The Arts Council Of Wilmington/NHC

Design NC: Cocktails in the Courtyard
2026-04-30 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S 17th St, Wilmington, 28412
Design NC: Cocktails in the Courtyard
April 30 at 5 PM
Cocktails in the Courtyard is the perfect spring night out at Cameron Art Museum, and you don’t have to be a designer to join. Kick off Design NC with an open bar, live music by Mangroove, and a lively evening in the courtyard with Wilmington’s creative community, all while supporting CAM!
The Design NC Cocktail Party is a cocktail-style event with a lively atmosphere. This year, you can expect vibrant music by Mangroove, hors d’oeuvres from CAM Café, and a full bar serving cocktails, wine, and beer—all included with your ticket or sponsorship.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with both local and national designers and businesses, explore CAM’s stunning galleries, and mingle with fellow design enthusiasts. Plus, enjoy a book signing and a chance to mingle with our featured designers, Marshall Watson and Blue Carreon!
CAM Members: $100
Not-Yet Members: $150
About DesignNC
DesignNC is a two-day celebration of design at Cameron Art Museum. Your ticket helps support CAM’s exhibitions, classes, and arts education programs serving more than 8,000 children each year.
For questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact Georgia Mastroieni, Deputy Director of Operations at (910) 726-9492 or georgia@cameronartmuseum.org

Disney's Newsies Jr.
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-10 | Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Disney’s Newsies JR.
https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1051614/newsies-jr-wilmington-hannah-block-historic-usocommunity-arts-centerthalian-assoc
Showtimes
Dates: Friday May 1, 2026 – Sunday May 10, 2026
Friday – Saturday Time: 7:30 pm
Sunday Time: 3:00 pm
Location
2nd Street Stage Hannah Block
Historic USO/Community Arts Center
Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Jack Feldman Book by Harvey Fierstein JR. Script Adaptation by Davis Simpatico
Based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White
Disney’s Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right. Including the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.

The Listening Barn
2026-05-01 19:00 - 21:00 | poplar grove, 10200 Highway 17, Wilmington, NC, 28411-6772, United States
Music, fun, and friends! What more do you need? The Listening Barn hosts a variety of American music; whether it is bluegrass, jazz, or country, one thing is for sure, folk music is what the barn is all about. The Listening Barn is a place where you can gather to relax and enjoy good music, or get up and dance! At The Listening Barn, you are sure to enjoy an evening where you can unplug and reconnect. This show will feature Dear MariBella & the Pigkickers

Robert W. Winston Memorial Organ Concert
2026-05-03 16:00 - 17:00 | St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 North 16 Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
This annual, free organ concert is made possible in part by a generous bequest from the estate of Robert W. Winston, a long-time member of the Wilmington, NC Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

A Year of Fiber Art by Quilters by the Sea
2026-05-04 10:00 - 2026-07-26 16:00 | The Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Bellamy Mansion Museum is hosting an art exhibition, “A Year of Fiber Art,” featuring 40 quilts made by members of the Quilters by the Sea Guild. The exhibit includes pieces created for three quilting challenges, which showcase a mix of patriotic, whimsical, and abstract designs. An artists’ reception will be held on May 22nd from 6-8 PM. Visitors can view the exhibit free of charge any time the museum is open (Mon-Sun, 10 am-4 pm). Please stop by the Carriage House Visitor Center to gain admission.

