Wilson Center

With about 1,500 seats, the Wilson Center is the region’s largest indoor hall. It brings Broadway national tours, big-name concerts and headline comedians to downtown Wilmington. A rainy beach week can turn into a night at a Broadway musical.

• Wilmington
• Broadway tours
• Concerts & comedy
• Year-round

Why families go

Visitors praise how clean and modern it is, with great sound and sightlines from every seat. Staff and ushers are friendly, and concessions are reasonably priced. The PNC Broadway and the Beach series brings recent hits each season. Some titles are aimed at adults, so check the rating and content of a show before booking with kids.

Don’t miss

• A Broadway national tourThe PNC Broadway and the Beach season brings current shows each year.
• A headline concert or comedy nightBig names fill the fall and spring calendars.
• A backstage tour45- to 60-minute tours can be arranged through the venue.

Who’s played here

Since opening in 2015, the stage has hosted the likes of:

• Tony Bennett
• Earth, Wind & Fire
• Gladys Knight
• Brian Wilson
• Lindsey Buckingham
• Alice Cooper
• Elvis Costello & The Imposters
• Melissa Etheridge
• Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
• Diana Krall
• Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
• Cheap Trick
• Pixies
• Ludacris
• Pete Davidson
• Broadway tours including Hadestown, Dear Evan Hansen, Mamma Mia!, Beetlejuice and SIX

Concerts, comedy and Broadway shows run year-round. See what’s on during your stay.

Before you go

• Buy only through wilsoncentertickets.com or the box office, which are the official sellers.
• Bags must be 12 x 12 x 6 inches or smaller; there’s weapons screening at the door. Cashless.
• Park in the Hanover Parking Deck at 200 Hanover St.; doors open an hour before showtime.

Plan your visit

• Where: 703 N. 3rd St., Wilmington, NC 28401 (Cape Fear Community College)
• From Topsail: About 45–50 minutes from central Surf City.
• Hours: Show nights; box office Monday to Friday, noon to 6 p.m.
• Admission: Ticketed per show.
• Tickets: Official tickets
• Official site: wilsoncentertickets.com
• More nearby: more family fun in Wilmington

A short drive from the island. Browse our Topsail Island vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on the venue’s official information, its published event history and news coverage, and recurring themes in public reviews; checked October 2026. Lineups change constantly, so check the calendar for current shows.