Fun Times in Wilmington: Music Venues

June 9, 2021
ISWebmaster

Wilmington is known for its dedication and support for the arts. Be it a theatrical performance down at Thalian Hall or an open-air flea market, you can guarantee that you will be exposed to talented artist. Live musical performances are also a big part of the culture and allure here in Wilmington, North Carolina. Experiencing live concerts outdoors are also a great way to spend your day! Here are some of the most popular music venues near Brunswick Forest.

Riverfront Park Amphitheater:

Riverfront Park Amphitheater is shaping up to be one of the greatest music venues the local area has seen in years. Formerly known as “North Waterfront Park,” this new venue is located right on the banks of the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington. This $31 million project will have plenty of outdoor space to enjoy musical entertainment. It’s been in development for quite some time but is now set to finish construction this month! Not only will this venue allow for picturesque riverside settings for performances, but it offers very open areas that will allow for thousands of spectators. In time, a floating dock will be added to the property. Riverfront Park Amphitheater will also include a splash pad, ample green space, gardens, a playground, and a large plaza. Riverfront Park Amphitheatre accommodates 7,200 guests between the seats and lawn, and they already have several big names booked for summer concerts including: Wide Spread Panic, Glass Animals and Jim Gaffigan.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater:

Greenfield Lake has long been seen as a place for relaxation and recreation in the Wilmington area. The parks, trails, and waterways are a favorite amongst kayakers, bicyclists, and others looking to lead an active lifestyle. If you’ve had friends or neighbors that have seen live musical acts in town, then chances are that they’ve spoken about the outdoor amphitheater here. Located near a basin of the Cape Fear River, Greenfield Lake Amphitheater is the perfect melding of nature and entertainment. Turtles and other local wildlife are seen near the amphitheater grounds. The area is surrounded by beautiful cypress trees and 180-degree views of Greenfield Lake. This amphitheater was designed to have a central focused stage with slightly elevated seating, ensuring a good view from all angles. Nighttime concerts at this venue are especially enjoyable due to the lighting from the stage, open-air, and nature surrounding the audience.

Downtown Sundown:

The name says it all! Downtown Wilmington, North Carolina has always been associated with music and the arts in general. It’s only fitting that such a historic skyline would make a perfect backdrop for live performances. After a long, fun-filled day around town, an open-air concert is a perfect way to cap off the evening. While always free to attend, those who wish to partake in the beer and wine offered at the event can purchase a special wristband for a dollar. Food is offered for these events. While the pandemic means that this concert series won’t return until 2022, you can still look forward to Downtown Sundown as a future option for musical entertainment. Downtown Sundown runs from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm Friday nights from May 26th – September 1st.

These three venues comprise some of the main areas to enjoy live music in our local area, but they’re not the only places to go. Here are a few lesser-known but equally fun opportunities to enjoy music in Port City:

Next time you have a lazy summer day on your hands, and you’re thinking of where you can go to experience an important part of Wilmington culture, Brunswick Forest highly recommends looking into these music venues around town. You will not be disappointed!