Events at AOA

Arts of the Albemarle hosts events focused on performing and visual arts, including things like free concerts in our gallery, main stage shows in the Maguire Theater, exhibitions, workshops, classes, fundraisers, and more.

Browse our full calendar to plan your visit or scroll down to what’s upcoming!

Planning to attend an AOA event? Make a day out of it and explore the area. Find all you need to know in the KAYAK Elizabeth City Travel Guide!

Upcoming Events at AOA

Open Studio

Wednesdays, from 1-4 PM
AOA Madrin Studio
Artists of all ages, mediums, and skill levels are invite to work independently in a group setting in AOA’s weekly Open Studio. Make friends, spark new collaborations, and more. Tables are provided, simply bring your supplies and get to work!

Free Admission
Home for the Holidays: A Musical Theatre Review

December 21, 2024 at 7 PM
Maguire Theater
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 day-of

Join a cast of familiar faces—some local and others who have returned home for the holidays—as they bring you a fun-filled night of their favorite musical theatre selections. This one-night performance is something you won't want to miss!

Get Your Tickets
Fourth Friday Social Dance with Chuck Wills

Friday, January 24, 2024 from 7-8:30 PM
Madrin Studio, 115 N Poindexter St.
Free
Join us every fourth Friday for a night of social dancing extravaganza, brought to you by Chuck Wills in partnership with Arts of the Albemarle. Whether you're a seasoned pro or taking your first steps onto the dance floor, everyone is welcome!
Experience the joy of movement with a free dance class from 7:00-8:00 PM, perfect for beginners looking to learn the basics. Then, let loose and show off your moves during the open dance floor, from 8-8:30.

Pay at the Door
3rd Annual Battle of the Bands

January 18, 2025, 7-10 PM
Tickets: coming soon
Conceived in 2023, AOA’s Annual Battle of the Bands invites local and regional original groups to compete in a live face-off for a winning title and a prize that includes a recording session and marketing package.
Submissions are open until November 25th for bands to apply to participate in the live battle in the Maguire Theater.

Enter Your Band
Third Thursday Jazz with The Harbormen

December 19, 2024 from 6-8 PM
AOA Gallery
Free to Attend
AOA's Third Thursday series is a free community cultural event series. For December, stay cozy with a beverage in hand as you enjoy a lineup of Christmas, funk, and Motown tunes by the local jazz quartet The Harbormen.
The Harbormen is a 4 piece jazz combo comprised of Noah Warren (Double Bass), Harrison Bronson (Electric Guitar), Gavin Whitehurst (Alto Saxophone), and Cooper Lazar (Drum Set). Many of the members have had live band experience in bands such as Permanent Vacation and 100 Proof. Based out of Camden, NC, they specialize in jazz standards with a laid back feel.

Free to Attend

Annual Fundraising Gala
February 15, 2025

Each year, this fun-for-all event takes on a different theme, including past galas like AOA Goes West and A Night in Vegas.
The celebration stretches throughout the first two floors of our building with activities, music, live and silent auctions, food
and beverages, and more.

Stay tuned to learn more about the 2025 event.

April 2025

The Art Tour of Homes pairs regional artists with participating home-owners in a selected neighborhood, opening those homes up to the public for one day only. The tour offers attendees an exclusive look at some of our city’s most beautiful architecture and provides opportunities for creative inspiration and purchasing new original art.

Stay tuned to learn more about the 2025 event.

River City Rhythm & Brews
October 5, 2024

Arts of the Albemarle's much-anticipated Rhythm & Brews craft beer festival fundraiser returns for 2024, this year featuring 20+ beers, wines, ciders, and seltzers from local breweries and regional distributors, all enjoyed alongside live music by the band Baker Street. The fest will take place adjacent to AOA, on N. Poindexter Street.

Tickets are $25 for members/military (call us at (252) 777-2798 to get your discount code) and $30 for general admission when purchased in advance, or $35 for all parties the day of the event. A ticket gets you a complimentary mini tasting mug and access to tasting pours of all beverage offerings. Non-drinking attendees and designated drivers may enter at no charge.