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, Oct. 22
“Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play”
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $35
Big Dawg Theatre Company is performing a gothic story written by Lauren Wilson in the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre in Thalian Hall in downtown Wilmington.
Directed by Chad Hsu, the show poses a familiar story of Dr. Henry Jekyll and his monstrous alter ego, Edward Hyde. “Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play” is set in the dark Victorian era, featuring the consequences of science, morality and the duality of human nature gone wrong. However, Wilson’s characters are set up as if they have wandered in from an unhinged British comedy, identities becoming increasingly complicated as Dr. Jekyll’s carefully controlled world rapidly spins out of control. Laughter is inevitable.
The show features Jamie Lane as Dr. Jekyll the alter-ego, Mr. Hyde, and stars Charlotte Fuchs, Mae Domescik, Tamica Katzmann, Christy Grantham, Jake Taylor, Ash Ochs, Lisa Ramsey Perry and Jacob Denise. It is being shown through Sunday, Oct. 25 — Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 3 p.m.
Tickets start at $35 here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Mistica — A show that honors ancestors and spiritual energy of varied heritages, from Afro to Hispanic roots, will be performed on Thalian Hall’s mainstage Friday. “Mistica” is a fusion of folklorico ballet and contemporary dance, honoring the traditions of Día De Muertos — or Day of the Dead — which takes place Nov. 1 annually. However, the performance at Thalian is Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $51 and up here.
Friday, Oct. 23
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Shadowcast
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $30
It’s back: the annual shadowcast from Pineapple-Shaped Lamps that brings the cult-classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” to life.
Thalian Hall is hosting two screenings this weekend, Friday and Saturday, with PSL. The group will be acting out the film in front of the projector, which cast shadows of their actions literally on the big screen as the film rolls. Around 10 people will take up roles made popular by Susan Sarandon (Janet), Barry Bostwick (Brad), Meatloaf (Eddie), Patricia Quinn (Magenta), Richard O’Brien (Riff Raff), and Nell Campbell (Columbia).
The movie, first a stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” is a parody of multiple horror and science-fiction films from the 1930s to 1970s. It centers on two innocent, newly engaged lovebirds, Brad and Janet, who end up on the side of the road in a storm due to a flat tire. They come upon a castle where a party is taking place, hosted by a mad scientist, Frank-n-Furter, debuting his latest innovation: the perfect, muscular man named Rocky. Unbeknownst to Brad and Janet, Frank-n-Furter and his crew have a debaucherous and hedonistic evening planned.
Celebrating more than 50 years, “Rocky Horror” celebrates inclusivity, bending genders and playing with nontraditional ideas of sexuality, particularly its fluidity. It’s been heralded as being ahead of its time, particularly when it comes to social mores at the center of political controversy today that were considered taboo in the 1970s.
“‘Rocky Horror’ has always given people a place to be, when they needed a community,” PSL artistic director Wesley Brown told PCD in 2024, adding it’s representative of free expression. “You show up, yell what you want, dress how you want, do whatever you want. No one’s gonna judge you here — that’s what’s probably carried it so far.”
“Rocky Horror” virgins go through a ritual marking, as mandated at every shadow cast, with callbacks from the dressed-up audience adding to the raucous enjoyment of the evening. After all, a “Rocky Horror” shadow cast is only as good as its participation; tickets are $30 here.
For folks who don’t want to be a part of the interactive shadow cast, there is also a regular midnight screening, with tickets going for $10 to $12 here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Nurse Blake — Blake Lynch is a nurse, creator, advocate and touring comedian whose humor and storytelling has taken him viral. Hailed as “a genuine phenomenon” by The New York Times, he is returning to the stage with his specialty blend of humor and nursing expertise.The “But Did You Die?” tour, landing at the Wilson Center on Friday, will dive into the wild things patients and their families say and do at hospitals, from self-diagnosing Stage 8 Cancer with WebMD to hitting the call light like they are on a game show. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $49 here.
