The 2024 guide to fall arts in Charlotte: Film festival, symphony gala + classic plays
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Charlotte Observer Fall Arts Guide 2024
The Observer’s annual guide to the latest arts and culture season highlights returning favorites as well as new exhibitions, events and performances.
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We’ve compiled a list of arts events taking place in Charlotte this fall, from festivals and concerts to art exhibits, immersive experiences and much more.
Here’s everything you need to know about attending Charlotte’s fall arts events.
Important: Whenever possible, please check the website for each event or venue prior to heading out to verify hours of operation (which can change) and to learn more about rain dates for outdoor events.
‘Charlotte: Moving Forward, Looking Back’
The museum’s current exhibition “Charlotte: Moving Forward, Looking Back,” tells the story of Charlotte from Native and early European settlement to today.
▪ When: On exhibit now
▪ Where: Levine Museum of the New South, 401 S. Tryon St. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Admission is free.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
‘Grace For President’
The story follows a third grader who asks, during a history lesson on U.S. presidents, “Where are the girls?” Frustrated, she launches her own political career with a run for class president.
▪ When: Oct. 19 to Nov. 3
▪ Where: Wells Fargo Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Ticket prices range $20-$33.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
‘1984’
An adaptation of the George Orwell novel, it centers on a futuristic society where citizens are under constant surveillance by a totalitarian regime.
▪ When: Oct. 25 to Nov. 10
▪ Where: Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Ticket prices range $20-$34.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
‘From the Heart: The John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African American Art’
The Gantt Center’s is showcasing “From the Heart: The John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African American Art,” a display of over 60 pieces from the Hewitt Collection, through Jan. 20, 2025. This exhibition highlights the impact of John and Vivian Hewitt’s passion for preserving and promoting Black Art.
▪ When: Through Jan. 20, 2025
▪ Where: The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St. in Charlotte.
▪ Tickets: Ticket prices range from $7 to$9.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
‘Chance Encounters: Surrealism Then and Now’
“Chance Encounters: Surrealism Then and Now,” features works from the Bechtler’s permanent collection alongside pieces that were acquired for the installation. By juxtaposing pieces across different mediums and styles, “Chance Encounters” highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of artistic creation.
▪ When: Through March 2, 2025
▪ Where: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Ticket prices range from $5 to$10.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
Charlotte International Arts Festival
Get ready for Dutch Birdmen, a circus from Africa, homegrown activities like UNC Charlotte’s International Festival, and artists and performers from over 45 countries as Blumenthal Arts’ Charlotte International Arts Festival returns to the area.
▪ When: Sept. 13-29
▪ Where: Various locations, stretching from uptown to Ballantyne
▪ Tickets: There are 130 free events, while others require paid tickets. Tickets can be purchased on the festival website. Event prices range from $10 to $122.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
“Space Explorers: The Infinite.”
Blumenthal Arts new immersive space, Blume Studios, will take people to space, or more precisely, the International Space Station via its debut exhibit, the virtual reality program “Space Explorers: The Infinite.”
▪ When: Sept. 20-Nov. 10
▪ Where: The Iron District, 904 Post St. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Tickets start at $29.95 and can be purchased on the event website. A few days are already sold out. Children younger than 8 are not allowed at the event, and children ages 8 to 12 must be accompanied by a person 14 years or older.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
The Charlotte Film Festival
Following the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival and Charlotte Latino Film Festival, the 2024 Charlotte Film Festival lineup will include an extensive selection of animated shorts, documentary features and narrative features for big screen enthusiasts.
▪ When: Sept. 24-29
▪ Where: The Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh St. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Single tickets are $12, and ticket packs range from $45 to $70.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
CharlOz: Wizard of Oz Festival
The Queen City will become the Emerald City this month with Charlotte’s inaugural “Wizard of Oz” literary arts festival for all ages.
One of the top draws at the event is ”Wicked” author Gregory Maguire, who is giving a talk Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. And Gita Dorothy Morena (great-granddaughter of L. Frank Baum, author of the Oz books), will share family stories on Sept. 29 at 2:15 p.m. “The Wizard of Oz in Concert,” a film showing with The Charlotte Symphony’s live orchestra, will be held Sept. 27 and 28, both at 7:30 p.m.
