Historic Carolina Theatre to reopen in Charlotte after 46 years
The Carolina Theatre, closed since 1978, reopens on March 24 after a $90 million restoration, bringing culture, performances, and community events back to Uptown.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After nearly five decades of sitting vacant, the Carolina Theatre, a historic cornerstone of Charlotte’s cultural scene, is preparing for a grand reopening.
The beloved venue, which closed its doors in 1978, will officially open to the public on March 24. It marks a new chapter in its storied history.
The Carolina Theatre first opened in 1927 and was once the heart of Charlotte’s entertainment and cultural life before closing down.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bringing theatrical nostalgia back with the Carolina Theatre
Fast forward to 2012, the city of Charlotte gifted the venue to the “Foundation for the Carolinas” for just $1, an act that set the stage for its long-awaited restoration.
A $90 million philanthropic campaign followed, aiming to breathe new life into the space while preserving its historic character.
Construction began in 2017, and after years of dedication and hard work, the Carolina Theatre is finally ready to welcome guests once more.
The grand reopening will take place on Monday, March 24, at 3 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the festivities. The event will be followed by free open house tours until 7 p.m.
The first major event at the theatre will be a special performance by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra on Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. The orchestra gave its inaugural performance at the Carolina Theatre 93 years ago on March 20, 1932.
Then, on Saturday, March 29 at 8 p.m., the Carolina Theatre will host its first ticketed event in nearly five decades: Local and Grammy Award-winning musicians Mark and Maggie O’Connor.
Organizers say the reopening of the Carolina Theatre is not just about restoring a historic venue — it’s about creating a space that brings the community together.
“As a community-first nonprofit theatre, it’s important everyone – no matter who you are or where you come from – feels welcome at the Carolina Theatre from day one,” Sean Seifert, the Carolina Theatre’s executive director, said. “We’re deeply rooted in Charlotte’s history like few other places, and now we’re investing in our community’s future.”
The venue will also be used for films, concerts, town halls and community events.
Audiences can purchase tickets for future events at the Carolina Theatre on the official website.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.