Community Calendar

Embark on a fascinating journey through the skies and cosmos in the interactive aerospace exhibition Above and Beyond!

Above and Beyond celebrates the incredible innovations that have shaped flight – from the earliest dreams of the Wright brothers to today’s space exploration and tomorrow’s cutting-edge aviation technologies.

Explore the frontiers of air and space travel through immersive simulations, hands-on design challenges and dynamic storytelling that brings the history and future of aerospace to life. The journey begins in a wraparound immersive theater, then expands into five themed galleries featuring dozens of interactive stations.

Step into a glowing, snow-dusted wonderland with the debut of Snow Days, a one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience in Charlotte, NC, opening Saturday, November 22 and running through the winter holidays.

Snow Days is a family-friendly winter experience designed to inspire awe, nostalgia and wonder—perfect for anyone looking for indoor winter activities in Charlotte or things to do in Charlotte when it’s cold.

Highlights of Snow Days
* Aurora Borealis Experience – Walk beneath the dazzling Northern Lights in a peaceful winter scene. It’s a moment of stillness and awe in the heart of Charlotte’s newest indoor winter wonderland.
* Sock Skating Rink – Enjoy a fun indoor skating activity for all ages—no ice required! Visitors slip off their shoes and glide across a frictionless rink, making this one of the most unique indoor winter attractions in Charlotte.
* Nature & Animals in Winter – Explore how animals adapt to the cold through migration, hibernation and other survival strategies. See fascinating museum specimens like the Arctic fox, Humboldt penguin and snowy owl, and experience a blend of science and winter discovery in Charlotte.
* The Inuit: Life, Culture and Survival – Build a traditional-style igloo and explore fascinating artifacts and stories of resilience from Inuit communities who have thrived in Arctic climates for generations.
* The Snowflake: Research, Art and Folklore – Marvel at intricate snowflake photography, design virtual snowflakes, and learn how snow has inspired both science and storytelling across time. It’s a beautiful mix of art, science and winter magic.
* Hygge: Human Comfort for Survival – Relax in a cozy nook styled after the Danish and Norwegian tradition of hygge, celebrating the warm, cozy side of winter with soft lighting, music, blankets and books—an ideal spot for a winter day indoors in Charlotte.

The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with hits like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas," Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Fly High! Watch Rudolph soar above the audience as we kick off the holidays in spectacular fashion.

One-Act, approx. 60 min. / For all ages

Show Dates and Times:
Sat, Nov 22: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Nov 23: 2 & 4 PM
Fri, Nov 28: 2 & 4 PM
Sat, Nov 29: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Nov 30: 2 & 4 PM
Sat, Dec 6: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Dec 7: 11 AM & 2 PM
Sat, Dec 13: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Dec 14: 11 AM & 2 PM
Fri, Dec 19: 7 PM
Sat, Dec 20: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Dec 21: 2 & 4 PM
Mon, Dec 22: 11 AM & 2 PM
Tues, Dec 23: 11 AM & 2 PM

ASL-Interpreted Show: Sat, Dec 6 at 3 PM
Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sun, Dec 21 at 4 PM

Embark on a fascinating journey through the skies and cosmos in the interactive aerospace exhibition Above and Beyond!

Above and Beyond celebrates the incredible innovations that have shaped flight – from the earliest dreams of the Wright brothers to today’s space exploration and tomorrow’s cutting-edge aviation technologies.

Explore the frontiers of air and space travel through immersive simulations, hands-on design challenges and dynamic storytelling that brings the history and future of aerospace to life. The journey begins in a wraparound immersive theater, then expands into five themed galleries featuring dozens of interactive stations.

Step into a glowing, snow-dusted wonderland with the debut of Snow Days, a one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience in Charlotte, NC, opening Saturday, November 22 and running through the winter holidays.

Snow Days is a family-friendly winter experience designed to inspire awe, nostalgia and wonder—perfect for anyone looking for indoor winter activities in Charlotte or things to do in Charlotte when it’s cold.

