Culture Blocks connects communities with responsive arts, science, and history experiences close to where residents live. The program engages with creative individuals and organizations with a primary mission of arts, science, and/or history to present programs in specific geographic areas. Culture Blocks, funded by Mecklenburg County, supports cultural experiences that are planned with resident involvement and/or take place at libraries, recreation centers, parks, and relevant community spaces. Interested in becoming a Culture Blocks provider? Learn more.
Upcoming Programs
All the events, classes, and workshops listed below are FREE thanks to the generous financial support of Mecklenburg County
Presented by Drums4Life
When: Saturdays, through June 29 (12pm)
Where: Hickory Grove Rec Center (6709 Pence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215)
Provide participants with empowering tools for healing through individual and group drumming.
The foundation of a person’s life is the heart and the healthier the heartbeat, the better we feel. Each one walks with a unique rhythm as the heart beats. The drum allows us to explore our inner voice and express our unique rhythm in a fully engaged manner. Through individual and group drumming, we want participants to connect on a deeper level with their inner life force and embrace the interdependence of our global community.
Presented by B Music Youth
When: Tuesdays (5:30pm & 6:30pm) through June 29
Where: Northern Regional Rec Center (18121 Old Statesville Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031)
When: Thursdays (5:30pm & 6:30pm) through June 29
Where: Eastway Regional Rec Center (3150 Eastway Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213)
This program serves youth ages 5 to 18 and provides them with the FUNdamentals of music education and mentorship through free weekly group piano classes.
Presented by Charlotte Cirque and Dance Center
When: Monday, July 1 through Friday, July 26
Where: Berewick Recreation Center (5910 Dixie River Rd., Charlotte, NC 28278)
Ages 6 -18. This circus & dance camp is recreational with no experience required. Campers will have instruction in dance, acrobatics, and aerial dance. There will be a short show and tell performance at 7:30pm each Friday where campers can show what they have learned and you can take photos and video.
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Tuesdays (2:15 p.m.) from July 2 – September 24.
Where: Tyvola Senior Center (2225 Tyvola Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210)
This class is designed for senior adults to improve flexibility, breath, balance, mobility and fluidity by exploring various elements of ballet, jazz, modern and improvisation. Participants can choose to take the class seated, standing or a combination of both!
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Tuesdays (11 a.m.) from July 2 – September 24.
Where: Sugaw Creek Rec Center (943 West Sugar Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213)
This class is designed for senior adults to improve flexibility, breath, balance, mobility and fluidity by exploring various elements of ballet, jazz, modern and improvisation. Participants can choose to take the class seated, standing or a combination of both!
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Wednesdays (1 p.m.) from July 3 through September 25
Where: Virtual
This class explores movement and creativity in an inviting and open environment for dancers of all abilities and disabilities. Participants benefit from improved strength, flexibility and stamina. To receive the Zoom link, please email jdomini@charlotteballet.org.
Presented by Dapper Street Productions
When: July 3, July 24, August 14, September 4 & September 25 (10 a.m.)
Where: Northern Regional Rec Center (18121 Old Statesville Rd., Cornelius, NC 28031)
Join the Dapper Street Jazz Band for an hour of jazz and bluzing to your favorite tunes. Bring your dancing shoes
Presented by Clayworks
When: Various dates through Wednesday, September 25
Where: David B. Waymer Recreation Center (14008 Holbrooks Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078)
This workshop is geared toward people ages 55+. We welcome you to join Clayworks at the recreation center for a 1.5 hour clay workshop. During the workshop, the Clayworks’ teaching artist will walk participants step-by-step through making a project. Learn how pinching, rolling, slip and scoring all work together to create sculptural and functional ceramic projects. Over the course of the series, projects will range from seasonally themed to making something inspired by a contemporary ceramic artist.
The wet clay projects will be taken back to Clayworks to undergo their 2-step firing process. We will return the projects back to the facility where you took the workshop. This takes about a month; at which time the facility will email you pick up instructions.
Presented by Clayworks
When: Various dates through Wednesday, September 18 (2 p.m.)
