★ Tonight in Port City ★
TONIGHT
SATURDAY · APRIL 25
68 Events · Local Bars & Live Music · Festivals & Outdoor Events · Family-Friendly · Theater & Performing Arts
Friday · April 24
Comedy & Magic 1
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Free Concert Friday: Comedy Show
Comedy show in the Beach House at Outer Dunes Brewing. Wheelz Pizza on-site 5-9pm, Woofies Mobile Grooming 4:30-7pm — only at Outer Dunes.
Local Bars & Live Music 2
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Wes Hunter Trio
Wes Hunter Trio plays Fermental's beer garden. Pair it with Lyne's Smashburgers & Subs (food truck on-site at 5pm) for a Friday night that keeps it local.
Lyne's Smashburgers food truck 5pm
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BACON GREASE
Bacon Grease brings high-energy covers from past to present to the SeaWitch outdoor stage. Wilmington's go-to party band for any Friday night.
Weekly Fun 1
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Music Bingo Mondays
(Sample weekly entry — Seven Mile Post's recurring weekly nights run Mon-Thu; see daily posts for details.)
Saturday · April 25
Concerts 2
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Jay Killman Trio - Duke Ellington Tribute
The Jay Killman Trio pays tribute to the Duke himself in the intimate listening room under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Sold out — but worth checking the waitlist for this jazz showcase.
Sold out
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Thunderbeard: Tribute to ZZ Top
Sharp dressed men ride again. Thunderbeard delivers a high-energy ZZ Top tribute at Bowstring Brewyard — boogie blues, beards, and big riffs all night.
Theater & Performing Arts 5
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World Ballet Company: Swan Lake (Matinee)
World Ballet Company brings Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece Swan Lake to Kenan Auditorium for a matinee performance. Stunning choreography, gorgeous costumes, and the most beloved score in ballet.
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Wilmington Symphony Orchestra: Carl Orff's Carmina Burana
The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra closes its season with Carl Orff's thunderous Carmina Burana. Massive choral forces, soloists and a full orchestra take on one of the most dramatic works in classical music.
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Bacchae
Euripides' ancient Greek tragedy comes to the Studio Theatre at the Wilson Center. A bold staging of one of the great works of dramatic literature.
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Wicked Sing-Along (2024)
Defying gravity with friends! Thalian Hall Cinema hosts a special sing-along screening of Wicked (2024). Belt out 'Popular' and 'Defying Gravity' with the whole crowd.
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World Ballet Company: Swan Lake (Evening)
The evening performance of Swan Lake at Kenan Auditorium. World Ballet Company delivers Tchaikovsky's iconic story of love, betrayal and transformation.
Comedy & Magic 3
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Daniel Van Kirk (Early Show)
Comedian, writer and podcaster Daniel Van Kirk (Pistol Shrimps Radio, Dumb People Town) takes the Dead Crow stage. Sharp observational comedy in Wilmington's only full-time comedy club.
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Daniel Van Kirk (Late Show)
Late-night set with Daniel Van Kirk at Dead Crow. The 9:30 show usually runs looser and rowdier than the early — perfect nightcap for a downtown Saturday.
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Don't Tell Comedy (Secret Show)
Secret comedy show in a secret location — the venue is revealed by email the day of the show. 21+, BYOB at most spots. A Wilmington favorite.
Local Bars & Live Music 12
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Sips & Songs: Andrew Bell Live
Afternoon set from Andrew Bell at Wilmington Distillery. Sample the craft spirits, take a quick tour, and catch live music in the heart of downtown.
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The Vulture Company
The Vulture Company returns to Outer Dunes' beer garden stage. Free live music under the oaks at the Porters Neck favorite — fire pits, food trucks, and craft beer.
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Live Music with Highly Motivated
Highly Motivated brings a live set to BBX's taproom. Free music, great craft beer selection, and a community-favorite Leland hang.
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Sunset Live Music Series: The Hatch Brothers
The Hatch Brothers headline the Sunset Live Music Series at The Boatyard in the Marina District. Free, dog-friendly, BYO chair — pair it with sunset over the Cape Fear River.
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Claymore + DJ
Claymore takes the stage 7-10pm, then a DJ keeps it going from 9pm to midnight. Two-acts-in-one Saturday night at The Bend.
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Dragons With Matches
Dragons With Matches play the Sunset Park neighborhood favorite. Cold beer, tasty food, and live music in one of Wilmington's coziest hangs.
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Live Music: Paul DeCirce of Dirty Dead
Paul DeCirce of Dirty Dead brings a Grateful-Dead-flavored solo set to Fermental. Pair it with Pepe's Tacos (food truck on-site) and craft beer in the garden.
Pepe's Tacos food truck 6pm; Spring Vendor Market 12-4pm
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The Possums Playing Dead
The Possums bring their Grateful Dead-inspired set to the Ogden neighborhood pub. Free show, cold beers, friendly crowd.
