12 things to do in the Wilmington area for the long 4th of July holiday weekend
Independence Day is on a Thursday this year, which means that a lot of us are getting an extra-long weekend.
As you might imagine given the holiday, there are tons of things happening in Wilmington and across Southeastern North Carolina, even after the last fireworks on the Fourth have fizzled. (If you're looking for info on 4th of July events in the area, you can find several stories on our Port City Life page. )
Let's run down some highlights of this weekend's activities. For even more options, including concerts on weeknights, many of them for free, check out our big ol' list of outdoor summer concerts in the Wilmington area.
Fourth of July in Wilmington: What to know about parades, concerts, fireworks and more
ALL WEEKEND
'Annie'
July 5-7 at Thalian Hall: "Annie," the endlessly tuneful and familiar musical about the irrepressible title orphan who rides from rags to riches on a wave of luck and pluck, is essentially the theatrical version of comfort food, and Opera House Theatre Co. is opening its summer season with a brisk, crowd-pleasing rendition of the buoyant show. Under the direction of Carson Hobbs, whose punchy choreography adds life to the musical's many production numbers, "Annie" is as diverting and satisfying as a summer beach read. 7:30 p.m. July 5-6; 2 p.m. July 6-7. 910-632-2285.
Theater review: Crowd-pleasing production of the orphan-loving musical 'Annie' is only a ticket away
Chloe Radcliffe
July 5-6 at Dead Crow Comedy Room: NYC comic Radcliffe has been coming to Wilmington since the old Cape Fear Comedy Festival days, and this weekend she'll return to headline the Port City's premiere spot for stand-up. She's been on Comedy Central and was a writer for "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," and has some great material about what it's like to live with a prominent birthmark, among other topics. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. July 5-6, tickets are $20 and $30.
Michael Franti & Spearhead
July 5-7 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Singer Michael Franti has won a huge following in Wilmington with his socially conscious songs of positivity, and he's played here pretty much annually for close to a decade now. This year Franti will do yet another three-night stand at Greenfield Lake, a testament to his enduring popularity. 6:30 p.m. July 5-6, 5:30 p.m. July 7. Tickets start at $71.
Ocean City Jazz Festival
July 5-7 in North Topsail Beach: It's worth making the drive into Onslow County, just north of Surf City, for this long-running music festival that features a stacked lineup of jazz talent. Bassist Phylicia Rae plays a kickoff party on Friday, followed by legendary trombonist Fred Wesley (formerly of soul legend James Brown's band) on Saturday and singer Nnenna Freelon on Sunday, in addition to other performers. July 5-7, tickets at OceanCityJazzFest.com, info at 910-459-9263.
FRIDAY
Jason Arendt
July 5 at Buck Hardee Field: You might know Arendt as a baseball player for the UNCW Seahawks, but he's also a rising country music singer. New single "My July" pays twangy tribute to a beachy summer love affair, and he'll be singing that one and others right on the field where college summer league team the Wilmington Sharks play during a concert that combines country, comedy and baseball. Opening up for Arendt are three top Wilmington stand-up comics — Ellie Coleman, Tyler Wood and Drew Harrison. 7:30 p.m. July 5, tickets are $10 and $8.
Airlie Gardens Concert Series
July 5 at Airlie Gardens: Lilly and The Loud Music Company will play rock covers for this super-popular series in a beautiful setting. Parking is off-site at the Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Road, with free shuttle service to the concerts starting at 5 p.m. Chairs, blankets and picnics are allowed, and guests can purchase food and beverages Front Street Brewery, Planet Smoothie and Noni Bacca winery. 6-8 p.m. July 5. Tickets are $10, $3 for ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and under. 910-798-7700.
Free Concert Friday
July 5 at The Eagles' Dare: Foo Fighters tribute band Hey Johnny Park headlines this free weekly series at Third and Red Cross streets. 4 p.m. gates, 6 p.m. opener, 8 p.m. headliner. Free.
Ocean Isle Beach Summer Concerts
July 5 at Town Center Park in Ocean Isle Beach: The Extraordinaires will bring old-school R&B to this outdoor concert series, their first of two stops in Brunswick County this weekend. (They'll be in Holden Beach on Sunday.) Chairs allowed, no smoking, vaping or pets. 5 p.m. gates, 6:30 p.m. show July 7. Free.
Friday Night Live
July 5 at the Pier at Port City Marina: Longtime Wilmington rockers Machine Gun headline this weekly concert series held right on the Cape Fear River. 6 p.m. gates, 7 p.m. show, tickets are $10.
SATURDAY
Ashtyn Barbaree
July 6 at Bourgie Nights: Touring Arkansas singer and songwriter is making her Wilmington debut. Barbaree's songs have an intimately folky, laid-back Americana vibe and she's scheduled to release her third album, "Sent Through The Ceiling," in October. Opening acts are Wilmington singers Julia Rothenberger and Ahna Ell. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
Papdosio
July 6 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Asheville jam band known for blending rock, jazz, electronica and more brings its expansive sound to this Princess Street hotspot. 7 p.m. July 7, tickets start at $22.
SUNDAY
Holden Beach Concert Series
July 7 at the pavilion under the Holden Beach bridge: The Extraordinaires will bring old-school R&B to this outdoor Brunswick County concert series. 6:30-8 p.m. July 7. Free. Call 910-842-6488 for details.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: What's happening in Wilmington, NC, for the weekend of July 5-7, 2024
