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

Select Wednesdays, from 1-4 PM
AOA Madrin Studio
Through June, July, and August, Open Studio will be held twice a month, on the dates outlined below. The first Open Studio session of each month will be regular Open Studio—bring your supplies and work independently in a group setting. The second Open Studio session of each month will be multifaceted, where you can participate for free as usual or draw/paint from a live model for a minimum $5 donation to the model.
Jun 11- regular OS
Jun 25- regular OS/live model
Jul 9- regular OS
Jul 16- regular OS/live model
Aug 13-regular OS
Aug 27- regular OS/live model

Free Admission
Chicago the Musical

July 10-12, 2025
Tickets coming soon
AOA is thrilled for the return of community theatre to the Maguire with a production of “Chicago.” This Broadway classic takes place in the roaring 20s and follows the story of Roxie Hart, a wanna be vaudeville star. The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice.

Tickets Coming Soon
Chatham Rabbits in Concert with The Bee Keepers

Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 7 PM
The Maguire Theater
Tickets: $25 per person or $250 for a table (seats 8)
Chatham Rabbits's Sarah and Austin McCombie bring a sound that will delight lovers of Folk, Americana, Indie, and Bluegrass genres alike. The life and growth of the NC-based duo is reflected across their four studio albums, which feature poetic lyrics and a sound that brings to mind summer breezes, heart-to-heart front porch chats, and views of the Carolina mountains.
Opening the show is the local Indie Folk duo and AOA's 2025 Battle of the Bands winner, The Bee Keepers.

Get Your Tickets
Third Thursday Music

Thursday, August 21, 6-8 PM
AOA Gallery
AOA's Third Thursday series offers free cultural events like dancing and live music for the community to enjoy. Join us again in August for Third Thursday Music, following a brief pause in programming for the earlier part of the summer.

Free Admission

It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere!

Annual Fundraising Gala Presented by Hockmeyer
February 15, 2025, 6-9 PM

Stay tuned for information on our 2026 fundraiser.

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 2026 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.