Known as a rockin’ live music hub, Wilmington’s vibrant coastal culture also offers a host of ways to be entertained. Whether you’re in search of a good laugh, a captivating show or another authentic experience, you’ll find it all during your getaway to this must-see Southern destination.
Guaranteed Giggles
Spend the evening laughing and drinking with friends at Dead Crow Comedy Room, Wilmington’s full-time comedy club. Dead Crow hosts new comedians almost every night, promising a fresh experience with every visit. Notable comedians who have graced the stage at Dead Crow include Todd Glass, who appeared on NBC’s “Last Comedian Standing,” and Sarah Schaefer, an Emmy-award-winning comedian. The club shares its space with Lush Lounge & Garden Bar, where you can sip on draft beers, wine, spirits and specialty cocktails like the Jalapeño Margarita.
Live Acts in Elegant Venues
Guests can enjoy a little bit of everything at The Wilson Center. As the largest and most technologically advanced performing arts center in eastern North Carolina, this venue hosts performances ranging from comedy to theatre, dance and more. The diverse offerings include shows such as “Mean Girls,” “Come From Away” and “Shrek the Musical.” For a full list of upcoming performances, visit the center’s website.
Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts is a 19th-century city hall that once served as the area’s political and cultural center. Today, the hall continues to operate as one of the oldest theaters in the country – hosting film series, plays, comedians and even magic shows. Condé Nast Traveler even named Thalian Hall one of the "Best Movie Theaters in America," noting its rich history and late Victorian architecture.
Book a behind-the-scenes tour of this cultural gem to explore parts of Thalian Hall’s original lobby, auditorium, balcony and stage. Snag tickets to one of the more than 500 events hosted by the venue every year, including the Irish Comedy Tour, film screenings such as “It’s a Wonderful Life” and live theatrical performances like “Steel Magnolias."
Film Festival Fun
Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the "Coolest Film Festivals in the World," the city’s Cucalorus Festival draws acclaim and attendees from around the globe. Featuring more than 120 films, stage performances and conference events, the non-competitive festival is held annually in November and is one of the largest American film festivals in the South. Film enthusiasts love attending Cucalorus for its alluring riverside setting, as well as its welcoming atmosphere and outstanding lineup of events. For a full list of events and film guide, check out the festival’s website.
Unique and Bizarre Experiences
Wilmington is home to attractions like no other such as The Sorrow Drowner, which is much more than simply a bar. The experience is designed by a former Disney Imagineer and will transport you into a new world. Step into the grand meeting hall of historians and adventurers, where you can inspect “antique” artifacts, interact with lively characters and enjoy a wide selection of unique craft cocktails – and don’t miss the monthly live entertainment!
The Museum of the Bizarre, located just steps from the Riverwalk, offers exhibits sure to spark your curiosity. Among the oddities, discover the Fort Fisher Mermaid, a Bigfoot imprint and Houdini’s Ouija Board, as well as artifacts from Wilmington’s horror film history. Put yourself to the test with the interactive laser vault maze, or dare to explore the mirror maze.
Live concerts aren’t the only ticket to genuine fun in this riverfront city! Plan your trip to immerse yourself in Wilmington’s abundance and variety of entertainment and cultural experiences – from the traditional to the bizarre and everything in between.
