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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
