19 things to do in the Wilmington area for an event-packed weekend

Festival season kicks into high gear in Wilmington this weekend with the return of Riverfest, which will bring thousands of people downtown for the Port City's biggest annual fall celebration.

But there's lots more going on as well, including multiple concerts by big-name touring acts; several chances to catch performances of jazz and classical music; film screenings, comedy and art shows; and a big ol' musical at Thalian Hall.

Check below for all the details.

If you're looking for Brunswick County events, we do a separate story for that. Also check out our list of upcoming Halloween-related events in October if you want to get ahead of game for spooky season.

Spooky season: 25 Halloween events in Wilmington: Haunted houses, festivals, movies, concerts and more

ALL WEEKEND

'A Chorus Line'

At Thalian Hall: Not many situations are more relatable than trying out/auditioning for something -- a job, a sports team, a part in a play -- and not knowing whether you're going to get it. Hence, the enduring appeal of "A Chorus Line," the 1975 musical about dancers looking to score a Broadway show.

The Thalian Association opened "A Chorus Line" last weekend at Thalian Hall, and under the direction of Kendra Goehring, who also choreographs, it's a compelling production packed with standout moments.

The character-driven show delves into the hopes, dreams, fears and traumas of its dancers, often in musical numbers, like the jaunty "I Can Do That" (wonderfully performed by Logan Hayes) or the humorously endearing "Sing" (Kari Sea and the strong-voiced Brett Sicola, a good duo), about a dancer who can't.

Other songs are variously soaring (the delicate "At the Ballet"), saucy ("Dance, Ten, Looks, Three," knocked out of the park by Audra Schaffer) and stirring (the indelible kick-line number "One"). When they're not dancing the performers get to stretch their acting muscles, with Morganna Bridgers standing out as a hard-nosed veteran dancer, Henry Fox fabulously flippant as a cocky youngster, Rafael Paulino as a dancer with a painful past and Stephanie White Tucker in the key role of Cassie, a proud but desperate character who fears she's seeing her dance dreams slip away (Tucker moves beautifully in her big number, "The Music and the Mirror").

Undergirding the whole show is a rock-solid performance by Zach Hanner as the tough but compassionate choreographer, who never sings or dances but looms large over almost every scene nonetheless.

Director Goehring peppers the proceedings with a few contemporary references ("Who let the dogs out?"), which can be distracting, but on the whole "A Chorus Line" is an enjoyable, well-staged production that does justice to its source material. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6-7, 2 p.m. Oct. 8. Tickets are $34, with some discounts available. 910-632-2285.

Riverfest

Downtown Wilmington: Tens of thousands of people are expected to flood downtown this weekend for what has historically been Wilmington's biggest fall festival, with food and arts and crafts vendors, live music, a car show and more. As opposed to years past, festivities will be centered on downtown's Northside, with the performance stage behind CFCC's Wilson Center in the parking lot formerly used for Azalea Festival concerts. Riverfest started back in 1979, and it was instrumental in making downtown a destination after years of decline. After hurricanes and the pandemic canceled the festival numerous times in recent years (it wasn't held in 2020 or '21), this weekend's weather looks mercifully glorious. Oct. 7-8.

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Robby Slowik

At Dead Crow Comedy Room: Slowik, a writer and performer on Apple TV's "The Problem with Jon Stewart," brings his stand-up act to town for a weekend of shows. Among other topics, the low-key, likable Slowick riffs on the entertaining decadence of theme parks and how new car technology can make it seem like his vehicle is mocking him. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 6-7, tickets are $18 and $28.

'Legends & Lore' walking tour

At the Burgwin-Wright House: If you've got historically minded guests in town for Riverfest, or if you're something of a history buff yourself, steer toward the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens for the "Cape Fear Legends & Lore" walking tour. Topics include the subterranean tunnels known as Jacob's Run, the yellow fever epidemic of the 1860s and a post-Revolutionary War duel that turned best friends into foes. Tours leave from the historic, 18th century house at Third and Market streets.10 a.m. Oct. 6-7, tickets are $20. 910-762-0570.

'Dinner Party: An Audience-Choice Experience'

At UNCW's SRO Theatre: As part of the Student Lab series, students in UNCW's Department of Theatre present this original, interactive play. At an annual birthday party gathering for one of a group of friends, long-held grievances lead to the death of at least one character. Choices made by the audience determines who lives, who dies and what happens to the remaining characters. 7:30 Oct. 5-7, 2 p.m. Oct. 8. Tickets are $9, $3 for youth. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to performance to ensure seating.

THURSDAY

Alice Cooper

At CFCC Wilson Center: A '70s shock-rocker who's now part of the establishment, Alice Cooper will bring his heavily costumed, over-the-top Too Close for Comfort tour to town. Expect to hear such hits as "Eighteen," "Poison" and "No More Mr. Nice Guy." 7:30 Oct. 5, tickets start at $86. 910-362-7999.

