18 things to do in Wilmington this weekend as the free, outdoor concert series return
When the free outdoor concert series start coming back to Southeastern North Carolina, you know that summer is right around the corner.
That's pretty much where we're at this weekend, with the return of three Wilmington-area concert series, including Kure Beach's Boogie in the Park. Check below for performers and details.
But wait, there's more. In addition to free outdoor concerts, we've got a diverse collection of touring acts and local bands this weekend, along with a Cinco de Mayo celebration, a film festival, an '80s-centric dance night and the return of a Wilmington comedy legend.
Let's get this weekend started.
ALL WEEKEND
Wilmington Jewish Film Festival
May 1-9 at Thalian Hall: Week-long festival of films exploring Jewish culture, issues and people. Highlights include "Remembering Gene Wilder" (3 p.m. May 5), a documentary about the comic actor, and "Less Than Kosher" (7 p.m. May 4), about a failed musician and self-described "bad Jew" who gets a job in her parents' synagogue. Screenings are 7 p.m. May 1-2, 4-5 and 9, and 3 p.m. May 5. 910-632-2285.
Timmy Sherrill
May 3-4 at Dead Crow Comedy Room: It's not a stretch to say that, without Timmy Sherrill, Wilmington might not have a full-time comedy club. The comic and actor ("Birdies," DC's "Stargirl") stepped away from the Dead Crow Comedy Room, which he co-founded, to focus on his comedy and acting career after the club moved to its current location three years ago. This weekend Sherrill returns to the Dead Crow for a weekend full of shows. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. May 3-4, tickets are $18 and $28.
Cinco de Mayo Weekend
May 4-5 at Tequila Waterfront (14 Harnett St.): Two-day celebration of the Mexican state of Puebla’s independence from French occupation will include Mexican food, live music and dance, DJs, piñatas and face-painting for the kids (Sunday only), vendor booths and more. 4-10 p.m. May 4 and noon-5 p.m. May 5.
FRIDAY
Let's Dance
May 3 at UnderFront: It'll be a DJ-driven dance-off of sorts when two of Wilmington's top DJs — RizzyBeats and Fort Lowell Records owner James Tritten — join forces (and vinyl collections) as part of this regular, venue-hopping series. The focus will be on danceable pop, rock and hip-hops tracks from the 1980s. 8 p.m. May 3, $5 cover.
Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience
May 3 at Thalian Hall: Touring tribute act pays homage to the songs of late pop star Prince. 7:30 p.m. May 3, 910-632-2285.
Jordan Davis
May 3 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Platinum-selling and CMA Award-winning country singer has had such No.1 hits as "Buy Dirt," "Next Thing You Know" and "Singles You Up." 7 p.m. May 3, tickets start at $60.
Ocean Front Flicks
May 3 at Oceanfront Park, Kure Beach: Catch a pirate-themed movie on the beach as part of this weekly series. This week's flick is 2006's "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest." 8 p.m. May 3, free.
Free Concert Friday
May 3 at The Eagle's Dare: Free concert series kicks off 2024 with a show from Journey tribute act Trial By Fire. 4 p.m. gates, 7 p.m. opener, 8 p.m. headliner. Free.
Mike Pinto
May 3 at Bowstring: Longtime folk/reggae rocker Mike Pinto has some fun and saucy songs. Opening acts are Rockstead and Pleasantly Wild. 7 p.m. May 3, tickets start at $15.
Bloodkin
May 3 at The Palm Room: Longtime Athens, Georgia, band blends multiple styles into a compellingly off-kilter sound, much like their musical predecessors, the Grateful Dead. Even so, they're more potent songsmiths than noodly jam band. 10 p.m. May 3, cover at the door.
Photoclub
May 3 at Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Wilmington punk act just dropped a new EP, "Summertime," they recorded back in 2018. With Nervous Systems, Busted Radio and Emergency Nothing. 7 p.m. May 3, $10.
SATURDAY
Immersed Magazine community fundraiser
May 4 at Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: If you've not gotten hip to Wilmington magazine Immersed, you need to do so immediately, if not sooner. They are doing some great, important stuff. To wit: This eight-band bill to raise money for Wilmington's Northside Food Co-op. The lineup includes: Wilmington acts Tercel, which is dropping a sweet new single, "Tiny Towns," on Fort Lowell Records May 14, along with Madisinn, Microdose and Rosary. Plus, Philly bands Sacculina and In Jest, Durham's Survival Tactics and a surprise guest. 5 p.m. doors/community dinner May 4. All proceeds benefit the Northside Food Co-op.
May Tha 4th Be With You
May 4 at Bourgie Nights: "Star Wars"-themed night of music (get it, "May the 4th ...") headlined by viral electro/hip-hop artist Lil Blurry. With N.C. hip-hop duo Rebels No Savage and Wilmington's own MoeSOS DC. 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show, $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
Cody Jinks
May 4 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion: County singer inspired by the "outlaw" genre that rose to popularity in the 1970s hit No. 4 on the country chart with his 2016 album "I'm Not the Devil." New album "Change the Game" dropped in March. 7 p.m. May 4, tickets start at $30.
Momedy Comedy
May 4 at Nauti Dog, Carolina Beach: Wilmington stand-ups Lew Morgante and Alex Denning, along with Shannon Perez and Amanda Goodyear, present this lunchtime comedy jam especially geared to the moms out there. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 4, tickets are $25.
Villa*Nova
May 4 at Reel Cafe: South Carolina rockers bring their show to the rooftop of this longtime spot in the heart of downtown Wilmington. 7 p.m. May 4, cover.
SUNDAY
Boogie in the Park
May 5 at Oceanfront Park, Kure Beach: Wilmington psychobillians Phantom Playboys kick off this free, outdoor music series for 2024. 5-7 p.m. May 5, free.
Rock the Dock
May 5 at Bluewater Grill: Carolinas-based reggae act Mystic Vibrations kicks off a free, weekly outdoor music series at this Wrightsville Beach hotspot. 4-8 p.m. May 5, free.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: What's going on in Wilmington, NC? Things to do the weekend of May 3-5