RED'S BACK! And Still Unfiltered
2026-05-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Tempo 33 Piano Bar and Lounge, 33 S. Front St. - 3rd floor, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Following her wildly successful first run, Ray Kennedy announces the return of cabaret diva, stage and film veteran Diana “Red” Kyle to Tempo 33 Piano Bar and Lounge in Wilmington:
Saturday, May 9, 2026
3:00 PM
33 South Front St. – 3rd floor
Wilmington, NC
TIX: REDSHOW.SQUARE.SITE
Additional 2 drink/food minimum required
With some new material and guest singers Mirla Criste, Trevor Marlow and Matthew Thomas-Reid, RED’S BACK! And Still Unfiltered is poised once again to wow Diana Kyle’s audience with her madcap humor and tuneful songs from the Broadway and Hollywood cannon.
WHAT CRITICS SAY:
“Veteran stage and film actress is mesmerizing…!” – All About The Stage, LA
“… makes the most of it…mercurial…” – Discover Hollywood Magazine, LA
“A commanding presence.” – Stage Raw, LA
WHO IS DIANA “RED” KYLE?
Formerly based in NYC and Hollywood, veteran film and stage actress Diana Kyle, known locally as “Red,” is a native Southerner with her own brand of raucous and suggestive humor, along with heartfelt personal stories, in addition to having a professionally trained theatrical singing voice.
She has performed leading roles in MAME, APPLAUSE! ANNIE WARBUCKS, DAMES AT SEA and many other musicals. While in Los Angeles, she was the recipient of an LA WEEKLY THEATRE AWARD for her comedic role in the acclaimed A MULHOLLAND CHRISTMAS CAROL at Theatre of Note. In 2015 she had the title role of Ma Barker in THE GHOST OF MA BARKER, for which she received rave reviews, at the Ruby Theatre in Hollywood.
Diana has given two concerts in Hollywood at Barnsdall Park Theatre and was a favorite at open mic venues throughout Los Angeles.
Additionally, she has made several television appearances: “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia”; “Suburgatory”; “Mad Men” and “Anger Management”. Film work includes “Freedom Writers”, “The Great Buck Howard”, “Dark Streets”, and “Dreamgirls”.
Diana was also involved in the executive and legal entertainment arena in Los Angeles for over 15 years including Warner Bros. and Paramount Studios, as well as independent feature film production.
Producing credits include the cult favorite SCREECH OF THE DECAPITATED and GREELEY’S FIELD. (In the first film she also can be seen as a “biker chick in the Amazon Jungle”…totally worth the 99 cents on Prime!)
In 2017 after almost two decades in Tinseltown, Diana headed back east and by providence, or just good luck, ended up in the Port City. And history is made!
See you at the show – come and have a few drinks, tons of laughs…and thanks!

Wilmington Voices Spring Concert: Lift Every Voice and Sing!
2026-05-10 15:00 - 16:30 | Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S 17th St, Wilmington, 28412
Sunday, May 10
3-4:30pm
Reception Hall
Free; Registration required, $5 suggested donation
CAM is delighted to welcome back Wilmington Voices for a special Mother’s Day concert this spring. Known for their artistic excellence and a repertoire of diverse musical styles, Wilmington Voices will perform an afternoon of Americana music that will uplift and inspire all. It’s not just a look back, but a reminder that the American story is still being written—by all of us, together.
250 years. One land. Many voices. This Land, These Voices lifts songs of hope, struggle, and justice—honoring America’s past while calling us toward a more just and shared future.
Wilmington Voices’ mission is to enrich lives and engage audiences with creativity and an abiding passion for music through choral repertoire and choral expression. Wilmington Voices presents choral music of the highest caliber to the communities of Eastern North Carolina and seeks to ensure that people from all walks of life have free access to high-quality music and outreach programming. A collaborative ensemble led by a love of diverse music, Wilmington Voices is a celebration of choral excellence in eastern North Carolina.

