15 things to do in the Wilmington area this weekend now that Labor Day crowds are gone
John Staton
With Labor Day over and done with, it's going to be nice to have Wilmington to ourselves a little bit more than we have for the past few months.
This weekend is a great one to get back out there if you've been hiding from the crowds, with a heady mix of music, theater, comedy, art and even a community event for you green thumbs. Let's get into it.
But first: Looking ahead, we just recently published our list of 25 Wilmington-area fall festivals for 2024. If you want to get planned out beyond this weekend, check out the link below.
Upcoming events:Celebrate fall in Wilmington with these 25 can't-miss festivals
ALL WEEKEND
'The 39 Steps'
Sept. 5-8: Big Dawg Productions presents this whirlwind of a play whichit last staged in 2016. Based on the John Buchan novel that Alfred Hitchcock adapted for his 1935 movie, it's a love-mocking celebration of old-timey thrillers, with actors playing multiple roles, quickly reconfigured set pieces and rapid-fire costume changes. The play is also a love letter to the ingenuity-on-a-budget spirit of community theater.7:30 p.m. Sept. 5-7, 3 p.m. Sept. 8. 910-632-2285.
Need a break?
Derrick Stroup
Sept. 6-7: A self-proclaimed Waffle House enthusiast, this touring comic from Alabama might be sad to learn that downtown Wilmington's Waffle House recently closed for good. At any rate, Stroup definitely has the goods, having appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," shot a special for Comedy Central and been a New Face of Comedy at Montreal's Just For Laughs Festival. He's also toured with such comics as Bert Kreischer, Larry the Cable Guy and Nate Bargatze. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sept. 6-7, tickets are $20 and $30.
Hobby Greenhouse Fall Plant Sale
Sept. 6-7.: Fall is a great time to plant, uh, plants, and you can find plenty of good ones here at this beloved annual sale in Forest Hills. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 6-7, cash and check only.
FRIDAY
Jon Pardi
This show has been rescheduled for Nov. 1. Sept. 6 : Country singer known for such hits as "Head Over Boots" and "Heartache on the Dance Floor" brings his Mr. Saturday Night tour to Wilmington. 7 p.m. Sept. 6, .
NaTasha Yvette Williams
Sept. 6 : Grammy-winning, Tony-nominated singer and Broadway performer Williams, whose credits include "Some Like It Hot" and "The Color Purple," headlines this concert benefit for the Alzheimer's Association. Also on the bill: singers Enrique De Allende, Renee Armand, Warsaw's own Danielle Johnson and Mary Porter. 7 p.m. Sept. 6, .
Doodle Jam/Art Show
Sept. 6: You might've seen the toothy, cartoonish work of Wilmington artist HP Fangs on area billboards, in addition to many other places. Friday, the artist hosts a "Doodle Jam," described as a "drink 'n' draw event for all skill levels," with "2-3 rounds of ridiculous art prompts followed by (an optional) head-to-head competition with select artists." With work of past Doodle Jammers on display. 7-9 p.m. Sept. 6, free.
Friday Night Live
Sept. 6: Downtown Wilmington concert series held right on the Cape Fear River. Headliner is Foo Fighters tribute band Fooz Fighters.7 p.m. Sept. 6,.
Jim Quick & Coastline
Sept. 6 : Self-described "swamp soul" band playing beach music, rock and R&B will headline the final show in this year's Airle Gardens Concert Series. Parking is off-site at the Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Road, with free shuttle service to the concert starting at 5 p.m. Chairs, blankets andpicnics are allowed, and guests can purchase food and beverages. 6-8 p.m. Sept. 6. Tickets are $10, $3 for ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and under.
SATURDAY
Tracy Shedd & Fuzz Jaxx
Sept. 7 at The Sandspur (Carolina Beach): Wilmington indie rock songstress Tracy Shedd of Fort Lowell Records teams up with iconic Wilmington rapper Fuzz Jackson for this unbeatable double bill. ," drops Sept. 27. 7 p.m. Sept. 7, free.
Caiola
Sept. 7 : Philadelphia singer Jordan Caiola is best known as a founder of indie rockers Mo Lowda & The Humble, but his songwriting took a folky turn during the pandemic, and his single-named solo project reflects that. With opening act Thomas LaVine. 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show, , $25 day of show, with a $5 cash surcharge at the door for those under 21.
Caleb Caudle & The Sweet Critters
Sept. 7: North Carolina singer's latest album, "Sweet Critters," contains songs that carry a nostalgic country folk vibe and are as pretty as a summer day.8 p.m. Sept. 7. $25.
Native Sun
Sept. 7 : Gritty NYC punk act vibes like a (slightly) sharper version of the Sex Pistols, with thrashy rhythms and snotty vocals. Should be lit. With Wilmington garage rock heroes The Girls. 9 p.m. Sept. 7, cover at the door.
SUNDAY
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Sept. 8 : Bluegrass band with a traditional sound is the real deal. Need proof? Next stop after their Wilmington show will be Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Opening act is a Wilmington favorite: folk/bluegrass/Americana duo The Chatham Rabbits. 6 p.m. Sept. 8, .
Ghost-Note
Sept. 8 : Led by Robert гٸƵSputгٸƵ Searight and Nate Werth of Grammy-winning jazz fusion act Snarky Puppy, Ghost-Note takes things to another (or at least different) level by blending funk, jazz, hip-hop and more, joined by a world-class band whose members have played with the likes of Prince, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar and others. 7 p.m. Sept. 8, tickets are $20.
Southport Concert Series
Sept. 8 : Whiplash plays classic rock for this Sunday afternoon Southport music series. Bring picnics, chairs and/or blankets. 2-4 p.m. Sept. 8. Free.