The final (unofficial) weekend of summer is upon us. After this it's all football and pumpkin spice!
As one might expect, even with the beach crowds, there's a healthy slate of activities in the Wilmington area for Labor Day weekend. Lots of these events are musical in nature, with some free outdoor concert series making their final bow. But we've also got comedy, movie screenings, festivals and more.
Read on for details.
For more ideas of things to do this weekend and in the coming weeks, check out our lists of fall festivals in Wilmington and rounding up 16 miniature golf courses to visit in the three-county area.
ALL WEEKEND
PSL's sweet 16
Sept. 4-6 at Thalian Hall (studio): Veteran
Wilmington comedy troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps celebrates its 16th anniversary of serving up sketches both silly and incisive with this reunion show. A mix of new and classic sketches will feature troupe members both past and present, as well as "at least one full-body pineapple costume," according to a news release. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4-5, 3 p.m. Sept. 6, tickets online or at 910-632-2285.
Hassan Phills
Sept. 4-5 at Dead Crow Comedy Room: Canadian comic has some very funny material on everything from using AI for breakups to the insanity of Facebook Marketplace. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, tickets are $22 and $33.
'The Goonies'
Sept. 4-6 at Thalian Hall: The Thalian Hall Cinema series screens this classic family adventure film for Labor Day weekend. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4-5, 2 p.m. Sept. 5 and 3 p.m. Sept. 6. Tickets are $10, $5 for kids 12 and under.
'Rockin' in the USA'
Sept. 4-6 at the Amuzu Theatre: Historic theater in Southport reopens from renovations with a musical revue timed to America's 250th birthday. "Rockin' in the USA" features a mix of patriotic and popular songs, from "America the Beautiful" to Miley Cyrus’ "Party in the USA." 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4-5, 3 p.m. Sept. 6. Tickets are $25, available at Ricky Evans Gallery in Southport (910-457-1129) and Crossroads Gathering Place in Oak Island (910-250-1037).
FRIDAY
American Aquarium
Sept. 5 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: North Carolina alt-country band led by singer B.J. Barham got its start playing such venues as Wilmington's late, lamented Soapbox in the late 2000s. They'll be back in the Port City for a show in support of "New Ways to Lose," an album celebrating the band's 20th anniversary. 7 p.m. Friday, $37.25.
Boardwalk Blast
Sept. 4, Carolina Beach Boardwalk: Final event of the year for this Pleasure Island concert series that also features fireworks. The band for Labor Day weekend is veteran rock covers act Too Much Sylvia. 6:30 p.m. band, 9 p.m. fireworks. Free.
Airlie Gardens concert series
Sept. 4 at Airlie Gardens: Last show of the years for this popular music series held in a beautiful, historic setting. Headliner is veteran Wilmington rock and soul singer Bibis Ellison. Chairs, blankets and picnics are allowed, and guests can purchase food and beverages. 6-8 p.m. Friday, tickets must be purchased in advance and are $10, $3 for ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and under. Parking is off-site at the Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Road, with free shuttle service to the concerts starting at 5 p.m.
Forever in Rhinestones: A Celebration of Dolly Parton
Sept. 4 at The Eagle's Dare: Mark the recent passing of Dolly Parton with a celebration of the country singer's life and songs. With DJs, live music from Fancy Gap (former Love Language), special drag appearances and more. 7 p.m. Friday, free. Donations at the door will support Parton's Imagination Library.
SATURDAY
Cracker
Sept. 5 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Alt-rock band led by David Lowery and Johnny Hickman is known for its hit '90s songs "Low" and "Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now)." 7 p.m. Saturday, tickets start at $25.
Machine Gun Band
Sept. 5 at The Boatyard: Outdoor show for the Sunset Live Music Series, located behind Marina Grill just off the Wilmington Riverwalk. Longtime Wilmington rock covers band headlines. 6-9 p.m. Saturday, free.
SUNDAY
Fins Up Festival
Sept. 6 at Wrightsville Beach Brewery: Fundraising festival for Friends of Wrightsville Beach features local vendors and exhibits, skin cancer screenings (2-5 p.m.), silent auction, kids' activities (1-5 p.m.) and live music. Jerry Powell plays acoustic tunes at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with set by '80s/'90s cover band The Motos at 2 p.m. and Jimmy Buffet tribute band Captain Mike & the Shipwrecked 6-9 p.m. 1-9 p.m. Sunday, $10 entry for age 21 and up buys a 50/50 raffle ticket.
The Movement, Pepper and Kash'd Out
Sept. 6 at Port City Marina: Triple bill of reggae rock bands takes the stage for what should be a big downtown show. A portion of proceeds goes to the Live Fearlessly Foundation. 5:30 gates Sunday, $55.
Steep Canyon Rangers
Sept. 6 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Longtime North Carolina roots/Americana/bluegrass band just released a new album, its 15th, titled "Next Act." 7 p.m. Sunday, tickets are $35.
Holden Beach Concert Series
Sept. 6 at Bridgeview Park, Holden Beach: Legendary beach music act Chairmen of the Board will bring this Brunswick County concert series to an end for 2026. Bring a blanket or a chair. 6:30 p.m. Sunday,free.
John Staton is the arts and culture reporter at the StarNews. You can reach him at jstaton@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 14 things to do in the Wilmington area for Labor Day weekend
