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  • PCJ Fri May 2: 🌊 Surf’s Up, Sound’s On: Ocean Fest + Anna’s Concert This Weekend!

PCJ Fri May 2: 🌊 Surf’s Up, Sound’s On: Ocean Fest + Anna’s Concert This Weekend!

Surf City turns up the tide for Ocean Fest while Anna’s Concert rocks Bowstring for a cause.

Surf City’s got sand. Wilmington’s got sound. This weekend, Ocean Fest brings eco-vibes and beach energy while Bowstring hosts a stacked lineup of bands to support Anna’s fight against cancer. And in case you missed it — 10,000 Maniacs just joined the summer roster.

Don’t Miss

Ocean Fest Brings Surf, Sound, and Sustainability to Surf City This Weekend

[OceanFest] Ocean Fest returns to Surf City May 1–3 with a full lineup of events that blend coastal fun with environmental awareness. The celebration kicks off with a Lager Release at Salty Turtle Brewing on May 1. Saturday is packed with a beach yoga class, a chance to ride vintage surfboards, a community beach cleanup, a vibrant vendor market, and the Ocean Fest Music Festival, headlined by Artikal Sound System. The weekend showcases local music, food, and eco-conscious fun—all set against the backdrop of the Carolina coast.

Cinco De Mayo Party

SAT MAY 3: 4PM - 2AM @ 621 Greenfield St. - ILM
Get ready for a night to remember at Wilmington’s biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration! Vibes powered by NYC’s celebrity DJ @DjBizzyNyc spinning the best in Hip-Hop & R&B all night!

Beyond Time - Art Music & Sound Experience

SAT MAY 3: 7:30 PM @ The Bazarre - ILM
This is more than a show. It’s a sonic experiment bridging worlds, featuring groundbreaking comdians, artists and the support of Wilmington Railroad Museum and Salt Cave, two places where time and energy hold deep meaning. $15

Live Music

FRIDAY

5:00 PM

Signal Fire and Blue Karma

The Eagle's Dare - DT

6:00 PM

Tater-Pop

Surf City Line - SC

6:00 PM

Live Music

Hi-Wire - LIM

6:00 PM

Carolina Jazz Band

Brunswick Beer Xchange - LL

6:00 PM

Dickey Hazel

Moe's BBQ - ILM

6:00 PM

Oc3ans

Pier 33 at Port City Marina - DT

6:00 PM

Live Music

Seagate Bottle Shop - ILM

6:00 PM

Nate Gerry

Hidden Ships Distillery - SC

7:00 PM

Trial By Fire & Heart Brigade - Journey & Heart Tribute

Bowstring - SPD

7:00 PM

The Dead South

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater - GFL

7:00 PM

Jazz Club w/ The Jim Ferris Trio

Bourgie Nights - ILM

7:00 PM

Boba Funk

Cloud 9 - ILM

7:00 PM

Live Music

Lumina - WB

7:00 PM

Strange Raven

Dram Tree Tavern - GFL

7:00 PM

Righteous Roots

Outer Dunes Brewing - OGD

8:00 PM

Open Mic

Rooted Kava - ILM

9:00 PM

Delia & Friends

Mad Katz - MJ

9:00 PM

Open Mic Night Fridays

Bottega - ILM

SATURDAY

Noon

Anna’s Concert

Bowstring - SPD

1:00 PM

The Clams

Bottega Wine Bar & Art Gallery - DT

3:00 PM

Riverlights Concert - Port City Shakedown

Live Oak Commons - RR

3:00 PM

Kentucky Derby Dueling Party

Sting & Key, DT

3:30 PM

Massive Grass

Leaf & Barrel - HS

5:00 PM

Josh Starkey, Soul-R Fusion, Patrick McGee+

Beal Street Barber Shop - ILM

6:00 PM

Jett22

The Eagle's Dare - DT

6:00 PM

Back Flash

Gio Fund Event Center - LL

6:00 PM

Dubtown Cosmonauts

Marina Grill - ILM

7:00 PM

Les Fontanelles w/ Minor Gold

Bourgie Nights - ILM

7:00 PM

Righteous Roots

Brunswick Beer Xchange - LL

7:00 PM

Overtyme Band

Cloud 9 - ILM

7:00 PM

Jimkata w/ Domocile

Bowstring - SPD

8:00 PM

Alternative Vision

Jimmy's - WB

8:00 PM

The Righteous Dude

SeaWitch - CB

9:00 PM

Spare Parts

Mad Katz - MJ

SUNDAY

3:00 PM

Nerdom - 5th Horseman, Megan Cook, Just Justin

Waterline Brewing Co. - DT

3:00 PM

Dram Fam Jam Band

Dram Tree Tavern - GFL

4:00 PM

Open Mic

Waterman’s Brewing - WB

4:00 PM

Tater-Pop

The Bend - OGD

4:00 PM

Heter Pan

The Goat and Compass - BAD

4:00 PM

Righteous Roots

The Rift - CD

5:00 PM

The Phantom Playboys

Boogie in the Park - KB

7:00 PM

EDW

Torgugas - SC

Every event this weekend — from Ocean Fest to Anna’s Concert — is a reminder of the power of music, nature, and community. Thanks for being part of it.
-Jason