Guy Branum — Dead Crow Comedy Room is welcoming back comedian Guy Branum, whose writing credits are vast — “The Mindy Project,” “Billy on the Street,” “A League of Their Own” (Amazon’s version), “Hacks.” He also acted in the 2022 film “Bros,” Apple TV’s “Platonic” and was once known as the resident gay on “Chelsea Lately.” Branum’s standup covers a spectrum of topics, including the advantages of being gay in modern day society: “We get to be friends with Black women for no reason. No one understands it, it’s just two strong flavors that work well together like sea salt and dark chocolates.” He will perform two shows on Friday and Saturday nights in downtown Wilmington at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Dead Crow, tickets are $27 to $39 here.
Eternamente: A Día de los Muertos Spectacular! — UNCW welcomes the vibrant celebration of Mexican culture with live mariachi and traditional Ballet Folklórico. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklórico del Río Grande will be on the Kenan Auditorium stage to elevate the spirit of Day of the Dead, through powerful music, choreographed dance, and dazzling costumes. Honoring this beloved tradition with a luminous virtual altar and iconic songs of legendary Mexican artists, Eternamente is a bold, theatrical journey. Tickets to the show are $25 to $45.
Trunk-or-Treat Monster Mash — Belville Riverwalk Park, 580 River Rd. SE, Belville, NC 28451, will host trunk-or-treating, open for the public on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will consist of decorated car trunks with candy buckets, festive games, and costume contests; kids are welcome donning their best Halloween attire.
Grissettown Haunted Trail — Organized by the Grissettown Longwood Fire and Rescue (Station 31), the haunted trail features a self-guided 30-minute walkthrough with actors and animatronics. It’s located in Ocean Isle Beach off Longwood Road and is open every Friday and Saturday in October, including Halloween, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission costs $20 and is only available for purchase onsite with cash.
Panic Attack Haunted Attraction — The haunted experience located at 3245 Pine Level Church Rd, Nakina, NC 28455, begins with a bus ride that drops off customers at a swamp. On foot, guests walk through the dark woods and fog which leads to an asylum. This season will also feature a new Nightmare On Elm Street themed warehouse with red lights and fog. The trail is 1,000 square feet and the actors show off Hollywood-grade special effects to create a realistic fear factor. It is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night in October starting Oct. 9 and closes Nov. 1. Tickets are between $39.99 and $79.99.
Fele Cett in Concert & Live UK Garage & House — The Toronto-based live electronic duo Fele Cett is headed to downtown’s Yacht Club (aka Bourgie Nights) on Friday. The group blends live drums and keyboards with digital production, original compositions, remixes, and improvisation. The group performs UK Garage, house, hip hop, and power gospel and just released “Fele Cett Live,” Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24
“Ghostbusters” in Concert
Wilson Center, 703 North 3rd St. • Tickets start at $25
The Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College ushers in “Ghostbusters in Concert” on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. Audiences are invited to experience the beloved 1984 classic film like never before in this unique live-to-picture event.
The tour brings the film to life on a large HD cinema screen while a full orchestra performs the score live on stage. Featuring the spine-tingling score by Academy Award-winning composer Elmer Bernstein, the orchestral performance recreates the film’s soundtrack while transforming the beloved movie into a one-of-a-kind event.
Perfect for the whole family and those looking to get into the Halloween spirit, this special event is for movie and music lovers alike, offering a fun and festive way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival — Annually, one of the biggest and tastiest fundraisers for the Carousel Child Advocacy Center takes place in October with Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival. More than 100 beer, wine, and seltzers vendors are on site offering samplings of their sippers. Plus, there is live music and food trucks. VIP ticket holders are allowed in an hour earlier at noon with general admission at 1 p.m. Tickets are $64 to $160, with music from Hogslop String Band, Hannah Marie Kelly and Sound Waves. It takes place at Riverfront Park’s Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St.