WWII History Presentation
2026-05-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
“History Forum on World War II Wilmington, America’s First WWI Heritage City”
Monday May 11th | 12:00 -1:00 pm | Free to the Public!
This presentation will include a book signing
Midday WWII History Forum with Wilbur Jones and Rory Laverty, Dept. of History UNCW
– Rory Laverty Enemy-Alien: “The Japanese-American Soldiers Who Fought for the U. S. in WWII”
– Wilbur Jones “The Afrika Korps at Home in Wilmington, 1944-46”
Midday WWII History Forum with Wilbur Jones
Monday May 18th | 12-1pm | Free to the Public!
This presentation will include a book signing!
– “The Wilmington Shipyard: From the SS Zebulon B. Vance, December 6, 1941, to the Ghost Fleet”
– “Growing Up on the Wilmington Home Front in America’s First World War II Heritage City”
Rory Laverty is the author of two books of nonfiction: ALUMINUM ALLEY: The American Pilots Who Flew Over the Himalayas and Helped Win World War II (Stackpole, 2023) and DELIVERY MAN: The Enemy-Alien Nisei Translator Who Saved His Battalion (Skyhorse, coming July 22, 2025). Laverty is an investigative reporter who since 1998 has covered law enforcement, the military, major crimes and the justice system for publications such as the Washington Post, the Daily Beast, Newsweek, and the Oakland Tribune. His investigative reporting has exposed criminal and sexual misconduct in local police departments, the Marine Corps and the United Nations. His stories have resulted in criminal charges, major policy changes, and in one case, the firing of the senior advisor to the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, for a pattern of sexual misconduct against the men he worked with, including a British MP, or member of Parliament. A graduate of UNC Wilmington’s MFA program in creative nonfiction, Laverty is now a senior lecturer in the English Department, where he teaches journalism, interviewing, research, and writing.
Wilbur D. Jones Jr. Wilbur D. Jones, Jr., is a nationally known, award-winning author and military historian in Wilmington, N. C. A Wilmington native, he grew up there during World War II, which shaped his life, careers, and attitudes.
He is a University of North Carolina history graduate, retired Navy captain, and former assistant and advance representative to President Gerald Ford. He served the Department of Defense for 41 years, including 12 as a Defense Acquisition University professor and associate dean.
He conceived, organized, and led the successful 12 -1/2-year project seeking national recognition for Wilmington as America’s first World War II Heritage City, working with the state’s congressional delegation, local and state elected officials, and organizations – as a volunteer. In March 2019 President Trump signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. David Rouzer establishing that national preservation program. On September 2, 2020, at the Battleship North Carolina, Trump announced the designation by the Secretary of the Interior of Wilmington as the first, calling out Jones’s role in prepared remarks.
As founder (2000) and still chairman of the WWII Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition, an all-volunteer, 501c3 preservation organization, he is leading planning for area America 250 activities recognizing and promoting Wilmington’s WWII Heritage City designation.

Jazz at the Mansion: Darryl Murrill
2026-05-13 18:30 - 20:00 | The Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Since 2010, the Bellamy Mansion Museum and Cape Fear Jazz Society have partnered to highlight locally, regionally, and nationally acclaimed jazz performers. On the second Wednesday of each month May through September, join us for a concert on the lawn of the Bellamy at 6:30 pm. Performers range from solo songstresses to big bands with a little bit of something for every jazz lover.
Proceeds from ticket sales support the musicians, the Cape Fear Jazz Society, and the Bellamy Mansion Museum.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026: Darryl Murrill
Wednesday, June 10, 2026: El Jaye Johnson Quartet
Wednesday, July 8, 2026: Crescent Moon
Wednesday, August 12, 2026: FROG Project
Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Burning Bridges
*Wednesday, October 8, 2025: Rain date if needed
​*For rain-out rescheduling. October show is at 5:30 pm w/ gates opening at 5 pm.
​
Shows are outdoors therefore weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, the show will be cancelled or rescheduled by 3 pm the day of. That information can be found here or on our social media channels. There are no pre-sales of tickets for this reason. Tickets can be purchased at the gate the day-of beginning at 6 pm.
For information, please contact Jen Fenninger at jfenninger@bellamymansion.org or by calling (910)-251-3700 x3

"BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions" screening at Jengo's Playhouse
2026-05-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
Adapted from Kahlil Joseph’s renowned video art installation, BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions is a distinctive cinematic experience that mirrors the sonic textures of a record album, weaving fiction and history in an immersive journey where the fictionalized figures of W. E. B Du Bois and Marcus Garvey join artists, musicians, Joseph’s family, and even Twitter chats, in a vision for black consciousness.

Hello Dolly presented by the Thalian Association
2026-05-15 19:30 - 2026-05-24 18:00 | Historic Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, 28401
Hello Dolly!
Tickets at www.thalian.org/
Showtimes
Dates: Friday May 15, 2026 – Sunday May 24, 2026
Friday – Saturday Time: 7:30 pm
Sunday Time: 2:00 pm
Location
Main Stage Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St.
Book by Michael Steward Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman Based on the play the Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder Original production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion Produced for the Broadway Stage by David Merrick and Champion Five, Inc. This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play The Matchmaker bursts with humor, romance, energetic dance and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things,” are certain to thrill and entertain audiences again and again.
Hello Dolly has won many awards, including:
Ten 1964 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Author and Composer/Lyricist
New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical
Two 1968 Outer Critics Circle Awards
Four 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical
Three 2017 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Revival of a Musical

