Welcome to Bowstring
A premier live music venue, event space, and neighborhood bar & kitchen.
At Bowstring, we bring together a community of people that love live music and great vibes in a beautifully-restored historic building in downtown Wilmington, NC
Bowstring: A Neighborhood Bar & Music Venue
Bowstring Wilmington was founded in July 2023 by the same partners who own and operate Bowstring in Raleigh. We are a 9800 square foot neighborhood bar, live music venue, event space, and community gathering spot located in the heart of the Soda Pop District in downtown Wilmington. The building, formerly owned by Coca Cola Inc and used to bottle Electric Soda and Orange Crush, has been preserved and restored to highlight its rich history.
The historic building, formerly owned by Coca Cola INC and used to Bottle Electric Soda and Orange Crush, has been renovated and upfit with a state of art
line array sound system and lighting package to accommodate nationally-touring acts. We welcome all ages and are family and dog-friendly unless otherwise noted on a live music ticketed event page.
Full Bar
Private Events
- We are happy to host your private group, corporate event, wedding event, birthday celebration, watch party, charity event - you name it!
- Featuring state-of-the-art line array sound system, projector, lights and customizable stage options and over 9000 square feet, we are the perfect venue in Wilmington for your medium to large event!
Pickleball Court
Bowstring now has a pickleball court free to use to the public! Located to the north side of the building below the “Brew Yard”, the court is an official-sized court with all the correct lines and accurate net size, is fenced in, and is first-come first-serve! Just bring your own paddles and balls and enjoy! Please note that all players play at their own risk.
Live Music & Events
june
18jun7:00 pm10:00 pmThe Broken Hearts: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Tribute
Event Details
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The Broken Hearts were created by former Tom Petty and Mudcrutch band mate; musician/songwriter/author/bassist/vocalist Charlie Souza, along with singer/songwriter Shawn Scheller (Save The Radio!/Saigon Kick/The Contenders) asEvent Details
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https://whollyticket.com/e/thebrokenheartswilm
The Broken Hearts were created by former Tom Petty and Mudcrutch band mate; musician/songwriter/author/bassist/vocalist Charlie Souza, along with singer/songwriter Shawn Scheller (Save The Radio!/Saigon Kick/The Contenders) as a tribute to Tom’s passing in October of 2017. Originally intended only as a temporary project, the group of musicians including keyboardist Robin Swenson (Air Supply, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Chuck Negron’s 3 Dog Night), guitarist Joe Sanders (Blackbird Revival, Basic Rock Outfit), drummer Scott Lockhart (Save The Radio!The Contenders) along with Souza and Scheller became continuously requested to perform events in Tom’s honor.
In 2018, the decision was made to become an official touring tribute project paying respect and honor to the life and music of Thomas Earl Petty (October 20, 1950-October 2, 2017). The current touring band consists of guitarist Mateo Olivo (Nine Days, Infamous Unknowns, The Contenders) as Mike Campbell, Dave Walker (Robin Trower, The Hazies) as bassist Ron Blair, Aidan Cain (Save The Radio!/Saigon Kick) as Benmont Tench on keyboards, piano, synthesizers, harmonica & acoustic guitar, Niko Jay (Save The Radio! Orange Hour) as Stan Lynch on drums and still featuring original members Scott Lockhart as (Stan Lynch/Steve Ferrone/Scott Thurston) on drums/guitar/harmonica/vocals/percussion/live production and Shawn Scheller as Tom Petty on vocals, acoustic and electric guitars.
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June 18, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
19jun7:00 pm10:00 pmCANCELLED: Landon McNamara w/ Layton Meacham
Event Details
IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR LANDON MCNAMARA, JUNE 19 @ BOWSTRING WILMINGTON: Due to unforeseen health matters Landon is not able to perform on his east coast portion of his summer tour.
Event Details
IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR LANDON MCNAMARA, JUNE 19 @ BOWSTRING WILMINGTON:
Due to unforeseen health matters Landon is not able to perform on his east coast portion of his summer tour. Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this time. We hope to make it back there in 2027. Bowstring via Afton will issue refunds to fans directly.
