14 things to do in the Wilmington area for the last weekend before Memorial Day
All right, Wilmington, this will be the last weekend we'll have more or less to ourselves for a good, long while.
That's correct, it's the last weekend before the throngs return for Memorial Day — kind of snuck up on us, didn't it? — so it's a good time to get out there, especially if you're about beating the crowds.
The weekend's highlights include two big festivals (one cultural, the other film-centric) as well as a crowd-pleasing stage musical at a historic theater, a well-known comic, a few touring shows and some top-notch local music.
ALL WEEKEND
'The SpongeBob Musical'
May 17-26 at Thalian Hall: Everyone's favorite undersea pineapple-dweller makes his Wilmington debut in "The SpongeBob Musical." Based on the Nickelodeon animated series, it includes original songs by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, The Flaming Lips, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, They Might Be Giants, T.I. and more. Presented by Thalian Association Community Theatre. 7:30 p.m. May 17-18 and 24-25, 2 p.m. May 19 and 26. 910-632-2285.
N.C. Black Film Festival
May 15-19, various Wilmington venues: The 21st annual North Carolina Black Film Festival returns to Wilmington this weekend for a mix of screenings, music and social functions around town. Things start 5-8 p.m. May 15 at Waterline Brewing with the festival's kickoff party; DJ RizzyBeats will be spinning classic cuts from hip-hop icons Wu-Tang Clan.
A "Cinemixer" at CFCC's Union Station Auditorium 6 p.m. May 16 will precede a 7 p.m. screening of documentary "A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre." Also, Wilmington filmmaker Christopher Everett ("Wilmington on Fire") will receive the 2024 Trailblazer Award in Documentary Film, and a post-screening discussion panel will include Wu-Tang Clan member Cappadonna.
Friday highlights include a screening of the documentary "Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told" at Jengo's Playhouse on Princess Street, and films will screen all day Saturday at Jengo's and Thalian Hall.
The festival will close Sunday at the Cameron Art Museum with an awards ceremony and the screening of director Bill Horace's "Art, Beats + Lyrics," a documentary about a visual art and hip-hop roadshow. A post-film discussion will follow. For a full schedule and list of venues, and to purchase tickets, go to BlackArtsAlliance.org.
NCBFF: What to know about Wilmington's N.C. Black Film Festival and its visitor from Wu-Tang Clan
Jordan Jensen
May 17-18 at Dead Crow Comedy Room: You've seen her all over social media, now see Jordan Jensen in person. The edgy Brooklyn comic is a regular at New York's Comedy Cellar, and she was also a New Face of Comedy at Montreal's Just for Laughs fest. A master of crowd work, she's got great material about sex, dating, mental health and her unconventional childhood. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. May 17-18, tickets are $18 and $28.
Wilmington Greek Festival
May 17-19 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church: The Wilmington Greek Festival returns for the 32nd time. Thousands of people show up each year to eat Greek food and desserts, tour the church's relic-filled sanctuary and take in some Greek-American culture via live music and dancing. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. May 17-18, noon-5 p.m. May 19. Admission is $5, good for all three days. Free for ages 12 and under. Free parking in UNCW auxiliary lot behind Taco Bell, shuttle service provided.
Greek history: Wilmington's Greek Fest has roots to immigrants who helped shape the city
FRIDAY
Shanna in a Dress
May 17 at Live at Ted's: Folk singer and songwriter is based in Nashville and won the 2023 Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriting Contest. Her debut album, "Robot," came out in 2022. 8 p.m. May 17, tickets are $16.50.
Free Concert Friday
May 17 at The Eagle's Dare: Headliner for this weekly series at Third and Red Cross streets is Creed tribute band Signs of Sacrifice, with local opener Audiomelt. 4 p.m. gates, 6 p.m. opener, 8 p.m. headliner. Free.
Hampstead Alive After Five Concert Series
May 17 at Kiwanis Park, 586 Sloop Point Loop Road in Hampstead: Carl Newton’s Revue brings classic Motown hits to this Pender County concert series. Bring blankets and chairs. Food trucks on site. Alcohol not allowed, but leashed dogs are permitted this year. 6:30 p.m. May 17, free.
SATURDAY
¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva America!
May 18 at CFCC Wilson Center: Touring show is part of the Wilson Center's "Wonder Series." Includes traditional Mexican and Mexican-American dance and music from Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar, and the Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles’ Oscar-winning choreography from Disney’s "Coco." 7:30 p.m. May 18, tickets are $28 and $45, and $10 for students of all ages. 910-362-7999.
Paul Bradley Atkinson
May 18 at Bourgie Nights: Wilmington native returns to town to play a special acoustic show of original songs and covers. Atkinson's songs have their roots in folk, classic rock and country. 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
SUNDAY
Dark Star Orchestra
May 19 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Grateful Dead tribute act returns to town for an evening-length set of material from the iconic American band. 5 p.m. May 19, tickets start at $53.
Batuquê Trio
May 19 at Live at Ted's: This touring CT blends Afro-Latin music with a range of styles, including Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Caribbean jazz. The show will feature material from the trio's upcoming album, due in fall of this year. 4 p.m. May 19, tickets are $16.50.
Wilmington Symphonic Winds
May 19 at UNCW's Kenan Auditorium: Local group closes its 2023-24 season with a program titled "Cityscapes and Countrysides." The program includes "Concerto for Tuba" by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, "Circus Band March" by Charles Ives, Igor Stravinsky’s "Circus Polka" and James David’s "Urban Light."4:30 p.m. May 19, free.
Boogie in the Park
May 19 at Oceanfront Park, Kure Beach: Wilmington pop and rock act Brown Dirt Cowboys will play covers and originals for this oceanside concert series. 5-7 p.m. May 19, free. Bring a beach chair or blanket.
Southport Concert Series
May 19 on the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston: Kenny Reeves and Trainwreck will play country tunes at this concert series held in downtown Southport. 2-4 p.m. May 19, free. Bring picnics, chairs, blankets.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do and what's going on in Wilmington, NC, this weekend