Hello Dolly presented by the Thalian Association
2026-05-15 19:30 - 2026-05-24 18:00 | Historic Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, 28401
Hello Dolly!
Tickets at www.thalian.org/2025-2026-season/hello-dolly/
Showtimes
Dates: Friday May 15, 2026 – Sunday May 24, 2026
Friday – Saturday Time: 7:30 pm
Sunday Time: 2:00 pm
Location
Main Stage Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St.
Book by Michael Steward Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman Based on the play the Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder Original production Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion Produced for the Broadway Stage by David Merrick and Champion Five, Inc. This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play The Matchmaker bursts with humor, romance, energetic dance and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things,” are certain to thrill and entertain audiences again and again.
Hello Dolly has won many awards, including:
Ten 1964 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Author and Composer/Lyricist
New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical
Two 1968 Outer Critics Circle Awards
Four 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical
Three 2017 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Revival of a Musical

2nd Annual Carolina Beach MuralFest
2026-05-16 - 2026-05-17 | Carolina Beach Lake Park, 400 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC, 28428, United States
Join the Carolina Beach Mural Project and 46 Artists at the Carolina Beach Lake for 2 days of live painting. The 4′ x 4′ panels will be displayed all summer at the Stingray Stage.
Live Music + Artisan Booths +Food Trucks + Pleasure Island Children’s Business Market =Awesome fun for all ages

Past Meets Pavement Walking Tours: Wilmington: Lost But Not Forgotten
2026-05-16 09:00 - 10:30 | The Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Join us for a 90-minute walking tour in historic downtown Wilmington. The tour begins and ends at the Bellamy Mansion Museum. This tour is based on Beverly Tetterton’s book “Wilmington: Lost But Not Forgotten” and will explore homes, businesses, and other buildings that have been lost to time.
The tour is appropriate for all ages, but please note this may not be suitable for anyone with limited mobility. The tour is rain or shine, within reason, and attendees will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled due to serious weather. This tour will be offered again on August 15.
There are NO WALK-UPS allowed, and registration is required. If you have questions, please email info@bellamymansion.org before registering.

Benny Hill Jazz Quartet in FREE Concert!
2026-05-16 19:30 - 20:30 | 1416 Market Street, 1416 Market Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401-4999, United States
Get ready for an electrifying night with the Benny Hill Jazz Quartet as part of our concert series! With over 30 years of experience, Benny has captivated audiences, drawing inspiration from legendary artists like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, while infusing his performances with a distinct and vibrant style. Benny’s improvisations on the alto saxophone are not only reminiscent of the jazz greats but also reflect his unique artistry. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the captivating sounds of this Jazz Quartet!
*All Music on Market Concerts are free, open to the public and family friendly*
*Tickets are not required. Venue Seating is Limited. Seating is on First-Come, First-Served basis.*

