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An evening of elegance, storytelling, and purpose...where every detail blooms with intention.

Hosted by Ashley Harkrader of Whimsy Wheels, Petal & Purpose brings together a community of women, stories of strength, and unforgettable experiences....all in support of Safe Alliance.

✨ Live painting
✨ A build-your-own flower bar
✨ Wine pairing experience
✨ Stories that will stay with you

The Petal & Purpose Benefit is a gathering of compassionate hearts committed to breaking the cycles of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Like a garden, healing requires intention, nurturing, and time. Through your presence and support, you provide the sunlight, soil, and care necessary for survivors not only to recover, but to truly flourish.

Because every flower has a story… and this night is about honoring them.

Seats are limited, don’t miss your place at the table. 🌸

Join us for our free, family-friendly Roots in the Garden concert series celebrating live music and community in the heart of Boone!
Mt. Airy’s DaShawn Hickman is one of today’s foremost practitioners of Sacred Steel, a blues-gospel pedal steel tradition rooted in the Pentecostal-Holiness churches of the 1930s. Inducted into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in 2023, Hickman performed in Cirque du Soleil’s Song Blazers in 2024 and was the pedal steel player in Steve Ray Ladson’s band, which reached the finals of America’s Got Talent in 2025. He performs alongside his wife, vocalist Wendy Hickman.

* Beer, wine, and food available for purchase. Picnics welcome
* Please note, no dogs or glass containers in the Gardens
* Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating

Presented by The Mustard Seed Market & Home
The annual concert series also features visual artists, with their work auctioned off at the end of the evening. The final concert will be Aug. 20.

Admission is a $5 suggested donation. All proceeds will support the Gardens’ mission to promote the benefits of native plants and healthy ecosystems, and provide a community green space in the heart of the High Country.

ON GOING EVENT // TUESDAY - SATURDAY // 12PM - 6PM ET

ABOUT BLUME STUDIOS VR
Blume Studios VR is Blumenthal Arts’ immersive virtual reality initiative, bringing internationally acclaimed free-roaming experiences to audiences in Charlotte. Through groundbreaking storytelling and emerging technology, Blume Studios VR transports guests beyond the boundaries of traditional entertainment, placing them inside worlds inspired by history, science, and art.

Guests can freely explore three distinct adventures: Excurio’s Horizon of Khufu, Excurio’s Life Chronicles, and Space Explorers: The ISS Experience, produced by Felix & Paul Studios and PHI Studio. All experiences are recommended for ages 8+, free-roaming, family-friendly, and available simultaneously, allowing each guest to choose their own adventure. Multiple adventures can run simultaneously, powered by Excurio’s groundbreaking LBXR Pulse platform. Whether exploring ancient civilizations, witnessing the evolution of life, or floating in orbit, Blume Studios VR offers a new way to experience history, science, and discovery.

ABOUT HORIZON OF KHUFU: JOURNEY IN ANCIENT EGYPT
You'll travel 4,500 years into the past and explore the Great Pyramid of Giza without ever leaving Charlotte. During the 42-minute expedition, a young Egyptologist will guide you through an adventure through hidden chambers, soar above the Giza Plateau, sail the Nile, and witness the funeral of King Khufu. Created by Excurio in collaboration with Harvard Egyptologist Peter Der Manuelian and The Giza Project, this internationally acclaimed immersive expedition has captivated millions of visitors worldwide.

ABOUT LIFE CHRONICLES
This 45-minute immersive expedition was developed by Excurio and the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris. Life Chronicles transports visitors across prehistoric oceans, volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, and more through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history to encounter 120+ extinct species, from the earliest life forms to towering dinosaurs and early humans.

ABOUT SPACE EXPLORERS: THE ISS EXPERIENCE
Built from more than 250 hours of footage filmed both inside and outside the International Space Station, the immersive experience returns, placing visitors alongside real astronauts as they live, work, conduct missions, and observe Earth from orbit. Rooted in real-life space missions conducted in collaboration with NASA and leading international space agencies, the experience is based on the Primetime Emmy Award-winning series Space Explorers: The ISS Experience, created by Felix & Paul Studios. Through intimate access to astronauts’ daily lives, breathtaking spacewalks, and awe-inspiring views of Earth from low orbit, it delivers the closest sensation yet to being in space without ever leaving the ground.

Featuring the legendary country singer and his co-star in the independent film The Price, James Dupré. The Country Music Hall of Fame member's long-time touring band rejoins "Hoss", as they affectionately call Travis, on the road for the first time since right before his stroke in 2013.

