Kenan Auditorium, officially the Sarah Graham Kenan Auditorium, is an on-campus performing arts venue at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. With a total seating capacity of 1,000 (Orchestra ~728; Balcony ~286) and a range of accessibility options, it’s a reliable home for everything from intimate performances to larger touring acts. The venue is part of UNCW’s vibrant arts scene, hosting series like Kenan Auditorium Presents, UNCW Presents, Lumina Festival, and more. Whether you’re catching Broadway’s Next Hit Musical, a David Sedaris reading, or a local dance showcase, you can expect a straightforward, friendly booking experience with seating details and practical info below.

Parking is managed by UNCW Auxiliary Services with a facility-use charge. On event days, parking attendants coordinate coverage based on anticipated attendance: standard parking support scales to the crowd size. Transit options include Wave Transit fixed routes and the UNCW Seahawk Shuttle on campus, with routes serving College Rd and nearby corridors. Nearby hotels and dining options are convenient for an overnight or a pre-show meal, including several affiliated partner properties like Best Western Plus Coastline Inn (Downtown Wilmington), Fairfield Inn & Suites University Area, and Hampton Inn University Area, among others. Get your tickets with ease, secure your seats, and plan a seamless night out with our trusted recommendations. We’ve got you covered for a smooth visit to Kenan Auditorium.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Location: Kenan Auditorium, 515 Wagoner Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403-5966 (UNCW campus).
Venue type: on-campus performing arts venue (UNCW).
Seating capacity: 1,000 total (Orchestra ~728; Balcony ~286); 11 removable wheelchair seats in orchestra; 10 ADA slide-in seats; balcony has no wheelchair seating.
Parking: managed by UNCW Auxiliary Services; facility-use charge of $100; parking attendants scale with expected attendance (2 attendants up to 275; 3–4 attendants for 300–500; 4–5 attendants for 500–1000).
Transit: served by Wave Transit fixed routes and UNCW Seahawk Shuttle on campus; route options include College Rd and other nearby corridors.
Nearby hotels: UNCW lists temporary accommodations nearby, including Best Western Plus Coastline Inn (Downtown), Fairfield Inn & Suites University Area, Hampton Inn University Area, and others.
Notable events hosted: Kenan Auditorium Presents season; UNCW Presents; Lumina Festival; Seahawk FAM; performances by Broadway’s Next Hit Musical, David Sedaris, Sphinx Virtuosi, Wilmington Dance Festival.
Rename/demolition: no demolition; the official long form name is Sarah Graham Kenan Auditorium (often shortened to Kenan Auditorium).