★ Tonight in Port City ★
TONIGHT
FRIDAY · APRIL 24
71 Events · Local Bars & Live Music · Markets & Festivals · Music & Concerts · Family Friendly
Friday · April 24
Theater & Performing Arts 3
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Bacchae
A bold new staging of Euripides' ancient Greek tragedy in the Wilson Center's intimate Studio Theatre. Runs April 24-25. Intense, haunting, unforgettable.
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UNCW Dance Company presents Illuminate
UNCW Dance Company's spring showcase featuring student choreography and performances. This show is sold out — join the waitlist or catch their next production.
SOLD OUT
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Disaster! The Musical
Panache Theatrical Productions brings the 70s disaster-movie parody musical to Thalian Hall. Big hair, big hits, and big laughs. Running through May 3.
Local Bars & Live Music 14
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Country Night with Nate Van Winkle & The Cape Fear Riders
Dust off your boots! Line dancing lesson with HonkyTonk Chriss at 5:30pm, then Nate Van Winkle & The Cape Fear Riders bring the country vibes all night. Themed cocktails, Glizzies On The Go food truck, western attire encouraged.
Line dancing lesson at 5:30pm
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Free Live Music
Hi-Wire's weekly free live music series continues in the taproom. Grab a cold one and enjoy local talent in the Princess Street beer hall.
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Overtyme - Sunset Live Music Series
The Sunset Live Music Series kicks off Friday with Overtyme at the waterfront Marina Grill. Free show, killer sunset views, cocktails on the water.
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Papa Midnight Band
Papa Midnight Band runs wild at BBX. Leland's #1 taproom and bottle shop brings the live sound to Village Road. Craft beer, good times.
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Fast As You Band
Fast As You Band brings the country covers to Lazy Pirate in Carolina Beach. Seafood, cold island drinks, and live music on the island.
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Massive Grass
High-energy bluegrass from Wilmington's own Massive Grass brings the Ogden Tap Room patio to life. 40+ beers on tap, American pub favorites, and picking all night.
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The Salty Southern Band
The Salty Southern Band takes over Seven Mile Post with Southern rock and country covers. Wilmington's go-to Ogden pub — 21+.
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Wes Hunter Trio
The Wes Hunter Trio brings live music to Fermental's cozy tasting room. Lyne's Smashburgers & Subs food truck on-site starting at 5pm. Family and pet friendly.
Lyne's Smashburgers food truck 5pm
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OC3ANS + DJ
OC3ANS Official plays 7-10pm, then DJ takes over from 9pm-midnight at The Bend's Ogden hotspot. Food, drinks, and a packed dance floor.
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Weebs N Wubz: Neon Bloom
Cosplay neon DJ event at Barzarre. Dress up, light up, dance out. Wilmington's eclectic secret spot brings the rave.
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Holler Choir
Appalachian indie-folk act Holler Choir delivers soulful harmonies and rich songwriting in Ted's intimate listening room. Ages 10+. An under-the-bridge gem for serious music lovers.
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Bacon Grease
Wilmington powerhouse cover band Bacon Grease takes over the SeaWitch with high-energy hits past and present. No cover, tropical vibes, dance the night away.
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Hip Hop Pop Up
Live hip hop performances at Wilmington Distillery on Dock Street. Craft spirits, full bar, and fresh local talent taking the mic.
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Crooked Diehl
Crooked Diehl takes the stage at Bowstring's outdoor music yard. Cold craft beer, pizza, and good tunes in the Greenfield Street beer garden.
Music & Concerts 1
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UNCW Big Band & Faculty Jazz Combo Benefit Concert
UNCW's Big Band and Faculty Jazz Combo team up for a benefit concert supporting the Cape Fear Jazz Society Scholarship. Swing, bebop, and big-band standards from top student and faculty players.
Comedy 3
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Jim Jefferies - Son of a Carpenter
Australian comedy star Jim Jefferies brings his Son of a Carpenter tour to the Wilson Center. Known for his razor-sharp wit and unapologetic takes, this is a must-see for stand-up fans. Doors and show details at the box office.
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Daniel Van Kirk
Nationally touring comedian and podcaster Daniel Van Kirk hits Dead Crow for two shows. Sharp observational humor and quick wit — two sets Friday, two more Saturday.
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Outer Dunes Comedy Night
Comedy Show in the Beach House at Outer Dunes. Wheelz Pizza onsite 5-9pm, $4 off 4-packs all night. Bring a crew and a laugh.
Saturday · April 25
Theater & Performing Arts 2
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World Ballet Company: Swan Lake
The World Ballet Company brings Tchaikovsky's timeless Swan Lake to Kenan Auditorium. Stunning choreography, gorgeous costumes — two performances Saturday.
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Wicked Sing-Along
Belt out every song from the 2024 blockbuster Wicked! Thalian Hall Cinema's special event sing-along screening — costumes and green makeup encouraged.
