It’s a big, long beach weekend for the Wilmington area with the Labor Day holiday coming up, but as you might imagine there’s plenty of entertainment swirling around as well.
Much of that comes in the form of concerts, including a number of shows in area beach towns, but we’ve also got the final weekend of an original play, a well-known stand-up comedy headliner, a screening of a famous summer blockbuster and much more.
For more ideas of things to do this weekend and beyond, check our list of outdoor concerts in the Wilmington area for summer 2025, many of which aren’t listed here.
ALL WEEKEND
‘Mercury’
Big Dawg Productions presents Lee Lowrimore’s original play “Mercury” Aug. 28-31 in Thalian Hall’s studio theater.
Aug. 28-31 at Thalian Hall (studio theater): Big Dawg Productions presents this original play by award-winning Wilmington thespian Lee Lowrimore. Set in late 1970s New York City, “Mercury” is about a gay, way-off-Broadway theater company that survives by operating a telephone answering service — survives, that is, until its last source of steady income is cut off and troupe members must improvise. Steve Vernon directs, and “Mercury” stars Jeff Phillips, Ben Thomas-Reid, Jace Carlyle Berry, Devin DiMattia, Blair Houtz and Paula Davis. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28-30, 3 p.m. Aug. 31. 910-632-2285.
Brian Posehn
Aug. 29-30 at the Dead Crow Comedy Room: Very funny comic, writer and actor is known for his roles on “Big Bang Theory” and “Mr. Show” and has a low-key, self-deprecating stand-up style. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, tickets are $30 and $41.
‘The Empire Strikes Back’
Peter Mayhew in a scene from the motion picture “Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.”
Aug. 27-29 at Thalian Hall: The second (or fifth?) movie in the “Star Wars” movie franchise screens for the 45th anniversary of its release as part of the Thalian Hall Cinema series. 1 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with additional screenings 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $12, $10 for seniors and students with valid ID.
FRIDAY
Carolina Beach Boardwalk Blast
Hundreds of people came out Aug. 8, 2019, to Carolina Beach’s Boardwalk Blast to see the fireworks and live music with the rock and soul of the Billy Walton Band.
Aug. 29 at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk: Last fireworks display/concert of the year for this Pleasure Island series, which is on Friday this week instead of Thursday due to the holiday weekend. Headliner is The Main Event Band playing classic rock and more. 6:30-9:30 Friday, fireworks on the beach strand start at 9 p.m. Free.
The BQ’s
Aug. 29 at The Sandspur (Carolina Beach): Longtime Raleigh rock band led by Brian Quast of The Cherry Valence, Urge Overkill and Polvo plays hard-charging yet melodic garage tunes that can be poppy or even a little bit metal. With The Ravegers and Wilmington’s own Evening Shadows. 7 p.m. Friday, free.
SATURDAY
Watchhouse
Aug. 30 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Rootsy North Carolina duo consisting of husband-wife team Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz has been playing Wilmington since their days as Mandolin Orange in the 2000s. 7 p.m. Saturday, tickets start at $65.
The Swellians
Aug. 30 at The Sandspur (Carolina Beach): Classic surf and garage rock songs delivered while wearing skeleton masks? Yes, please. 7 p.m. Saturday, free.
The Great Indoors
Aug. 30 at Bourgie Nights: Dreamy Wilmington rock band headlines this downtown venue with support from Charleston, South Carolina, indie rock act Wilmot. 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show Saturday, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, $15 and $20 for ages 20 and under.
Oak Island ‘Bands by the Beach’ Concert Series
Aug. 30 at Middleton Park Amphitheater: Final event of the year for this concert series, which is being held on Saturday this week instead of its usual Friday night due to the holiday weekend. The Main Event Band will headline, playing rock covers and more. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, blankets, lawn chairs and picnics allowed. Free.
Polar Bear Blues Band
Aug. 30 at The Rusty Nail: Veteran Wilmington blues and rock band, featuring Harvey Dalton Arnold of ’70s Southern rock act The Outlaws, will bring their mix of originals and classic covers to this juke joint on South Fifth Avenue. 8 p.m. Saturday, $8 at the door.
Dubtown Cosmonauts and Selah Dubb
Aug. 30 at The Palm Room: Rock-solid double bill featuring veteran Wilmington jam band Dubtown Cosmonauts, with longtime reggae-rock act Selah Dubb opening up. 9 p.m. Saturday, cover at the door.
SUNDAY
Caamp
Taylor Meier of Caamp performs onstage at the Hinterland Music Festival on August 06, 2021 in St. Charles, Iowa.
Aug. 31 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Ohio band that blends rock, folk and Americana comes to town in support of new album “Copper Changes Color.” 7 p.m. Sunday, tickets start at $53.
Holden Beach Concert Series
Aug. 31 at Bridgeview Park: Final show of the year for this Brunswick County series. Beach music legends Chairmen of the Board, featuring Ken Knox, headline. 6:30-8 p.m. Sunday, bring a blanket or a chair. Free.
Ocean Isle Beach Summer Concerts
Aug. 31 at Town Center Park: Final show of the year for this Brunswick County concert series, also known as the Peggy Hughes Summer Concert Series, which is being held on a Sunday this week instead of its typical Friday due to the holiday weekend. Beach music band Continental Divide headlines. 5 p.m. gates, 6:30 p.m. show, Sunday. Food vendors on site. Chairs allowed, no smoking, vaping or pets. Free.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do and events happening in Wilmington, NC, Labor Day weekend
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
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