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ABOUT LANDON MCNAMARA: Landon McNamara can feel it. Big things are coming. The singer-songwriter and guitarist from Hawaii’s North Shore is on the cusp of a major swell- familiar waters for this accomplished surfer- but this wave is one of song and soul.
McNamara’s newest drop, the laid back yet deeply spiritual “If You Only Knew,” renews the artist with strains of acoustic reggae and Hawaiian soul, underpinning a thoughtful recitation on the value of life, and ultimately, the power of love. “The only promised thing to us all is death. And at the end of our life, when you’re taking that last breath, would you be satisfied with how you spent your time?” asks McNamara. “I wanna motivate people to realize life isn’t about money, or shiny things, or social status. It’s about experiences; creating beautiful memories; family; friends; finding out who you truly are and living that existence to the fullest. Above all, it’s about love.”
“Well its inevitable that one day we all gotta go drift away, but if you had to die tomorrow what would you do today, would you take that last breath, would you feel content with how that time was spent?” – Landon McNamara “If You Only Knew”
As the scion of one of the Islands’ esteemed surfing families, McNamara’s earliest experiences came baptized by the power of the ocean. Yet, music, from a young age, proved as magnetic as the heavy current of the Pacific; home video of McNamara as a toddler captures him grooving to a Ziggy Marley performance in Turtle Bay.
Music was meditative; a release. It felt good for the socially anxious musician reared on the reggae poetry of Bob Marley and the psychedelic majesty of Jimi Hendrix. He collaborated with local reggae group, The Late Ones, filming an impromptu take of his original, “Jam With You,” and posted the fledgling video on YouTube.
“To write, I just have to be passionate- in any direction- or have something hit me in my heart,” he explains. “Which, for me, is everyday life.” In addition to the new single “If You Only Knew,” Landon has also completed an adventurous EP with highly regarded up n’ coming California artist /producer, singer, and songwriter, DENM. Recorded on the North Shore of Oahu, the collection is a result of McNamara and Slum Beach Denny mixing it up and having too much fun at Landon’s home studio, all while under the influence of the many gifts of nature from Hawaii’s royal landscape. The experiment yielded 5 new gems, including the next up n coming summer drop, “Wild Trip”, a heady biographical account of the duo’s exploits on the island!
“Early on I got a little taste of the trajectory I was on,” McNamara says. “Now, my biggest fear is not living up to my potential. I’m driven to live up to it and doing the work to get it to where I know it can go.”
Now, you know. Big things are coming.
ABOUT LAYTON MEACHAM: Born and raised in South Carolina, Layton Meacham is a multi-instrumentalist and singer with years of experience in the American reggae scene. He has collaborated with and performed in bands such as Joe Samba, The Destinators, Sensamotion, Shwayze, and more, showcasing his versatile talent. Drawing influences from roots reggae, soul, R&B, and beyond, Layton creates a sound that is both warm and organic. Currently working on his debut album alongside other projects, he is bringing a fresh, uplifting vibration to the world that is impossible not to feel.
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June 19, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
19jun7:00 pm10:00 pmShot Thru The Heart: A Tribute to Bon Jovi
Event Details
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From the opening riff of “You Give Love a Bad Name” to the last sing-along chorus of “Livin’ on a Prayer,” **Shot Thru the Heart** delivers theEvent Details
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From the opening riff of “You Give Love a Bad Name” to the last sing-along chorus of “Livin’ on a Prayer,” **Shot Thru the Heart** delivers the ultimate Bon Jovi concert experience.
Paying tribute to one of rock’s most iconic bands, Bon Jovi, Shot Thru the Heart recreates the energy, sound, and larger-than-life stage presence that made Bon Jovi a global phenomenon. With soaring vocals, high energy stage presence, and blazing guitar solos, this tribute brings audiences straight back to the golden era of ’80s and ’90s rock.
