23 things to do in Wilmington this weekend, both Azalea Fest and non-Azalea options

Well, it's here.

Wilmington is all Azalea Festival all the time, at least through Sunday, with even the "non"-festival events impacted by the crowds, the traffic, etc.

We've got a close-to-comprehensive guide to all the festival highlights below, but there are also many options that aren't technically festival events well-worth checking out, with multiple comedy shows, concerts big and small in a variety of musical genres, and some community events, including the return of Alt-Zalea Fest to the Brooklyn Arts District.

ALL WEEKEND

'Cinderella'

At Thalian Hall: Wilmington's Thalian Association Community Theatre presents a sweet, endearing and well-sung version of this family-friendly musical classic, a take on the world-famous fairy tale by Rodgers & Hammerstein that dates back to a 1957 TV production. Under the direction of Samantha Chappell, the Thalians are staging a version of "Cinderella" from the 1990s that gives the proceedings a more contemporary vibe.

I won't rehash the plot for you (sorry if you're from another planet), but the show features some fine performances, starting with Georgie Simon in the title role. Simon has spoken publicly about how she doesn't fit the mold of the petite, willowy type that's usually cast as Cinderella. But the fact that she doesn't, and that she sings beautifully (the lilting "In My Own Little Corner" is a highlight) while inhabiting her character's mix of meekness and determination, almost makes it more powerful. One shouldn't have to look like a Disney princess to follow one's dreams (even if Cinderella's princess dress designed by Jen Iapalucci does look pretty fabulous).

The performances are compelling elsewhere as well, starting with an absolutely ferocious Kathy Enlow as Cinderella's evil stepmonster, and Katie Mahn and Meghan McDonald scoring legit laughs with their Dumb & Dumber take (Iapalucci's eye-searing ball gowns drive the comparison home) on her mean, stupid stepsisters.

Logan Hayes provides pleasant vocals as a charming Prince Christopher, with Caleb Rash nailing one-liners as his servant Lionel ("I can't keep lying to your mother, they have laws against that") and Jon Wallin and Aimee Henderson providing bluster and condescension, respectively, as the prince's royal helicopter parents.

Speaking of regal, Bianca Shaw as the Fairy Godmother steals every scene she's in thanks to her gorgeous voice and commanding stage presence, slaying her songs "Fol-De-Rol" and "There's Music in You."

This production of "Cinderella" doesn't have a ton in the way of production values, but Benedict Fancy's set has a cool, multi-layered design and Joshua Zieseniss and Alexis Turkington's lighting adds welcomes color to some scenes. 7:30 p.m. April 14-15, 2 p.m. April 15 and 16. 910-632-2285.

Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour

The Garden Tour is always a highlight of the Azalea festival, the place to go to see some of the most gorgeous gardens in town. This year's more than two dozen gardens include homes in the Forest Hills, Glen Meade and Masonboro Sound neighborhoods, as well as Airlie Gardens (open only April 15-16) and the Frank H. Kenan Chapel at Landfall. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 14-16. Tickets are $50.

Azalea Festival DGX Street Fair

Downtown Wilmington: After a couple of years in the parking lot behind the Wilson Center on downtown Wilmington's northside, the street fair is back in the heart of downtown. Food and arts and crafts vendors will be set up along Front Street between Orange and Red Cross, and a children's area and performing arts stage will be at Second and Market streets. The Multicultural Stage, with performing acts showing the diverse roots of the Cape Fear region, is at Second and Market as well. And don't forget about the fireworks, set for 9 p.m. Saturday night. 6-10 p.m. April 14, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. April 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 16.

Andy Woodhull

At Dead Crow Comedy Room: Woodhull has been on all the TV shows (Fallon, Corden, Comedy Central) and he's blowing up online as well, with millions of views for his "Dry Bar" and "Pumpkin Spice Season" comedy specials. Lots of great relationship humor here. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. April 14-15, $18 and $28.

Azalea Festival Juried Art Show & Sale

At the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center: A staple of the festival since the 1950s, when it was held on Cottage Lane downtown, this sprawling exhibit from the Wilmington Art Association features work by more than 100 artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 13-15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 16. Free.

Azalea Festival Boxing Tournament

At the Wilmington Convention Center: After not being held since 2019 due to the pandemic, the Azalea Festival Boxing Tournament is back this year. Amateur bouts in multiple age and weight classes will be held, and the matches are free to attend. 2 p.m. April 15-16.

Historic Wilmington Foundation Azalea Festival Home Tour

Sunset Park: Traditionally held in or near downtown, this year's Azalea Festival Home Tour shines a light on Sunset Park, which is one of eight historic districts in Wilmington recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Featured homes include the brick house at 128 Northern Blvd. that was featured, both inside and out, in the legendary 1986 Wilmington-shot film "Blue Velvet." A home at 416 Central Boulevard dating to 1918, one of the largest in the neighborhood, has been completely rehabilitated. Also notable is the home at 242 Northern Blvd. owned by Dustin Ricks, owner of the popular Satellite Bar & Lounge on Greenfield Street. 1-5 p.m. April 15-16.

