In the past, the dog days of August have seen a calm on Wilmington's entertainment scene before the fall storm of festivals and performances.
Those days appear to be gone, though, because this weekend in Wilmington is packed full of fun stuff.
For starters, we've got the openings of two classic musicals, a performance by a comic and writer for "Saturday Night Live," a screening of a classic '80s movie celebrating its 40th anniversary and the usual collection of concerts by bands of various genres. Let's get into it.
For even more entertainment options, including concerts on weeknights, many of them for free, check outour big ol' list of outdoor summer concerts in the Wilmington area.
Tunes time:Full list of outdoor summer concerts in the Wilmington area for 2024
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
ALL WEEKEND
'Fiddler on the Roof'
Aug. 15-25 at Thalian Hall: One of the most beloved and just plain best-written musicals of all time, "Fiddler on the Roof" includes both bangers ("Tradition") and stirring ballads ("Sunrise, Sunset") in telling the story of turn-of-the-century Russian Jews whose way of life is gradually upended. Real-life married couple Jamey Stone and Holli Saperstein play the show's patriarch (Tevye) and matriarch (Golde), with Suellen Yates directing for Opera House Theatre Co. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15-17 and 22-24, 2 p.m. Aug. 18 and 25. 910-632-2285.
'Godspell'
Aug. 16-25 at UNCW's Kenan Auditorium: Thalian Association Community Theatre presents the classical musical based on the biblical story of Jesus, featuring such well-known songs as "Day By Day," "Side by Side" and "All Good Gifts." Chandler Davis directs. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16-17 and 23-24, 2 p.m. Aug. 18 and 25. 910-962-3500.
KC Shornima
Aug. 16-17at Dead Crow Comedy Room: Shornima is a writer for "Saturday Night Live" who was a New Face of Comedy at Montreal's Just for Laughs festival in 2022. She's got great jokes about coming out to her co-workers ("as Asian"), fighting with her S.O. when he says dumb stuff (relatable) and growing up in Nepal. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Aug. 16-17, tickets are $20 and $30.
'Fireflies'
Aug. 15-18at Brunswick Little Theatre(Southport): Play by Matthew Barber centers on a Texas schoolteacher of a certain age who's uncertain whether a silver-haired gentleman she's interested in is a good guy or a con artist.7:30 p.m. Aug.15-17, 3 p.m. Aug. 18.
FRIDAY
Bailey Zimmerman
Aug. 16 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Country singer who scored two No. 1 hits in 2022 will play a sold-out concert in Wilmington's biggest venue for his tour supporting 2023 album "Religiously." 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16. Resale tickets start at $84.
Fudge
Aug. 16 at Bourgie Nights: Triple bill led by poppy Wilmington rockers Fudge also includes New York singer Molly Murphy and the Port City's own La Veta Pass playing a style they term "hike rock." 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show Aug. 16, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
Brown Dirt Cowboys
Aug. 9 at Live at Ted's: Release show for this smooth, rootsy Wilmington rock/folk/jazz/pop band's new album "Weary of the Maze." Brown Dirt Cowboys includes Joel Lamb on keys and vocals, Zak Lanier on drums, Riley Kearns on bass, Bobby Lloyd and Alex Lanier on guitar, and Andy Stanfill on horns. 8 p.m. Aug. 16, tickets are $25.
Airlie Gardens Concert Series
Aug. 16at Airlie Gardens: Wilson funk and blues act TripleWide headlines this popular outdoor concert series. Parking is off-site at the Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Road, with free shuttle service starting at 5 p.m. Chairs, blankets andpicnics allowed, with food and beverages available for purchase.6-8 p.m. Aug. 16.Tickets are $10, $3 for ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and under.910-798-7700.
SATURDAY
The BQ's
Aug. 17 at The Sandspur (Carolina Beach): Longtime Raleigh rock band led by Brian Quast of The Cherry Valence, Urge Overkill and Polvo plays hard-charging yet melodic garage tunes that can be poppy or even a little bit metal. New record “Indeed” comes out next month. With Wilmington rockers The Temp Agency. 7 p.m. Aug. 17, free.
'Purple Rain'
Aug. 17at Bourgie Nights: In honor of the 40th anniversary of the release of this movie that helped launch the late artist Prince's superstar career, this downtown venue will have a "listening room" screening that's part film, part concert. Wear your purple. 8:15 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. screening, free with reservations accepted.
Scott H. Biram
Aug. 17 at Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Veteran honky-tonk country and rock artist who tours as a one-man band — The Dirty Old One Man Band, to be exact — has penned a collection of great songs over the years, including some twangy bangers on new album "The One & Only Scott H. Biram." Recent single "Inside a Bar" will have you laughing, crying or maybe both. 7 p.m. Aug. 17, tickets are $15.
CAM Fam Fest
Aug. 17at the Cameron Art Museum: Free day of art, food and music will include the premiere of documentary "A Well-Fed Education." With the Well-Fed Ed food truck, tunes from the McLawhorn Family Band, art activities and registration for fall art classes. Film screening at 12:30 p.m. will be followed by a Q&A with director Jesse Bradley of Kind of Cool Productions and star Lucas McLawhorn of the Well-Fed Ed food truck, whose mission is to educate local communities about nutritious foods. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 17, free.
N.C. Bubble Festival
Aug. 17 at The Bend: Family-friendly festival will include food trucks, beer and cocktails, live tunes, local vendors and, you guessed it, lots and lots of bubbles. Noon-4 p.m. Aug. 17 at 7227 Market St., free.
Bring Out Yer Dead
Aug. 17at the Palm Room: Grateful Dead tribute band will play a must-see show for all the Deadheads out there. 9 p.m. Aug. 17, cover at the door.
SUNDAY
Into the Fog
Aug. 18 at Oceanfront Park in Kure Beach: Progressive, genre-spanning string band plays the Boogie in the Park concert series. Bring abeach chair or blanket, not to mention your dancing shoes. 5-7 p.m. Aug. 18. Free.
