School’s out for summer, but our curriculum of culture and entertainment is as active as ever. And so is the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra with multiple events coming up over the next several days. Here’s this week’s syllabus:
Harry Potter + Charlotte Symphony Orchestra*
Harry, Hermione, and Ron are back on the big screen with the CSO! You can relive their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in high definitionat Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte). Featuring an all-star cast and brilliant special effects, director Chris Columbus’ 2002 blockbuster will be accompanied by the live orchestra performing John Williams’ unforgettable score. June 6-7.
Uncorking the Summer Pops
Pack up your lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and Chardonnay. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s* annual Summer Pops series gets underway this Sunday, June 8th at Symphony Park (4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte). The 2025 season begins with “Classical’s Greatest Hits,” an evening of memorable masterpieces and melodies that even the most casual music fans will recognize from movies, commercials, and pop culture. The prelude performance with guitarist Josh Daniel starts at 7:00 p.m., and the CSO goes on at 8:15 p.m. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. so you can set up your picnic spot on the lawn. Food trucks will also be on site. Tickets are cheaper if you buy them in advance so don’t wait. June 8.
The Queen of Rock & Roll in the Queen City
Blumenthal Arts* is bringing TINA: The Tina Turner Musical to the Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte) for eight performances. From her humble Tennessee beginnings, Tina Turner broke societal barriers and endured gut-wrenching hardships to become one of the most influential performers in the history of rock & roll. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, Turner’s incredible comeback story is told to the beat of her own iconic hit songs. June 10-15.
CSO Roadshow
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* is once again packing up its mobile stage and taking the show on the road to neighborhoods across the city. All month long, the CSO Roadshow will pull up to various locations for lively and free performances the whole family will enjoy. Here’s where they’ll be over the next week:
- Tuesday, June 10th
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Stumptown Park, Matthews - Wednesday, June 11th
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Town Green in Davidson - Thursday, June 12th
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
University Park Creative Arts Elementary
Bear With Us
Did you know the largest concentration of black bears on the planet lives on the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula in eastern North Carolina? They’re also the biggest black bears in the world! The 11th annual National Black Bear Festival in historic Plymouth is the perfect opportunity to learn all about these fascinating creatures. Set along the banks of the Roanoke River, the festival includes a full slate of ursine-themed tours and events, live entertainment and demonstrations, water activities, Kid’s Zone, food vendors, and even a “Run with the Bears” 5K. (No actual bears will be running with you.) June 6-7.
Across the Carolinas
- Southeastern Piano Festival: Five-day piano institute (6/6-6/10), followed by piano competition (6/11-6/14), and public performances throughout. Hosted by the University of South Carolina School of Music in Columbia. June 6-14.
- 53rd Annual Mount Airy Blue Grass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention: Two days of traditional music performances and workshops at Veterans Memorial Park (691 W. Lebanon Street, Mount Airy, North Carolina). June 6-7.
- Ag + Art Tour of York County: Self-guided tour of farms across York County, South Carolina with local artisans, farmer’s markets, and live music. June 7-8.
- Carolina Beach Music Festival: Billed as “the biggest and only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the North Carolina coast.” Beach music (The Tams, Band of Oz, Jim Quick & the Coastline) on Saturday; reggae on Sunday. Carolina Beach, North Carolina. June 7-8.
Swing by next week for even more sounds, sights, and bites from the mountains to the sea. And remember that plenty of fun and engaging activities pop up every day on the WDAV Events Calendar.
*Disclosure: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Blumenthal Arts are WDAV underwriters.