Where: South Blvd. Library (4429 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209)
Join Clayworks at South Blvd. Library for a family friendly hands-on-clay workshop. All ages 5+ are welcome. At least one adult must register with the child/children. During the workshop, the Clayworks’ teaching artist will walk participants step-by-step through making a project. Learn how pinching, rolling, slip and scoring all work together to create sculptural and functional ceramic projects. Over the course of the series, projects will range from seasonally themed to making something inspired by a contemporary ceramic artist. No experience necessary and all skill levels welcome.
The wet clay projects will be taken back to Clayworks to undergo their 2-step firing process. We will return the projects back to the facility where you took the workshop. This takes about a month; at which time the facility will email you pick up instructions.
Presented by Clayworks
When: Tuesday, July 2 through Thursday, August 1
Where: Independence Regional Library (6000 Conference Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212)
Join Clayworks at Mint Hill Library for a family friendly hands-on-clay workshop. All ages (rising 2nd grade and beyond) are welcome. At least one adult must register with the child/children (rising 2nd graders and beyond). During the workshop, the Clayworks’ teaching artist will walk participants step-by-step through making a project. Learn how pinching, rolling, slip and scoring all work together to create sculptural and functional ceramic projects. Over the course of the series, projects will range from seasonally themed to making something inspired by a contemporary ceramic artist. No experience necessary and all skill levels welcome.
The wet clay projects will be taken back to Clayworks to undergo their 2-step firing process. We will return the projects back to the facility where you took the workshop. This takes about a month; at which time the facility will email you pick up instructions.
Presented by Ana Lucia Divins
When: Saturday, July 6 (10:30 a.m.)
Where: South Blvd. Library (4429 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209)
Join this fun music and movement experience, where bilingual musicians and facilitators, Lyn Koonce and Ana Lucía Divins will guide you to lean into the joy of making music in the moment and immersing you in the present moment through music. Circle Sounds is an activity that creates connection, both within oneself and with others in the circle. It engages a community in a spirit of play, using the voice in song and sound. This event is recommended for families with school aged children and anyone in the community is welcome to participate!
Presented by Clayworks
When: Saturday, July 6 (10:30am), Saturday, August 3 (10:30am) & Saturday, September 7 (10:30am)
Where: Tuckaseegee Rec Center (4820 Tuskaseegee Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208)
All ages (5+) and all abilities are welcome to join Clayworks at the recreation center for a 1.5 hour clay workshop. During the workshop, the Clayworks’ teaching artist will walk participants step-by-step through making a project. Learn how pinching, rolling, slip and scoring all work together to create sculptural and functional ceramic projects. Over the course of the series, projects will range from seasonally themed to making something inspired by a contemporary ceramic artist. No experience necessary and all skill levels welcome. Individuals and families are wecome to register. One adult must register and attend with anyone under the age of 16.
The wet clay projects will be taken back to Clayworks to undergo their 2-step firing process. We will return the projects back to the facility where you took the workshop. This takes about a month; at which time the facility will email you pick up instructions.
Presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
When: From Monday, July 8 through Thursday, August 8
Where: Various locations
Celebrate creativity and explore the artist within through guided theatre and art activities with “Life Skills Through Theatre Skills.” Recommended for ages 5-12.
Presented by Order My Steps
When: Mondays (6 p.m.) from July 8 – September 16
Where: Albemarle Road Rec Center (5027 Ildewild Rd. N., Mint Hill, NC 28227)
Revive Youth Dance is a fun exploratory dance class for youth. Students will learn jazz, hip-hop, modern, African, and more. This is a great way to make friends, express yourself, and stay fit for the summer. Discover the Joy of Dance. Don’t wait, save your spot now 704-221-4787!
Presented by My Name is Lovejoy
When: Tuesdays (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) from July 9 through Friday, August 30
Where: Cornelius Library (21105 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031)
This course teaches digital photography and visual storytelling. Covering transitioning from Auto to manual mode, exposure triangle, composition, and selecting subjects to further the visual narrative goals. The class will aim to amplify each students story visually. The prerequisite for the course is a digital camera, whether an iPhone, iPad, point-and-shoot, or DSLR. They will learn to capture purposeful images, delving into visual storytelling with photowalks covering landscapes and architecture, and practice portrait sessions. Homework assignments, image reviews, artist statements, vision boards, and shoot planning are included. The course culminates in a student art exhibition on August 30th.
