17 things to do in Wilmington this weekend: Parades, art shows, rock festivals and more

John Staton, Wilmington StarNews
Updated ·7 min read

After one of the busiest weekends of the year in Wilmington, things calm down a little before gearing back up next week for the 29th Cucalorus Film Festival.

Still plenty to do this weekend, though. The slate is heavy on events commemorating the 125th anniversary of Wilmington's 1898 coup and massacre, but there's also a big new exhibit opening at the Cameron Art Museum, a couple of plays, lots of music and some big names touring through the area.

For a full list of 1898-related events this month, including some that aren't included in this story, click here.

If you're looking for Brunswick County events, we do a separate story for that.

Never forget: Full list of events marking 125th anniversary of Wilmington's coup and massacre of 1898

ALL WEEKEND

'Monument'

Kara Walker’s "Exodus of the Confederates from Atlanta" from the portfolio "Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated)," is in the new Cameron Art Museum exhibit "Monument."
Kara Walker’s "Exodus of the Confederates from Atlanta" from the portfolio "Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated)," is in the new Cameron Art Museum exhibit "Monument."

At the Cameron Art Museum: The museum's new exhibit, "Monument," opens this week with a number of events. Inspired by the spirit of "Boundless," the sculpture on the museum grounds honoring soldiers from the U.S. Colored Troops who fought in the Civil War, "Monument" includes work by multiple artists, including new work from "Boundless" sculptor Stephen Hayes. On Saturday, descendants of U.S Colored Troops from around the country are coming to Wilmington for USCT Descendants Homecoming Day, which will include Civil War re-enactments, lectures, live music, family activities and the premiere of a new documentary on the USCT descendants. Opening reception for "Monument" is 5-9 p.m. Nov. 9, admission is $15 for non-members. Exhibit opens to the public Nov. 10 during regular museum hours. Descendants Day is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Cameron Art Museum and is free.

Port City stories: How a Wilmington sculpture helped bring Black Civil War vet's extraordinary story to light

'John Proctor is the Villain'

At CFCC Wilson Center (studio): Cape Fear Community College's Department of Fine and Performing Arts presents this play by Kimberly Bellflower about a group of teens studying Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" at a rural Georgia high school. In some ways it's a contemporary look at the classic American drama, as well as a snapshot of the current generation of young people trying to navigate an ever-more complicated world. Given all the recent school board drama in Wilmington and elsewhere over what kids should and shouldn't read, and who gets to decide, it should be enlightening. 7 p.m. Nov. 9-11 and 16-18. Tickets are $15. 910-362-7999.

Sahib Singh

Dead Crow Comedy Room: Baltimore/D.C comic has written for and performed on Comedy Central. Singh has gotten a huge following on TikTok for his sardonic videos, like one about "respectful catcalling," but he's also won awards for his stand-up. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 10-11, tickets are $20 and $30.

'Dracula'

George Bird (left) plays Lucy Westenra and Andrew Page plays Jonathan Harker in UNCW's production of "Dracula."
George Bird (left) plays Lucy Westenra and Andrew Page plays Jonathan Harker in UNCW's production of "Dracula."

At the Mainstage Theatre in the Cultural Arts Building, UNCW campus: If you're a fan of classic horror, you'll want to check out the UNCW theater department's bloody production of "Dracula," which has been ripped, hissing, from the pages of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel. Halloween may be over, but the creepiness doesn't have to end. Read full review here. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9-11, 2 p.m. Nov. 12. Tickets are $14, with some discounts. 910-962-3500.

THURSDAY

Wreath laying ceremony

In November, the city of Wilmington will mark 125 years since the Wilmington coup and massacre of 1898. Part of the remembrance includes laying a wreath at 1898 Memorial Park.
In November, the city of Wilmington will mark 125 years since the Wilmington coup and massacre of 1898. Part of the remembrance includes laying a wreath at 1898 Memorial Park.

At 1898 Memorial Park: The city of Wilmington and New Hanover County present this ceremony to honor the victims of 1898. 9 a.m. Nov. 9, free.

Beijing Dance Theatre

At CFCC Wilson Center: Touring Chinese dance troupe founded in 2008 combines ballet and modern dance. Intimate performance with audience seated on the Wilson Center stage. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9, tickets start at $28. 910-362-7999.

Cliff Cash

Cliff Cash in the original lobby of Thalian Hall.
Cliff Cash in the original lobby of Thalian Hall.

At Thalian Hall: OK, this one just sold out, so I hope you already have tickets. Wilmington's favorite comedy son will perform a set to be recorded for an upcoming special. Openers are Wills Maxwell Jr. and Travis Harrison, hosted by Cash's brother, novelist Wiley Cash.

Port City laughs: With hopes of Netflix, Wilmington comic to tape special performance at Thalian Hall

FRIDAY

Black Press Rising from the Ashes of 1898

Mary Alice Jervay Thatch, longtime editor and publisher of The Wilmington Journal.
Mary Alice Jervay Thatch, longtime editor and publisher of The Wilmington Journal.

At Thalian Hall.(studio): A tribute to Mary Alice Jervay Thatch, late editor and publisher of Wilmington's longtime Black newspaper, The Wilmington Journal. Frances Weller of WECT will be the mistress of ceremonies for a program that will include performances by violinist Christa Faison, the Williston Alumni Choir and a spoken word portion called Speak Ya Peace. 6 p.m. Nov. 10, 910-632-2285.