Rosie the Riveter
2026-05-17 14:30 - 16:30 | Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Rosie the Riveter: American Women in WWII
We Did It!
Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center
2nd Street Stage
May 17, 2026, 2:30 pm
Tickets $10.00 plus preservation fee and tax
Doors Open at 2:00 pm. Come early to view the Rosie The Riveter exhibit in our lobby museum!
Rosie the Riveter has been a cultural icon for generations: an inspiring image of a strong, capable woman rising to the challenge of her era and the foundation for the contemporary women’s movement. Rosie has become a symbol of feminism and women’s economic power.
Explore the Rosie phenomenon with a presentation by Wilbur Jones that covers women in all aspects of service to the nation. Rosie’s famous motto, “We Can Do It,” meant two things: united, our nation will win the war; and we women will make a difference in the workplace. The Rosie impact started the postwar women’s liberation movement.
Followed by a special performance by Elizabeth Michaels as Rosie the Riveter!
There will be an exhibition of Rosie the Riveter memorabilia featuring a vast collection of artifacts, posters, artwork, dolls, bric-a-brac, books, and more in the museum lobby of the Historic USO Building.
Elizabeth Michaels
Elizabeth Michaels is a recipient of the Outstanding Actor Award in a Play
from Thalian Association in Wilmington for her performance in Driving Miss
Daisy. She was last seen at Thalian Hall in Steel Magnolias. You may
have seen her recently on the Bucky Stein stage in Harrington Reps’ Six
Seconds and Orion’s Choice. She frequently works with the Port City
Playwrights group, the Mouths of Babes ensemble and can be seen again
this April in Ray Kennedy’s wonderful play A Ride Through the Country.
Elizabeth just finished a run of The Halleluiah Girls at the Brunswick Little
Theatre. She has also performed Drop Dead, Listen to Your Mother, Over
the River and Through the Woods, Plaza Suite and 37 Postcards at this
wonderful little theatre.
Elizabeth moved here from the Philadelphia area where she has frequently
portrayed Rosie the Riveter and Dolley Madison in her one woman shows
at various venues including the White House Visitors Center and the
National Portrait Gallery. She is so happy to be portraying Rosie again for
the Thalian Association Community Theatre.
As a member of SAG/AFTRA Elizabeth has extensive voice-over
experience for training films, industrials, commercials and public service
announcements on TV and radio. She is also a narrator of audio books for
Audible.com.
Many thanks to Susan Habas and the fantastic theatre community of
Wilmington!
Elizabeth lives in Leland with her incredibly supportive and handsome
husband Jim and her crazy funny dogs Lucky and Gracie.
Wilbur D. Jones Jr.
Wilbur D. Jones, Jr., is a nationally known, award-winning author and military historian in Wilmington, N. C. A Wilmington native, he grew up there during World War II, which shaped his life, careers, and attitudes.
He is a University of North Carolina history graduate, retired Navy captain, and former assistant and advance representative to President Gerald Ford. He served the Department of Defense for 41 years, including 12 as a Defense Acquisition University professor and associate dean. Upon retirement he and his late wife Carroll relocated to Wilmington in 1997.
Doing business as Wilbur Jones Compositions, LLC, he writes, lectures, and consults on World War II history and defense issues; and leads North Carolina WWII history preservation projects. He previously led WWII battlefield tours to the Pacific, Mediterranean, and Europe.
He has authored or co-authored 20 books, including 8 on World War II, and 2 on wartime Wilmington and Southeastern North Carolina. He has written or been a principal source for hundreds of articles for the Wilmington Star News, a Gannett newspaper in the USA TODAY NETWORK, and has given more than 800 presentations and media interviews..
He conceived, organized, and led the successful 12 -1/2-year project seeking national recognition for Wilmington as America’s first World War II Heritage City, working with the state’s congressional delegation, local and state elected officials, and organizations – as a volunteer. In March 2019 President Trump signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. David Rouzer establishing that national preservation program. On September 2, 2020, at the Battleship North Carolina, Trump announced the designation by the Secretary of the Interior of Wilmington as the first, calling out Jones’s role in prepared remarks.
As founder (2000) and still chairman of the WWII Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition, an all-volunteer, 501c3 preservation organization, he is leading planning for area America 250 activities recognizing and promoting Wilmington’s WWII Heritage City designation.
His numerous public service awards and recognition include: The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest award…..The Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and listing in Marquis Who’s Who in America 2024…..The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award 2021…..The Star-News Lifetime Achievement Award….. North Carolina Historian of the Year (East)…..Chairman of the USS North Carolina Battleship Commission…..An Outstanding Alumnus of New Hanover High School marking its 2022 Centennial…..Ruling Elder of St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Miniatures Workshop
2026-05-17 17:00 - 19:00 | wine knot Sky Bar & Cocktail Lounge, 201 N Front St Suite 909, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
iniatures Workshop to Sunday, May 17th from 5-7pm. Create a tiny book nook and learn the art of miniatures at Wine Knot Sky Bar & Cocktail Lounge. No membership is required to attend the workshop!

WWII Presentation
2026-05-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States

Artists' Reception - A Year of Fiber Art
2026-05-22 18:00 - 20:00 | The Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Bellamy Mansion Museum is hosting an art exhibition, “A Year of Fiber Art,” featuring 40 quilts made by members of the Quilters by the Sea Guild. The exhibit includes pieces created for three quilting challenges, which showcase a mix of patriotic, whimsical, and abstract designs. An artists’ reception will be held on May 22nd from 6-8 PM. In addition, visitors can view the exhibit free of charge any time the museum is open (Mon-Sun, 10 am-4 pm). Please stop by the Carriage House Visitor Center to gain admission.