Shot Thru the Heart doesn’t just perform the songs — they recreate the experience. From the swagger of Jon Bon Jovi to the iconic guitar mastery of Richie Sambora, every detail is crafted to capture the spirit of a true Bon Jovi arena show. Whether it’s a casino showroom, outdoor festival, corporate event, club, or theater, Shot Thru the Heart delivers a high-energy, crowd-interactive performance that keeps audiences on their feet and singing along all night.
The nostalgia effect is real!
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June 19, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
20jun7:00 pm10:00 pmTropidelic w/ Beach Fly
Event Details
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A musical lighthouse, shining a resilient light for everyone that has had to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, Tropidelic has arrived on the national stage. HailingEvent Details
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A musical lighthouse, shining a resilient light for everyone that has had to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, Tropidelic has arrived on the national stage. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, a city rich in character and music history, this six-piece performance powerhouse carves their own path with an independent mentality. Front man Roads, explores feelings more than sounds, seeing where the emotional travel can take him, while valuing being comfortable and honest.
There is a sense of seeing where the music can go on their 2024 new album. As an everyman-band making music to overcome life’s obstacles, the “goals” that Tropidelic made when starting the band have all been surpassed. Roads says of the band’s future, “I’m nose to the grindstone. It’s going great and I am going to keep going.”
The past year has included a first pitch at a Cleveland Guardians game followed by a live performance for the entire stadium; an adopted highway in their hometown; producing two of their own festivals (Sunny Days and Everwild Music Festival); tens of millions of streams of Tropidelic’s music; appearances at major US festivals such as Beach Life and Tortuga; tours with The Dirty Heads, Lupe Fiasco, 311, and Michael Franti; and their first performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
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June 20, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
21jun7:00 pm10:00 pmFortunate Youth w/ Joe Samba & The Quasi Kings
Event Details
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ABOUT FORTUNATE YOUTH: From backyard BBQs in Southern California beach towns to its rise as one of the most popular reggae rock bands in the country, FortunateEvent Details
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ABOUT FORTUNATE YOUTH: From backyard BBQs in Southern California beach towns to its rise as one of the most popular reggae rock bands in the country, Fortunate Youth remains devoted to its roots and a simple mission: Spread peace, love, and unity with music. It’s a mantra of sorts for the multi-faceted sextet from Hermosa Beach, driving a relentless thirst for live performances and an ever-evolving cache of original material dotted with influences of blues, ska, rock, world, soul, and punk.
Dedicated to performing live, the ensemble has logged countless miles across the globe, with F.Y. supporting brethren such as Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, and SOJA.
ABOUT JOE SAMBA: Joe Samba is a rising force in the reggae rock world. He blends island grooves, punk energy, hip hop flair and soulful songwriting into a sound that feels both fresh and unmistakably his. His third full length album Lifeline features collaborations with Wax, Mihali, JARV, Eric Krasno and Anthony Resta and showcases his most personal and ambitious work to date.
The Massachusetts born and New Hampshire based artist first broke out with his debut The Wrong Impression which reached number one on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. He followed it with Far From Forever and a steady run of national touring with Dirty Heads, Ziggy Marley, Pepper, Shwayze and Sublime With Rome.
Lifeline captures the highs and lows of growth, fatherhood, relationships and self discovery. It is full of big melodies, honest lyrics and the genre mixing style that defines Joe’s voice as an artist.
ABOUT THE QUASI KINGS: Formed in Columbus, OH in the Spring of 2016, the The Quasi Kings have quickly “cemented [their] place as the sprawling, multi-instrumental next generation of Columbus reggae.” (Columbus Dispatch). The band, led by brothers Zach (vocals, saxophone, percussion) & Benny Coleman (vocals, bass), varies in age, musical backgrounds, and taste, leading to a worldly & distinctive collage. Their premier offering, 2018’s Throwaway Culture EP, features catchy hooks, tight vocal harmonies, and a unique blend of reggae, rock, and hip-hop. Their latest album, Eye of the Storm, takes things a step further with songs like “Booze”, a raucous Sabbath inspired tune, and the dubby, horn driven “Cut It Out”. Their live shows are high energy, captivating and ever-evolving. The Quasi Kings have had the privilege to play with the likes of Stick Figure, Rebelution, Sublime, Steel Pulse, Tropidelic, Badfish, Fortunate Youth, Third World, Israel Vibration, Dark Star Orchestra & more. Visit thequasikings.com for tour dates & more info.