Local Bars & Live Music 10
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SIPS & SONGS: Andrew Bell
Andrew Bell brings a laid-back Saturday afternoon acoustic set to Wilmington Distillery. Craft cocktails and chill tunes on Dock Street.
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Kentucky Derby Party
Annual Kentucky Derby party at Wilmington's premier speakeasy. Big hats, mint juleps, and the race on the big screen. Happening next Saturday — mark it now.
Future event - not this weekend
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Live Music with Highly Motivated
Highly Motivated live at Brunswick Beer XChange. Leland's living room of craft beer and live music — grab a bottle and hang.
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The Vulture Company
The Vulture Company rocks the Outer Dunes beer garden. Grab a pint under the oaks in Porters Neck — outside food welcome, family and dog friendly.
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Dragons With Matches
Sunset Park's neighborhood tavern hosts Dragons With Matches for a night of live music. Cold drinks, tasty food, great company.
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Evening with Paul from Dirty Dead
Paul DeCirce of Dirty Dead brings his Grateful Dead-inspired solo set to Fermental. Pepe's Tacos food truck on site from 6pm. Easy Saturday vibes.
Pepe's Tacos 6pm
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The Possums Playing Dead
The Possums deliver a rowdy night of Grateful Dead covers at Seven Mile Post. Dance, sing, and chase the sunset with Deadhead favorites. 21+.
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Claymore + DJ
Claymore plays 7-10pm then DJ spins 9pm-midnight at The Bend. Two acts, one night, great food and drinks in Ogden.
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Maggie's Kitchen
Maggie's Kitchen rolls into The Rusty Nail for a Saturday night of blues. Wilmington's home for the Cape Fear Blues scene — free parking, cold beer, serious tunes.
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OMG Band
OMG — a rock trio featuring members of the legendary Machine Gun — storms the SeaWitch focusing on Roth-era Van Halen velocity. No cover, must-see show.
Family Friendly 5
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SeaWitch Saturday Morning Yoga
Saturday morning yoga at the SeaWitch. Start your weekend right at Carolina Beach's #1 entertainment venue with beach vibes and a flow session.
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Read to a Dog (Love on a Leash)
Kids ages 5-11 practice reading aloud to a certified therapy dog from Love on a Leash. Confidence-building, fun, and free at the Main Library downtown.
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Lego Competition with Bricks & Minifigs
Bricks & Minifigs ILM brings a Lego build competition to BBX. Kids (and adults) compete for prizes — parents can sip a craft brew while the kids build.
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Family Movie Night at Belville Riverwalk
Free family movie night under the stars at Belville Riverwalk Park. Bring blankets and chairs — family-friendly fun along the Brunswick River.
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Star Party at Carolina Beach State Park
Free stargazing night at Carolina Beach State Park with telescope viewings, vendors, and outdoor astronomy activities. Fun for all ages — dress warm and look up.
Markets & Festivals 14
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Gardenpalooza: A Spoonful of Spring
Mary Poppins-inspired Gardenpalooza at The Gardens of Southeastern NC. Garden tours, yard games, themed cocktails, workshops, and chim-chim-cher-ee fun for the whole family.
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Ironclad Poke & Brews
70 tables of Pokemon traders, players, and collectors take over Ironclad Brewery. Kids under 10 free. Grab a beer, battle a friend.
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Kure Community Fest
Kure Beach's annual community fest at Ocean Front Park. Live music, performers, kids activities, food trucks, vendors, dunk tank, and plenty of oceanfront fun.
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COLD Crew Carvers Fashion Show & Skate Jam
Free fashion show and skate jam at Barzarre from the COLD Crew Carvers. Streetwear, skateboards, community vibes on Castle Street.
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Spring Vendor Market
Fermental's annual Spring Market takes over the patio with local makers, artisans, and vendors. Browse, shop, sip craft beer — perfect Saturday hang.
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Mad Mole Earth Day Celebration
Earth Day celebration at Mad Mole with a feature brew release, 'green' vendors, a DJ, and food truck. Sip sustainably in the taproom garden.
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LagerFest 2026
Unlimited sampling of local lagers with your tasting glass, food available for purchase. Wilmington's craft lager community gathers for an afternoon of crisp, clean beers.
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Wings Over Carolina Beach Airshow
FREE airshow over the Carolina Beach Boardwalk! Donations benefit the ILM Aerospace Foundation. Bring a chair, grab boardwalk food, watch planes scream overhead.
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Arena Rising — Cape Fear Sports & Community Coalition Kickoff
Kickoff for the Cape Fear Sports & Community Coalition's Wilmington Arena Project. Hurricanes watch party, live music, donations welcomed. Free to attend.
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Belville Spring Community Yard Sale
Belville's spring community yard sale at the riverwalk park. Browse treasures along the Brunswick River with views and vendors galore.