Jelly Roll

At Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Heavily tatted, wildly popular country rapper and singer comes to town for what will be a sold-out show. It will be the last concert of the year presented by Live Nation at Wilmington's biggest concert venue. 7 p.m. Oct. 5. "Verified resale" tickets start at $110.

Drive-By Truckers

At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Country rockers have been coming to Wilmington since the late '90s, when they played a little barbecue joint downtown called Cowboy's, where Underfront is now. Some 20 albums later, Drive-By Truckers are one of the most beloved bands in the biz. Opening act is North Carolina's own American Aquarium, a band heavily influenced by DBT. 6 p.m. Oct. 5, tickets start at $35.

Lenora Zenzalai Helm & the Tribe Jazz Orchestra Nonet

At the Cameron Art Museum: World-class jazz performance is part of the Jazz at CAM series. Singer/composer/bandleader Helm is also a professor at North Carolina Central University in Durham, and her band includes former UNCW music prof and bassist Natalie Boeyink, and will be joined by Grammy-nominated pianist Orrin Evans. In 2020, Helm and the Tribe Jazz Orchestra released the album of standards "For the Love of Big Band."7 p.m. Oct. 5, tickets are $55, $35 for members.

FRIDAY

UNCW Big Band

At Beckwith Recital Hall: UNCW's music department presents an evening of jazz, featuring works by composers including Miles Davis and Chick Corea. 7:30 Oct. 6, tickets are $9.

ABBAFAB

At Kenan Auditorium: Abba tribute band comes to town for UNCW's Kenan Spotlight series. Expect to hear such hits as "Waterloo," "Dancing Queen" and many more. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, tickets are $45 and $55. 910-962-3500.

Farewell Summer Jazz Funeral

At Kure Beach Oceanfront Park: Every year, the town of Kure Beach hosts a New Orleans-style jazz funeral to send summer off into the great hereafter. This year, the Port City Players will provide the music and the T'Geaux Boys food truck will be there with New Orleans-style cuisine. 7-9 p.m. Oct. 6, free.

'The Devil's Stomping Ground'

At Jengo's Playhouse: The Cucalorus Film Festival's series of screenings highlighting independent movies of local import presents this found-footage horror romp that opened last year's Cucalorus. Directed by Jon Landau, it's about young independent filmmakers shooting a movie at a supposedly haunted site in the woods while fighting, making out and eventually coming to A Very Bad End. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, tickets are $10.

First Friday Jazz Night

At Bourgie Nights: Pianist Duke Ladd and his Duke Ladd Trio will bring a variety of jazz styles to this monthly music serie. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, Oct. 6. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show. VIP tables available.

SATURDAY

Wilmington Symphony

CFCC Wilson Center: The Wilmington Symphony opens its 2023-24 season of concerts with a performance billed as "Romantic Masters." The program will feature Israeli pianist Alon Goldstein as a guest performer playing both Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, aka the Emperor Concerto, and Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2 in D Flat Major, aka "Romantic." 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7, tickets start at $25. 910-362-7999.

ASG

At the Palm Room: Longtime Wilmington metal act ASG brings their muscular riffing and head-thrashing rhythms to what will certainly be a packed-out show at their Wrightsville Beach home base of the Palm Room. Opening acts are Wilmington rockers Cancel and Port City singer-songwriter Jesse Stockton. 9 p.m. Oct. 7, tickets at the door.

Crafts & Crystals Faire

At the Wilmington Elks Lodge: Dozens of area artists, crafters, crystal sellers (!) and even bakers will be on hand, along with palm readers, psychics, tarot readers and mediums for this market of Halloween- and fall-themed creations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Elks Lodge, 5102 Oleander Drive. $3 admission, free for ages 12 and under.

Sean Thomas Gerard

At the Sandspur: The singer and songwriter Sean Thomas Gerard is a true Wilmington treasure, and his catchy, soulful tunes -- dreamy gems like "Strange and Electrifying" and "Jovie" -- are some of the best ever to come out of the Port City. Playing live with a guitar, a loop machine and his gently reassuring voice, every show he plays is a must-see. To wit, he'll be at The Sandspur in Carolina Beach on Saturday, playing a mix of brand-new tunes, his solo favorites and few from his days with the folk rock band Onward, Soldiers. 7-9 p.m. Oct. 7, free.

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SUNDAY

3 new art shows

At Art in Bloom gallery: Mayfaire art gallery will have a reception on Sunday for shows by a trio of artists: "Poet’s Garden: New Paintings by Helen Mirkil," "Intentional Camera Movement (ICM): Photography by Robert Beauchene" and "The Studio Ceramics of Gayle Tustin." The work will remain on display through Nov. 19. 2-5 p.m. Oct. 8, free.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do in Wilmington NC for the weekend Oct. 5-8 2023 Riverfest