SATURDAY

Veterans Day Parade

The 208th Army Band out of Concord perform during the Southeast North Carolina Veterans Day Parade in downtown Wilmington, N.C., Saturday, November 6, 2021. Approximately 85 entries participated in the annual event that ran along Third St. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]
The 208th Army Band out of Concord perform during the Southeast North Carolina Veterans Day Parade in downtown Wilmington, N.C., Saturday, November 6, 2021. Approximately 85 entries participated in the annual event that ran along Third St. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]

Downtown Wilmington: Saturday is Veterans Day, and Wilmington will celebrate with the sixth annual Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade. The parade will start at 11 a.m. and follow Third Street from Hanover Street to Market Street. Pre-parade events start at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall, and include performances by the Beaches & Boots Line Dancers, the U.S. Air Force Heritage Band, the UNCW Sea Belles, the Bandit Flight Team, the U.S. Naval Academy’s Silent Drill Team and, weather permitting, the unfurling of a 40- by 60-foot American flag.

Official post-parade celebration is at The Eagles Dare, 420 N. Third St. Parade marshals are U.S. veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the parade theme, in partnership with Save A Vet Now, is suicide prevention. Marching in the parade will be the U.S. Naval Academy Silent Drill Team, which performs drills using rifles with fixed bayonets. Also marching: The U.S. Army 208th Band, the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Division Band, Wilmington Police Pipe and Drum and several area high school bands. Pre-parade activities begin 10 a.m. Nov. 11 in front of City Hall. Parade begins at 11 a.m., and will be immediately followed by the Sudan Shriners Ceremonial Parade on the same route.

1898 Symposium

Rev. William Barber performed the service for Joshua Halsey at Pine Forest Cemetery in Wilmington, N.C., Saturday, November 6, 2021. Halsey was one of many Black people who were killed in Wilmington during the 1898 massacre. The event was one of several organized by New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington to commemorate the 123rd anniversary of the massacre. [MATT BORN/STARNEWS]

At Willison Middle School: Symposium addressing the ongoing impacts of 1898 has a big-name lineup of panelists, including Bishop William Barber (formerly of the N.C. NAACP), legendary Wilmington educator Bertha Todd (who helped lead the 100th anniversary commemoration in 1998) and others. Discussion will focus on ways to address the continuing harm caused by 1898. Winners of a student essay contest on 1898 will be recognized. 1-4 p.m. Nov. 11, free. Reception follows.

'Project 1898' concert

At CFCC Wilson Center: The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra presents a concert that will include a new work commissioned to commemorate the 125th anniversary of 1898. Also on the program is Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto performed by Sphinx Competition winner Adé Williams. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, tickets start at $25. 910-362-7999.

Ira Glass

Ira Glass will perform at UNCW Nov. 11.
Ira Glass will perform at UNCW Nov. 11.

At Kenan Auditorium: Longtime host of NPR's "This American Life" brings his radio show to the stage. Billed as "Seven Things I’ve Learned," Glass will employ audio clips, music and videos as he explores memorable stories from career. 7:30 Nov. 11, tickets start at $36. 910-962-3500.

Suck Fest

At Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: (EDITOR'S NOTE: the show has been moved from Dram Tree to Reggie's due to weather.) This is what they call a "don't miss" show. Ten of Wilmington's non-suckiest rock bands will bring a full day of tunes to Sunset Park as part of this showcase for Wilmington's Suck Rock Records. Lineup includes Doggy Daycare, which just dropped a scorching new single, "acid walk"; Beach Tub, which just released its sweetly rockin' debut, self-titled EP; Lawn Enforcement, which just released the smooth and sassily titled album "Blood Sweat and Shears" (the song "Isn't Enough" is truly epic); Ridgewood, whose new self-titled EP explores a dynamic and compelling range of styles ("White Noise" is a heavy, head-bobbing single about feeling weird in your head); The Queen's Giant, which recently won a battle of the bands put on by Wilmington rock radio station 98.7 FM; and Chloe Torres, formerly of the garage pop band Pleasure Island. Truly, an impressive collection of Wilmington talent. 5-11 p.m. Nov. 11, $15.

Wilmington Toy and Comic Show

Collectible toys (both vintage and modern) on display and for sale, along with door prizes and appearances by local artists, including film makeup and special effects artist Jeff Goodwin, known for his work in "Blue Velvet" and, more recently, having a hand in Wilmington's "Chapel of Horrors" haunted house. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11, 2412 Infantry Road, off N. Kerr Avenue.

SUNDAY

The After-Brunch Show

Wilmington comic Steph Stigma, seen here at Barzarre, is a regular performer on the Wilmington stand-up scene.
Wilmington comic Steph Stigma, seen here at Barzarre, is a regular performer on the Wilmington stand-up scene.

At the Wilmington Distillery: Wilmington comic and impresario Louis Tee hosts this variety show, a mix of comedy and music, the second and fourth Sunday of each month. This week Wilmington comic Steph Stigma headlines, along with fellow comic Christopher Allen and spoken-word from Mlk Jacobs. 3-6 p.m. Nov. 12.

Yachtvember

At the Opera Room: Month of Sunday shows organized by Wilmington DJ and hip-hop artist Rizzybeats. This week it's Charlotte rapper Rob: Earth-One, whose new single "Crazy" is a heady blend of pop, hip-hop and indie rock with a slick acoustic hook under a banging chorus and a rapid-fire mid-song break. 8 p.m. Nov. 12, $5.

'Fighting for Freedom'

At Cameron Art Museum: DREAMS' Dance Theatre program presents this performance inspired by the events of 1898. 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Cameron Art Museum.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do in Wilmington NC for Veterans Day weekend, Nov, 9-12