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Maggie's Kitchen
Maggie's Kitchen takes the Rusty Nail stage for a Saturday night of soulful blues. Wilmington's longtime home of live blues music, always free and always cooking.
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OMG (Rock Trio)
OMG is a Wilmington rock trio featuring members of the legendary local band Machine Gun, leaning hard into Van Halen Roth-era velocity. No cover, full SeaWitch tiki vibes.
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Rock For Romeo Benefit Concert
A massive benefit show featuring Heter & CC Rider, Damien Lugo & The Halo of Vultures, Dubtown Cosmonauts and special guests. Raffles, paintings, and 100% of proceeds go to Mark Romeo. Big lineup, bigger cause.
100% donated to Mark Romeo
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1821 Speakeasy Grand Opening Weekend
Grand opening weekend for Leland's new 1821 Speakeasy. Drink specials, raffles, and no membership required for the launch event.
No Membership Required
Food & Drink Events 2
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Beer Brunch with Munkle Brewing
A curated beer brunch at Commodore Public House featuring beers from Munkle Brewing. Three courses, three hours, all paired beautifully.
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Tides Beverage Co. THC Tasting
Tides Beverage Co. brings their THC-infused beverages to The Veggie Wagon for a Saturday afternoon tasting. Carolina Beach's specialty grocery does it again.
Family-Friendly 7
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Ikebana & Bonsai Exhibition
NC State Extension hosts an Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) and Bonsai exhibition at the Arboretum Education Center. A peaceful Saturday escape into the art of plants.
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Read to a Dog (Love on a Leash)
Kids 5-11 can practice reading aloud to a Love on a Leash therapy dog at the Main Library. Builds reading confidence in the most adorable way possible.
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Kure Community Fest
Live music, performers, kids/family activities with local businesses and non-profits, games, food trucks, vendors, dunk tank, and more — all set to ocean views at Kure Beach's Ocean Front Park.
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Lego Competition with Bricks & Minifigs
Lego competition at BBX with Bricks & Minifigs ILM. Bring your build skills, pair it with craft beer, and compete in Leland's first taproom.
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Wings Over Carolina Beach Airshow
Wings Over Carolina Beach airshow returns over the Boardwalk. Free to watch, with donations benefiting the ILM Aerospace Foundation.
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Star Party at Carolina Beach State Park
Free stargazing event at Carolina Beach State Park — outdoor shows, telescope viewings, vendors, and activities for stargazers of all ages under the Pleasure Island night sky.
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Family Movie Night
Free family movie night under the stars at Belville Riverwalk Park. Bring blankets, chairs, and the whole family for a riverside evening.
Farmers Markets 2
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Riverfront Farmers Market
Wilmington's flagship Saturday market on Dock Street between 2nd & Water. Local farmers, makers, food vendors and live music — open every Saturday April through November.
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Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek
Year-round Saturday morning market at Tidal Creek Co-Op. Highest-quality local food in a community-focused setting, rain or shine.
Festivals & Outdoor Events 12
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Mad Mole Earth Day Celebration
Mad Mole's Earth Day party features a special brew release, 'green' vendors, a DJ, and a food truck. Sustainability vibes with cold beer in hand.
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LagerFest 2026
Wrightsville Beach Brewery's annual celebration of lagers — $25 gets you a tasting glass and unlimited samples of local lagers. Food available for purchase.
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Gardenpalooza: A Spoonful of Spring
Mary Poppins-themed Gardenpalooza at The Gardens of Southeastern NC — yard games, themed cocktails, workshops, and a day designed for spring magic. Spring attire encouraged, chim-chim-cher-ee spirit required.
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Foodie Festival at RiverLights
RiverLights hosts a Foodie Festival with 4,600+ folks already interested. Local vendors, food, and a great way to spend a sunny Saturday south of downtown.
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Rad Dad Yard Sale
A neighborhood yard sale to benefit a local family. Saturday morning bargain hunting with a good cause attached.
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Spring Vendor Market
Local makers, artisans and small businesses pop up at Fermental's beer garden. Browse handmade goods, sip a craft pour, then stick around for the food truck and live music after.
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Wilmington Arena Project: Arena Rising
Kickoff event for the Cape Fear Sports & Community Coalition. Hurricanes Watch Party, live music, and an evening of community building on the riverfront.
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007 Casino Night Fundraiser
Cocktail-attire 007 Casino Night fundraiser benefiting First Fruit Ministries. Entertainment by The Beehive Blondes — the kind of night where the dress code is half the fun.
Benefits First Fruit Ministries
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Belville Spring Community Yard Sale
Belville's spring community yard sale at Riverwalk Park — bargain hunt your way through the morning, then explore the park along the Brunswick River.
