Blumenthal Arts Center

The basics

The main venue at the Blumenthal Arts Center is the Belk Theater, a 2,118-seat performance hall reminiscent of an opera house. Theatergoers tend to love the space’s intimacy, as even the most distant seat is less than 135 feet (41 meters) from the stage.

The Belk Theater hosts the Blumenthal’s larger shows, such as the regular Broadway series, while the smaller theaters offer more avant-garde and regional acts. In addition to catching a show, you can see the center on some sightseeing tours, as it’s one of the main arts venues in the Queen City.

Things to know before you go

• Tickets, especially for shows at the Belk, can sell out quickly, so try to reserve well in advance.

• No outside food or drinks are allowed in the theater, though concessions are available (you can also pre-order with the venue’s app).

• Wheelchair assistance, booster seats, and infrared listening systems are available; ask the staff about these services.

How to get there

For guests who are driving, the arts center has a designated parking garage, providing discounted parking with the Blumenthal exit pass (which can be purchased at the theater or with tickets). Otherwise, the CTC/Arena Light Rail Station drops riders off about a block from the theater entrance.

When to get there

The Blumenthal Arts Center is typically only open to the public before, during, and immediately after shows. If you have tickets, aim to arrive about 30 minutes before the show begins. That’ll leave enough time for parking, navigating the theater, finding your seats, and visiting the concession stand or restrooms.

Make a night of it

Uptown Charlotte is a fabulous neighborhood for dinner and show. Here’s how to make it fancy: Dine beforehand at one of the nearby restaurants with complimentary valet parking, or use the theater’s parking—look for a table near coat check to validate for the discount. Pre-order your drinks via the app for intermission, and give yourself a standing O.