No shortage of things to do in the Wilmington area this weekend.
And when I say Wilmington area, I mean we've got notable events stretching from Brunswick County to Pender County, with plenty of stops in between.
There's a good many fall festivals to get you out of doors, as well as a number of concerts and touring shows, not to mention comedy, local theater, film screenings and more. Let's get into it.
For more ideas of things to do this weekend and in the coming weeks, check out our lists of fall festivals in Wilmington and fall concerts coming to the area.
ALL WEEKEND
'On Golden Pond'
Oct. 8-25 at Brunswick Little Theatre: Ernest Thompson's classic play about an aging couple who takes in their estranged daughter's stepson spawned the beloved, Oscar-winning 1981
movie. Some performances are already sold out. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8-10, 16-17 and 23-24, 3 p.m. Oct. 11, 18 and 25. $28.
Art in the Arboretum
Oct. 10-11 at the New Hanover County Arboretum: 30th annual festival features work by 70 Wilmington-area artists displayed in these gorgeous gardens. With food trucks, activities for children and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $5 at the gate, free for active military and children under 12.
Sophie Buddle
Oct. 9-10 at Dead Crow Comedy Room: Very funny comic has appeared on "The Tonight Show" and "The Late Late Show with James Corden," and was the head monologue writer for "After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson." 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $24 and $36.
Thalian Hall Cinema
Oct. 7-10 at Thalian Hall: It's an epic week for movies at Thalian Hall, with screenings of three new releases, a cult classic and a family film. Of the new releases, documentary "Boorman and the Devil" (Oct. 7-10) explores how directing critical flop "The Exorcist II" nearly ended John Boorman's career; "The Samurai and the Prisoner" (Oct. 7-8), a smash hit in Japan, is a historical epic and a mystery; and "The Weight" (Oct. 7-8) stars Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe in a tale of prisoners conducting a dangerous gold mine heist for a corrupt warden. Cult classic "An American Werewolf in London" screens Oct. 8-10 for its 45th anniversary, and family friendly ghost film "Casper" screens Oct. 9-10. For times and tickets, call 910-632-2285 or go to ThalianHall.org.
FRIDAY
Whitney Cummings
Oct. 9 at CFCC Wilson Center: Popular comic who wrote for CBS sitcom "Two Broke Girls" and starred in NBC sitcom "Whitney" brings her Big Baby Tour to town. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 910-362-7999.
Live and Let Die
Oct. 9 at Thalian Hall: Paul McCartney tribute act stars Tony Kishman of the Broadway musical "Beatlemania." 7:30 p.m. Friday, 910-632-2285.
Let's Hang On
Oct. 9 at Odell Williamson Auditorium: Touring Frankie Valli tribute band rolls into Brunswick County's biggest venue. 7 p.m. Friday, $24-$47.
SATURDAY
Modern Legend's 10th
Oct. 10 at Yacht Club: Iconic downtown Wilmington shop and record store Modern Legend celebrates its 10th anniversary with a big, fun dance party. 9 p.m. Saturday, free.
The Brook & The Bluff
Oct. 10 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Indie pop band from Alabama goes in a harder-rocking direction with new album "Werewolf." 7 p.m. Saturday, tickets start at $25.
Fire in the Pines Festival
Oct. 10 at Halyburton Park: Educational, family-friendly festival is dedicated to raising awareness about controlled burns in the longleaf pine ecosystem. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, free.
Pets in the Park
Oct. 10 at Carolina Beach Lake Park: Festival celebrates and promotes animal welfare organizations and pet-centric businesses. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, $5.
Belville Fall Festival
Oct. 10 at Belville Riverwalk Park: Festival for Belville Founders Day with vendors, games, food trucks, family activities and more. Rain date Oct. 17. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, free.
Jordan Klepper
Oct. 10 at CFCC Wilson Center: MAGA-baiting correspondent for "The Daily Show" who's had specials on Comedy Central brings his stand-up act to town. 8 p.m. Saturday, 910-362-7999.
Children's Museum extended hours
Oct. 10 at the Children's Museum of Wilmington: Downtown museum for kids and their families celebrates the 29th anniversary of its opening in 1997 with extended hours and activities that encourage STEM, art and literacy learning in addition to the museum's regular exhibits. 6-8 p.m. Saturday, $10.
SUNDAY
Indigo Girls
Oct. 11 at CFCC Wilson Center: Legendary folk duo performs with special guest Linda Perry of Four Non Blondes. 7 p.m. Sunday, 910-362-7999.
Barricade Boys: Broadway Party
Oct. 11 at Thalian Hall: Touring UK vocal group performs a range of Broadway hits, from classics to more contemporary fare. 2 p.m. Sunday, 910-632-2285.
Luke Bulla
Oct. 11 at Live at Ted's: Seven-time National Fiddle Contest winner, multi-instrumentalist and Americana artist has toured as a band member for Ricky Skaggs and Lyle Lovett. 4 p.m. Sunday, $25.
Port City Ballet Theatre
Oct. 11 at Kenan Auditorium: Evening of dance features both classical and contemporary ballet, with excerpts from well-known ballet and new pieces presented by local choreographers. 5 p.m. Sunday, $25.
NC Vibe Fest
Oct. 11 at Old River Farms in Burgaw: Fall festival features live music, makers and vintage vendors, food trucks and kids' activities, a car show, garden center and more. Sets from Wilmington bands Hyperloops (12:15 p.m.), Dog Park (1:15 p.m.), Tercel (2:15 p.m.) and Billy Heathen (3:15 p.m.). 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, tickets are $9.42 and $6.27 for kids (12 and under) in advance, $12 and $8 at the gate.
John Staton is the arts and culture reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at jstaton@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 19 things to do in Wilmington this weekend, from shows to festivals