Linocut Workshop
2026-05-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Savard Beer and Board, 121 S Front St, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Learn to design and carve your own rubber stamp (linocut) for making prints!
All Materials provided.
this venue has paid street and lot parking in vicinity. Attendants must be able to handle a carving tool and come dressed in something you dont mind getting messy. Aprons will be provided, but printing ink has a way of finding a white shirt!

OSAF
2026-05-23 10:00 - 2026-05-24 16:00 | Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Orange Street ArtsFest
Memorial Day Weekend
Saturday May 23 9am – 5pm & Sunday May 24 10am – 4pm
Free to enter and all ages welcome!
Orange Street ArtsFest is a family friendly event for visitors of all ages with exhibits and concessions inside the HBHUSO/CAC. The Historic USO Building lobby is now a WWII museum, restored to its 1943 appearance with replica furniture and WWII exhibits. Artists will be inside the lobby, in the 2nd Street Stage Auditorium, and Linda Lavin and Peggy Farrell Studios.
Thalian Association Community Theatre launched the Orange Street ArtsFest in 1995 to promote the arts in Wilmington and the Community Arts Center (CAC), located in the Historic USO building. The theatre organization has managed the Community Arts Center for the City of Wilmington since 1994. The 83-year-old landmark building, long recognized as the local center of visual and performing arts, was completely renovated in 2008 and is now known as the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center. More information about building history and a film documentary can be found at wilmingtoncommunityarts.org.

Songs of the Sixties at Tempo 33: A Ray Kennedy Cabaret
2026-05-24 13:00 - 20:00 | Tempo 33 Piano Bar and Lounge, 33 S. Front St. - 3rd floor, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Join us in a night of reminiscing on the decade of peace and love! Listen to your favorite hits from the 60s such as Yesterday, I Got You Babe, California Dreamin’, My Girl, and so many more! Featuring your favorite Kennedy Singers, produced and directed by Ray Kennedy!
Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 1PM and 6:30PM!
Tempo 33 | 33 S Front St, Wilmington, NC
$40 per ticket + 2 drink/food minimum
Come enjoy music from your favorite 60s artists from many genres! Classic crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, rocking artists like Elvis and The Rolling Stones, singers with soul like Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding, pop legends like Sonny and Cher and The Ronettes, country icons like Loretta Lynn and George Jones–and all the rest!

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: A Red Capet Gay-la
2026-05-29 18:00 - 22:00 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
Help us kick off the 2nd Annual Silver Pride Cinema Festival with Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: A Red Carpet Gay-La!
Come dressed in your most fabulous drag and ready to sip, snack, and celebrate in style. It’s an evening of glamour, community, and unapologetic joy.
At 8 PM, we’ll screen our opening night film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Synopsis:
Two drag performers and a transgender woman embark on a dazzling journey across the Australian desert, bringing their bold, heartfelt cabaret to unexpected audiences along the way.

"The Lighthouse" by Theatre for All
2026-05-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Only King Neptune can fathom what the salty lighthouse keeper has seen. But we’ll give you a peek into the mysteries of the sea through old yarns of swashbucklers, sunken ships, sea monsters, and more. Batten down the hatches, mateys, and keep your eyes peeled for the lighthouse beams…follow the blink or prepare to sink!
Like all Theatre for All plays, “The Lighthouse” is an original play performed by Wilmington actors with disabilities.
Appropriate and entertaining for all ages with music, dance, and classic Theatre for All whimsy.
Friday tickets: $25 Adults/$10 Youth
Friday’s show features a preshow lobby reception with drinks, nibbles, and the Theatre for All Choir
Saturday tickets: Donation of any amount!
https://www.theatreforall.org/

"The Lighthouse" by Theatre for All Matinee
2026-05-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
https://www.theatreforall.org/

Silver Pride Cinema Festival - "Barbara Forever"
2026-05-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
“Barbara Forever” is part of the 2nd annual Silver Pride Cinema Festival. This is a two day film festival for all queers and allies at Jengo’s Playhouse from May 29-30, 2026.
Synopsis: An archive-driven exploration of the life, work, and legacy of iconic, pioneering lesbian filmmaker Barbara Hammer.

