16 things to do in the Wilmington area for the first weekend of summer
Summer is finally here, officially anyway, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate in the Wilmington area this weekend.
The entertainment events are heavy on the music side, with some notable touring shows and one long-running festival dedicated to the blues. But there's also some good theater, comedy and one of the area's biggest annual agricultural festivals as well.
If you're planning out past this weekend or looking for even more events, don't forget to check out or lists of outdoor summer concerts in the Wilmington area, Pride Month events in the Wilmington area and June concerts in the Wilmington area.
ALL WEEKEND
June 19-29 at Thalian Hall: Opera House Theatre Co. presents the rockin' musical comedy based on the film by John Waters. Gabriella Seebode stars as Tracy Turnblad, a teen in early 1960s Baltimore on a mission to integrate a local TV dance show. 7:30 p.m. June 19-21 and 26-28, 2 p.m. June 22 and 29. 910-632-2285.
June 20-22 at The Rusty Nail: Long-running Wilmington festival (this year is the 28th) put on by the Cape Fear Blues Society brings both regional and local blues, rock and jazz acts to venerable South Fifth Avenue juke joint The Rusty Nail, which is one of Wilmington's oldest bars. Friday night features BG and The Mojo Hands playing blues, swing and rockabilly ($10 at the door). Saturday's lineup includes the Papa Midnight Blues Band (Chicago/Delta/Piedmont blues), blues guitarist Bobby Messano, Wilmington's own Frank Grant & The Feeling (blues, soul and funk) and the Southern-style blues of The Nasty Chaps. Sunday's free show features New Orleans-style blues by Wilmington band The Rhythm Bones. 8-11 p.m. Friday, 2-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday. Advance tickets at 910-251-1888.
June 20-21, downtown Burgaw: The annual Pender County celebration of everyone's favorite superfood opens Friday with blueberry sales, a blueberry stomp and music by beach music legends The Tams. Saturday is the big day, with live music, a street fair, pie-eating contest, a car show, children's activities and more. 6-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. gates Saturday. Free.
N.C. Blueberry Festival in Burgaw: From bands to berries, here's what to know
June 21-27 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green takes on one of the Bard's darkest tales, the story of an ambitious Scottish king and his murderous wife. 8 p.m. June 21-22 and 26-27. Free, donations accepted. Refreshments available, picnics allowed. CFSOTG's Youth Company performs "The Taming of the Shrew" 8 p.m. June 23-25.
Wicked awesome: Shakespeare's bloody 'Macbeth' inventively staged at Greenfield Lake
June 20-21 at Dead Crow Comedy Room: New York comic was a New Face at Montreal's Just For Laughs Festival in 2022 and has appeared on Comedy Central. Lots of jokes about his sexuality and how others respond to it. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, tickets are $22 and $33.
June 20-21 at The Palm Room: Hard-touring Florida jam band rolls into this Wrightsville Beach venue for a two-night stand. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, tickets at the door.
FRIDAY
June 20 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Alt-rock band from Boone has built a huge following over the past decade thanks to songs that are at once exuberantly playful and deeply emotional. The band is entering a new phase with this tour, its first since lead singer Ela Melo transitioned after coming out as transgender in 2022. 8 p.m. Friday, tickets start at $23.
June 20 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Bermudan reggae singer will bring the summery island vibes he's known for to this show. 7 p.m. Friday, tickets start at $39.
June 20 at Airlie Gardens: Motel Soap plays '70s and '80s pop and rock at this outdoor concert series in a lush, historic setting. 6-8 p.m. Friday. 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. Tickets are $10, $3 for ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and under. 910-798-7700.
June 20 at Jengo's Playhouse: Wilmington-shot movie from 2008 stars Dakota Fanning as an abused White girl who runs away with her Black caregiver (Jennifer Hudson) to South Carolina. There, she learns life lessons from a trio of Boatwright sisters played by Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okonedo. 7:30 p.m. Friday, tickets are $10.
June 20 at The Eagles' Dare: Pearl Jam tribute band Deep 6 headlines this outdoor concert series, with locals Audiomelt opening up. 5 p.m. gates, 6:30 p.m. opener, 8 p.m. headliners. Free.
SATURDAY
June 21 at Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Veteran North Carolina roots-rock band led by singer and guitarist Rick Miller is known for its twangy sound, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and exuberant live shows, during which fried chicken and 'nana pudding are sometimes tossed into the crowd. 7 p.m. Saturday, tickets are $28.50.
June 21 at Kenan Auditorium: One of the top Queen tribute bands in the business aims to give fans of the British rock band's songs an immersive experience. 8 p.m. Saturday, tickets are $33.50 and $53.50.