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007 Casino Night Fundraiser
007-themed Casino Night at The Eagle's Dare benefiting First Fruit Ministries. Cocktail attire, entertainment by The Beehive Blondes, casino games all night.
Benefits First Fruit Ministries
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Riverfront Farmers Market
Downtown's weekly Riverfront Farmers Market returns to Dock Street with local produce, baked goods, seafood, crafts, and more. Rain or shine — Wilmington's Saturday tradition.
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Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek
Year-round Saturday farmers market at Tidal Creek featuring local farms, bakers, and artisans. High-quality local food in a friendly community setting.
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Carolina Cup Paddleboard Festival
The Carolina Cup SUP festival continues at Wrightsville Beach through Sunday. Paddle board clinics, expos, and weekend-long competitions. One of the East Coast's top paddle events.
Runs through Sunday April 26
Music & Concerts 4
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Orff's Carmina Burana
The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra performs Carl Orff's thunderous Carmina Burana — one of classical music's most epic and recognizable works. Full chorus and soloists on the Wilson Center stage.
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Jay Killman Trio — Duke Ellington Tribute
Wilmington's own Jay Killman Trio celebrates Duke Ellington in Ted's intimate listening room. A jazz master's works brought to life. Sold out — check for waitlist.
SOLD OUT
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Rock for Romeo Benefit Concert
Rock For Romeo benefit featuring Heter & CC Rider, Damien Lugo & The Halo of Vultures, Dubtown Cosmonauts, plus special appearances. Raffles, paintings — 100% donated to Mark Romeo.
100% benefit
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Thunderbeard: Tribute to ZZ Top
Thunderbeard rolls into Bowstring with their loaded ZZ Top tribute show. Big riffs, beards, and bluesy Texas rock under the Greenfield lights.
Sunday · April 26
Local Bars & Live Music 6
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Sing-A-Long Brunch
Belt It Out Brunch at The Bend! Showtune singalong brunch — bottomless mimosas, Broadway hits, and a room full of enthusiastic singers. A Sunday morning like no other.
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SIPS & SONGS: Brandon Tise
Brandon Tise plays an afternoon Sunday set at Wilmington Distillery. Hang out on Dock Street, sip house-made spirits, catch live music.
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Weekly Sunday Jazz Jam hosted by Jay Killman
Fermental's beloved Sunday jazz jam hosted by Jay Killman. Top local players sit in — always different, always great. Salita Pizza delivery available.
Salita Pizza free delivery
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Adam Carswell and Jason Jackson
Adam Carswell and Jason Jackson bring easy Sunday acoustic vibes to Seven Mile Post. Cold drinks, friendly faces, and the perfect end to the weekend.
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Grateful Sundays with Paul from Dirty Dead
Grateful Sundays with Paul from Dirty Dead at Wilmington Distillery. Dead covers and originals in the heart of downtown. The perfect Sunday night spot.
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Live Music Showcase feat. Dylan Harrell & Friends
Dylan Harrell & Friends bring a Sunday night music showcase to Barzarre on Castle Street. Rotating lineup, cozy venue, local talent at its finest.
Family Friendly 1
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Weekly Yoga at Hi-Wire
Weekly yoga in Hi-Wire's taproom. Roll out the mat and flow with the Wilmington community, then stick around for a post-yoga pint.
Markets & Festivals 4
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Mother's Day Market to Benefit Federal Point Help Center
Early Mother's Day Market at Good Hops benefiting Federal Point Help Center. (Note: this event is next Sunday, May 3 — not this weekend.)
Next weekend - not this one
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Mother's Day Market Under the Bridge
Celebrate Mom early! 20+ local makers with handmade gifts, jewelry, candles, sweets, face painting, permanent jewelry, kettle corn, and Italian ice. Justin Cody Fox Duo plays 3-5pm, Smash N' Dash food truck at noon.
Justin Cody Fox Duo 3-5pm
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Make Wilmington Weird Again
Make Wilmington Weird Again takes over Hi-Wire's taproom for an afternoon of oddball vendors, weird art, and local character. Come as weird as you want to be.
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Yard Sale at The Eagle's Dare
Yard sale day at The Eagle's Dare — shop treasures in the Brooklyn Arts District beer garden. Bargains and brews in one spot.
Music & Concerts 4
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Lights, Camera, Music!
A celebration of iconic film music performed live at the Wilson Center. Hollywood hits from the silver screen brought to life. Perfect Sunday afternoon outing.
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Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras
Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras take the Kenan stage for their spring concert. Celebrate the region's rising musicians in a family-friendly Sunday matinee.
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WHQR STNL w/ Les Fontanelles
WHQR's Sunday Night Live with Les Fontanelles at Ted's. Intimate, all-original song showcase under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. This one's sold out — check for returns.
SOLD OUT
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UNCW String Ensemble
UNCW String Ensemble's spring performance at Beckwith Recital Hall. Beautiful chamber arrangements performed by UNCW's top string students.
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