand opening is Saturday, noon to 11 p.m., kicking off with the brewery’s Oktoberfest beer release. A Corner Market will feature local artisans and makers from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and food trucks Eat at Eastside (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and Leo’s Pizza (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) will be on site. Live music from Yard Doggs takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Annual Art in the Yard — Another arts events showing locally made works will be on display in Carolina Beach as part of the Island Arts Council’s annual Art in the Yard. It’s going on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 19 and noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 20. There will be around 50 artists participating selling various works in stained glass, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, woodwork, fiber art and multimedia. They’re situated at various homes on Pleasure Island and an interactive map is available here.
Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta — Annually, local rowers get together to celebrate the art and sportsmanship of the Dragon Boat Regatta in Carolina Beach. Presented by the Island Men, the Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta race and boat championship takes place Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin; the competition has dozens of teams going head-to-head on 45-foot boats. All donations benefit various local charities including Ocean Cure as well as children’s civic, education and athletic activities supported by The Island Men. Learn more here.
Pier-2-Pier Open Water Swim Race — A Pier-2-Pier Open Water Swim Race is taking place at Wrightsville Beach, featuring swimmers going 1.7 miles between Johnnie Mercer’s Pier and the Crystal Pier around marker buoys. The starting point for the race will be determined on race day in accordance with the ocean current. It’s free for spectators and takes place from 9 a.m. to noon. See more details and registration here.
Sunday, Sept. 20
Foreigner
Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St. • Tickets: $35 and up
The 1970s British-American rock band Foreigner is making a stop downtown this weekend to entertain crowds with some of their hits, “Hot Blooded,” “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold As Ice.”
Though band members have changed up throughout the years, though founding guitarist Mick Jones is the only one who remains from the early years lineup. He’s joined by Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein, Chris Frazier, Bruce Watson, Luis Maldonado, and John Roth.
The group’s first six consecutive albums were certified multi-platinum and reached the Top 10 in the U.S. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. Tickets start at $35 here.
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