▪ When: Sept. 26-29
▪ Where: Various locations. Maguire and Morena’s talks will both be held at the Knight Theater at 430 S Tryon St. in Charlotte. “The Wizard of Oz in Concert “ symphony event will be held at Belk Theater at 130 N Tryon St.
▪ Tickets: Most events are free, but require registration in advance. Attendees can register on the festival website. Tickets for the concert range from $15 to$160.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
Mad About Modern home tour
The annual Mad About Modern home tour celebrates authentic mid-century and mid-century modern-inspired homes throughout the Charlotte region.
▪ When: Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m.
▪ Where: Kickoff at Petit Philippe Fine Wine, 4001 Park Rd. in Charlotte; Tour can start at any of the homes
▪ Tickets: Kickoff tickets cost $25, tour tickets cost $38, VIP tour and kickoff cost $150
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
‘Beyond the Surface’
South African-born and London-based choreographer Mthuthuzeli November returns with a new creation, among three featured during the season opener “Beyond the Surface.” His piece has a working title called “Vibes.”
▪ When: Oct. 4-26
▪ Where: Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance, 701 N Tryon St. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Ticket prices range from $32 to $107.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra gala and concert
The symphony’s annual gala and concert will be led by Conductor Laureate Christopher Warren-Green, and the CSP will be joined by Sphinx Virtuosi, the chamber orchestra of the Sphinx Organization. The Detroit non-profit is dedicated to social justice by expanding representation and celebrating excellence in classical music.
▪ When: Oct. 9
▪ Where: Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Ticket prices range from $16-$174.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
‘Southern/Modern’
“Southern/Modern” is coming to Mint Museum Uptown. The Mint describes it as “the first exhibition to present a comprehensive survey of works by artists working in the American South in the first half of the 20th century.”
▪ When: Oct. 26 to Feb. 2, 2025
▪ Where: Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Ticket prices range from $10 to $15.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
‘Boys to Baghdad’
The play delves into the lives of several young men from different walks of life who find themselves in the heart of the Iraq War.
▪ When: Nov. 8-10
▪ Where: The Parr Center at Central Piedmont Community College, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Ticket prices range from $19 to$32.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’
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.
▪ When: Nov. 8-24
▪ Where: The Arts Factory at West End Studios, 1545 W. Trade St. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Ticket prices range from $15 to $35.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
‘Becoming Jane’
Discovery Place Science uptown offers “Becoming Jane,” an exhibit that celebrates renowned primatologist Jane Goodall and her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees, plus her global conservation efforts.
▪ When: Starting Nov. 16
▪ Where: Discovery Place Science, 168 W 6th St. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Tickets for regular museum admission range from $18 to$23.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
‘A Christmas Carol’
Take a trip through time with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they work to warm old Ebenezer Scrooge’s heart.
▪ When: Dec. 6-15
▪ Where: Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. in Charlotte
▪ Tickets: Ticket prices range from $20 to$34.
▪ Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
How to see Broadway shows with Charlotte ties this fall
If you’re heading to the Big Apple this fall, check out these Broadway shows with ties to the Queen City:
“Tammy Faye:” Elton John’s musical about the late Charlotte-area televangelist and gay icon Tammy Faye Bakker is coming to Broadway this fall.
- Where: Palace Theatre, 160 W. 47th St. in New York City
- When: Performances begin Oct. 19
- Tickets: Prices start at $59.75.
- Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
Avett Brothers musical “Swept Away”: The musical from the folk-rock band The Avett Brothers, a group from Charlotte, explores the extreme measures taken by survivors of a 19th century shipwreck to stay alive, and whether there’s any possibility of grace for the whaling ship’s captain, his mate and two brothers.
- Where: Longacre Theatre, 220 W. 48th St. in New York City
- When: Performances begin Oct. 29
- Tickets: Prices start at $54.
- Info: charlotteobserver.com/entertainment
More arts coverage
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And to find all of our Fall Arts Guide stories in one place, visit charlotteobserver.com/topics/charlotte-fall-arts-guide.
This story was originally published September 5, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "The 2024 guide to fall arts in Charlotte: Film festival, symphony gala + classic plays."
