Port City Jams
Posts
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.

Jason @ Port City Pulse
May 02, 2025

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!

Learn More »

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

Learn More »

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