Now that summer is in the rear-view mirror and fall is upon us (it’ll cool down eventually), the number of events and performances is really starting to ramp up. September has only just begun and it’s already a busy month. But it’s the fun kind of busy, so let’s “fall” into FanFare!
Boul in Blowing Rock
The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock) just opened the new exhibition in its Atwell Gallery called “Jack Boul: Land, City, Home.” The Brooklyn-born Boul (1927–2024) was a painter, printmaker, and sculptor who spent much of his career in Washington, D.C. and had a connection to Blowing Rock’s Camp Catawba, where he first encountered the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Boul’s work captured the quiet rhythms of life in urban, agrarian, and domestic landscapes. Through March 7, 2026.
CSO Roadshow
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* is warming up for the 2025-26 season with another series of CSO Roadshow concerts. The mobile stage will be rolling into neighborhoods across the city for free performances the whole family will enjoy. Here’s where it will be over the next week:
- Thursday, September 4th
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Whitehall Corporate Center, Charlotte - Friday, September 5th
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
University Park Creative Arts School - Saturday, September 6th
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Mayfield Baptist Church, Charlotte - Sunday, September 7th
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
McCrorey YMCA, Charlotte
Pergolesi and Purcell
North Carolina Baroque Orchestra Chamber Players with special guests Sarah Lynch, soprano and Charles Humphries, countertenor will be performing Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and songs by Henry Purcell at three area churches this weekend. The concerts are free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Here’s the schedule:
- Friday, September 5th at 7 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Church
426 Oakland Avenue
Rock Hill, SC - Saturday, September 6th at 7 p.m.
Matthews Presbyterian Church
207 W. John Street
Matthews, NC - Sunday, September 7th at 3 p.m.
Davidson College Presbyterian Church
100 N. Main Street
Davidson, NC
What’s Up, Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are back on the case as the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem presents the thrilling, laugh-out-loud adventure, Moriarty, at Hanesbrands Theater (209 N. Spruce Street, Winston-Salem). With just five actors playing over 40 roles, Holmes and Watson join forces with American actress Irene Adler to take down criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty and his international network of spies in a race to save the world. 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $14.50 to $27.00. September 5 – 7, 11 – 14.
Moussaka, Souvlaki, Tzatziki, Oh My!
Arguably the best eating experience in Charlotte, the annual Yiasou Greek Festival returns to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (600 East Boulevard, Charlotte), September 5th through 7th. Started in 1978, it has grown to become one of the Queen City’s largest cultural events. The three-day celebration of all things Hellenic features authentic Greek cuisine and homemade pastries, live music and dancing, wine tastings, art, shopping, and more. Did I mention the food? September 5-7.
Record Sale
WDAV is hosting a Record Sale at Book Buyers (3040 Eastway Drive B, Charlotte) on Saturday, September 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Yes, there will be real vinyl albums available along with CDs in all genres. So, if your classical music collection missing a few essentials, or you’re looking for something completely different, come see us! September 6.
Symphonic Stretching
Downward dog with Debussy? The Winston-Salem Symphony* is hosting OM: Yoga with the Symphony at Reynolds Auditorium (301 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem) on Saturday, September 6th at 11 a.m. This unique yoga class for all skill levels will be set to some relaxing sounds played by flutist Debi Pivetta and harpist Grace Ludtke of the WSS. Tickets are $40 and the class is limited to 40 participants. September 6.
Creative Concord
The City of Concord and Cabarrus Arts Council are presenting Art Walk on Union in downtown Concord from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 6th. It’s an all-day festival for artists and makers to sell their handmade artwork. You’ll be able to browse an array of goods all crafted by local talent. Admission is free. September 6.
Saturday Night Style
ArtPop’s 5th Annual Upcycled Fashion Show lands at Blume Studios (904 Post Street, Charlotte) on Saturday, September 6th from 6 to 9 p.m. This art-filled spin on a runway fashion show focuses on local creativity and environmental sustainability. The event will feature guest speakers, live art auctions, and multiple pieces of locally crafted upcycled fashion. You’ll even see retired ArtPop billboards transformed into wearable works of art by talented local designers and models commissioned to bring the bold, eco-conscious visions to life. September 6.
