Around Town

Explore the $90M revival of the Carolina Theatre and upcoming events

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

The Carolina Theatre’s stunning $90 million restoration has revived Charlotte's historic arts stage after almost fifty years. The grand reopening featured the Charlotte Symphony and soprano Renée Fleming, reconnecting the venue with its roots from their 1932 debut. Classic events like the upcoming 60th anniversary sing-along of “The Sound of Music” pay tribute to its famed movie runs and rich legacy, which includes icons from Elvis Presley to Broadway stars.

The theater now blends history with modern luxury—offering banquette bench seating, advanced projection, and diverse programming, like intimate concerts with artists such as David Foster and Katharine McPhee. As the venue hosts more events, its restored architecture and evolving sound system draw both nostalgia and fresh excitement to uptown Charlotte.

The original facade for the Carolina Theater sits inside the lobby in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The facade was found in pieces and restored. By KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH

NO. 1: AFTER 47 YEARS AND $90 MILLION RENOVATION, NEW CAROLINA THEATRE SETS DATE FOR ITS DEBUT

After eight years of renovation, uptown’s Carolina Theatre will reopen this month with a special performance. | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Desiree Mathurin

A look a the remodeled Carolina Theater in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, December 5, 2024. By KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH

NO. 2: A FEW BIG NAMES HAVE STARTED TO POP UP ON HISTORIC CAROLINA THEATRE’S CONCERT SCHEDULE

As the event schedule for the newly restored venue in uptown Charlotte slowly, finally begins to take shape, there so far seems to be a definite emphasis on one thing: keeping it classy. | Published February 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Théoden Janes

An art installation by Spencer Finch at the Carolina Theater in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. By KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH

NO. 3: CELEBRATING ‘A PIECE OF CHARLOTTE HISTORY’ AT THE $90M REOPENING OF CAROLINA THEATRE

After 47 years, the historic venue celebrated its grand re-opening with a ribbon-cutting, trips down memory lane and a hope for more to come. | Published March 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Desiree Mathurin

Outside Carolina Theatre on Feb. 10, 1956, for Elvis Presley’s show in Charlotte.

NO. 4: ELVIS, VAUDEVILLE AND ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’: INSIDE CAROLINA THEATRE’S HISTORY

The uptown Charlotte landmark recently reopened after a $90-million renovation. We looked back at its colorful past. | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Adam Bell

Attendees looks on duing the ‘Music with friends’ concert at Carolina Theatre, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Observer/Matt Kelley)

NO. 5: REVIEW: CAROLINA THEATRE IS OFF TO A BEAUTIFUL START, WITH PERHAPS ONE EXCEPTION

On Tuesday night, I made my first visit to the newly restored historic venue at Belk Place in uptown Charlotte. I have mostly good news to share about it. | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Théoden Janes

Maria (Julie Andrews) and the von Trapp children in “The Sound of Music.”

NO. 6: CHARLOTTE WILL BE ALIVE AGAIN WITH ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ MOVIE AT CAROLINA THEATRE

Exclusive: The classic movie is returning to mark its 60th anniversary. It had a record 79-week run the last time it was at the theater. | Published June 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Adam Bell

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.