From fine art to pro wrestling, 16 things to do in the Wilmington area this weekend
Some might call July (post-Independence Day, of course) and August the doldrums when it comes to entertainment in the Wilmington area. And while they might not be wrong in terms of the number of events, if we're being very honest the quality is almost always there in the Port City, pretty much year-round.
The events in the summer do tend to be concert-heavy, and that's certainly the case this week, with a number of touring bands and a wide variety of smaller-scale shows. (We also have a big list highlighting outdoor concerts in the area if you want to see what's coming down the pike.) But there's also a new musical, a big art show and even a little pro wrestling.
If you're looking for Brunswick County events we do a separate list for that.
ALL WEEKEND
'Spring Awakening'
At Thalian Hall: Opera House Theatre Co.'s Apprentice company of young adult performers, under the direction of Morganna Bridgers, presents the Tony-winning rock musical about angsty rebellion and sexual coming of age in late 19th century Germany. The cast includes Opera House regulars Sydney Short and Jacob Gruntfest. 7:30 p.m. July 7-8, 2 p.m. July 8-9. 910-632-2285.
James Davis
At Dead Crow Comedy Room: Touring stand-up comic is known for hosting the MTV show "Adorableness" and had a Comedy Central special in 2019. Davis' act often hits on such topics as the quirks of social media and the brutality of ending a relationship. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. July 7-8. Tickets are $18 and $28.
THURSDAY
Dorothy Gillespie exhibit
At Art in Bloom: It's the summer of Dorothy Gillespie in Wilmington. The renowned artist died in 2012, but in addition to having her striking work on permanent display at Thalian Hall, UNCW and CFCC's Wilson Center, there have already been two exhibits of her work so far this year, one at UNCW's Cultural Arts Building Gallery and another at CFCC's Wilma Daniels Gallery downtown. Now comes a third: "Dorothy Gillespie Art: A Celebration of Art in Collaboration with the Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation" at Art in Bloom in the Mayfaire shopping center. More than two dozen of Gillespie's works will be on display (and for sale), including sculptures, wall hangings, pastels, pen and ink on paper, posters and more. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation, which plans to make the artist's New York studio into a museum and educational center. Opening reception is 5-8 p.m. July 6 at Art in Bloom. Show hangs through Aug. 13.
Boardwalk Blast
At the Carolina Beach Boardwalk: The British Invaders play a tribute to '60s British rock bands at this weekly outdoor concert series. The performance will be capped off by a fireworks display. 6:30-9:30 p.m. July 6, fireworks on the beach strand start at 9 p.m. Free.
FRIDAY
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Popular jam band known as PPPP to fans brings its funk-driven sound to town. The band's most recent album, 2022's "Perspective," is filled with songs that can range from goofy and fun-loving to groovy and sincere. 7 p.m. July 7, tickets start at $30.
Awen Family Band Duo
At Greenfield Lake Yacht Club: One of two big after-parties for the Pigeons Playing Ping Pong concert at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. This Durham duo comprised of Tim Husk and James Kent plays a mix of what they term "old time, swing and psychedelic boogie."10 p.m. July 7, free.
Dubtown Cosmonauts
At The Place: One of two big after-parties for the Pigeons Playing Ping Pong concert at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, this one in the heart of the Cargo District. This longtime Wilmington jam band formed at UNCW (aka "The Dub," hence the name) and plays a beachy blend of jazzy rock. With opening act The Queen's Giant. 8 p.m. doors/opener, 10 p.m. headliner. $10.
Airlie Gardens Concert Series
At Airlie Gardens: Covers band Motel Soap brings a blend of '70s and '80s pop and rock to this popular outdoor concert series. Non-member tickets go on sale the Monday before each concert. Parking is off-site at the New Hanover County Public Library's Northeast Branch, which is where you catch the free shuttle. Concessions not available, but chairs, blankets and picnics are allowed. 6-8 p.m. July 7. Tickets are $10, $3 for ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and under. 910-798-7700.
Friday Night Live
At the Port City Marina Pier: '80s tribute band The Breakfast Club has been around for decades, and this weekend they'll play this free outdoor concert series dowtown. 6-9 p.m. July 7. Free. $1 wristband purchase required for alcohol purchases.
Free Concert Friday
At The Eagle's Dare: Weekly outdoor concert series at this downtown Wilmington bar and event space features the poppy North Carolina alt-country band Driskill. Opening act is MOFU. 6-11 p.m. July 7, 6 p.m. opener, 8 p.m. headliner. Free.
First Friday Jazz Night
At Bourgie Nights: Wilmington's Jim Ferris Trio plays a mix of traditional jazz, contemporary jazz and fusion as part of this monthly concert series. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, July 7. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Jim Quick and Coastline
At the Lazy Pirate: Longtime, beloved "swamp soul" act plays R&B-flavored originals along with a few Carolina beach music classics. Should fit right in at this popular Carolina Beach venue. 7-10 p.m. July 7, free.
SATURDAY
Mat Kearney
At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Oregon-born, Nashville-based singer and songwriter has captured a huge following (a million-plus listeners a month on Spotify) thanks to uplifting, poppy rock songs that lift up his Christian faith. Kearny's most recent album is 2021's "January Flower." 7 p.m. July 8, tickets start at $32.
Cape Fear Pop Culture Fest
At Elks Lodge 532: Specialty vendors will showcase a range of comic books, video games from multiple eras, vinyl, movies, Pokémon (and other) cards, work by local artists and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 8, $3, free for kids 12 and under.
The Pinkerton Raid
At Waterline Brewing: North Carolina indie folk act is led by singer and songwriter Jesse James DeConto, who worked for more than a decade as a crime reporter. The Pinkerton Raid's tunes look inward and outward, at ills both personal and social. 7-9 p.m. July 8, free.
Pro wrestling
Ogden YMCA Activity Center: There's no smackdown like an in-person smackdown. The United Pro Wrestling Association brings its "Summer Showdown 2023" to Wilmington. In the main event, UPWA Heavyweight Champ Jake Logan will defend his title against No. 1 contender Snooty Foxx. 7 p.m. (doors) July 8, tickets are $20, and $10 for children.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do in Wilmington, NC, for the weekend of July 6-9