Presented by Over The Counter Improv
When: Tuesday, July 9 (1 p.m.), Thursday, July 11 (1 p.m.) & Thursday, July 18 (1 p.m.)
Where: Berewick Recreation Center (5910 Dixie River Rd., Charlotte, NC 28278)
Have some fun, laugh, and learn about your brain to help with quick thinking, confidence, and listening. To the parents: You know that if you had a funny teacher when you were in school, it was so much more fun to attend that class. And studies show that you learn so much more in a class where laughter is a part of the lecture.
Presented by Order My Steps
When: Wednesdays (5 p.m.) from July 10 – September 18
Where: Southview Rec Center (1720 Vilma St., Charlotte, NC 28208)
Revive Youth Dance is a fun exploratory dance class for youth. Students will learn jazz, hip-hop, modern, African, and more. This is a great way to make friends, express yourself, and stay fit for the summer. Discover the Joy of Dance. Don’t wait, save your spot now 704-221-4787!
Presented by Dapper Street Productions
When: Wednesday, July 10, Wednesday, July 31, Wednesday, August 21 & Wednesday, September 11 (10:30 a.m.)
Where: David B. Waymer Rec Center (14008 Holbrooks Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078)
Join the Dapper Street Jazz Band for an hour of jazz and bluzing to your favorite tunes. Bring your dancing shoes!
Presented by Clayworks
When: Thursday, July 11 through Thursday, August 1
Where: Mint Hill Library (6840 Matthews – Mint Hill Road
Mint Hill, NC 28227)
Join Clayworks at Mint Hill Library for a family friendly hands-on-clay workshop. All ages (rising 2nd grade and beyond) are welcome. At least one adult must register with the child/children (rising 2nd graders and beyond). During the workshop, the Clayworks’ teaching artist will walk participants step-by-step through making a project. Learn how pinching, rolling, slip and scoring all work together to create sculptural and functional ceramic projects. Over the course of the series, projects will range from seasonally themed to making something inspired by a contemporary ceramic artist. No experience necessary and all skill levels welcome.
The wet clay projects will be taken back to Clayworks to undergo their 2-step firing process. We will return the projects back to the facility where you took the workshop. This takes about a month; at which time the facility will email you pick up instructions.
Presented by My Name is Lovejoy
When: Thursdays (6 p.m. – 8 p.m) from July 11 through Friday, August 20
Where: Northern Regional Rec Center (18121 Old Statesville Rd., Cornelius, NC 28031)
This course teaches digital photography and visual storytelling. Covering transitioning from Auto to manual mode, exposure triangle, composition, and selecting subjects to further the visual narrative goals. The class will aim to amplify each students story visually. The prerequisite for the course is a digital camera, whether an iPhone, iPad, point-and-shoot, or DSLR. They will learn to capture purposeful images, delving into visual storytelling with photowalks covering landscapes and architecture, and practice portrait sessions. Homework assignments, image reviews, artist statements, vision boards, and shoot planning are included. The course culminates in a student art exhibition on August 30th.
Presented by Ana Lucia Divins
When: Thursday, July 11 (6 p.m.)
Where: South Blvd. Library (4429 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209)
Join us for a relaxing experience, enjoying soothing therapeutic music and community connections. During this restorative experience, Ana Lucía Divins, Therapeutic Singer and Carlos Crespo (Guitar) will share live music. You will experience soothing melodies created in the moment by her voice and instruments such us guitar, crystal sound bowls, rain sticks and chimes surrounding you with uplifting sounds and vibrations aiming to welcome in more balance, clarity and relaxation.
Please bring a yoga mat, along with cushions, small blankets and anything you may need to be comfortable during this relaxing experience. Or you can also receive the therapeutic benefits of this session by seating comfortably in one of the provided chairs.