The show will consist of Dupré and the band performing all of his iconic number ones including "On The Other Hand", "Forever and Ever, Amen" and "Three Wooden Crosses".

Randy Travis will make a special appearance, engaging with the audience and taking part in the show.

Please note: While he will not be singing, his presence will make for an unforgettable experience.

Photo by: Robert Tractenberg

Tickets on sale August 10 @ 12pm

Adult: $48 - $98
Youth: $38

*Above prices include $3 facility fee
*PLUS Additional 6.75% NC sales tax
*All persons must have a ticket, including infants

Some of Lake Norman's top performers, ages 16 to 24, are bringing big hair, big songs, and even bigger talent to Cain Center for the Arts July 28 - August 1 when Davidson Community Players' TS3 stars present the five-time Tony-nominated hit musical "Rock of Ages".

Set on L.A.'s legendary, neon-lit Sunset Strip in the 1980s, the fan-favorite musical features classic hits from Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more. From "Don't Stop Believin'" to "Here I Go Again," the production brings the energy of a true rock concert.

Tickets can only be purchased by going to cainarts.org/rock-of-ages. Additional performance information is available at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org/shows/rock-of-ages. Recommended ages 13 and up.

For our Summer 2026 concert, we present "A Family Affair," a gospel experience featuring 11 exceptional soloists from the greater Charlotte community. This concert allows us to collaborate with some of the city's most gifted and anointed vocalists by highlighting a unique local voice on every selection. We look forward to sharing our music and connecting with the new audience members joining us to support these fantastic guest artists.

Join us for our free, family-friendly Roots in the Garden concert series celebrating live music and community in the heart of Boone!
Closing out the season is TANASI, an award-winning Asheville-based “worldgrass” trio uniting three acclaimed roots artists: Billy Cardine on dobro and slide, MerleFest-winning songwriter Anya Hinkle on vocals and guitar, and Mary Lucey (Biscuit Burners, Uncle Earl) on vocals, upright bass, and clawhammer banjo. Recipients of a 2025 National Endowment for the Arts USArtists International Grant, the trio has performed on stages including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Ryman Auditorium, Bonnaroo, and MerleFest.
* Beer, wine, and food available for purchase. Picnics welcome
* Please note, no dogs or glass containers in the Gardens
* Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating
Presented by Vidalia Restaurant & Wine Bar
The annual concert series also features visual artists, with their work auctioned off at the end of the evening.
Admission is a $5 suggested donation. All proceeds will support the Gardens’ mission to promote the benefits of native plants and healthy ecosystems, and provide a community green space in the heart of the High Country.

Enjoy a summer night at the Duke Mansion and a literary dinner inspired by Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner!

The menu on July 26 includes a Southern surf and turf entree (catfish and braised pork chop) with celery root puree and heirloom carrots, or a vegetarian entrée of wild mushroom risotto with thyme and crispy shallots. Enjoy bourbon pecan pie with toffee ice cream for dessert, plus specialty cocktails and wine throughout the meal.

Seating is limited to 26 guests per night for an intimate experience. Each evening in this summer dinner series features activities that tie to the theme, including readings, music, or a silent movie.

Enter a world where movement creates an experience like no other, where the pointe shoe itself becomes percussion and where every step resonates with rhythm and meaning. This exciting program features the return of Mthuthuzeli November’s From Africa With Love, alongside Artistic Director Alejandro Cerrudo’s Dos y Dos y Dos, the first work he created for Charlotte Ballet. Completing the evening is a new creation by German American duo FLOCK, inspired by the phoenix and humanity’s enduring love of storytelling, exploring themes that continue to resonate across time. Together, these works deliver a captivating performance in an intimate setting alive with energy, emotion, and moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Isn’t it time for a little JOY? “Dauntless: An Ode to 2916” combines theatre, immersive art installations, and music to explore joy as a community shield and a weapon.

The show invites you to explore rituals of joy that float through the history of 2916 Parkway Avenue in Charlotte from 1933 to 2026. Follow the life of Martha’s Daughter and her family. See how joy keeps them together over the decades, even in times of trouble – from birthday parties to dancing in the kitchen at midnight. Immerse yourself in the joy of the big and little moments that bind us and find your own joy along the way.

During this 55-minute show, you’ll walk through an Enderly Park home with just nine other audience members.The performance and show environment will surround you, blurring the lines between audience and participant. Don’t miss this intimate, immersive theatrical experience that promises to wrap you up in that joyful feeling.

See additional show times and dates at the ticket link.

