The biggest events in Wilmington and surrounding beaches in May

WILMINGTON, N.C. (CAPE FEAR WEEKEND) -

Whether you’re interested in experiencing live entertainment at one of Wilmington’s amazing venues, treating your sweetheart to a romantic evening on the beach, or exploring the personalities of our historic downtown, there’s an adventure for everyone.

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Here’s a list of events happening in May:

May 5th

Citizen Cope: Solo Acoustic

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater 1941 Amphitheater Drive, For Record Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:00 PM

Citizen Cope, a gifted songwriter, producer, and performer whose wonderful fusion of blues, soul, folk, and rock n’ roll has become the soundtrack of many lives, will be joining you for an evening beneath the stars. Experience a rare solo acoustic performance of songs by diverse musicians including Carlos Santana, Dido, Pharoahe Monch, and Richie Havens that have been included on the One Tree Hill television series, which was filmed in Wilmington, among other shows. His teachings are audible in films like Trust the Man, Ghost Town, Accepted, The Lincoln Lawyer, and Fracture, as well as throughout recent history.

Poplar Grove’s Full & New Moon Ghost Tours

Poplar Grove Plantation 10200 US Highway 17 North Wilmington, NC 28411 | 8:00 PM

Join Poplar Grove Plantation for a guided tour during the new moon or full moon. This guided ghost tour explores the house of the Foy family where deceased members presence allegedly roams the property.

Tickets are $20

Comedian Maria Bamford

Dead Crow Comedy Room | Lush Lounge 511 N Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:00PM (Doors Open: 6:00PM) and 9:30PM (Doors Open: 9:00 PM)

Take heart as Maria Bamford’s humor eases the pain of heavy subjects like dysfunction, despair, anxiety, and even suicide. She is admired for her personal, experiential comedy about mental illness. You may remember her from her roles as Lady Dynamite (a comedian who suffered a mental breakdown) and Maria Bamford, the special, special, special, as well as her specials Weakness is the Brand and Old Baby. She developed the cult classic monologue The Maria Bamford Show and was the first woman to star in two Comedy Central Presents, The Comedians of Comedy and Comedians of Comedy: The Movie. Maria, who guest stars on Arrested Development and Fresh off the Boat, earned the American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic. Please prepare in advance as this offer will undoubtedly sell out.

Island Arts Festival

Carolina Beach Lake Park Atlantic Avenue at S Lake Park Blvd Carolina Beach, NC 28428 | Friday Indoor Exhibit: 5:00 PM to 9:00PM | Saturday Lakeside: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

When the Island Arts Festival becomes a two-day event, celebrate performing, culinary, and visual arts by the water. At the Community Life Center, 300 Harper Avenue, on Friday night, a collection of indoor displays showcasing fine arts, handicrafts, and culinary arts will be on display. On Saturday, take in performances by artists, fine art and craft exhibitors selling their wares outside at Carolina Beach Lake Park, demonstrations of the creative process, a kids’ interactive art area, and much more.  The most recent updates are on their social media.

The North Carolina Strawberry Festival | Chadbourn NC

The North Carolina Strawberry Festival is hold its 90th celebration. May 6 kicks off the 2nd Annual NC Strawberry Festival Car Show presented by The Racing Brotherhood Foundation, which is located diagonally across Brown St from the Festival Grounds.

After that at 2 p.m. The North Carolina Strawberry Festival Parade begins. The parade will feature floats, marching bands, clowns, beauty queens, dignitaries, and more. Following the parade will be live entertainment and a Strawberry Seed Spitting Contest on the Festival Grounds.

Special guests will include Parade Marshall G.W. Stanley, Miss NC Karolyn Martin, and Miss Chadbourn 1949 Rose Abolila Crawford.

May 6th

Island Arts Festival

Carolina Beach Lake Park Atlantic Avenue at S Lake Park Blvd Carolina Beach, NC 28428 | Friday Indoor Exhibit: 5:00 PM to 9:00PM | Saturday Lakeside: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

When the Island Arts Festival becomes a two-day event, celebrate performing, culinary, and visual arts by the water. At the Community Life Center, 300 Harper Avenue, on Friday night, a collection of indoor displays showcasing fine arts, handicrafts, and culinary arts will be on display. On Saturday, take in performances by artists, fine art and craft exhibitors selling their wares outside at Carolina Beach Lake Park, demonstrations of the creative process, a kids’ interactive art area, and much more.  The most recent updates are on their social media.

