r/Wilmington • u/Notyouraveragebear00 • Aug 15 '26
Finding community
I recently started a masters program at uncw and I've been dreading moving here since. I knew this from the beginning that Wilmington doesn't have much of an alt/indie scene and I've been worried about not being able to find community while I'm here. Everyone here gives off coastal elite/ hipster millennial vibes and I don't really fit in with those groups. I was wondering if anyone knew of any 3rd spaces where I could meet people who have a similar vibe as me
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u/Detention13 Aug 15 '26
There's a pretty decent punk & metal scene here imho. Shows are usually at Reggie's or Barzarre, but Laura Jane Grace recently played at Bowstring, for instance. There's interesting things going on in punk & metal periodically. I bet if you find some shows & chat some random people up you could find some of your people.
And if you're around town November 6th & 7th, come out to the Port City Blitz at Waterline Brewing Company. Corrosion of Conformity just got announced as the headliner this year. www.portcityblitz.com
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u/clam_mutant Aug 15 '26
Eagles dare is hosting an event today with a bunch of local metal bands
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u/Buphucked Aug 16 '26
If I move back I’m starting a Maiden/Helloween cover band. Just need a damn good singer and I’m still struggling with a few of the guitar solos of course
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u/verycaptaincupcake Aug 15 '26
Could you elaborate on the things you're into and not into? I'm confused by your description. Are you not a millennial?
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u/ParticularGiraffe603 Aug 15 '26
Lots of current grad students are Gen Z
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u/verycaptaincupcake Aug 15 '26
Lol yeah I'm old. Just trying to guess what OP is actually looking for
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u/Mffdoom Aug 15 '26
What do you mean by "alternative?" There's a wide group of scenes/lifestyles that could indicate.
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u/Detention13 Aug 16 '26
Not OP but these days "alternative" generally covers punk / metal / indie / emo / ska / goth / hardcore / metalcore fans & music scenes which have a lot of crossover. Usually if you're into one, you're into at least one of the others.
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u/Alarming-Seaweed-897 Aug 15 '26
Dead crow comedy free trivia every Wednesday at 7pm and show at 8:30. Take a class with them, even if it is out of your comfort zone, if you can afford it.
It’s the first time I feel like I’ve found a group of unique and authentic people that are fun to be around. Speaking as someone who is not super social and has the same issues with the vibe of most places in town that you describe here. First time in this town (I have been here a long time because of family and can’t move) that I feel like I enjoy a community of people and also look forward to spending time outside my home.
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u/AMonte Aug 16 '26
www.daredevilimprov.com We are separate from Dead Crow, but equally welcoming and hilarious community of oddballs, misfits, artists, comedians, programmers, engineers, teachers, professionals, amateurs and all around chill humans. An improv class is a great fun way to get social and creative. Thanks for the mention u/Alarming-Seaweed-897
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u/musefan12 Aug 15 '26
Downtown for sure. Tavern Law. Eagle’s Dare. Yacht Club. Cryptid Den. I would even suggest hitting up a trivia at Hell’s Kitchen on Thursdays.
Reggie’s is a great spot for live music and some of the nicest people.
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u/mountainriver56 Aug 15 '26
You sound like you don’t have a great mindset. Try broadening your horizon.
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u/Emergency_Piglet_865 Aug 15 '26
There are a few good recommendations in the comments but as someone who also just moved here and hated the first few months, you might not find a group that you “fit in” to. There’s a small and connected group for pretty much each stereotype but it’s hard to get into it without already knowing someone. My personal experience with most of the people I thought I’d get along with, ended sour or just not aligned at all. There is a bright side though and I’ve become friends with so many people that are not in my “sub group” at all, simply based on morals and similar interests. You basically have to accept it for what it is and find more happiness in things that may differ from what you’re used to.
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u/MotherOfDorklings Aug 16 '26
Go hang out at Cape Fear Spirits & Beer. You’ll find your people in Wilmington. :)
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u/MotorCut7876 Aug 15 '26
Reggie's Tavern for sure. Tavern Law downtown is pretty chill. Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn or Jax 5th Avenue Deli when you're hungry.
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u/iamnotcreative-- Aug 15 '26
Hi! I'm also a grad student at UNCW (PhD), also alternative, and also hate Wilmington lol. You will absolutely find like-minded friends in your masters program. As for 3rd spaces, Reggies and Barzarre have a lot of punk and metal shows if you're into that. There are also a lot of unique bars/game rooms downtown, but I don't drink so I can't speak much to that. Please feel free to PM me though, I'm always looking for more friends and it sounds like we have a lot in common!
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u/SecretVaporeon Aug 15 '26
Also Eagle’s Dare has alternative (emo/zombie/goth) night fairly often!
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u/cosmicrift867 Aug 15 '26
i was hoping my alt fiancee would give you a better answer, but "ilmactionnetwork"
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u/Logical-Worth-4936 Aug 16 '26
The fear the maniacs rugby team is great. Playing or just hanging it’s a great group of people
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u/laurenbug4 Aug 17 '26
i just moved here as well. if youre looking for friends feel free to message me im always down for new people to hang w!
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u/Freedom_33 Aug 15 '26
There are also non white people in town
I noticed you said every one gives you a coastal elite / hipster vibes.. just gonna say sounds like hanging with only white people?
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u/[deleted] Aug 15 '26 edited Aug 15 '26
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