Dear MariBella & the Pigkickers Play Poplar Grove May 1

Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers are bringing their signature blend of bluegrass, country, and American roots music to Poplar Grove Plantation's Listening Barn, and the best part might be that it won't cost you a dime to walk through the door.

Event Summary

Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers headline a free, all-ages evening of live music at Poplar Grove Plantation on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Set against the backdrop of the historic 1850s plantation just north of Wilmington off U.S. 17, the event transforms The Listening Barn into a Friday night gathering spot for families, couples, and anyone craving a laid-back start to the weekend. It's the kind of casual, community-first programming that's making Poplar Grove one of the Cape Fear region's most exciting live entertainment destinations.

Fast Facts

• Date & Time: Friday, May 1, 2026 | Doors open at 4:00 PM, pre-party jam and food service at 5:30 PM, main performance at 6:00 PM
• Location: The Listening Barn at Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 U.S. 17, Wilmington, NC 28411
• Admission: Free (RSVP available via Eventbrite)
• Parking: Free
• Food: Poor Piggy's BBQ Food Truck on-site
• Organizer: Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers in partnership with Poplar Grove Plantation
• Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours

What to Expect

The evening kicks off well before the main act takes the stage. Doors open at 4:00 PM, giving early arrivals time to settle in and soak up the atmosphere of The Listening Barn, a venue that's carved out a reputation for showcasing American music traditions including bluegrass, jazz, and country.

At 5:30 PM, an open jam session fires up during the pre-party — and yes, you're encouraged to bring your own instrument. Whether you pick a banjo, strum a guitar, or just tap your foot, the jam is designed to blur the line between audience and performer in the best possible way.

Once the pre-party wraps, Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers take the stage at 6:00 PM for the main performance, delivering the kind of high-energy, roots-driven set that's earned them a loyal following across the region. Meanwhile, Poor Piggy's BBQ Food Truck will be serving up plates so you can grab dinner without ever leaving the grounds.

About the Band

Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers is a family bluegrass band from near Wilmington, North Carolina, featuring siblings Isabella on fiddle, AnnMari on guitar, Pete on banjo, Chris on mandolin, and Dad on bass. Formed around 2021, the group blends traditional bluegrass with original songs rooted in Blue Ridge Mountains and Carolina traditions. Their releases include the debut EP Magnolia and the album On Forgotten Paths, both available on streaming platforms.

Why It's Worth Your Time

Poplar Grove Plantation has been steadily growing its identity as an outdoor entertainment hub, and events like this are a big reason why. The plantation is a historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the combination of heritage grounds, local music acts, and a welcoming all-ages atmosphere creates something that feels distinctly Wilmington — unpretentious, community-driven, and deeply enjoyable.

For local musicians, the open jam session is a rare chance to play alongside fellow artists in a beautiful setting. For families, it's a Friday evening that doesn't require a babysitter or a budget. And for anyone who's been curious about The Listening Barn but hasn't made the trip yet, a free show is about as low-stakes an introduction as you'll find.

This May 1 concert also serves as a preview of bigger things to come. Poplar Grove is gearing up to host the second annual Bluegrass in the Grove Fest on June 13, 2026, an all-day festival running from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM with gates opening at 10:00 AM, featuring acts like Carson Peters and Iron Mountain. Pre-sale tickets are $20 until June 1, 2026, with free admission for children 12 and under. The spring-to-summer music programming signals real momentum for the plantation as an economic and cultural anchor north of downtown Wilmington — good news for local vendors, food trucks, and small businesses that benefit from the foot traffic these events generate.

Practical Details

Poplar Grove Plantation is located at 10200 U.S. 17, just north of Wilmington. Parking is free, and the grounds are generally accessible for families with strollers and those with mobility considerations, though visitors should be prepared for outdoor terrain.

Since this is a spring evening event, it's wise to check the weather before heading out and dress accordingly — a light jacket for the evening hours is never a bad call. For the latest updates, RSVP details, and any schedule changes, visit the event listing on Eventbrite or check dearmaribella.com directly.

Bring a lawn chair, bring an appetite, and if you've got a fiddle collecting dust in the closet — bring that too.