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Join us for Scrooge! The Musical on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. for a special "Pay What You Can" performance benefiting Common Heart, a local non-profit dedicated to eradicating food insecurity and breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

This festive evening offers an opportunity for all to experience the magic of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, brought to life with vibrant music, beautiful period costumes, and inspiring choreography. Perfect for families and friends, this holiday tradition celebrates compassion, community, and the joy of giving.

*No advanced ticket sales - patrons may donate at the door (cash or card)
*General admission seating, first come first seated
*Suggested minimum donation $10
*Net proceeds benefit our non-profit partner for the show

Tivity Health, along with SilverSneakers, is hosting the 2024 Medal Dash, a virtual walk/run event called “Forever Fit,” this fall.

WHAT: Medal Dash™, Tivity Health and their SilverSneakers® brand will be hosting the 2024 Medal Dash™, a new virtual walk/run event, launching this Fall, specifically designed for the older adult community and their friends and families.
This event marks a significant milestone for Medal Dash™ as it expands its reach to a new audience segment. Traditionally focused on general fitness enthusiasts, Medal Dash™ will leverage the trusted SilverSneakers® brand to engage older adults and their families in a fun and supportive virtual fitness event.
The event will be called “Forever Fit®.” Participants can choose to walk or run any distance or participate in any way they are able to. They are encouraged to participate with friends and family showing that fitness can be fun and social. Those who register will receive a commemorative shirt and medal.
WHY: This virtual event offers an excellent opportunity for older adults to engage in a fun, supportive, and health-focused activity at their own pace. We are excited about the positive impact this event will have on the senior community.
WHO: The event will be open to all seniors along with their friends and family
WHEN: October 1 - November 31, 2024
WHERE: Participants can sign up or learn more on the Medal Dash website.

Join iamlamarmusic for an immersive, one-of-a-kind performance as he debuts MOONSEEKER, an R&B EP inspired by the mysteries of the cosmos. This performance blends soulful melodies and atmospheric soundscapes with captivating ballet choreography, creating a journey through space and self-discovery that's both auditory and visually stunning.

As the first part of a unique trilogy, MOONSEEKER incorporates cosmic lighting, ethereal beats, and ballet to transport audiences into a dreamlike world. With each movement and note, the dancers bring the music's themes of exploration and introspection to life, making this event perfect for fans of independent music and performance art. Step into the world of MOONSEEKER and be ready to get lost in the stars!

Get ready to spill the Royal Tea! Join us for a brunch fit for royalty, featuring our reigning drag court Ms. Charlotte Pride Erica Chanel, Mr. Charlotte Pride Dallas Cole Coutour, and Mx. Charlotte Pride Rebecca Starrdust bringing you charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and a whole lot of talent. Seating and the complimentary brunch buffet open at 11am, and the show starts at noon. Enjoy delicious bites, sip on signature cocktails, and bask in a show-stopping drag brunch experience! It’s going to be a royally good time—don’t miss out!

Charlotte Pride’s drag brunches are the ultimate celebration of camp, talent, and entertainment, bringing together fabulous performers for a one-of-a-kind experience. Hosted throughout the year, each brunch showcases our reigning drag court and special guest performers in a lively and unforgettable show. Enjoy delicious brunch fare, sip on crafted cocktails, and revel in an atmosphere filled with laughter, charisma, and over-the-top performances. Our drag brunches promise a royally good time that will keep you coming back for more!

Join us at our next Community Impact Film Series event focused on homelessness on November 9. This FREE event begins at 11 am on Saturday, November 9 and will include:

Film Screenings & Panel Discussion (screening begins at 12pm)
ROOTED FOR THE FUTURE (8 min.)
CALL ME BY MY NAME (58 minutes)
Panel Speakers will include:
Steve Umberger, director, “Call Me By My Name”
Benjamine Reid, director, “Rooted for the Future”
Trish Hobson, Executive Director, The Relatives
A representative from Mecklenburg County Community Support Services/Housing Innovation & Stabilization Services
Bracelet Making Workshop with Amy Anderson of AnderBerry Bracelets
Volunteer Opportunities: sandwich making with Roof Above for program participants
Art Gallery: showcasing the work of Amber Graves
Resource Fair with organizations such as:
The Relatives
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Continuum of Care
United Way of Greater Charlotte
Roof Above
Habitat For Humanity of the Charlotte Region
Project Outpour
Salvation Army
Pivot Point Transitional Housing
And others!
This event will also have a call for donations to The Relatives. Donated items needed include:

New Socks and Underwear (all sizes for children and adults)
Laundry Detergent (pods)
Full Size Bottles of Body Wash
Toothpaste
Dental Floss
Towels and Washcloths

"Wickedly entertaining…a sparkling ensemble comedy as tautly woven as one of the intricate hairdos in Jaja’s Harlem salon.” - Washington Post

Jaja's African Hair Braiding
written by Jocelyn Bioh
directed by Donna Bradby

NOMINEE- 2024 Tony Award for Best Play
NOMINEE- 2024 Drama League Outstanding Production of a Play
NOMINEE- 2024 Outer Critics Circle Outstanding New Play
New York Times Critics’ Pick
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding in Harlem is a salon full of funny, whip-smart, talented women ready to make you look and feel “nice nice.” On this particularly muggy summer day, Jaja’s rule-following daughter Marie is running the shop while her mother prepares for her courthouse, green card wedding—to a man no one seems to particularly like. Just like her mother, DREAMer Marie is trying to secure her future; high school graduation is around the corner and all she wants to do is go to college. While Marie deals with the customers' and stylists' laugh-out-loud drama, news pierces the hearts of the women of the salon, galvanizing their connections and strengthening the community they have longed to make in the United States.

Jaja's African Hair Braiding contains some adult language and content. Recommended for ages 14+.

November 8 - 24, 2024
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.
Runtime: 95 minutes no intermission

All performances at The Arts Factory, 1545 W Trade Street

This holiday season, Matthews Playhouse invites families and friends to come together and experience a heartwarming tale filled with uplifting musical numbers, beautiful period costumes, and show-stopping choreography. With a blend of fresh new faces and exciting twists, including new special effects and music, this year’s production promises a joyous and high-energy holiday experience.

Set in 19th-century London, "Scrooge! The Musical" brings the classic holiday tale to life with Leslie Bricusse’s award-winning score. Geof Knight stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly man visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley (Jeff Powell), and the three spirits of Christmas (played by Sarah Baumgardner, Tristan Nogueira, and Davis Hickson). Through their visions, Scrooge sees the hardships faced by his clerk Bob Cratchit (Jared Shank), Mrs. Cratchit (Lauren Wilson), and their frail son Tiny Tim (alternated by Tobey Fincher and Charlotte Thomson). Inspired, Scrooge finds redemption, embracing the joy and spirit of Christmas.

Let the magic of "Scrooge! The Musical" bring you and your loved ones closer during this festive time of year.

Dates: December 13-22, 2024
Location: Fullwood Theatre (Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts), 100 McDowell St, Matthews, NC
Tickets: Available at matthewsplayhouse.com

A Director’s Fresh Perspective
Making his directorial debut, Johnny Hohenstein is eager to bring a fresh perspective to this year’s production. “Although we’re telling a well-known story, we hope to create a high-energy and fun environment for cast, crew, and audiences alike,” says Hohenstein. “Expect some surprises this year that will keep this beloved tradition fresh and alive!”

A Bittersweet Farewell
Local radio personality and actor Geof Knight will reprise his role as Ebenezer Scrooge for the third and final time. Knight, a beloved figure in the Charlotte theatre community, has announced his retirement from the stage after this production. “I am very honored to be spending a third year as part of this holiday tradition,” Knight says. “This will be my last year, and more than likely, my last time on stage in Charlotte. I look forward to another journey to 1843 London with both new friends and old.”

Special Performances and Community Impact
In addition to the eight regular performances, Scrooge! The Musical will feature a "Pay What You Can" performance on Thursday, December 19th, at 7:30 pm, benefiting Common Heart, a local non-profit dedicated to eradicating food insecurity and eliminating generational poverty in the community.