Silver Pride Cinema Festival: "Jimpa"
2026-05-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
“Jimpa” is part of the 2nd annual Silver Pride Cinema Festival. This is a two day film festival for all queers and allies at Jengo’s Playhouse from May 29-30, 2026.
Synopsis: Hannah and her non-binary teenager Frances visit her gay grandfather Jimpa in Amsterdam. Frances expresses a desire to stay with their grandfather for a year, challenging Hannah’s parenting beliefs and forcing her to confront past issues.

Guys and Dolls Sr.
2026-06-05 19:30 - 2026-06-07 21:30 | Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Get Your Tickets Here for our FIRST production!
Have you ever wanted to act, sing, and dance onstage but never had the time? Now is your chance! The Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center (HBHUSO/CAC) is thrilled to launch Let’s Take The Stage — a new, free theatre program for adults aged fifty-five and over that celebrates creativity, connection, and the joy of performing. This exciting new initiative offers opportunities for older adults to engage in the performing arts community and take center stage, regardless of prior experience.
Launching with Guys & Dolls SR
The program’s inaugural production will be the classic musical comedy Guys & Dolls SR, directed by theatre veteran Laurene Perry. The show is part of Music Theatre International’s Broadway Senior Collection, which adapts beloved musicals to meet the needs and abilities of performers fifty-five and older — featuring accessible scripts and a lively 60-minute runtime.
Show Dates and Times: June 5 – 7, 2026, Fri. – Sat. 7:30 pm, Sun. 3:00 pm
Location: 2nd Street Stage, HBHUSO/Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd Street
Tickets: Available at www.wilmingtoncommunityarts.org or 910-341-7860
Price: $15 plus preservation fee & tax
Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys and Dolls ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950. It received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics and won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks and Oliviers. Frequently revived, the show has been done with numerous all-star casts, including productions/concerts featuring Ewan McGregor, Jane Krakowski, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Jessica Biel. Performers 55+ can now join this illustrious group in Guys and Doll SR!
Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls SR. is an oddball romantic comedy. Gambler, Nathan Detroit, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they’ve been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. Guys and Dolls SR. takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong – all in 60 minutes!

America250: Stars and Stripes
2026-06-06 13:00 - 18:00 | Wilson Center Cape Fear Community College, 703 N 3rd St, Wilmington, 28401
DANCING THROUGH AMERICA’S HISTORY
The Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts presents: America 250: Stars and Stripes, a vibrant mixed repertory showcase celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through dance and music. Step right up for a captivating journey through the eras of American art, from early storytelling traditions to the trailblazers who shaped our nation’s artistic heritage, and discover how history inspires art and how art, in turn, shapes history.
Experience iconic works such as Rodeo, inspired by modern dance pioneer Agnes de Mille and the American frontier; Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue from the 1920s Jazz Era; a tribute honoring the U.S. military; songs from Elvis Presley echoing the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic speech; an intertribal showcase featuring Native American tribes of the Southeastern United States; and a grand finale original ballet of Stars and Stripes Forever, with music from John Philip Sousa and Hershey Kay, inspired by George Balanchine. Plus, enjoy the styles and sounds of Scott Joplin, Benny Goodman, Isadora Duncan, Gus Giordano, Alvin Ailey, Aretha Franklin, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, and more, brought to life by the dancers of Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts.
As our nation and community come together to mark this Quarter Millennium, this moving museum of American art invites audiences to celebrate the creativity, resilience, and cultural legacy of our nation, honoring 250 years of the United States and the artists who continue to inspire the next generation.
Since 2007, the Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts has proudly entertained audiences at the Wilson Center as a resident company, presenting original productions including The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Cinderella, Hope Has Come, Pinocchio, Masterworks, Beauty and the Beast, Americana, Come Alive, Peter Pan, and many other audience favorites.

Film Festival Strategy with Dan Brawley
2026-06-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
Join Cucalorus Film Foundation Executive Director Dan Brawley for an in-depth workshop covering strategies for developing a successful film festival submission plan for your film. Brawley will lead attendees through a brief history of the film festival industry along with tips for increasing your chance for success when navigating FilmFreeway and the submission process.
This 90 minute workshop will feature time for attending filmmakers to ask questions and get individualized insights related to submitting new films and developing a detailed plan for festival success.