From the award-winning artist collective Mixed Metaphors Productions, co-sponsored with QC Family Tree.

Isn’t it time for a little JOY? “Dauntless: An Ode to 2916” combines theatre, immersive art installations, and music to explore joy as a community shield and a weapon.

The show invites you to explore rituals of joy that float through the history of 2916 Parkway Avenue in Charlotte from 1933 to 2026. Follow the life of Martha’s Daughter and her family. See how joy keeps them together over the decades, even in times of trouble – from birthday parties to dancing in the kitchen at midnight. Immerse yourself in the joy of the big and little moments that bind us and find your own joy along the way.

During this 55-minute show, you’ll walk through an Enderly Park home with just nine other audience members.The performance and show environment will surround you, blurring the lines between audience and participant. Don’t miss this intimate, immersive theatrical experience that promises to wrap you up in that joyful feeling.

See more show dates and times at the link for tickets.

From the award-winning artist collective Mixed Metaphors Productions, co-sponsored with QC Family Tree.

Isn’t it time for a little JOY? “Dauntless: An Ode to 2916” combines theatre, immersive art installations, and music to explore joy as a community shield and a weapon.

The show invites you to explore rituals of joy that float through the history of 2916 Parkway Avenue in Charlotte from 1933 to 2026. Follow the life of Martha’s Daughter and her family. See how joy keeps them together over the decades, even in times of trouble – from birthday parties to dancing in the kitchen at midnight. Immerse yourself in the joy of the big and little moments that bind us and find your own joy along the way.

During this 55-minute show, you’ll walk through an Enderly Park home with just nine other audience members.The performance and show environment will surround you, blurring the lines between audience and participant. Don’t miss this intimate, immersive theatrical experience that promises to wrap you up in that joyful feeling.

See additional show dates and times at the link for tickets.

From the award-winning artist collective Mixed Metaphors Productions, co-sponsored with QC Family Tree.

Isn’t it time for a little JOY? “Dauntless: An Ode to 2916” combines theatre, immersive art installations, and music to explore joy as a community shield and a weapon.

The show invites you to explore rituals of joy that float through the history of 2916 Parkway Avenue in Charlotte from 1933 to 2026. Follow the life of Martha’s Daughter and her family. See how joy keeps them together over the decades, even in times of trouble – from birthday parties to dancing in the kitchen at midnight. Immerse yourself in the joy of the big and little moments that bind us and find your own joy along the way.

During this 55-minute show, you’ll walk through an Enderly Park home with just nine other audience members.The performance and show environment will surround you, blurring the lines between audience and participant. Don’t miss this intimate, immersive theatrical experience that promises to wrap you up in that joyful feeling.

See additional show dates and times at the link for tickets.

From the award-winning artist collective Mixed Metaphors Productions, co-sponsored with QC Family Tree.

Charlotte Writers Club presents Open Mic Night! There are 12 sign up slots for readers, however, there is a waitlist for the day of and we encourage anyone who is interested to come and bring something to read in case there is there is time. Readers must read their original work and will have 7 minutes to read.

To read, please register at: Charlotte Writers Club/Events

This event is FREE to attend, though we request that everyone please purchase something to support our partner, Mugs Coffee.

Wag Fest for a Cause is a free, dog-friendly community event bringing together local families, dog lovers, businesses, and rescue supporters for an afternoon of fun at Zoom Room Huntersville.

Guests can enjoy local vendors, dog games and activities, music, frozen dog treats, pup cups, raffle prizes, giveaways, photo opportunities, and a professional pet photographer offering special portraits for purchase.

The event benefits Sloan & Finn Animal Rescue, a foster-based nonprofit dedicated to helping dogs in need heal, find loving homes, and begin their next chapter.

Admission is free for all guests. Registration is only required for those bringing a dog. All attending dogs must be friendly and comfortable around people and other dogs.

Join us for a fun afternoon while supporting rescue dogs and local businesses in the Huntersville and Lake Norman community.

Meet your next two best friends.....Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson, the dynamic duo leading their fiery hot big band, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra.

Get ready to experience the heart and soul of the Crescent City. Spirit of New Orleans is an electrifying evening of music celebrating one of America's most iconic cultural hubs. Blending the swinging sound of big band with the grooves of funk and blues - and the unmistakable spirit of Mardi Gras - this high-energy show brings New Orleans straight to Morganton!

Led by the charismatic duo Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra delivers a fresh, powerful take on timeless classics and modern favorites, all wrapped in Southern charm and high-octane style. From Bourbon Street to the bayou, Spirit of New Orleans is more than a concert - it's a full-on celebration of rhythm, soul, and joie de vivre.