Introducing Kids Night Out - A New Way to Experience Live Theatre
For children who may not yet appreciate live theatre, Matthews Playhouse is excited to announce its newest program, Kids Night Out—a fun-filled evening for children in grades 1-5, offered during the Friday and Saturday evening performances of Scrooge! The Musical. While parents enjoy a night out, kids will have a blast with themed activities, games, dinner, and a cozy PJ party from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Join us for a night of celebration and philanthropy.

The York County Pearls of Promise Foundation presents, The Ivy League Gala. This exclusive event is happening Saturday, December 7 at Hilton Charlotte Uptown.

Tickets are available at ivyleaguegala.eventbrite.com

Visit the Gantt for an evening of poetry and reflection as Glenis Redmond (Greenville, SC Poet Laureate) and de'Angelo Dia (2024 Black Carolina Artist-in-Residence) explore the deeply personal journeys of healing, resilience, and connection. Through poetic dialogue, the artists weave narratives that illuminate the enduring bond between the natural world and practices of self-care, radical tenderness, and reconciliation to the self.

You are invited to rediscover the wonders of the world, the stories that connect us, and the lessons they offer. Through their words, you'll be encouraged to embrace healing, reflection, and the beauty of our shared human experience.

The evening will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing for a deeper conversation about the role of poetry in navigating life’s challenges and finding strength in vulnerability.

Bring family and friends to the Gantt for a fun and engaging workshop, where you design a home with recycled materials and the opportunity to unleash your creativity.

During this workshop, participants start by brainstorming room ideas and sketching floor plans in the "schematic design" phase. Next, in the "design development phase," build a model of an important part of the home. In the final phase, projects are shared in a fun, 1-minute pitch.

Participants gain amazing skills like model building, creating detailed models of their designs, and practicing their ability to problem solve and present.

The Lake Norman Orchestra performs Christmas music led by conductor Mr. Samuel A. Kyzer. Selections include "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24," "Christmas Sing a long," "All I Want for Christmas is You," "A Rockin' Christmas," "Selections from The Polar Express," and "A Most Wonderful Christmas."

Join us at Clayworks for raku firing! In this hands-on workshop, participants will receive a piece of hand thrown bisque ware to glaze and fire that will be yours. Teaching artist Greg Scott will lead participants through the glazing and outdoor Raku firing processes. Your pots will be ready to take home that day. Close toe shoes are a must.

PLEASE NOTE: This workshop takes place outdoors and is contingent on appropriate weather. In the event that the class is rained out, Clayworks will be in touch no later than two hours before the session. Participants in cancelled classes will be issued a full refund.

New Year, New You!
Kickstart 2024 with the Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K, a fun, fulfilling event perfect for all runners and walkers!

This family-friendly 5K will have you running into the New Year in festive style! Enjoy the scenic new course that begins in the heart of University City and follows along Mallard, Barton and Toby Creek Greenways. The race finishes on the campus of UNC Charlotte with a New Year's Day celebration!

Race Registration includes:

Custom race shirt
Beer (21+)
Lunch and hot beverage from your choice of participating food vendors
Kid Zone

Start your journey on January 1st at 10 AM along the beautiful Greenways of University City, finishing on the UNC Charlotte campus near Robert Snyder Drive. After the race, join an unforgettable post-run celebration featuring DJ beats, a delicious brunch, warm drinks, and a toast-worthy beer.

This isn’t just about fitness; it’s also about giving back! Proceeds support the University City Foundation, a nonprofit enhancing community development in the area.

Everyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned runners, and family and friends are encouraged to celebrate with you. Take your experience up a notch with our VIP package for a celebratory mimosa in a keepsake champagne glass!

Don’t miss this chance to set a positive tone for the year—register now for an inspiring start to 2024!

The City of Wilmington is hosting “From Wilmington, With Love,” a hurricane relief concert on October 29 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater featuring Ben Folds, musicians from Western North Carolina, and other special guests. The sold-out concert will now be available to watch on Volume.com; join us by claiming your free livestream ticket.

100% of proceeds will benefit local charities assisting with emergency food, housing, and home repairs via the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, managed by United Way of North Carolina.