Presented by Clayworks
When: Various dates through Saturday, September 21
Where: David B. Waymer Recreation Center (14008 Holbrooks Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078)
All ages (5+) and all abilities are welcome to join Clayworks at the recreation center for a 1.5 hour clay workshop. During the workshop, the Clayworks’ teaching artits will walk participants step-by-step through making a project. Learn how pinching, rolling, slip and scoring all work together to create sculptural and functional ceramic projects. Over the course of the series, projects will range from seasonally themed to making something inpired by a contemporary ceramic artist.
The wet clay projects will be taken back to Clayworks to undergo their 2-step firing process. We will return the projects back to the facility where you took the workshop. This takes about a month, at which time the facility will email you pickup instructions.
Presented by Dear Soul Music
When: July 11, August 8 & September 12 (11:30 a.m., doors open at 11 a.m.)
Where: David B. Waymer Rec Center (14008 Holbrooks Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078)
FREE full-band community concert series featuring local talent hosted by Dear Soul Music Co.
Presented by Dapper Street Productions
When: Friday, July 12 (6 p.m.)
Where: David B. Waymer Rec Center (14008 Holbrooks Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078)
It’s a community celebration with live jazz, soul and R&B. Bring a friend and your dancing shoes.
Presented by Café Amaretto
When: Friday, July 12 (6:30 p.m.)
Where: The Collective Cafe (1031 Matthews Mint Hill Rd., Matthews, NC 28105)
Join the Latin band Café Amaretto as they share heartfelt songs (in Spanish and English) connecting you with a myriad of feelings, rhythms and moods. Featuring: Ana Lucía Divins (Singer/Facilitator), Carlos Crespo (Guitar), Edgar Marcano (Drums), Carlos Baez (Bass), Jorge “Luigi” Martinez (Percussion).
Delicious empanadas will be available for purchase from The Collective Café.
Presented by Over The Counter Improv
When: Friday, July 12 (3 p.m.), Friday, July 19 (3 p.m.) & Friday, August 2 (3 p.m.)
Where: Mint Hill Library (6840 Matthews – Mint Hill Rd., Mint Hill, NC 28227)
Have some fun, laugh, and learn about your brain to help with quick thinking, confidence, and listening. To the parents: You know that if you had a funny teacher when you were in school, it was so much more fun to attend that class. And studies show that you learn so much more in a class where laughter is a part of the lecture.
Presented by Clayworks
When: Friday, July 12, Friday, August 16 & Friday, September 20 (11 a.m.)
Where: South Blvd. Library (4429 South Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28209)
Adults of all ages and all abilities are welcome to join Clayworks at the library for a 1.5 hour clay workshop. During the workshop, the Clayworks’ teaching artist will walk participants step-by-step through making a project. Learn how pinching, rolling, slip and scoring all work together to create sculptural and functional ceramic projects. Over the course of the series, projects will range from seasonally themed to making something inspired by a contemporary ceramic artist. No experience necessary and all skill levels welcome.
The wet clay projects will be taken back to Clayworks to undergo their 2-step firing process. We will return the projects back to the facility where you took the workshop. This takes about a month; at which time the facility will email you pick up instructions.
Presented by Clayworks
When: Saturday, July 13, Saturday, August 10, Saturday, September 7, Saturday, September 21 (1:30 p.m.)
Where: Hickory Grove Library (5935 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28215)
All ages 5+ and all abilities are welcome to join Clayworks at the recreation center for a 1.5 hour clay workshop. During this family friendly workshop, the Clayworks’ teaching artist will walk participants step-by-step through making a project. Learn how pinching, rolling, slip and scoring all work together to create sculptural and functional ceramic projects. Over the course of the series, projects will range from seasonally themed to making something inspired by a contemporary ceramic artist. No experience necessary and all skill levels welcome.
The wet clay projects will be taken back to Clayworks to undergo their 2-step firing process. We will return the projects back to the facility where you took the workshop. This takes about a month; at which time the facility will email you pick up instructions.