Comedian Maria Bamford

Dead Crow Comedy Room | Lush Lounge 511 N Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:00PM (Doors Open: 6:00PM) and 9:30PM (Doors Open: 9:00 PM)

Take heart as Maria Bamford’s humor eases the pain of heavy subjects like dysfunction, despair, anxiety, and even suicide. She is admired for her personal, experiential comedy about mental illness. You may remember her from her roles as Lady Dynamite (a comedian who suffered a mental breakdown) and Maria Bamford, the special, special, special, as well as her specials Weakness is the Brand and Old Baby. She developed the cult classic monologue The Maria Bamford Show and was the first woman to star in two Comedy Central Presents, The Comedians of Comedy and Comedians of Comedy: The Movie. Maria, who guest stars on Arrested Development and Fresh off the Boat, earned the American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic. Please prepare in advance as this offer will undoubtedly sell out.

My Fair Lady

The Wilson Center 703 N Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | Sat Matinee:1:30PM with Doors:12:30PM | Sat Eventing:7:30PM with Doors:6:30PM |Sun Matinee:2:00PM with Doors:1:00PM

Enjoy an evening with the hilarious, enduring Lerner and Lowe musical, My Fair Lady, at the Lincoln Center Theater.   Featuring timeless tunes like “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” enjoy the uplifting tale of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a snooty professor of linguistics who is determined to make her into his idea of a “proper lady.”

Latimer House Night Tour

Latimer House Museum 126 S Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 8:00 PM

Get a glimpse of actual Victorian living while taking a tour of the historic Latimer House at night. With the aid of interpreters, experience the ambience of 19th-century gaslight (without electricity), learn about the background of that technology, how it functioned, and what it meant to people from all strata levels who lived and worked in its “lurid glow.” This tour is especially emotional because so many of the Latimer family’s original furnishings and artifacts are still in the house. There have been reports of supernatural encounters, albeit they are not guaranteed.

Tickets are $20

River to Sea Bike Ride

124 Princess Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:00 AM

Join the excitement on Wilmington’s River to Sea Bicycle Route (NC Bike Route #1), a leisurely-paced bicycle ride for all riding abilities from the historic downtown to Wrightsville Beach. This 20-mile bike ride includes residential streets, off-road multi-use routes, and a few arterial roadways. It begins in the historic downtown at the intersection of Second and Princess Streets. Bring your family and friends along for this enjoyable outdoor ride with Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The Drifters

Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts 310 Chestnut Street, For Record Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:30 PM

The Drifters were the first African American vocal group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They were a Rhythm and Blues, Doo-Wop, and Soul vocal group best remembered for their successes “There Goes My Baby” and “Under the Boardwalk.” They have endured the test of time and remain loved by people of all ages thanks to their timeless tunes and distinctive dancing techniques. With this fascinating bunch, relive the magic once more.

World Ballet: Cinderella

UNCW Kenan Auditorium 601 S College Road Wilmington, NC 28403

May 7th

My Fair Lady

The Wilson Center 703 N Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | Sat Matinee:1:30PM with Doors:12:30PM | Sat Eventing:7:30PM with Doors:6:30PM |Sun Matinee:2:00PM with Doors:1:00PM

Enjoy an evening with the hilarious, enduring Lerner and Lowe musical, My Fair Lady, at the Lincoln Center Theater.   Featuring timeless tunes like “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” enjoy the uplifting tale of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a snooty professor of linguistics who is determined to make her into his idea of a “proper lady.”

Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot in Concert

Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion 105 Atlantic Avenue Kure Beach, NC 28449 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM

The Boogie in the Park Concert Series continues with the popular Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot bringing soul, rhythm and blues, party, funk, reggae, jazz standards, country, 1950s and 1960s and of course Carolina Beach Music to the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park.  Bring your beach chair or blanket and enjoy music and perhaps dance a little.