Running After Dark
United Way of Forsyth County is hosting its 15th Annual Moonlight Madness 5K and Family Fun Run at Bailey Park (445 Patterson Avenue, Winston-Salem) on Saturday, September 6th. The evening races are open to everyone from beginners to elite competitors with four separate events, including a timed Monster Mile, a Two-Headed Monster Challenge, and an untimed mile family fun run/walk. The highlight of the evening is the timed 5K run/walk. Food trucks and family-friendly activities will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m., along with craft beer and music at 6 p.m. September 6.
An Evening of Ella
Middle C Jazz (300 S. Brevard Street, Charlotte) presents Jazz Legacy with Justin Varnes: The Music of Ella Fitzgerald featuring Maria Howell on Sunday, September 7th at 6 p.m. The show includes many of Fitzgerald’s iconic songs such as “A Tisket, A Tasket,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Summertime,” but also explores the great singer’s life and context within American history. Vocalist Maria Howell is backed by Justin Varnes (drums and narration), Noel Freidline (piano), John Sandfort (tenor saxophone), and Kevin Smith (acoustic bass). September 7.
It’s Showtime…
Blumenthal Arts*is bringing the Broadway musical version of Beetlejuice to Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte) for eight performances, including two matinees, September 9th through 14th. Tim Burton’s original 1988 filmis one of the movies (along with The Addams Family) that I insist on watching every Halloween, so I’ll have to check out the stage production. September 9-14.
Gladys Knight Tribute
Blumenthal Arts* is also presentingsinger Lauren Jade in her widely acclaimed show, The Midnight Train: A Tribute to Gladys Knight at the intimate Stage Door Theater (155 N. College Street, Charlotte) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10th. The talented Ms. Jade performs Gladys Knights’ biggest hits, including “Neither One of Us,” “If I Were Your Woman,” and “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Hoo-hoo! September 10.
Popcorn and Pipe Organs
WDAV’s Reel Music Film Series is once again merging classical music and movies at Independent Picture House (4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte) on Wednesday, September 10th at 7 p.m. This time, we’ll enjoy a screening of the wildly entertaining 2019 documentary Pipe Dreams, which follows a group of young organists as they compete in the prestigious Canadian International Organ Competition. Tickets are $10. September 10.
Looking ahead a bit, Organ at Davidson*, now in its 20th season, is hosting an afternoon of silent movies at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 14th at Davidson College Presbyterian Church (100 N. Main Street, Davidson). Organist Dorothy Papadakos will accompany three classic Charlie Chaplin films. Admission is free and there will be snacks! September 14.
Film in Full Bloom
Speaking of movies, the Iredell Arts Council is presenting the Full Bloom Film Festival 2025, a celebration of independent cinema at venues throughout historic downtown Statesville, North Carolina. The festival begins Wednesday, September 10th with a showing of 1985’s The Goonies, and runs through Sunday the 13th. Enjoy screenings of 46 films from 17 countries, filmmaker Q&As, red carpet events, VIP parties, and more. September 10-13.
More Festivals!
- NC Mountain State Fair: Held in Fletcher, it’s the third largest fair in North Carolina. Celebrate the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains with agriculture, music, art, food, and more. September 5-14.
- Uniquely Union Festival: Family fun, live music, and the 25th Annual BBQ Cook-Off on Main Street in downtown Union, South Carolina. September 5-6.
- Caldwell Arts Annual Sculpture Celebration: Nationally recognized sculpture exhibit, competition, and sale at Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir, North Carolina. Food trucks and live music. September 6.
- Art in the Park: A juried arts & craft show featuring 50+ regional artists in downtown Blowing Rock, North Carolina. All artists will have work for sale. September 6.
- 12th Annual NC Food Truck State Championship: Judged food truck competition held on Commerce Square in downtown Randleman, North Carolina. Live music, activities and, of course, food. September 6.
- Sky High Aerospace Expo: Two-days of aviation-related fun, including thrilling air shows, at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport in Maxton, North Carolina. Get up close with incredible aircraft, from massive planes to high-tech drones and futuristic flying machines. September 6-7.
- Antlers & Acorns – The Boone Songwriters Festival: A gathering and celebration of folk musicians, songwriters, and storytellers in Boone, North Carolina. September 10-13.
That’s a lot, but I’ll be back with even more FanFare next week. As always, you can see what else is coming up on the WDAV Events Calendar.
*Disclosure: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Winston-Salem Symphony, Blumenthal Arts, and Organ at Davidson are WDAV underwriters.