For more details about the livestream, visit: https://volume.com/t/qg7azI/

You’re invited to a night of socializing and science at Science on the Rocks—winner of Charlotte Magazine’s Best of the Best Award.
Uptown’s biggest social event is back, and you’re invited to join us monthly when Discovery Place Science stays open after hours for adults only. Grab a cocktail, encounter an animal, see a science show and get hands-on in our labs with 1,000 of your closest friends!

Dance to the music or chill in our 7-story Charlotte IMAX Dome Theatre for a documentary or planetarium show. Grab a date or a group of friends and make the night your own!

Our reimagined monthly series lets you experience the Museum after hours in a grown-up, kids-free environment. Create an evening all your own by adding cocktails and upgraded experiences when you arrive.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Tickets sell fast—get yours before they’re gone!

Join the Native American Studies Center for a special reception in honor of the exhibits “Soul of the South” and “Celebrating Indigenous Identity and Culture in the Lowcountry,” honoring Lowcountry music traditions, with a special performance by Keepers of the Word.

Curated by the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, “Soul of the South” takes visitors on a musical journey highlighting the influences that Native Americans, enslaved Africans, and the European colonizers in the Lowcountry had on various genres of music: gospel, jazz, blues, musical theater and rock and roll. Largely sponsored by Gretsch, the renowned drum and musical instrument maker, the exhibit also showcases local musicians and groups whose notoriety reached beyond the Lowcountry.

“Celebrating Indigenous Identity and Culture in the Lowcountry,” funded in part by the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and the USC Racial Justice and Equity Research Fund, highlights the state-recognized tribes of the South Carolina Lowcountry, their history, cultural traditions, and celebrations.

Light refreshments provided. This event is free and open to the public.

USCL’s Native American Studies is hosting its 19th Annual Native American Studies Celebration, held on selected dates beginning Thursday, Nov. 7 and concluding on Saturday, Dec. 7.

This year's signature event, "Celebrating Native American Music" celebrates Indigenous music. Events include lectures, musical and dance performances, drumming, storytelling, and more.

Thank you to OceanaGold/ Haile Operation, the S.C. Arts Commission, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the City of Lancaster, USC Lancaster, the USC Office of Access and Opportunity, and the USC Office of the Vice President for Research’s Racial Justice and Equity Research Fund for their generous support of the 19th Annual Native American Studies Celebration.

Events will be held both in person and virtually.

To attend our events virtually, please register at the Zoom registration links available on our website (www.nativeamericanstudies.org) and social media platforms.

For more information, call (803) 313-7172 or email usclnasp@mailbox.sc.edu.

Join USC Lancaster’s Native American Studies Center from for an afternoon of drumming, dancing, and demonstrations!

• Drumming, dancing, and storytelling from intertribal artists WarPaint Singers.
• Pine needle basketry demonstrations by Center Program Assistant and Catawba artist Beckee Garris.

Events are free and open to the public.

Want to help military veterans—and have fun while you’re at it? Then lace up your running shoes to join Fairview Plaza and American Asset Corporation for the Seventh Annual HeroRun to benefit Veterans Bridge Home!

Two races will kick off at 8 a.m., November 2, 2024, at Fairview Plaza office buildings, with a 5k taking you through scenic South Park neighborhoods and a 1k Fun Run keeping you close to Fairview Road. Music, activities, and real heroes, members of all five branches of the U.S. military, will make for a fun, special event.

Join the Arts Council of Chester County as we host the Jingle Bell Bazaar, an Indoor Holiday Art Market featuring lots of artists and vendors!
**Turn into the BP Gas Station and take an immediate left to follow the frontage road. Enter building at covered main entrance.**

Kick off the holiday season with this opportunity to buy unique, handmade gifts & seasonal decor.

Shop from more than 80 different artists and vendors with handmade jewelry, Christmas ornaments, paintings, wreaths, pottery, candles, soaps, woodworking, and much more!

We will have Ramirez Munchies Food Truck serving delicious tortas, sopes, tacos, and more.
Sweet Macy's will also join us with their mobile beverage trailer, serving specialty coffees and smoothies.

Free admission to the public. Free parking.
Remember, not all vendors accept credit cards, so cash is preferred.

***Questions about this event? Contact Arts Council of Chester County at artschester@gmail.com.***

For event updates, visit facebook.com/artschester.