May 10th

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss in Concert

Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park 10-A Cowan Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 8:00 PM

Experience a surreal starry night as Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant (powerhouse vocalist) and Union Station’s Alison Krauss (velvety vocalist) perform delightful duets together. They are touring in support of their critically acclaimed record Raise the Roof, which features the songs “Quattro,” “The Everly Brothers,” “The Price of Love,” and more, after their first million-selling album Raising Sand, winner of six GRAMMY Awards, including Album of the Year. Come and listen to these fabled celestial melodies. JD McPherson, a legendary rockabilly and rhythm and blues performer, joins them on stage.

May 11th

Summer Jazz Series at the Mansion

503 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM

You can bring the whole family, unwind on blankets or chairs, and enjoy your favorite snacks while you settle in for a night of smooth tunes on the lovely grounds of the historic Bellamy Mansion during the Jazz at the Mansion Concert Series, which is held the second Thursday of every month between May and September. For further information, a list of forbidden items, and the most recent updates, check their website and social media.  The concert will be postponed in case of bad weather. musicians will be revealed closer to the occasion

May 12th

Night Tour of the Burgwin-Wright House

Burgwin Wright House and Gardens, 224 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401 | Friday 8:30pm - 9:30pm |

Come experience colonial nightlife at the Burgwin-Wright House! Guided by interpreters, they’ll reveal the rituals and superstitions of bygone times- a life without electricity and modern conveniences. We offer a tour at 8:30pm. Fee is $15 plus tax per person. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. Please call (910) 762-0570.

Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman Fishing Tournament

Kure Beach Fishing Pier Kure Beach Fishing Pier Kure Beach, NC 28449 | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join the fishing fun when the Kure Beach Fishing Pier hosts a day of fishing, food, and entertainment for people with disabilities thanks to the Got-Em-On Live Bait Club. This is a popular fishing tournament with hundreds of participants each year and an exciting awards presentation at the conclusion. If you want to bring a group of five or more fishermen, please pre-register with Luanne LeBlanc by calling (910) 612-3407. For updated information, please visit their website or social media accounts.

Paranormal Investigation: Haunted Rooms of America

Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts

503 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:30 PM – 2:00 AM

Visit the Bellamy Mansion Museum at its most eerie, late at night. This is the ideal chance to join Haunted Rooms America for a rare overnight investigation of this Antebellum house, which has been the scene of several unreported strange noises, sightings, events, and temperature shifts. Snacks and beverages are provided along with usage of their conventional and cutting-edge paranormal apparatus as part of your admission fee.

Tickets: $109

May 13th

Hidden Battleship Tour

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA 1 Battleship Road Wilmington, NC 28401 | 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Discover the Battleship’s unrestored areas on a special tour that gives you the chance to see real, off-the-beaten-path locations. Small groups with tour guides are used for the four-hour excursion. Visitors can tour the ship’s bow (officers’ country, boatswain locker, and descent to the bottom of the ship), third deck (Radio II, brig, after gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling, Engineer’s office), Engine room #1, superstructure (Captain’s cabin, armored conning tower, maintenance shops), reefer, aft diesel, and ascend to the top of the ship through the fire control tower. Without the snakes, the tour brings out the “Indiana Jones” in each of us.

WSO with Kebra-Seyoun Charles

The Wilson Center 703 N Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:30 PM

The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will complete its season with Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony, featuring a special performance by Kebra-Seyoun Charles, the winner of the 2022 Sphinx Organization Competition. Enjoy a beautiful evening of classical music. Additionally, the avant-garde Kebra-Seyoun will perform Concerto No. 1 for Bass by Andrés Martn. Come listen to classical music that is unlike anything you have ever heard.

Firepower! Big Bang Tour

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA 1 Battleship Road Wilmington, NC 28401 |9:00 AM

Discover the gun batteries that made the Battleship North Carolina a dangerous adversary by boarding! Learn how to fire the 16- and 5-inch cannons in 90 minutes, from target acquisition in the CIC (Combat Information Center) to fire control. The trip will also take visitors to the projectile handling area and powder magazines used for the big blast. Young children or people with mobility issues shouldn’t take the tour because it involves climbing and descending a number of narrow ladders (stairs).