Presented by Mert Arts & Photo
When: Various dates through Thursday, September 19
Where: Sugaw Creek Rec Center (943 West Sugar Creek Road., Charlotte, NC 28213)
Seniors come make art! A variety of projects will be offered at each session such as Collage, Painting, Cyanotypes, Photography, Pottery and Jewelry making.
Presented by Dapper Street Productions
When: Thursday, July 18 (6 p.m.)
Where: Northern Regional Rec Center (18121 Old Statesville Rd., Cornelius, NC 28031)
It’s a community celebration with live jazz, soul and R&B. Bring a friend and your dancing shoes.
Presented by Over The Counter Improv
When: Saturday, July 20 (2 p.m.), Saturday, August 10 (2 p.m.) & Saturday, September 21 (11 a.m.)
Where: University City Library (301 East W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262)
Have some fun, laugh, and learn about your brain to help with quick thinking, confidence, and listening. To the parents: You know that if you had a funny teacher when you were in school, it was so much more fun to attend that class. And studies show that you learn so much more in a class where laughter is a part of the lecture.
Presented by Creating Exposure Through The Arts
When: Saturdays (11:30 a.m.) from July 20 through Saturday, August 31
Where: Arbor Glen Outreach Facility (1520 Clanton Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208)
Introduction to Photography program will provide seven workshops facilitated by Creating Exposure Through the Arts that will teach pre-teens/teens 12 – 17 various aspects of photography. The program will include lessons on components of a digital camera, composition, rule of thirds, and taking better pictures. Participants will explore diverse artistic perspectives and develop an understanding of building your image portfolio. The session will end with a display of a photo exhibit.
Presented by Charlotte Poet Laureate
When: Saturday, July 27 (1 p.m.)
Where: University City Library (301 East W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262)
The Laureate Workshop Series is a series of poetry workshops sponsored by ASC Culture Blocks in partnership with Charlotte’s Poet Laureate, Jay Ward. Each month a poet from Charlotte (or a visiting poet laureate) will facilitate a workshop on a Saturday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. From 3:00pm to 4:30pm Jay will host Office Hours, an opportunity for all interested to seek feedback on poems, ask questions about publishing, performance, etc.
Presented by Charlotte Poet Laureate
When: Saturday, July 27 (6 p.m.)
Where: beSocial (located within Social Status) 1519 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
The Bridges Series, sponsored by Charlotte’s inaugural Poet Laureate, aims to help poets who are looking to transition from the oral tradition of spoken word poetry to the world of publishing, or vice versa. Tonight’s event, The Mechanics of Publishing Poems, will help demystify the process of submissions. Jay Ward will answer; How do you format your poems, who do you submit to, how are cover letters written…or really any question you have, bring them all!
Presented by Over The Counter Improv
When: Monday, July 29 (4:15 p.m.), Monday, August 12 (4:15 p.m.) & Monday, August 26 (5 p.m.)
Where: West Blvd. Library (2157 West Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28208)
Have some fun, laugh, and learn about your brain to help with quick thinking, confidence, and listening. To the parents: You know that if you had a funny teacher when you were in school, it was so much more fun to attend that class. And studies show that you learn so much more in a class where laughter is a part of the lecture.
Presented by Over The Counter Improv
When: Saturday, September 7 (10:30 a.m.), Saturday, September 14 (10:30 a.m.) & Saturday, September 21 (10:30 a.m.)
Where: Marion Diehl Rec Center (2219 Tyvola Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210)
Have some fun, laugh, and learn about your brain to help with quick thinking, confidence, and listening. To the parents: You know that if you had a funny teacher when you were in school, it was so much more fun to attend that class. And studies show that you learn so much more in a class where laughter is a part of the lecture.
Presented by Experience Anatomy
When: Saturday, August 3 (10 a.m.)
Where: Marion Diehl Rec Center (2219 Tyvola Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210)
Come and experience the beauty inside our bodies as we examine true examples of real human anatomy. Get curious and inspired about anatomy, health and science as you get to hold a brain in your hands and see our literal heart strings.
