Live music in Wilmington, NC

The patio at Hotel Ballast Wilmington becomes a camp-themed hangout filled with summertime vibes. Enjoy live music that brings the feel of campfire singalongs, food and drink specials featuring Adult Capri Suns with coolers of seltzers or beer, and classic yard games like cornhole. This event welcomes both the public and registered hotel guests, and no tickets or reservations are needed. For more information, call 910.763.5900.

Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Cape Fear River aboard The “Wilmington,” a comfortable 49-passenger motor catamaran, with live music during the ride. This is a 90-minute evening outing, with boarding starting about 15 minutes early. You can also take advantage of the full bar for refreshments and snacks.

See Mystic River at Dram Tree Tavern in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The Oak Ridge Boys bring their Celebrating Route 66 tour to the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College, highlighting more than five decades of music-making. The show features rich four-voice harmonies and lively favorites that have produced dozens of country hits along with a pair of crossover pop singles. Their long career has earned recognition from the Grammys, Dove Awards, the CMA, and the ACM, as well as many additional accolades from fans and the industry. This event is for all ages and offers a family-friendly concert filled with classic songs and upbeat spirit.

Backspin Social in Wilmington hosts an upbeat night of Music Bingo, where songs take the place of numbers and players mark their cards as favorite tunes play throughout the evening. Expect sing along staples, nostalgic throwbacks, and crowd pleasers across multiple rounds, with a new chance to win each time. It is free to play, and $25 gift cards are awarded to both first and second place winners courtesy of local small business partners. The event is presented by Backspin Social and Hillary Razzano (@hillymixie). Arrive early to grab a seat, settle in with a drink, and enjoy a friendly mix of competition and community. Backspin Social is a social destination with indoor golf simulators, sports viewing, leagues, private events, and gatherings year round, making it a fitting setting for a music filled game night.

Enjoy a free evening of dancing, music, and fun at Waterline Brewing Co., presented in partnership with BoricuaMos Productions. The night includes an introductory dance lesson with Chris and Mimi, followed by DJ Borichamo spinning Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and more. A food truck will be on site, and dancing can take place indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. All ages are welcome, and whether you are new to Latin dance or have plenty of experience, the atmosphere is all about great drinks, great music, and great vibes.

Dumpstaphunk performs a special tribute to the music of Sly & The Family Stone at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. The performance is dedicated to the group's songs in a focused set. Ticket access options include a public onsale, a Live Nation presale, and T-mobile + Fastlane.

Chatham County Line brings more than twenty years of craft from their Raleigh beginnings to the stage, blending bluegrass, folk, country, and rock and roll into an adventurous live experience. After breaking out with a self-titled debut in 2003, the band released eight additional studio albums, topped the Billboard Bluegrass chart four times, collaborated with Judy Collins, Sharon Van Etten, and Jonas Fjeld, earned two gold records in Norway with two Spellemannprisen nominations, and shared bills with Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, Steve Martin & Martin Short, and The Avett Brothers. Outlets including NPR, Uncut, and Pitchfork have praised their balance of tradition and new ideas, memorable melodies, and a sound with lasting appeal. Their latest chapter arrives with Hiyo, the first release following the departure of their longtime banjo player, recorded at Asheville’s Echo Mountain with co-producer and engineer Rachael Moore, who has worked with Kacey Musgraves as well as Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Now a trio featuring Dave Wilson on lead vocals and guitar, John Teer on fiddle and mandolin, and Greg Readling on bass and pedal steel, they explore fresh textures with synthesizers, drum machines, and a stronger electric presence while preserving the vivid storytelling at the heart of their songs. The result is tight harmonies, seasoned musicianship, and roots music infused with renewed energy.

Local bluegrass and Americana group Massive Grass returns to Ted’s for an evening of storytelling and lively tunes. Expect driving, energetic arrangements with a rock and roll edge, paired with lyrics that swing from dark and witty to tender and yearning, all while keeping the heart of bluegrass at the center. Tickets are $20 plus fees.

Against The Odds heads back to Wilmington for a late night show at Dirty Dan’s, bringing live music, high energy, and a coastal atmosphere. This outing suits a night out with friends, a downtown bar hop, or anyone seeking a fun evening.

Drew Peterson brings his Americana songwriting to the stage with a set shaped by more than two decades of music-making across the Midwest. After leading the Minnesota group Forty Watt Bulb, he launched two roots projects, the twang-infused and lively Dead Pigeons and the bluegrass-tinged Boxstore Bird. Raised on a Minnesota farm and inspired by a five-dollar church-sale guitar his mom found, he built his skills through steady work and constant practice, with a strong emphasis on lyrics and songcraft. His performances blend dry humor and thoughtful writing with a sound that carries both smoothness and grit, drawing on influences such as John Prine, Tom Waits, Cat Stevens, and Van Morrison. Whether in a quiet listening room or a high-energy festival or bar, he aims to connect through stories and heartfelt delivery. Tickets are $10 plus fees.

Barzarre presents a weekly open mic featuring music, comedy, spoken word, improv, hip hop and unconventional talents. Performers of any experience level are welcome to take the stage, from off-the-cuff to fully polished, with on-site signups and free entry. Touring musical acts sometimes appear for featured sets. Multimedia performers can plug in to a projector via HDMI. The format encourages experimentation, quirky skills are welcome, and inexpensive brews add to the casual feel.

Music Bingo featuring beverage specials, music, and prizes for participants.

Enjoy an evening of lively music and social dancing with a beginner lesson included. A friendly caller will introduce the steps and figures before the music begins, so newcomers can feel comfortable right away. No partner or prior experience is needed. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that lets you spin with ease. Admission is $10, and students pay $1. Plenty of parking is available, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to meet new friends and have some fun.

Live music in the food court creates a lively backdrop for time spent there. Listen while you eat or take a break, with music carrying through the space.

Live acoustic music accompanies dinner at CAM Café, located within the museum. Each week features a local artist, providing a musical backdrop for a meal or a cocktail. A Café purchase on these evenings includes complimentary gallery admission. Dinner reservations are available by calling (910) 777-2363. Live music does not take place on nights when Jazz at CAM is scheduled.

Atlanta soul-pop five-piece Penelope Road brings The Chance Encounter Tour to the stage with an emphasis on immersive, all-in live performance. The lineup features Max Moore on lead vocals and guitar, Charles Eastman on lead vocals and keys, Koan Roy-Meighoo on vocals and guitar, James Kopp on bass, and Anthony Smith on drums. What began as rough-around-the-edges college house jams on Penelope Road and viral attic sessions grew into a grassroots wave that led to a Warner Records signing, a self-titled EP in 2024, and sellouts both as headliners and while opening for Goose and Lake Street Dive. Their catalog includes The Diamond Street Sessions, created at Diamond Street Studios with David Ryan Harris and home to groove-forward songs like Out Tonight and Flowers (Carry Me Home), and the 2025 EP Chance Encounter, which blends candid lyrics with the full force of the band. After moving more than 20,000 tickets in the first half of 2025, capping the year with three hometown sellouts, and earning a Grammy.com Grammy Reimagined spotlight for an Eagles cover of Lyin’ Eyes, the group carries that momentum into a North American headline run.