May 18th – May 21st

NC Black Film Festival

Various Wilmington Locations Wilmington, NC 28401

You won’t want to miss the annual invitation-only NC Black Film Festival, which celebrates independent motion pictures by African-American filmmakers and contains features, shorts, animation, and documentaries. The locations and movies will be revealed nearer to the event day. For the most recent changes, please visit their website and social media accounts.

May 18th – May 20th

Pleasure Island Jeep Jam

118 Riverfront Road Kure Beach, NC 28449

May 19th

Poplar Grove’s Full & New Moon Ghost Tours

Poplar Grove Plantation 10200 US Highway 17 North Wilmington, NC 28411 | 8:00 PM

Join Poplar Grove Plantation for a guided tour during the new moon or full moon. This guided ghost tour explores the house of the Foy family where deceased members presence allegedly roams the property.

Tickets are $20

Comedian Baron Vaughn

Dead Crow Comedy Room | Lush Lounge 511 N Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

Prepare to laugh along with the incredibly brilliant comedian, actor, writer, and director Baron Vaughn! You will immediately identify him as “Bud” on the longest-running Netflix series Grace & Frankie and his voice as “Tom Servo” on the most recent seasons of Mystery Science Theater 3000, despite the fact that he has been a full-time comic for over twenty years. Together with Open Mike Eagle, he also co-created and hosted the ground-breaking showcase variety series The New Negroes. He has also hosted a number of comedy specials, the comedy panel/game show The Great Debate, recordings from Sundance New Voices Lab, and other events. Come see what makes Baron such a formidable opponent!

Wilmington Greek Festival

May 19, 2023 - May 21, 2023

608 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Authentic Greek food created using age-old family recipes will be served throughout this three-day event as the Greek community celebrates its culture, faith, tradition, and wonderful food. Enjoy delicious food, ethnic music and dance, a bustling market, and cooking demos at this event, which is held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church across the street from UNCW. Their website features pictures from previous festivals. You can attend or use the Drive-Through! Parking directions on their website without placing an order in advance.

May 20th

10th Annual Stoked To Go Out Pier-to-Pier Swim

Crystal Pier 703 S Lumina Avenue Wrightsville Beach , NC 28480 | 9:00 AM

Join the fun as the 10th Annual Stoked to Go Out Pier-to-Pier open ocean swim takes place between Johnnie Mercers Pier and Crystal Pier. The swim is little under two miles long and has a beach start and finish. The course will be announced during check-in on the day of the race. Timing chips and swim caps are given. The top three finishers in a number of age groups, as well as overall male and female and masters (40+) male and female, will receive awards. The race may be seen anywhere along the beach in between the piers, and spectators can follow the latest developments on social media.

Carolina Surf Film Festival

Waterman’s Brewing Company 1610 Pavilion Place Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:00 PM

As the 2023 Carolina Surf Film Festival takes place at Waterman’s Brewing Company after hours, enjoy the waves. Three international feature films will be a part of this festival of surf movies. Savage Waters by Whipped Sea, Natural High by Jack Coleman, The Impossible Wave by ISA Surfing Association/Action Sports Productions, and Aquas by CVRRENT are on display. All of these films have won international awards. On a giant screen, enjoy the awesome surf outdoors and other fun.

Family Farm Day

Children’s Museum of Wilmington 116 Orange Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Family Farm Day is presented by the Wilmington Children’s Museum! Kids will have the chance to interact closely with some of their favorite farm animals. Children can interact with chickens, bunnies, and a variety of other four-legged animals in the museum’s courtyard. Pony rides, a spot to enjoy milk and cookies during story time, face painting, and more will be available. For the most recent changes, please visit their website and social media accounts.

Loop Through History

303 West Salisbury Street, The John Nesbitt Loop Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Discover local Wrightsville Beach and Harbor Island history by reading the 25 fascinating signs with unique histories that are placed throughout The Loop, a 2.45-mile sidewalk fitness circuit in Wrightsville Beach, from sunrise to sunset. Each sign features archival images, interesting historical facts, and trivia highlighting the significance of the location. This is a fantastic method to exercise and gain new knowledge.

