Now that we've gotten Memorial Day weekend out of the way, Wilmington's regular summer madness can commence.
So, we know the beach is going to be there all summer long, right? Unless of course it rains in which case every single non-beach venue and restaurant in the Wilmington area will be packed to overflowing. But if you already know where you're going? You'll have a leg up on everyone else when it comes to all the cool events.
Speaking of which, let's get it going on. (For even more options, including concerts that you can catch on weeknights, many of them for free, check out our big ol' list of outdoor summer concerts in the Wilmington area. Link below.)
Music al fresco: Full list of outdoor summer concerts in the Wilmington area for 2024
ALL WEEKEND
'The House That Gordy Built'
May 31-June 9 at Thalian Hall: Wilmington's Techmoja Dance & Theatre Co. presents this original musical revue conceived and directed by Kevin Lee-Y Green. It features more than two dozen instantly recognizable hits from the famed Motown label, which was founded by Berry Gordy. From our review of the show in 2010, when Techmoja staged "The House That Gordy Built" for the first time: "There's a running theme of fidelity and infidelity throughout the show, which also touches on the separation caused by Vietnam ('War,' 'Please Mr. Postman') and some social issues (What's Going On?'). But mostly, this is a show about relationships." 7:30 p.m. May 31-June 1 and June 7-8, 2 p.m. June 2 and 8-9. 910-632-2285.
From the archives: 'House That Gordy Built' puts best moments in second half
'Much Ado About Nothing'
May 31-June 28 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green returns for its 31st summer season at Greenfield Lake. Wilmington theater standout Kendra Goehring directs "Much Ado About Nothing." The comedy is about the bickering Benedick and Beatrice, who find love roadblocked by their own strong-minded personalities, while the amour of Claudio and Hero is thwarted by a mix of malevolent meddling and the prejudices of society. 8 p.m. May 31-June 2, 8-9, 14-16, 21-23 and 26-28. Free admission, donations accepted. Picnics welcome, with concessions available.
Dead Crow Comedy weekend
May 31-June 1 at Dead Crow Comedy Room: Four of Wilmington's best stand-up comics get rare headlining spots at Wilmington's top comedy club this weekend. 7 p.m. Friday it's Ellie Coleman, whose edgy jokes include riffs about being a recovering addict and growing up gay in the South. 9:30 p.m. Friday it's Lew Morgante, with knee-slapping insights into his recent foray into fatherhood. 7 p.m. Saturday, Nancy Witter, who competed on Nickelodeon show "Funniest Mom in America" in 2005 and appeared in its associated Mom's Night Out comedy tour, takes the stage. 9:30 p.m. Saturday it's Cliff Cash, who specializes in hard-hitting political comedy and has an upcoming special he filmed at Thalian Hall. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. May 31-June 1, tickets are $15 and $25.
Dead Crow Comedy Room: This Wilmington club reinvents itself while remaining 'home base' for laughs
'The Second-to-Last Chance Ladies League'
May 30-June 2at Thalian Hall (studio theater): Big Dawg Productions presents the North Carolina premiere of this Southern-style comedy from the Hope-Jones-Wooten writing team. It's about four middle-aged women, lifelong friends, who go into business together. Soon enough, their friendships are feeling the strain. Read the review.7:30 p.m. May 30-June 1, 3 p.m. June 2. 910-632-2285.
Theater review: In comedic 'Ladies League,' aging ungracefully but with good humor and a Southern accent
FRIDAY
Kash'd Out
March 31 at Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Popular reggae rock act brings their summery sound to this gritty midtown rock club. Opening act is Dale and the Z-Dubs. 7 p.m. May 31, tickets are $20.
Free Concert Friday
May 31 at the Eagle's Dare: Same As It Ever Was (Talking Heads tribute) headlines this concert seriesfromdowntown beer garden and event space at Third and Red Cross streets. Opening act is Wilmington's own Ditch Kitty, playing a collection of cool and classic covers. 4 p.m. gates, 6 p.m. opener, 8 p.m. headliner May 31. Free.
Friday Night Live
May 31 at the Pier at Port City Marina: Country act War Hippies headline this downtown Wilmington concert series held right on the Cape Fear River.7 p.m. May 31, tickets are $10.
Bands by the Beach Concert Series
May 31 at Middleton Park Ampitheater: The Christine Martinez Band will play rock covers for this Oak Island concert series. Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics allowed. 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 31. Free.
SATURDAY
Docutime Film Festival
June 1 at Jengo's Playhouse: To paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of Docutime's demise were greatly exaggerated. Now celebrating its 20th year after skipping 2023, this day-long festival of documentary film founded by Paula Haller features a collection of some of the most powerful movies around. Presented by the Cucalorus Film Foundation and WHQR Public Radio.
At 10 a.m. it's "Deep Rising," a doc about deep sea creatures narrated by Jason "Aquaman" Momoa. At 1:15 p.m. it's the music doc "Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All" followed at 4 p.m. by a block of documentary shorts. Headlining doc "The Eternal Memory" is a recent Oscar nominee about an Argentinia couple dealing with dementia. 10 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. (social hour) and 7:30 p.m. June 1. Full day passes are $35 and include a 50% lunch discount at Bowstring. Individual film blocks are $10 each.
Carolina Beach Music Festival
June 1 at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk: Some say the beach music genre was born in Carolina Beach, andthis annual festival, the 38th, brings it all back home. Bands this year are Jim Quick & Coastline, Blackwater and The Main Event Band. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 1,tickets are $35, free for kids 10 and under.
Beach music, baby: Because summer is here, we've got your can't miss beach music playlist
SUNDAY
City Ballet
June 2 at UNCW's Kenan Auditorium: Wilmington's City Ballet presents a collection of dance pieces, both classic and obscure. "The Firebird" feature music by Igor Stravinsky, while "Peter & the Wolf" has music by Sergei Prokofiev. "Some and Others" has contemporary choreography by Lane Grosser, and other pieces will be featured as well. 4 p.m. June 2, tickets are $25, $15 for youth. 910-962-3500.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: What's going on and things to do in Wilmington, NC, May 31-June 2