Azalea Festival Coin Show

Elks Lodge: Another longtime festival tradition, presented by the Lower Cape Fear Coin Club. More than 30 dealers will be on hand to buy, sell and trade coins, and they'll also appraise any old coins or bills you want to bring in. Kids get a free foreign coin, and there will be a few children's games on hand to keep them occupied. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 16. Free.

THURSDAY

Carly Pearce

At Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Platinum-selling, Grammy-winning country superstar has racked up tons of awards, including the Academy of Country Music's 2022 Female Artist of the Year and the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year. Opening act is country singer Conner Smith. 7 p.m. April 13, tickets start at $40.

U.S. Navy Band Southeast

At Kenan Auditorium: Band established back in 1995 makes its way to Wilmington from the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville. The group's Deckplate Brass Band division will play an evening of New Orleans-style jazz. 7:30 p.m. April 13, free. 910-962-3500.

FRIDAY

The Indigo Girls

At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: It's going to be a packed house at GLA for this longtime, mega-popular folk duo. The Girls are touring in support of their most recent album, "Look Long," which dropped in the middle of the pandemic in 2020. 7 p.m. April 14, "verified resale" tickets start at $100.

Old Crow Medicine Show

At Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Folk-rock and Americana band is best-known for its song "Wagon Wheel," which has been covered by Darius Rucker and many other artists. Old Crow Medicine Show, which hails from Tennessee, has played Wilmington a number of times over the years, including last year at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. They were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2013. 7 p.m. April 14, tickets start at $40.

Low Water Bridge Band

At Bourgie Nights: The official after-party for Friday's night's Old Crow Medicine Show concert will be headlined by this Virginia-based act, which plays a blend of old-timey bluegrass and Americana mixed with more contemporary country sounds. Opening act is Wilmington guitar wizard Justin Cody Fox. 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show April 14, $12 in advance, $15 day of show.

Ryan Monroe & Josh Roberts

At Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Monroe, from North Carolina indie rock act Band of Horses, and Roberts, from Pacific Northwest psyche-folk act The Hinges, have been playing together off and on for two decades. They'll be getting weird and rocking out, so it should be a fun show. Opening act is the singer and songwriter John Wesley Satterfield, who's got some great tunes. 7 p.m. April 14, tickets are $20.

Comedy at the Kettle

At The Brewer's Kettle: Wilmington comic and impresario Ellie Coleman brings another night of laughs to this midtown spot. With sets by some of Wilmington's top stand-ups, including Steph Stigma, Steve Marz, Feliz Nadeau and longtime Wilmington events promoter and arts supporter Louis Tee. 8 p.m. April 14, $5.

SATURDAY

La Cerca

At the Fuzzy Needle: Arizona artist on the roster of Wilmington's Fort Lowell Records rolls into town for an evening of ambient awesomeness. With opening acts Subterrene, Fader and Tristan Turner. 6:30 p.m. April 15.

Azalea Festival Dollar General Parade

Downtown Wilmington: Another staple of the festival since day one. Marching bands, area dignitaries, colorfully decorated floats and more, all topped off with the float carrying Queen Azalea LXXVI, Wilmington native Carli Batson. 9:30 a.m. April 15, free to attend, bleacher tickets available for purchase.

Alt-Zalea Festival

Brooklyn Arts District: This multi-act, multi-venue celebration of Wilmington music returns for the first time since the pandemic. More than 50 artists (including Jesse Stockton, Emma Burdette and Jim Ashley) and will be spread out across eight different venues (including Palate, Bottega and Flytrap Brewing) on or near North Fourth Street, so you really can't go wrong. Attendees are encouraged to bring cash with which to tip their favorites. Noon-8 p.m. April 15, free.

Tunes & Blooms

At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Day-long concert featuring some of Wilmington's best bands and musicians. Mellow indie rockers Doggy Daycare kick things off, followed by garage rockers The Girls at 3 p.m., jam band Dubtown Cosmonauts at 6 p.m. and Wilmington rock and soul diva Bibis Ellison at 8 p.m. Noon-10 p.m. April 15, free.

Wilmington Symphony

At CFCC Wilson Center: For its concert billed "classical connections," the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra presents a range of composers from the worlds of Broadway (Sondheim) and movies (John Williams), as well as the composers who influenced them, like Strauss and Dvořák. 7:30 p.m. April 15, tickets start at $25. 910-362-7999.

Anvil

At Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Legendary Canadian metal band (and subjects of well-received 2008 documentary "Anvil! The Story of Anvil") return to Wilmington to rock the Port City's rockinest rock club. Opening act is Midnight Hellion. 7 p.m. April 15, $20.

SUNDAY

Father John Misty

At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Acerbic, often funny indie folk favorite plays Wilmington for what I think is the very first time. His most recent album, "Chloe and the Next 20th Century," came out last year. 6 p.m. April 16, tickets start at $45.

Soda Pop District Block Party

Princess Street: A celebration of this burgeoning district that starts on Princess Street around 10th Street. Check out the various businesses, hosted at Hi-Wire Brewing inside the Bottle Works Building. Noon-4 p.m. April 16, free.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do in Wilmington for Azalea Festival weekend April 13-16