NC Symphony: Romeo & Juliet

The Wilson Center 703 N Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:30 PM

Join the North Carolina Symphony as they perform additional timeless classics in the magnificent Wilson Center, including Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, a timeless story of real love and profound grief.

Oakdale Cemetery History Walking Tour

Oakdale Cemetery 520 N 15th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Hunter Ingram, a local historian, will lead you on a fascinating historical walking tour of the oldest rural cemetery in North Carolina. Hunter has launched the Cape Fear Unearthed Podcasts in addition to the well-liked Burgwin-Wright Presents. Mr. Ingram will take you on an engaging tour of Oakdale while enthralling you with several stories about those buried there.

Outdoor Spring Market: Legacy Architectural Salvage

Legacy Architectural Salvage 1831 Dawson Street, Unit B Wilmington, NC 28403 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

This outdoor Spring Market is for you if character, charm, and history help define your sense of style. Come browse carefully chosen exhibitors exhibiting antiques, jewelry, vintage apparel, woodworking, and art in all kinds, including ceramics, watercolor, upcycled items, and more. This event is specifically organized to assist you in finding lovely presents from craftsmen of every stripe. Everyone is welcome to stop by and shop at the Warehouse, which will also be open.

Seaside Soccer Classic

5725 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 |

Enjoy the yearly Seaside Soccer Classic, which features more than 300 of the top soccer teams. The USYS/Affiliate State Associations that compete in the Challenge, Select, Classic, and Premier Boys U10-U19 league play, as well as the Challenge, Select, Classic, and Premier Girls U10-U15 league play, as well as US Club teams, are eligible to participate in this open competition. Eaton Fields, nCino Sports Park, Long Leaf Park Athletic Complex Fields, Ogden Park, Roland Grise, Veterans Park, Ashley High School, Murray Middle School, and Castle Hayne Park are just a few of the fields in New Hanover County where it will be hosted.

Surf Dog Experience

Carolina Beach Pier 1800 Carolina Beach Avenue N Carolina Beach, NC 28428 | 10:00 Am – 1:00 PM

No prior knowledge of pet surfing is required, so bring your four-legged companion along. You may also enjoy watching the puppies demonstrate their surfing prowess at Carolina Beach. For your dog to catch a wave at this yearly event, you can either use the softboards and life jackets provided, or you can bring your own. To catch the wave, you can go with your dog.

USA Beach Wrestling Nationals

Carolina Beach Carolina Beach, NC 28428 | Fri- Registration/Weigh-In: 6:30 PM| Sat- Competition: 11:00 AM |Sunday is Make-Up Day in the event of inclement weather

May 21st

Phantom Playboys in Concert

Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion 105 Atlantic Avenue Kure Beach, NC 28449 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The incredibly talented Phantom Playboys will perform as part of the ongoing Boogie in the Park Concert Series, bringing their rockabilly/50s rock and roll songs to the stage with a glittering splash of surf and a soaring jump-kick of excitement. You’ll find new favorites like “Born with a Pompadour” and “Zombies Don’t Surf” thanks to this small but mighty band. Bring a lunch and your beach chair or blanket and get ready for some fun for the whole family!

Art in the Harbor Way Gardens

Harbor Way Gardens 321 Causeway Drive Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

As you stroll through the gardens admiring the roses in full bloom, visit the lovely Art in the Harbor Way Gardens. Garden club members are also on hand to answer questions about landscaping, floral design, and other topics. The presence of the artists will allow them to talk about their for-sale Wrightsville Beach paintings. Nearer to the event date, further information and artist profiles will be made available.

Blackbeards Battle PDGA Pro/Am

Northern Regional Park at Castle Hayne 4700 Old Avenue Castle Hayne, NC 28429 | 9:00 AM

Blackbeard’s Battle, a Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA)-approved event held in Northern Regional Park, invites you to join the fun. This is sure to be a thrilling competition with a nationally recognized, well-maintained course that proves difficult for these gifted Professionals and amateurs. After the excitement, you may easily drive to nearby restaurants, shops, breweries, and motels for a wonderful weekend.

