Event Calendar May-June 2023

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do this spring season.

Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, May 10

Incubus, May 23

Boyz II Men, May 26

Dave Matthews Band, May 30–31

Parker McCollum, June 3

boygenius, June 14

Rebelution: Good Vibes Summer Tour, June 16

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Ziggy Marley, June 22

One Tree Hill: TRIC Tours

Gavin DeGraw, May 27

When the Stars Go Blue ft Tyler Hilton & Joy Lenz, May 28

The Wilson Center at CFCC

Wilsoncentertickets.com

My Fair Lady, May 6–7

Kebra-Seyoun Charles, May 13

Romeo & Juliet, May 20

America’s Favorite Songs, May 21

Birds of Paradise, May 24–24

Sleeping Beauty, May 27

Americana, June 10–11

Amy Grant, June 23

Clint Black, June 25 

Historic Thalian Hall

thalianhall.org

The Drifters, May 6

Space Oddity: The Ultimate David Bowie Experience, May 12

The Wedding Singer, May 19–21, 26–28

Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex

brooklynartsnc.com

Roger Tatum Workshop, May 2–4

School of Rock, May 14

Jazz at the Mansion Concert Series 

May 11

BELLAMY MANSION–The Jazz at the Mansion Concert Series will be held the second Thursday of every month between May and September, beginning May 11. The concert series will feature live jazz music, and attendees can bring blankets or chairs and enjoy snacks while relaxing on the beautiful grounds of the historic Bellamy Mansion. Musicians will be announced closer to events. bellamymansion.org

Family-Friendly Spring Eco-Tour of Greenfield Lake 

May 16

CAPE FEAR RIVER WATCH–
The leisurely tour of the cypress dome ecosystem in the heart of Wilmington will educate attendees on the flora and fauna and the best ways to preserve the natural beauty. Participants will walk towards the lake after parking, and the boathouse will be on their right. Greenfield Lake is home to various wildlife, including alligators, turtles, yellow-bellied sliders, and several varieties of herons and egrets.  capefearriverwatch.org

NC Black Film Festival 

May 18–21

Independent motion pictures by Black filmmakers will be showcased at the annual invitational, which will include shorts, animation, documentary films, and student films. The event will be held in Wilmington, formerly known as Hollywood East. The festival prides itself on Carolina Hospitality and previous honorees and winners, including Anthony Hemingway, Ava DuVernay, Giancarlo Esposito, the late Dwayne McDuffie, Scott Sanders, and more. The venues and films will be announced closer to the event date. filmfreeway.com/NCBlackFilmFestival

Wilmington Greek Festival 

May 19–21

ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH–The festival will celebrate the Greek community’s culture, faith, heritage, and delicious food. The three-day festival will feature authentic Greek food prepared with time-honored family recipes, traditional music and dancing, a lively marketplace, and cooking demonstrations. Images from past festivals are available on the festival’s website. Attendees can either attend or use the drive-through service.Parking directions are available online.

Loop Through History Tour 

May 21, June 17–18

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH–The tour covers 2.45 miles of the Wrightsville Beach sidewalk fitness trail, featuring 25 unique signs with vintage photographs, informative history tidbits, and trivia describing the importance of the area. This is a great way to get exercise and learn something new.  wbmuseumofhistory.com

Oakdale Cemetery History Walking Tour 

NEED DATE

OAKDALE CEMETERY–Local Historian Hunter Ingram will lead a fascinating historical walking tour of North Carolina’s oldest rural cemetery. Ingram, who recently created the popular Burgwin-Wright Presents and started the Cape Fear Unearthed Podcasts, will delight participants with tales of those who are interred in the cemetery. oakdalecemetery.org

USA Beach Wrestling Nationals 

May 20

BEACH STRAND–The exciting event will return to the Beach Strand between Hampton Inn & Courtyard by Marriott. Combining elements of all wrestling styles, including sumo, sand wrestling is an exciting sport to watch. Athletes of all ages from across the US, including members of the All Marine Team, will battle for beach supremacy and national titles. USAwrestlingevents.com 

Wilmington Sharks Baseball Season 

May 25–July 29

LEGION STADIUM–The Wilmington Sharks, former Coastal Plain East League Champions, are back this season and ready to compete for their next Championship title. Bring the whole family to Legion Stadium and watch The Sharks battle top-notch college players from all areas of the United States. Visit wilmingtonsharks.com for their complete schedule. 

Free Summer Movies at the Lake 

Every Sunday May 28–Sept 3 

CAROLINA BEACH LAKE PARK–Enjoy a series of free outdoor movies through September 3, 2023. Grab your kids, blankets, and beach chairs and enjoy a free outdoor movie on a gigantic screen! Moviegoers can purchase cotton candy, popcorn, candy, soft drinks, and much more. You can also bring your own food and beverages. Movies start at dusk. Movies announced closer to the event date. CarolinaBeach.org 

Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk 

June 30

CAROLINA BEACH BOARDWALK–Celebrate Independence Day early with a special display of free fireworks by the sea. Be sure to arrive early to grab your spot on the beach to enjoy spectacular fireworks. Pack a picnic or get takeout from one of the many local restaurants. Music usually starts at the Gazebo Stage at 6:30 PM. This is weather permitting and schedule is subject to change without notice. CarolinaBeach.org 

Butterfly Releases

Tuesdays June–September

AIRLIE GARDENS–An educator will discuss the life cycle of a butterfly and the different types of butterflies. Butterflies will then be released into the Butterfly House at Airlie Gardens. Event begins at 10am. In case of rain, guests can still observe butterflies inside a classroom with an educator. airliegardens.org

Summer Concert Series

June 2–September 1

AIRLIE GARDENS–Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and enjoy live music while surrounded by the beauty of Airlie Gardens. Tickets for the family-friendly concerts are limited. airliegardens.org

Port City Highland Games

June 3

N.C. IRS BUILDING–The event will provide traditional Scottish entertainment. Titans will clash in traditional heavyweight events such as flipping telephone poles in the "Turning the Caber" and throwing hay over a 20-foot bar for the "Tossing the Sheaf" contest. Attendees can witness feats of strength, marvel at heavy athletics, thrill to the music of pipe bands, and enjoy watching traditional dancing. The 23rd Annual Cape Fear British Car Show, Port City Pipes & Drums, kids games, and face painting will also be featured. Flying Machine Brewery will release an exclusive limited edition Port City Highland Games Beer for the first time. portcityhighlandgames.com

15th Annual Port City Music Festival

June 4

WILMINGTON–The week-long classical concert series is committed to making the experience of great music accessible to everyone. Various locations around Wilmington will host nationally and internationally known guest artists joining local musicians to perform some of the best-loved classical works. Some events require online registration. portcitymusicfestival.org

Cape Fear Blues Festival

June 9–11

RUSTY NAIL SALOON–Enjoy a weekend where blues fans can satisfy their cravings for soulful tunes. Savor three days filled with international, national, and local blues acts at the Rusty Nail's indoor stage, outdoor tent and beer garden, and more.  This popular festival, launched in 1997 by local blues enthusiasts who also back the Cape Fear Blues Jam, is one of the longest-running blues jams in the Carolinas. capefearblues.org

Cape Fear 7’s Rugby Tournament

June 24–25

OGDEN PARK–Join the excitement when one of the nation's largest Summer 7's tournaments returns. Featuring one of the most competitive premiere divisions and hosting several hundred players from teams from across the country and around the world, this is one of the area's most exciting sporting events. Details available closer to the event date. fearrugby.com