SUNDAY
June 22 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Rapper known for 2008 hit "Corona and Lime" will bring the party to this Princess Street venue. Opening act is hip-hop artist JARV. 7 p.m. Sunday, tickets are $25.
June 22 at Live at Ted's: Folk singer and songwriter has played such illustrious events as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and recently performed with Grammy-winner Sarah Bareilles. 4 p.m. Sunday, tickets are $15.
June 22 at Seaworthy Kitchen & Bar: Block party in Carolina Beach with live music, local artists, food and drink for purchase and more. Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, free.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do and what's going on this weekend in Wilmington, NC
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CNN
19 minutes ago
- CNN
We tried Halara's viral summer clothes. Here are the styles we think are worth shopping
For those that are chronically online, chances are you've seen Halara, the activewear-inspired clothing brand for women that has had plenty of viral moments, including being spotted on Taylor Swift. In fact, Halara is chronically online itself. As part of what it calls its 'community-driven approach,' the company harnesses AI and algorithms to analyze comments on its social media posts, gathering data about what styles its customers want to see next. This strategy has brought some of its bestselling (and often sold-out) products to life and kept the brand in stride with its customers. You're also likely to snag a deal when shopping at Halara, as it often runs buy more, save more promos and other discounts. In addition to its popular activewear, Halara is known for its cute and comfy basics, as well as its inclusive sizing. And since a few of us CNN Underscored editors have been on the hunt for new styles for summer, we decided to put it to the test and try out some of its everyday pieces. From work pants that feel like athleisure to summer dresses that keep you cool, here are our honest thoughts on Halara's viral clothes. Halara Flex High-Waisted Wide-Leg Waffle Work Pants One of Halara's bestsellers, these relaxed work pants are made with a textured waffle fabric. They have a roomy fit and come in nearly two dozen colors, three lengths and extended sizing. Two CNN Underscored staffers tested these trousers and both said that they balance the comfort of athleisure wear with the look of everyday clothes. Photo editor Molly Flores found that they ran a bit big, especially since they have a pleated, flowy silhouette, while social coordinator Gabriella Triolo said that she had no issues with the fit. Prev Next What we liked: Our testers loved the soft material and that you could get away with wearing them to work, even though they feel more like athleisure. They also said that they are a good value for the price point. What we didn't like: There wasn't too much to knock about these pants. It mostly came down to personal preference. Flores said the cut was extremely high-waisted for her proportions, and she felt that they looked too big on her overall. Halara Flex High-Waisted Slight-Flare Work Pants A pair of work pants that deliver on comfort, these pull-ons have a high waist and subtle flare to flatter the figure. Managing editor Rachel Quigley tried these pants and found them super comfortable. They have a slim fit around the waist and thighs, with the material offering lots of stretch but not much compression. They fit her true to size, and she was pleasantly surprised that the pants weren't too long for her 5-foot-4-inch frame. 'These were perfect with a low heel for work,' she said. They are available in regular, petite and tall lengths, as well as extended sizing. What we liked: With a flattering cut and reasonable length, these flared pants fit right in with our tester's office wardrobe. What we didn't like: Quigley said the pants weren't very supportive around the stomach area, so she preferred wearing them with longer shirts or sweaters for some coverage. She also noted that the material feels a bit cheap, so she's not sure how they'll hold up over time. Halara Flex Rolled-Hem Wide-Leg Washed Stretchy Knit Casual Jeans These stretchy jeans offer unmatched comfort as far as denim goes. With Halara's four-way stretch denim, they flex and move with you — almost like athleisure. I originally tested these when I was trying out the sweatpants jean trend a couple of months ago. This pair was the closest style I found that felt like sweatpants but still had a true denim look. They're so comfy that I opted to wear them on a red-eye flight to Los Angeles last month. Typically, I would never wear jeans in an airport outfit, but the wide-leg fit and soft feel of this pair made sitting for over five hours totally bearable. What we liked: Besides being supremely comfortable, the jeans come in three inseam lengths and nine washes. Halara offers plenty of other jeans in its Flex denim too. What we didn't like: The fabrication is so soft and stretchy that even the waistband stretches out with regular wear. They snap back to a snugger fit once you wash them, but it's something to be aware of. Halara Mid-Rise Casual Cotton Joggers These 100% cotton joggers have a pleated front that brings a more formal edge to the cropped cut and typically casual style. With this style, Halara puts a spin on another athleisure favorite: joggers. While the cotton is lightweight, Flores said the material felt stiff and thin, and it was prone to wrinkling throughout the day. That said, we can see these working for casual settings paired with a T-shirt or rugby sweater. What we liked: These pants are a decent