Rival Sons with The Record Company and Starcrawler | 6:00 PM

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater 1941 Amphitheater Drive Wilmington, NC 28401

When Rival Sons, The Record Company, and Starcrawler rock the stage, get ready to rock the lakeside stars! Rival Sons, frequently heralded as the next great rock band in America, gives rock and roll fresh life with their distinctive sound, which is formed by deep bass, amazing vocals, and fantastic lyrics. Together with LA slashrock phenoms Starcrawler, the GRAMMY-nominated The Record Company performs their infectiously shocking blend of punk, glam, and retro rock, showcasing outstanding guitar work.

May 23rd

Incubus in Concert

Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park 10-A Cowan Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:30 PM

When alt-metal band Incubus performs by the riverbank with their special fusion of funk, jazz, techno, and hip hop, spend a wild evening beneath the stars. More than 32 million albums have been sold worldwide thanks to their eerie, poetic lyrics, hard-driving drumming, and a variety of musical genres, including the Billboard chart-topper “Drive.” Their very special guest Coheed and Cambria will be joining them. There will be nothing like this exciting evening!

May 25th

USCT Park Sundown Music Series

Cameron Art Museum 3201 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28412 | 7:00 PM

The new Sundown Performance Concerts offer the chance to listen to music while taking in the beauty of USCT Park. Concerts will be conducted in front of Boundless, the public monument honoring the US Colored Troops and their struggle for freedom in the USCT Park, with the goal of bridging art and social justice. Christa Faison, a violinist, performs evangelical music to open the spring season. The West African Soso Bala and Kora instruments are featured in the acoustic ensemble BalaKora, which will debut in April. May will see the conclusion of the spring season with Kevin Locklear Melvin and the Lumbee Tribe.

Wilmington Sharks Baseball

Legion Sports Complex 2149 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:05 PM

Come root for the home team at the Wilmington Sharks baseball game at Legion Stadium. College players from around the USA come to play summer ball.

Tickets: Adult:$8 | Children < 2:Free | Reserved:$10 | Home Plate Box:$12 |

May 26th

Wilmington Sharks Baseball

Legion Sports Complex 2149 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:05 PM

Come root for the home team at the Wilmington Sharks baseball game at Legion Stadium. College players from around the USA come to play summer ball.

Tickets: Adult:$8 | Children < 2:Free | Reserved:$10 | Home Plate Box:$12 |

Boyz II Men in Concert

Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park10-A Cowan Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 8:00 PM

Join the renowned rhythm and blues duo Boyz II Men for a riverfront evening of sweet harmonies, acappella classics, and power ballads from well-known songs like “Motownphilly,” “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” “End of the Road,” and more. This will undoubtedly be a summer concert that both evokes fond memories and forges new ones.

Comedian Bo Johnson

Dead Crow Comedy Room | Lush Lounge 511 N Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM

Bo is wickedly witty and quick on his feet. He excels at working the crowd, including effectively addressing hecklers, while taking the audience on a raucous joy-filled trip and displaying a sophistication that belies his youth. This wonderfully creative old guy has a voice that is incredibly calming and beautiful, and he always seems to be thinking of new ways to make people laugh. Watch him on Comedy Central or at international comedy festivals, or even better, go see him live!

Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast

Cape Fear Blvd and Carolina Beach Ave North Carolina Beach, NC 28428 | Music: 6:30 PM | Fireworks: 9:00 PM

This weekly firework display at Carolina Beach is sure to dazzle. Jam out to live music near the amusement park on the boardwalk or watch the light show on the beach. Bring the whole family for a summer of fun on pleasure island.

Fourth Friday Gallery Nights

ACES Gallery 221 N Front Street, Suite 101 Wilmington, NC 28401 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Take a self-guided tour to see exhibitions of various artistic mediums, such as oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, metals, ceramics, music, mixed media, and more, on the fourth Friday of every month. The featured artist is frequently available for discussions about their work in galleries. All locations that are taking part, including the Arts Council of Wilmington, have maps available.