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Coastal Garden Club Flower Show: Quilted Flowers
The 2026 Coastal Garden Club Flower Show 'Quilted Flowers' — a National Garden Club-sanctioned competitive exhibition combining horticulture, floral design and educational exhibits. Free and open to the public.
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Carolina Cup
The Carolina Cup brings stand-up paddleboard fans to Wrightsville Beach for a multi-day festival of clinics, expos, and weekend SUP competitions. Day 2 of 3.
Continues Sunday April 26
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Days at the Dock Festival
Holden Beach's annual unofficial summer kickoff festival — arts and crafts, live music, food, games, and lively shoreline atmosphere. Continues Sunday too.
Continues Sunday April 26
Car Shows & Cruise-Ins 2
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Cars & Coffee at The Pointe (next: May 2)
Wilmington's monthly Cars & Coffee gathers classic and exotic rides at The Pointe at Barclay on the first Saturday of every month. Next one is May 2 — set your reminder.
First Saturday of each month
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Southport Car Show
Southport's Saturday car show at the Waterfront Park. Classic rides, rock & roll energy, and waterfront views in one of the prettiest small towns in NC.
Sunday · April 26
Concerts 1
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WHQR STNL w/ Les Fontanelles
WHQR's Sunday Tiny House Concert Series presents Les Fontanelles — a sold-out matinee in the intimate listening room under the bridge. Worth checking the waitlist.
Sold out
Theater & Performing Arts 3
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Lights, Camera, Music!
A celebration of iconic film scores brought to the Wilson Center stage. Family-friendly Sunday matinee perfect for movie buffs and music lovers alike.
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Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras
The Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras take the Kenan stage. A celebration of the next generation of classical musicians from across southeastern NC.
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UNCW String Ensemble
UNCW's String Ensemble performs in the intimate Beckwith Recital Hall. A great Sunday-evening palate cleanser for chamber music fans.
Local Bars & Live Music 4
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Brandon Tise Live
Brandon Tise plays a classic-rock-and-more set in the afternoon at Wilmington Distillery. Sip a Chilli Willi, browse the craft spirits shelf, settle in.
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Weekly Jazz Jam hosted by Jay Killman
Wilmington's weekly Sunday jazz jam, hosted by the great Jay Killman. Bring an instrument or just bring your ears — Salita Pizza on-site for free delivery.
Salita Pizza free delivery
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Grateful Sundays w/ Paul from Dirty Dead
Paul from Dirty Dead brings the Grateful Dead-inspired Sunday-night vibes to Wilmington Distillery. Two Paul DeCirce shows in two days — Wilmington wins.
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OPEN Live Music Showcase feat. Dylan Harrell & Friends
Eclectic Castle Street favorite Barzarre hosts a live music showcase featuring Dylan Harrell & Friends. Bohemian vibes, cocktails, hookah lounge — Wilmington's most uniquely-dressed venue.
Food & Drink Events 1
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Sing-A-Long Brunch at The Bend
Belt-it-out brunch at The Bend — a sing-along brunch where the brunch comes with a soundtrack you make. Mimosas, food, and your best showtune voice.
Family-Friendly 4
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History Comes Alive with Dr. Chris Fonvielle
Wilmington historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle leads a guided river cruise bringing Cape Fear history alive from the water. Two hours of stories, sights, and storytelling.
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Family Fun Day
Bellamy Mansion's Family Fun Day brings history to life on the museum grounds. Family-friendly programming at one of Wilmington's most iconic historic homes.
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Tinted Turtle Trot
Carolina Beach's Tinted Turtle Trot — a family-friendly run/walk benefiting sea turtle conservation efforts on Pleasure Island.
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Wings Over Carolina Beach Air Show (Day 2)
Day two of the FREE Wings Over Carolina Beach airshow above the Boardwalk. Donations benefit the ILM Aerospace Foundation. Bring your beach chair and look up.
Donations benefit ILM Aerospace Foundation
Festivals & Outdoor Events 4
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Mother's Day Market Under the Bridge
Celebrate Mom early with 20+ local makers — handmade gifts, jewelry, candles, sweets, plus face painting by Vicki Paints, permanent jewelry, kettle corn and Italian ice. Live music by Justin Cody Fox Duo (3-5pm), Smash N' Dash food truck opens at noon.
Live music + food truck
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Make Wilmington Weird Again Ren Fest
Embrace your weird at Hi-Wire's Renaissance-Faire-meets-Wilmington-weirdness party. Vendors, costumes, beer, and the kind of afternoon that ends with great Instagram stories.
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Mother's Day Market to Benefit Federal Point Help Center
Carolina Beach Mother's Day market at Good Hops, with proceeds benefiting Federal Point Help Center. Local vendors, beer, and a great cause to start your Sunday.
Benefits Federal Point Help Center
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Strawberry & Wine Fest
Sunset Beach's annual Strawberry & Wine Fest — chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry shortcake, and local wines all in one delicious afternoon for food lovers.
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