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June 21, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
23jun7:30 pm9:00 pmRepeating EventTrivia Tuesday
Event Details
Every Tuesday Join us weekly on Tuesdays for Trivia with Meeser Eddie. Test your knowledge in various categories & win prizes weekly! Trivia kicks off at 7:30pm. Free to play!
Event Details
Every Tuesday
Join us weekly on Tuesdays for Trivia with Meeser Eddie. Test your knowledge in various categories & win prizes weekly!
Trivia kicks off at 7:30pm. Free to play!
Time
June 23, 2026 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
25jun7:00 pm10:00 pmNether Hour
Event Details
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“We don’t play country music, but we’re good ole boys from the country.” Down in the heart of Austin, TX, where the music runs thicker than the heat,Event Details
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https://whollyticket.com/e/netherhourwilm
“We don’t play country music, but we’re good ole boys from the country.”
Down in the heart of Austin, TX, where the music runs thicker than the heat, there’s a band that’s been making some serious noise. They call themselves Nether Hour, and they’ve been turning every dive bar and backroad juke joint into a full-blown musical revival. The band is a trio of unapologetic rebels, each one a powerhouse of sonic defiance. Bobby Flaco delivers gritty vocals and razor-sharp guitar riffs, while Bishop unleashes searing lead guitar and mandolin work, with Bercy laying down bass lines that slam right into your gut. Nether Hour is a relentless sonic melting pot, fusing the swampy grooves of Louisiana with Texas-sized doses of funk, blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll.
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June 25, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
26jun7:00 pm10:00 pmMo Lowda and the Humble w/ Winston Avenue
Event Details
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Mo Lowda & the Humble are a self-produced indie rock band hailing from Philadelphia. The band released their 5th studio album on June 20th, 2025, entitled: TailingEvent Details
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Mo Lowda & the Humble are a self-produced indie rock band hailing from Philadelphia. The band released their 5th studio album on June 20th, 2025, entitled: Tailing the Ghost. Since releasing their debut album in 2013, they’ve vastly expanded the sonic exploration of their recorded material whilst developing a dialed-in, yet energetic live show through persistent touring. In turn, they’ve built a ravenous and loyal following across the country, selling out clubs and theaters throughout the US each year. ‘Tailing the Ghost’ was recorded entirely on the road, with the majority of the songs being cut almost entirely live. It is Mo Lowda’s most cohesive, yet explorative album to date. The band tours year around, often playing over 90 shows a year.
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June 26, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
27jun7:00 pm10:00 pmHighway Boys: Zach Bryan Tribute Band
Event Details
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Zach Bryan is the hottest name is country music right now and Highway Boys are the #1 and most authentic tribute band to the music and stageEvent Details
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https://whollyticket.com/e/highwayboyswilm
Zach Bryan is the hottest name is country music right now and Highway Boys are the #1 and most authentic tribute band to the music and stage show of Zach Bryan in the country. This 8 piece band’s performances aim to capture the essence of his live sound, and play the music with the same passion and energy as the real band. Our goal is to honor and celebrate the legacy of Zach Bryan, paying homage to his unique style and the impact that he’s had on the music industry. We hope ya don’t hate it.
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June 27, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm(GMT+00:00)
30jun7:30 pm9:00 pmRepeating EventTrivia Tuesday
Event Details
Every Tuesday Join us weekly on Tuesdays for Trivia with Meeser Eddie. Test your knowledge in various categories & win prizes weekly! Trivia kicks off at 7:30pm. Free to play!
Event Details
Every Tuesday
Join us weekly on Tuesdays for Trivia with Meeser Eddie. Test your knowledge in various categories & win prizes weekly!
Trivia kicks off at 7:30pm. Free to play!
Time
June 30, 2026 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)














