Culture, Theater, Music and Nightlife

Wilmington’s geographical distance from larger cities with their considerable cultural activities doesn’t mean we have a dearth of arts offerings. Quite the contrary. Throughout its history, Wilmington has enthusiastically generated and supported artistic endeavors.

Just as it did when our publication started in 1983, Wilmington offers a bountiful and eclectic selection of cultural and entertainment venues for visitors and residents alike to enjoy. Although most of the action is centered in the downtown area, some is scattered throughout the city and also in the suburban and beach communities.

Promoting The Arts

Twenty-five years ago, The Arts Council of the Lower Cape Fear, Inc. was the stem-winding organization at the center of Wilmington’s cultural life. The Council’s purpose was to promote the arts by encouraging and supporting institutional arts organizations and sponsoring performances by worthy artists. The Arts Council ceased operations in 2002. Subsequently, in 2004, The Greater Wilmington Arts and Cultural Alliance came into being. Today this organization supports quality arts and cultural activities in the greater Wilmington community in a variety of ways.

During the 1980s, The Arts Council activities included St. Thomas Celebration of the Arts (see Festivals section), The Piney Woods Festival, an American heritage type of event held in Hugh McRae Park over Labor Day weekend, and Monday Night in the Park, a series of musical performances from mid-June through August presented in the outdoor amphitheater at Greenfield Park. For kids, The Arts Council sponsored the Arts Cart which provided hands-on experiences in such activities as face painting, puppetry and mime. These programs were held in various city and county parks.

Probably the focal point, and certainly the earliest venue in our cultural scene, is that venerable jewel, Thalian Hall. One of the oldest and most beautiful theatres in the nation, Thalian Hall was built between 1855 and 1858 to satisfy both the cultural and governmental needs of the city.