option for those seeking a hybrid style that marries structure and a laidback look. What we didn't like: Some may prefer shopping natural fibers like cotton, but in this case, the fabric felt rigid and uncomfortable. Flores also found this style to run large at the waist. Halara Breezeful High-Low Ruffle 2-in-1 Maxi Skirt This flowy high-low skirt is a good choice for summer travel and busy days. Built-in shorts and a quick-dry material will help keep you cool and chafe-free. This skirt was one of Triolo's favorite pieces she tested. She said it's an everyday style that's 'extremely comfortable and breathable yet still super cute.' The built-in shorts fit like typical biker shorts, and Triolo noted that they made the skirt a little tight to pull on at first, but she liked how they hugged her curves. What we liked: Versatile, comfortable and light, this maxi skirt moves with you. It's perfect for active days when you still want to look cute. What we didn't lik about it: The fabric can get wrinkly. Halara Flex 3-Inch Mid-Rise Stretchy Knit Denim Casual Shorts Halara's denim shorts don't dig in or gape at the waist, giving them a comfortable, relaxed fit. Made with four-way stretch cotton and elastane denim, these shorts have plenty of give. They're soft and lightweight, and the cut provides a relaxed fit in the thigh area. They're by far the most comfortable denim shorts I've worn. I opted for the Cloud Black Denim wash, but they come in three blue washes too. What we liked: The length and cut of these denim shorts gives enough coverage to make you feel confident without being covered up. What we didn't like: While the shorts run true to size, the material has so much stretch that it tends to loosen up rather quickly. This can give the shorts a baggy look. Halara Softlyzero Backless Active Dress Easy-Peezy Edition Every closet needs a cute exercise dress like this one. Its criss-crossed back, built-in shorts, hidden pockets and fit-and-flare silhouette give it an elevated athleisure look. Did I mention it's also one of Halara's claims to fame? This viral style — a more affordable alternative to Outdoor Voices' $100 exercise dress — pops up on my For You page pretty much daily. With light support and plenty of stretch, I wouldn't reach for this dress for workouts and intense activities, but it's a cute option for a day hike or just taking a stroll. Unlike other exercise dresses with built-in shorts that are essentially a romper underneath, the shorts on this dress are actually detached at the back. In theory, this would make it easier to use the restroom, since you don't have to remove the whole garment to pull down the shorts. However, it proved to be a bit awkward since they're still attached at the front. It's an interesting feature that I hadn't come across before, but it actually wasn't value added. Overall, I think the dress is worth grabbing on sale — and you're bound to find your favorite color since it comes in over two dozen. What we liked: You don't have to worry about breaking a sweat in this breathable dress. If you're looking for more coverage, it also comes in a longer length and sizing for D to F cups (in both lengths). What we didn't like: Besides the built-in shorts not being as useful as they initially seemed, the dress wrinkled pretty significantly. This didn't bother me too much since I've only worn it to walk my dog and run errands, but if you're looking for a more polished athleisure outfit, I would opt for a different style. Halara Breezeful V-Neck Quick-Dry Longer-Length Midi Dress Available in 15 colors, this casual dress will keep you comfortable on hot days, thanks to its sweat-absorbing, quick-drying fabric and breezy silhouette. While Quigley found this dress ran large, she liked the fabric and silhouette. The tie detail helped give the style shape, and you can tie it in the front or back. She also appreciated that the dress has pockets. 'I feel like it would hold up over time, so it's worth the money,' she said. What we liked: The lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric is a great option for summer. It also held up well after washing, and the quality of this piece lived up to our expectations. The dress comes in a shorter length too. What we didn't like: This style ran a bit large, and the silhouette had a lot of fabric in general, so consider sizing down. Halara Everyday Midi Chill Dress-La Land In between an exercise dress and a sundress, this style has a flattering A-line cut and practical features like pockets and a built-in bra. The racerback silhouette, fitted top and flowy skirt make for a comfortable everyday dress. The nylon and elastane fabrication feels soft and cool to the touch, ultimately helping to keep you at ease in the summer heat. Even though Triolo said the top didn't fit perfectly, she thought it was true to size. What we liked: This casual style is great for active days. Pair it with your favorite walking shoes and you'll be unstoppable. What we didn't like: Triolo said the fit of the top was too big in some areas and too small in others but noted that she has a 'bigger chest and unique bra size.' Next time, she'd order the version specifically made for D to F cups. Halara Breezeful Backless Wide-Leg Jumpsuit All you need is a great jumpsuit to create an instant outfit. This one is airy and attractive, with a backless top and flowy, pleated bottoms. 'I am absolutely obsessed with this jumpsuit and have been wearing it once or twice a week since I got it,' Quigley said. As someone who's reviewed other comfy jumpsuits, she knows when a style ticks all the right boxes. 