We will tour real human anatomical specimens with the guidance of our well informed and engaging anatomist. This program is designed for anyone interested in anatomy ages 8 through 88 and beyond.
Presented by Charlotte Poet Laureate
When: Friday, August 23 (6 p.m.)
Where: beSocial (located within Social Status) 1519 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
The Bridges Series, sponsored by Charlotte’s inaugural Poet Laureate, aims to help poets who are looking to transition from the oral tradition of spoken word poetry to the world of publishing, or vice versa. Tonight’s event, Writing for Stage vs Writing for page, will help poets see some of the inherent differences in writing a poem with the end goal of publication vs writing a poem with the end goal of performing in front of an audience. National Slam Champion Jordan Bailey will help us walk through this and more.
Presented by Charlotte Poet Laureate
When: Saturday, August 24 (1 p.m.)
Where: University City Library (301 East W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262)
The Laureate Workshop Series is a series of poetry workshops sponsored by ASC Culture Blocks in partnership with Charlotte’s Poet Laureate, Jay Ward. Each month a poet from Charlotte (or a visiting poet laureate) will facilitate a workshop on a Saturday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. From 3:00pm to 4:30pm Jay will host Office Hours, an opportunity for all interested to seek feedback on poems, ask questions about publishing, performance, etc.
Saturday, August 24th, please join Brittany Olson at the University City Regional Library for a special poetry workshop from 1:00-3:00pm. Feel free to remain (or not) for Office Hours immediately following the workshop.
Presented by Charlotte Poet Laureate
When: Saturday, September 14 (1 p.m.)
Where: University City Library (301 East W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262)
The Laureate Workshop Series is a series of poetry workshops sponsored by ASC Culture Blocks in partnership with Charlotte’s Poet Laureate, Jay Ward. Each month a poet from Charlotte (or a visiting poet laureate) will facilitate a workshop on a Saturday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. From 3:00pm to 4:30pm Jay will host Office Hours, an opportunity for all interested to seek feedback on poems, ask questions about publishing, performance, etc.
Saturday, September 14th, please join Bluz Rogers at the University City Regional Library for a special poetry workshop from 1:00-3:00pm. Feel free to remain (or not) for Office Hours immediately following the workshop.
Presented by Charlotte Poet Laureate
When: Saturday, September 14 (6 p.m.)
Where: beSocial (located within Social Status) 1519 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
The Bridges Series, sponsored by Charlotte’s inaugural Poet Laureate, aims to help poets who are looking to transition from the oral tradition of spoken word poetry to the world of publishing, or vice versa. Tonight’s event, Creative Pathways for the Spoken Word Poet, will help poets explore different possibilities for their craft and career. Emmy award winning poet Bluz will guide us through the many ways poets can contribute to the artistic landscape.
Presented by Ana Lucia Divins
When: Thursday, September 19 (6 p.m.)
Where: Pineville Library (505 Main St. Ste. 100, Pineville, NC 28134)
Join us for a relaxing experience, enjoying soothing therapeutic music and community connections.
During this restorative experience, Ana Lucía Divins, Therapeutic Singer and Carlos Crespo (Guitar) will share live music. You will experience soothing melodies created in the moment by her voice and instruments such us guitar, crystal sound bowls, rain sticks and chimes surrounding you with uplifting sounds and vibrations aiming to welcome in more balance, clarity and relaxation.
Please bring a yoga mat, along with cushions, small blankets and anything you may need to be comfortable during this relaxing experience. Or you can also receive the therapeutic benefits of this session by seating comfortably in one of the provided chairs.
Presented by Café Amaretto
When: Saturday, September 21 (2:30 p.m.)
Where: Pineville Library (505 Main St. Ste. 100, Pineville, NC 28134)
Join the Latin band Café Amaretto as they share heartfelt songs (in Spanish and English) connecting you with a myriad of feelings, rhythms and moods. Featuring: Ana Lucia Divins (Singer/Facilitator), Carlos Crespo (Guitar), Edgar Marcano (Drums), Carlos Baez (Bass), Jorge “Luigi” Martinez (Percussion) & Carl Ratliff (Saxophone)