Laissez les bon temps rouler - let the good times roll!

Tickets on sale August 10 @ 12pm

Adult: $23 - $58
Youth: $13

VIP Pre-show Reception - 5:30pm / Season Pass Required for Entry

*Above prices include $3 facility fee
*PLUS additional 6.75% NC sales tax
*All persons must have a ticket, including infants

Get ready for your next beach adventure! Join local author and professional shell hunter Dr. Ashley Oliphant at 6:30 PM in Drendel Auditorium for a fascinating and fun presentation on finding seashells, spotting shark teeth, and uncovering treasures along the shoreline.

After the program, continue the exploration with special hands-on activities and a chance to roam through CSC’s exciting Dinosaurs! exhibit. It's an evening of discovery perfect for beachcombers, fossil hunters, and curious explorers of all ages!

All ages are invited to join us for an exciting evening with the often overlooked and misunderstood moth!

Did you know North America is home to more than 12,000 species of moths? Compare that to our 800 or so species of butterflies. Not only are moths important pollinators, they are also critical to the food web, especially in their caterpillar state.

Featuring:
* Moth sheeting! Check out moths up close after dark, using special equipment under the guidance of a conservation biologist
* Entomologist talk! Learn how you can help reverse the challenges faced by moths (and all insects)
* Visit with community organizations working to support insects and our ecosystem
* Purchase native plants to support moths and other insects at your home

No registration required, but if you would like to be notified of changes due to inclement weather, register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992369592083

Suggested donation: $5 per person. All proceeds will benefit the Gardens, a 501(c)(3) organization

Thank you to the community partners that will be joining us:
DarkSky NC
Xerces Society
Bug Lovers Native Plants

Sovereignty
Written by Mary Kathryn Nagle

Directed by Caroline Dunn
https://www.threebonetheatre.com/events/2526/sovereignty

Starring
Nathan Ahlgrim* is Mitch/Samuel Worcester
Lance Claymore* is John Ridge
Ryan Dunn* is Chorus Man
Marco Fuller* is Major Ridge/Rodger Ridge Polson
Mvnte July* is John Ross/Jim Ross
Keely Kidwell* is Sarah Bird Northrup/Flora Ridge
Billie Merritt* is Sarah Ridge Polson
Josh Orsi* is Elias Boudinot/Watie
Kyle Riggs* is Andrew Jackson/Ben
*denotes Three Bone Theatre debut

August 21-September 6, 2026
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.​

Performances will be held at
Arts Factory
1545 W. Trade St

About the Show
In present-day Oklahoma, a young Cherokee lawyer, Sarah Ridge Polson, and her colleague Jim Ross defend the inherent jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation in the U.S. Supreme Court when a non-Indian defendant challenges the Nation’s authority to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence. Their collaboration is juxtaposed with scenes from 1835, when the Cherokee Nation was eight hundred miles to the east in the southern Appalachians. That year, Sarah’s and Jim’s ancestors, historic Cherokee rivals, were bitterly divided over a proposed treaty with the administration of Andrew Jackson, the Treaty of New Echota, which led to the nation’s removal to Oklahoma on the infamous Trail of Tears.
A direct descendant of nineteenth-century Cherokee leaders John Ridge and Major Ridge, Mary Kathryn Nagle has penned a play that twists and turns from violent outbursts to healing monologues, illuminating a provocative double meaning for the sovereignty of both tribal territory and women’s bodies. Taking as its point of departure the story of one lawyer’s passionate defense of the rights of her people to prosecute non-natives who commit crimes on reservations, Sovereignty opens up into an expansive exploration of the circular continuity of history, human memory, and the power of human relationships.

Community Partner Organizations: Safe Alliance, Museum of the Cherokee People

""One of the most necessary plays ever written." - TRIBAL COLLEGE: JOURNAL OF AMERICAN INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

“Fundamental and revelatory.” -GLORIA STEINEM


“The parallels between the past and present in this play are beautiful and heart-wrenching, often at the same time. It unpacks this world of dualities—Cherokee and White, past and future, Ross and Ridge. It’s an amazing journey. ” - MARYLAND THEATER GUIDEå

Join Clara on her most magical journey, when a mysterious nutcracker springs into action and whisks her away on an unforgettable adventure to the dazzling Land of Sweets. Brimming with beauty, enchantment, and holiday joy, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker is set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. This heartwarming tradition is a celebration of how imagination can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.