'It is cool, lightweight, flattering and a great price,' Quigley said, adding that the pockets are a plus too. What we liked: This style can be dressed up or down and go from day to night. Quigley said she even paired it with a jacket and wore it to work. And since we know the struggle of finding a jumpsuit that fits right, we appreciate that this one comes in three lengths and extended sizing. Quigley said it runs true to size. What we didn't like: We really loved this style, but we know a backless style isn't for everyone. We'd love to see a version with more coverage on the back and arms. If you're looking for comfy clothes that can pass for your everyday wardrobe, Halara is worth a shot. We tested 10 items to gauge the overall quality, and while not every piece was a winner, the brand has pages and pages of styles to choose from. In fact, Quigley said that she's had much more success with Halara's activewear. 'I can't say enough good things about [the activewear],' she said. 'The tank tops, sports bras and tummy-control leggings I have tried have been comfortable, flattering and fit true to size, especially for the price point.' So, it might take some trial and error to find the pieces that work for you (thankfully, the brand has a generous 30-day return window from the time you receive your items; you just have to pay return shipping), but there are some real gems to scoop. Does Halara clothing run true to size? Does Halara clothing run true to size? It depends. Based on our testing, some styles run large, while most were true to size. If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing down. You can also refer to the brand's size guide, found on every product page. Does Halara have a physical store? Does Halara have a physical store? No, Halara's clothes are currently available direct to consumer via its website. In June 2024, it opened a pop-up shop in New York City. Where is Halara shipped from? Where is Halara shipped from? The brand manufactures and ships its products from East and Southeast Asia. To find out which of Halara's viral summer styles are worth buying, a testing panel was assembled consisting of four CNN Underscored staffers. Our panel was comprised of various sizes, body types and style preferences. Photo editor Molly Flores was looking for comfortable basics and typically wears a size medium. Managing editor Rachel Quigley was searching for new work clothes for summer and ordered her usual size small. Fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw is 5 foot, 2 inches tall, so she was on the hunt for petite-friendly clothes that can keep her comfortable all summer long. Social coordinator Gabriella Triolo, who wears a size medium, was looking for curve-friendly styles that are effortless to wear. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw, along with three other CNN Underscored staffers, tested a number of products from the viral brand Halara.
New York Times
24 minutes ago
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Lawsuit Accuses Tyler Perry of Sexual Assault
The filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry is being sued for $260 million for sexual assault by an actor who starred in 'The Oval,' one of Mr. Perry's television series. Derek Dixon, who played the character Dale on the show, claims in a lawsuit that Mr. Perry subjected him 'to escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation when Mr. Dixon did not reciprocate Mr. Perry's unwanted advances.' Lawyers for Mr. Perry and Mr. Dixon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Matthew Boyd, a lawyer for Mr. Perry, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that the lawsuit was a 'scam.' 'Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail,' Mr. Boyd said. According to the lawsuit, which was filed on Friday in a Los Angeles court, Mr. Dixon met Mr. Perry in 2019, when Mr. Dixon worked for an event company that had organized a party for the filmmaker. The two exchanged numbers, and Mr. Perry initially offered him career advancement, Mr. Dixon said. Soon afterward, Mr. Perry began sending Mr. Dixon sexually suggestive text messages, according to the lawsuit, which included images of messages sent between the men. In one episode mentioned in the lawsuit, in 2020, Mr. Perry invited Mr. Dixon to his home in Douglasville, Ga., near Atlanta, where the two had drinks and Mr. Dixon spent the night in a guest room. During the night, Mr. Perry got into bed with Mr. Dixon and began 'rubbing Dixon's body around his inner thigh in a highly sexual and suggestive manner,' according to the lawsuit. Mr. Dixon jumped out of bed and told Mr. Perry that he 'wasn't that sexual,' according to the lawsuit. Afterward, Mr. Dixon ignored Mr. Perry's texts, until Mr. Perry offered him a role in 'The Oval,' according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit also describes an incident in 2021 when Mr. Dixon spent the night at Mr. Perry's house, and claims that when Mr. Perry asked for a good night hug, he pulled down Mr. Dixon's underwear and 'began to vigorously grab, grope, and play with Dixon's buttocks in a sexual manner.' Mr. Perry has built a media empire with an array of popular television shows and movies depicting Black life in America, including the 'Madea' film series, in which he also stars. In 2019, he opened a 330-acre studio complex in Atlanta where major studios often film movies and television shows, including 'Pitch Perfect 3,' 'The Walking Dead' and 'Black Panther.'
Washington Post
29 minutes ago
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10 stars (Pamela Anderson! Alyssa Milano!) on playing Roxie Hart in ‘Chicago'
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