Trick or Treat Fest — Wilmington is highlighting all things horror and pop culture in a convention returning Oct. 24. There will be 90 tables of comics, horror items, anime, retro video games and more at the Wilmington Elk’s Lodge #532. Candy will be handed out from participating vendors. It takes place at The Elks Lodge, 5102 Oleander Dr. Admission is $5; children 12 and under free with a paying adult.
Shadow Bash Halloween Party — In downtown Wilmington off N. 3rd Street, Shadow Bash Halloween Party at The Eagle’s Dare will be hosted on Saturday, Oct. 24 starting at 7 p.m. There will be live performances from metal bands Internal Shadow, Death or Uriah, and Sidera, with DJ 2.0 closing out the night. There will also be a costume contest and the winner will take home a $100 cash prize. Tickets range from $20.63 to $25.79.
Pop Culture Expo — On Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., a pop culture expo is taking place at UNCW’s Burney Center. Vendors will include comics and graphic novels, local art, toys and action figures, Pokemon and magic, gaming, sports and wrestling, vinyl records and more. Admission is $10 at the door, $8 presale tickets. Those with UNCW student ID pay $5 at the door, $5 presale tickets. Cash, card, Venmo and presale tickets are accepted. Kids 12 and under get in free.
WalkerWorld Spooky Fest Art and Music Festival — Live music and art combines at Castle Hayne’s WalkerWorld in a Spooky Fest Art and Music Festival. There will be drum circles, yoga, sculpture, handmade jewelry, clothing, purses and hats, local food trucks, massages and reiki, local breweries, iced coffee and THC bars, and live music from Port City Ukuholics, Roland Ave, Ditch Kitty, Grass Shack Revival, Mars in Spring and GULP. Plus, singer-songwriters will be in the barn stage, featuring Emily Burdette, Brian Johnson, Megan Magpie Ross and Alden Sweeney. Artists will be on site live painting and vending wares; tickets are $13 here.
Sunday, Oct. 25
Funky Fright Fest
The Bend, 7227 Market St. • Free
Another festival taking place in the Ogden area will be family-friendly from noon to 4 p.m. at The Bend.
More than 40 local makers will be on the site, with Halloween treats, face-painting by Vicki Paints, ghostie mugs and cauldron planters from Eden Ceramics, hand-painted chocolates from Cape Fear Chocolatier, fossilized shark tooth jewelry from Cape Fear Fossils, candles and potions from Pomegranate and Spice, crystals from Erpothëcary and Ohm Made Creations, sourdough from Tide + Table and more.
Sips and eats will be for sale from The Parlour House, Middle Sound Grille, Brighter Days Coffee and Grumpy’s Soft Serve
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Trask Family Farms’ Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch — Through Sunday, Nov. 1, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Trask Family Farms located in Castle Hayne, will open their corn maze Wednesdays through Sundays featuring 10 acres, with four different games inside the maze. Attendees who solve it will win a prize. There are also pumpkins, hay rides, a flower field, local honey for sale, homemade ice cream, food from local vendors, live music, and more. Tickets for the corn maze, sold at the farm or available online, cost between $10 to $15. Entry for the maze is allowed until an hour before closing, and children 3 and under are free.
Oysterberfest — Oyster season kicks off at Wrightsville Beach Brewery this weekend. Steamed and raw oysters will be sold at the lowest prices of the year and music will be performed by Back Pocket Buddha and Birdwell Beat. There will also be bratwurst, soft pretzels, and food available from the regular menu. Carpooling or using a rideshare is suggested as parking will be limited at the 6201 Oleander Dr. location.
Cargo District Fall Fest — The district located from Queen Street to Wrightsville Avenue is hosting a fall festival this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. There will be family-friendly activities in this container-filled area, including fall goodies from local boutiques, bars and restaurants, carnival games, face painting, local artisans, live music and more! It’s free to attend.
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