Charlotte’s Arts Season Unveils Diverse Cultural Events, Exhibitions, and Performances

Charlotte's arts scene springs to life next season with twelve major shows from fall through spring. The events mix theater, music, dance, art, and hands-on activities at spots all over the city.

The International Arts Festival takes over Charlotte through September, with new shows at the Iron District's Blume Studios. "It's the first year that we're ever going to be on site at Blume Studios," said Bree Stallings, who runs artistic experiences at Blumenthal Arts.

Starting Oct. 18, the Bechtler Museum puts the spotlight on machines in art. "Artists have always been on the leading edge of embracing and dealing with technology," said Todd Smith, who leads the museum. Works by Bourke-White, Lichtenstein and Tinguely will stay up until early 2026.

The Ballet brings fresh moves from three world-class dance makers, Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. "The works are all captivating," said Alejandro Cerrudo, who picks the shows. Czech master Jiří Kylián's "Petite Mort" shares the stage with Canadian Crystal Pite's "Solo Echo."

At Knight Theater, the Symphony tackles Beethoven's mighty Fifth from Oct. 24-26. The night mixes old and new: Gabriel Kahane's Judith and Amy Beach's piano showpiece with Soyeon Kate Lee at the keys, while Tianyi Lu leads the band.

Kids can touch the sky at Discovery Place starting on Oct. 18. "There will be simulations of flight, hands-on design challenges, stories about how flight was created," said learning chief Nikki Hill per The Charlotte Observer.

Jazz comes alive in black and white at the Gantt Center from Nov. 7. The show has 33 shots of music giants from the '40s through the '60s by William Gottlieb and Chuck Stewart. Theatre.

Charlotte starts its 98th year with man-eating plants in Little Shop of Horrors on Sept. 12-28. The cast of 15 includes real-life tooth doc Dr. Nehemiah Lawson as the evil dentist Orin.

Clay artists from the mountains show their stuff at the Mint's big market on Sept. 27. Principal Foundation steps in to help creators hit by Hurricane Helene with cash and costs.

The Levine turns back time to the '90s on Oct. 2 at VAPA Center for its 35th birthday bash. Young crowds can catch Bessie Coleman: Fearless & Free" from November 15-16, written by local talent Lakeetha Blakeney.

Magic fills the air when The Magicians' Table opens on Nov. 19 at Blumenthal. Small groups watch tricks up close until January. Seats start at $79.99.

History comes to life on Oct. 11 when the Museum throws East Side Sol, a free party with music, talks, and food trucks marking 50 years since Eastland Mall opened its doors.