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Wilmington’s entertainment venues come in all sizes. From big to small, here are 29 places.

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Wilmington’s entertainment venues come in all sizes. From big to small, here are 29 places.

It’s one of life’s most persistent and perhaps unanswerable questions: Does size matter?

When it comes to Wilmington venues used for entertainment, sports and other gatherings, the answer is, “Sure it does.”

Not that bigger means better. Many people, myself included, love to see shows in small, intimate spaces as much if not more than we do in sprawling arenas. At any rate, Wilmington has a whole range of venues, ranging from seating capacities in the thousands to less than 100.

For the purposes of this story I didn’t include churches, breweries, movie theaters or places that are mainly restaurants. Now, let’s get on with the shows.

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Largest venue in the history of Wilmington, this outdoor amphitheater on downtown’s Northside hosts concerts by big-name touring acts as well as various other events. When not in concert mode, its identity is the public Riverfront Park. Capacity: 7,200.

Legion Stadium

While the longtime Carolina Beach Road venue mostly hosts several New Hanover High School teams, Legion used to be a regular home to concerts, like the old Azalea Festival Variety Show. Was even supposed to host the bygone Warped Tour in 2017 before the tour’s Wilmington stop was cancelled. Capacity: 6,000.

Trask Coliseum

The home of the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s men’s and women’s basketball teams used to host several concerts a year, and for decades was the home of concerts for the N.C. Azalea Festival. With the addition of other concert venues in Wilmington, however, Trask has gone back to mostly being a sports facility. Capacity: 5,200.

Brooks Field

Home to the University of North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks baseball team. Capacity: 3,500.

Brogden Hall

Brogden, on the campus of New Hanover High School, was one of Wilmington’s main concert venues in the 1960s and ’70s. It now mostly hosts athletic events, including girls’ and boys’ basketball. Capacity: 3,050.

Pier at Port City Marina

Covered stage just off the Wilmington Riverwalk is home to the Friday Night Live concert series and other events. Capacity: 3,000.

CFCC Wilson Center

New Hanover County’s largest indoor venue dedicated to entertainment. Hosts a wide range of touring concerts, as well as Broadway tours. Capacity: 1,557.

Odell Williamson Auditorium

Biggest venue in Brunswick County hosts a range of touring shows and local performances. Capacity: 1,500.

Buck Hardee Field

Stadium is home to New Hanover High School baseball and the Wilmington Sharks summer league team, but it also holds the occasional show. Has recently hosted a concert and comedy performances. Capacity: 1,200 seats, plus standing room.

Hugh Morton/Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Beloved outdoor venue on Greenfield Lake is managed for the city of Wilmington by Live Nation Entertainment. It has a heavy concert scheduled and also hosts plays from Cape Fear Shakespeare each June. Capacity: 1,200 (900 seated)

Kenan Auditorium

Main performing arts venue of the University of North Carolina Wilmington hosts a range of touring shows and local performances. Capacity: 1,000.

Godwin Stadium

Historic baseball field on Shipyard Boulevard has a surprisingly large number of seats. Capacity: 1,000.

Minnie Evans Performing Arts Center

Venue on the campus of Ashley High School is mostly used for educational purposes but does host the occasional public performance. Capacity: 955.

Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard

Relatively new venue in Princess Street’s Soda Pop District has multiple touring and local bands perform each week. Capacity: 800

Brooklyn Arts Center

Concert and wedding venue inside the restored St. Andrews church on North Fourth Street. Probably the closest thing Wilmington has to a “mid-size” concert venue. Capacity: 750.

Thalian Hall

Historic downtown Wilmington venue built in 1858 has a regular schedule of plays, films, touring shows and more. Capacity: 650 (with third-floor gallery, 550 without). Stein Studio Theatre and ballroom host between 100 and 200 patrons each.

Beckwith Recital Hall

Venue in the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Cultural Arts Building hosts mostly classical and jazz performances. Capacity: 280.

Mainstage Theatre

Located in the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Cultural Arts Building, this room is the home of UNCW’s theater department and also hosts an annual performance by Opera Wilmington. Capacity: 260.

North Front Theatre

Housed in a former Masonic Temple building’s private theater on Front Street, this historic space, once known as City Stage, hosts occasional comedy and theatrical performances. Capacity: 220.

Dead Crow Comedy Room

Wilmington’s home for live comedy on North Third Street packs ’em in each week for touring and local acts. Capacity: 160.

Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern

Midtown rock club hosts a regular schedule of touring bands and local acts. Capacity: 200.

The Palm Room

Historic Wrightsville Beach venue dating to 1955 hosts a variety of bands multiple times per week. Capacity: 200.

Hannah Block Second Street Stage

Housed in the historic Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, the auditorium portion of the facility hosts children’s theater, theatrical performances and concerts. Capacity: 200.

Bourgie Nights

Downtown Wilmington music venue and events facility is the sister room to manna restaurant next door. Live bands most every weekend, plus readings and even burlesque. Capacity: 150.

Amuzu Theatre

Historic Southport venue, a former movie theater, hosts occasional plays and concerts. Capacity: 110.

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The Rusty Nail

Longtime bar and venue dating to 1957 is Wilmington’s home of the blues. Capacity: 100.

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The Barzarre

Castle Street spot hosts live eclectic music, edgy comedy, sideshow-style performances and more. Capacity: 90.

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Jengo’s Playhouse

Headquarters of the Cucalorus Film Festival has an adorable, well-appointed microcinema it uses for regular public screenings. Capacity: 70.

Live at Ted’s

Beloved and intimate Castle Street listening room is the home of live, mostly acoustic shows about three times per week. Renovations going on right now should up its seating a bit. Capacity: 62.

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