May 27th

Firepower! Big Bang Tour

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA 1 Battleship Road Wilmington, NC 28401 |9:00 AM

Discover the gun batteries that made the Battleship North Carolina a dangerous adversary by boarding!  Learn how to fire the 16- and 5-inch cannons in 90 minutes, from target acquisition in the CIC (Combat Information Center) to fire control. The trip will also take visitors to the projectile handling area and powder magazines used for the big blast.  Young children or people with mobility issues shouldn’t take the tour because it involves climbing and descending a number of narrow ladders (stairs).

Gavin DeGraw in Concert

TRIC Tours 1121 South Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Astronomy Program

Carolina Beach State Park 1010 State Park Road Carolina Beach, NC 28428 | Begins at Sunset

Visit the Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center for a fun, free, family astronomy event and join in the learning about the night sky. Telescopes will be set up by the Cape Fear Astronomy Society to see the night sky, planets, stars, and a variety of other objects. The program will start just before dusk and end 15 minutes before the park shuts. Please check the weather before attending.

Orange Street ArtsFest

Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center 120 S Second Street Wilmington, NC 28401

Sat:9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sun:10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Wilmington’s largest arts festival features over 90 artists in this rescheduled fair.

Sleeping Beauty Ballet

The Wilson Center 703 N Third Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | Matinee:2:00 PM Evening:7:00 PM

Join the talented dancers of US International Ballet (USIB) for a sophisticated day and evening of classical ballet as Sleeping Beauty brings the tale of everlasting love to life. View the amazing costumes, stunning scenery, and age-appropriate extraordinary story.  Rekindle your love for ballet’s elegant movements and let them charm you!

May 28th

Orange Street ArtsFest

Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center 120 S Second Street Wilmington, NC 28401

Sat:9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Sun:10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Wilmington’s largest arts festival features over 90 artists in this fair.

History Comes Alive with Dr. Chris Fonvielle

Wilmington Water Tours 212 S Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Take pleasure on a wonderful two-hour cruise that explores the Wilmington’s intriguing history. Dr. Chris Fonvielle, a local historian, will present an engaging lecture on “Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear including the Civil War, Revolutionary War, pirates, and the shipping business” on board. You’ll travel through time on this voyage, which will bring history to life. Don’t pass up this amazing, unusual adventure. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, the morning breeze, and all that Cape Fear has to offer.

Minions the Rise of Gru: Movies at the Lake Movies at the Lake

Lake Drive and Lake Park Boulevard Carolina Beach, NC 28428 | 8:45 PM

Enjoy family movies under the night sky. Bring a blanket or chairs, a picnic, and family and friends, but please, not pets or alcohol. All movies take place at Carolina Beach Lake Park. This is a free event.

Sierra Ferrell in Concert

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater 1941 Amphitheater Drive Wilmington, NC 28401 | 6:00 PM

Enjoy a night of enchantment while Sierra Ferrell’s time-bending vagabond tunes and mesmerizing vocals create beautiful lakeside music. This singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has spent years living in a van, touring the country with a group of nomad musicians, and busking on the streets of Seattle and New Orleans. Her beautiful melodies are unconstrained by genre or era, and they instantly transport you to a world that is infinitely more surreal.

WHEN THE STARS GO BLUE with Tyler Hilton & Joy Lenz

TRIC Tours 1121 South Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401

In the actual TRIC nightclub from the cherished One Tree Hill series, enjoy an intimate acoustic concert with OTH stars Tyler Hilton and Joy Lenz. The event, which takes its name from character Haley’s popular song, is a unique acoustic performance of magic songs from the legendary series and was made possible by a passionate group of OTH fans who work hard to preserve the Ravens’ Spirit of OTH. It is sure to excite OTH enthusiasts Age 10+! Online exclusively in advance tickets. Please make reservations in advance; the concert will likely sell out.

May 30th – 31st

Dave Matthews Band in Concert

Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park 10-A Cowan Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | 7:30 PM

Join one of rock history’s most influential bands for an evening by the river. The Dave Matthews Band has been recording music for almost three decades and has had seven straight studio albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200; their upcoming album, Walk Around the Moon, is scheduled to be released two weeks before these shows. What Would You Say, Crash Into Me, Too Much, Everyday, American Baby, Funny The Way It Is, Mercy, and Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin) are just a few of the hit songs from the GRAMMY-winning band. Join us in making history.

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