Welcome to the weekly Port City Life newsletter with me, StarNews cultural issues reporter John Staton.
For most people, in Wilmington and elsewhere, the Fourth of July means a few things. Cookouts. Parties. Fireworks. Maybe digging through your closet or dresser drawers for that cool T-shirt that proudly displays hues of red, white and blue.
For me, the Fourth also typically means seeking out (or covering) some kind of entertainment. In the past, I’ve watched plays at Thalian Hall on July 4, taking in the fireworks at intermission. Popped by the Hannah Block USO/Community Arts Center for 5-cent coffee and doughnuts, specially priced to reflect the historic building’s World War II origins. Checked out any number of live bands.
My plans for July 4 this year are currently TBD, so if you’re in the same boat as I am, you’ll want to check into some of your options below.
Happy Fourth, everyone. Hope it’s a safe and happy one.
Weekend weather outlook
With a tropical system looming to Wilmington’s south, the weekend weather is looking iffy at best. The July 4 holiday should be fine (partly cloudy with highs in the mid-80s) but Saturday carries a 50% chance of rain, and the likelihood of storms increases to about 75% on Sunday.
Go | See | Do
From music and theater to festivals and fireworks, it’s going to be a busy July 4 weekend in the Wilmington area.
In Southport, the N.C. 4th of July Festival wraps up on Friday with a parade and fireworks, while in Wilmington, an Independence Day celebration at Live Oak Bank Pavilion features rock by the Loud Music Co. and patriotic tunes by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
Check out our full list of things to do this weekend, link below.
The Dish with Port City Foodies
Food and dining writer Allison Ballard has a list of food and drink events for July.
Plus, we’ve got a profile of Carolina Beach restaurant Soul Flavor, and you can vote for your favorite waterfront restaurant in New Hanover County.
Getting to know The Glenn
These days, gleaming, roomy beach houses are the norm at Wrightsville Beach.
But it wasn’t that long ago that both locals and tourists would cram into much simpler wooden structures near the beach for their vacations. One of those spots was The Glenn, which we profile this week as part of our local history series.
News you can use
New Hanover County is laying off dozens of workers because of self-imposed budget cuts; we’ve got the latest on that.
Plus, we’ve got a list of area concerts to check out in July, and contaminated land in Brunswick County could become a public park.
Let’s get social
For updates to food and entertainment stories, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/StarNewsMedia.
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