Highlights of Snow Days
* Aurora Borealis Experience – Walk beneath the dazzling Northern Lights in a peaceful winter scene. It’s a moment of stillness and awe in the heart of Charlotte’s newest indoor winter wonderland.
* Sock Skating Rink – Enjoy a fun indoor skating activity for all ages—no ice required! Visitors slip off their shoes and glide across a frictionless rink, making this one of the most unique indoor winter attractions in Charlotte.
* Nature & Animals in Winter – Explore how animals adapt to the cold through migration, hibernation and other survival strategies. See fascinating museum specimens like the Arctic fox, Humboldt penguin and snowy owl, and experience a blend of science and winter discovery in Charlotte.
* The Inuit: Life, Culture and Survival – Build a traditional-style igloo and explore fascinating artifacts and stories of resilience from Inuit communities who have thrived in Arctic climates for generations.
* The Snowflake: Research, Art and Folklore – Marvel at intricate snowflake photography, design virtual snowflakes, and learn how snow has inspired both science and storytelling across time. It’s a beautiful mix of art, science and winter magic.
* Hygge: Human Comfort for Survival – Relax in a cozy nook styled after the Danish and Norwegian tradition of hygge, celebrating the warm, cozy side of winter with soft lighting, music, blankets and books—an ideal spot for a winter day indoors in Charlotte.

The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with hits like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas," Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Fly High! Watch Rudolph soar above the audience as we kick off the holidays in spectacular fashion.

One-Act, approx. 60 min. / For all ages

Show Dates and Times:
Sat, Nov 22: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Nov 23: 2 & 4 PM
Fri, Nov 28: 2 & 4 PM
Sat, Nov 29: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Nov 30: 2 & 4 PM
Sat, Dec 6: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Dec 7: 11 AM & 2 PM
Sat, Dec 13: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Dec 14: 11 AM & 2 PM
Fri, Dec 19: 7 PM
Sat, Dec 20: 11 AM & 3 PM
Sun, Dec 21: 2 & 4 PM
Mon, Dec 22: 11 AM & 2 PM
Tues, Dec 23: 11 AM & 2 PM

ASL-Interpreted Show: Sat, Dec 6 at 3 PM
Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sun, Dec 21 at 4 PM

Visit The Farm during an after-hours celebration of the holidays. Admire thousands of holiday lights while you relax near the bonfire with a cup of hot cocoa and interact with the farm animals. Create custom gift wrap and ornaments too!

Fridays this season: November 28, December 5, 12, and 19, 5-8 PM

Don't miss a Holiday Laser Show in the planetarium on these Fridays at 6 PM or 7 PM. Tickets sold separately.

Join us for a yearly tradition! The Encore Studio dancers perform their unique story of The Nutcracker through ballet, tap, jazz, acro, and clogging! This production also includes narraration to prompt the storyline for our youngest audience members.

Doors open 30 min prior for charcuterie and tea service.
Groups purchasing tickets separately but wanting to sit together must email sarahlankford@encorecenter.net prior to arrival to be seated together
Tickets are non-refundable
If your dancer is a Mouse/Soldier/Sweets Dancer please purchase for the correct shows. The SoPi dancers of these characters perform Friday evening and Sat 10am. The Cameron dancers in these roles perform Sat at 2pm and 5pm

Join us for a yearly tradition! The Encore Studio dancers perform their unique story of The Nutcracker through ballet, tap, jazz, acro, and clogging! This production also includes narraration to prompt the storyline for our youngest audience members.

Doors open 30 min prior for charcuterie and tea service.
Groups purchasing tickets separately but wanting to sit together must email sarahlankford@encorecenter.net prior to arrival to be seated together
Tickets are non-refundable
If your dancer is a Mouse/Soldier/Sweets Dancer please purchase for the correct shows. The SoPi dancers of these characters perform Friday evening and Sat 10am. The Cameron dancers in these roles perform Sat at 2pm and 5pm

A contemporary twist on a holiday classic.
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Clara’s Trip is an entertaining fusion of gravity-defying cirque, athletic dancing and a timeless story that is a treat for the entire family.

Clara has grown up to be a kind and energetic young lady who loves to dance but is a little clumsy. While dancing at Mr. and Mrs. Flowers' holiday party, she trips over her own feet and is whisked off to the hospital to learn that her ankle is broken. That night Clara dreams that her foot is healed allowing her to dance like she has never before with surprises from her friends.

Y'all Weekly by Jesse Kimmel: “The format is certainly recognizable, but the story, the acting, the dance, and the acrobatic feats are fresh and surprising.”
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CVNC by Michelle Medina-Villalon: “Clara's Trip makes for an exhilaratingly fun night for families of all ages."

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Full Show Run Time

Act 1: 40 minutes

15 minute intermission

Act 2: 35 minutes

Total: 90 minutes

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Children's Show Run Time

70 minutes without an intermission

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