This open mic creates a welcoming space for people who live in or wander near Burke County to gather and share poems aloud. Bring your voice, your favorite lines, or simply come to listen and soak in the evening.

Free Admission, 18+

Please welcome to our stage Cellist Grace Anderson and Pianist Helene Jeanney

Friday, Apr 17, 2026, Reception at 5:30.  Program begins at 6.

Burke Arts Council Presents :“ Music, Humor, and Stories” with Kim Weitkamp.

Saturday, March 28 @ 7PM

Never one to be boxed in, Kim Weitkamp’s wandering, curious mind is on display through her award-winning stories, songs and writing. Her tales and songs are well crafted and the boundaries of your mind, and even your heart, will always be expanded. She does all of this with impeccable comedic timing.

The Annual Woodworkers Exhibition, featuring the work of local wood turners, whittlers, and woodcrafters will be on display at the Burke Arts Council

March 27 - April 25. Opening Reception Friday, March 27 @ 5:30M

This open mic creates a welcoming space for people who live in or wander near Burke County to gather and share poems aloud. Bring your voice, your favorite lines, or simply come to listen and soak in the evening.

Free Admission, 18+

Please join us as we welcome the Morganton Improv Troupe Saturday, February 28 at 7PM.
Admission: $10

Doors open at 6:30, show starts promptly at 7.

Beer and Wine will be available for purchase. 

The Burke Arts Council Presents “Love Notes” with Lenoir Sax

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us on Saturday, February 14, for a concert filled with charm, artistry, and musical romance. 
Reception at 5:30 PM • Concert at 6:00 PM

Opening Reception: Meet the Leslie family  

Friday, February 6 • 5:30 PM
Refreshments will be served.

Grace Anderson and Jennifer Curtis
In Concert on Friday, January 23.

Reception at 5:30, Concert at 6PM.

Join us for From Budapest to Beirut, a boundary-crossing performance for violin and cello.  Experience the raw folk energy of Kodály and Handel-Halvorsen alongside the iconic melodies of Lebanese legend Fairouz and the Mexican classic Cucurrucuú Paloma.

Celebrate the New Year with Burke Arts!

Ring in 2026 in style!
Dress in your New Year’s Eve best and join us for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food & drinks, sparkling champagne toasts, music, and a lively silent auction

Every ticket supports children’s theatre and after‑school art programs at Burke Arts.
We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Join us for an afternoon of holiday cheer to get you in the spirit!

The Carolina Primrose Quartet is back to finish out the year with a concert that is sure to delight!

Please join us as we welcome the Morganton Improv Troupe back to our theater on Friday, December 19. Doors open at 6PM.

Admission is free; Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.
Beer and Wine will be available.

Grace Anderson and Jennifer Curtis
In Concert on Friday, December 12

Reception at 5:30, Concert at 6PM.

Featuring an assortment of Baroque pieces

FIVE by FIVE — Small Art for a BIG Cause!
Reception Friday, November 21, 2025

The Burke Arts Council presents FIVE by FIVE, an inaugural community art exhibition celebrating creativity, community, and the season.

Annual First Frost Art Show & Sale
November 14 - December 22, 2025

Opening Reception:  Friday, November 14, 5 till 7PM

Please join us as we welcome the Morganton Improv Troupe back to our new theater on Saturday, October 25 at 7PM.

Admission is free; Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.
Beer and Wine will be available.

We are so excited to announce that the 23rd annual October Oyster Outing—a Morganton favorite—will return to the Morganton Square on Saturday, October 18th! 

The October Oyster Outing is such a cherished tradition in Morganton, and Courthouse Square is the perfect setting for it. With live music by Continental Divide, a mouthwatering menu, and a mission that supports the Burke Arts Council’s vibrant programming, it’s a win for the whole community.

Join us for an eclectic assortment of music for strings presented by The Carolina Primrose Quartet.  Featuring Dvorak's "American Quartet", sections from Studio Ghibli, an original piece by Daniel Leich, "Tempest", and more popular songs to enjoy along with a reception.

We hope you’ll come and see our brand new theater as we proudly present these talented musicians Laura Boosinger and Mike Compton.

“The collaboration of Bluegrass Royalty Mike Compton and Laura Boosinger - “The Knackered Ramblers”, was nothing short of breath-taking.  Flawless playing....the musical connection was on full display.” ~Laura Scoble, Brewgrass 2025

Please welcome to the stage of the new theater at the Burke Arts Council, the one and only Josh Goforth, for an evening of Music and Stories.

Joseph Hasty & Centerpiece Jazz - Featuring the Page Brothers - Thursday, September 11.
Reception @ 6:30;  Concert @ 7

A sophisticated sound for discerning ears. Distinctive, instantly appealing and extremely musical... a sound that transcends time.

Featuring: The Page Brothers Andy (guitar) & Zack (Bass); Rick Hefner (sax/flute); Micheal Willis (Drums); Joseph Hasty (guitar/vocals)

Wednesday, September 10 from 4 until 6:  Artist reception and demo.  Free and open to the public. 

Strung Up, with Sherrill Keever & Jon Dana will be bringing tunes ranging from Jimmie Rodgers to Pink Floyd and points in between to the porch of the Burke Arts Council.

Grace Anderson and Jennifer Curtis
In Concert on Sunday, August 10 @ 2PM

Program:  J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations

Please join us as we welcome the Morganton Improv Troupe to our new theater on Saturday, August 9 at 7PM.

Admission is free; Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. 
Beer and Wine will be available.

Storytelling is easier than you think!  This workshop welcomes all - teachers, parents, librarians, ministers, storytellers, and those just curious. Connie generously shares tools she has developed and learned throughout her trailblazing storytelling career that spans 5 decades and 6 continents. 

With partner exercises and a ‘walk through memories’, you will enjoy exploring events of your life in a supportive, creative atmosphere. Utilizing ‘deep listening’, you will also experience how the 5 senses and the ‘colors’ of the moment bring a story to life and connect you with your listeners. Whether telling to family on the front porch, a gathering at a party or on a stage, you’ll get a taste of ‘art & heart’ of storytelling.

So join us if you are drawn to stories – both the telling and the listening.

Please join us, bistro style—in our new theater!
Reception at 5:30.  Concert at 6. Ice Cream on the porch after the concert. Limited seating available.

BAC Members: $35 Non-Members: $40

A collection of music celebrating summer, featuring The Carolina Primrose Quartet.  Showcasing Haydn's "Sunrise" quartet, Norah Jones', "Don't Know Why", and another debut by our member, Daniel Leich, plus a handful of other works for your enjoyment.

The Music Cities of the World Tour, featuring Webb-Tigert from Nashville and Calico from Vienna, Austria will be performing in the new theater at the Burke Arts Council on June 19th!

This event will benefit the Burke Arts Council and the Mimosa Garden Club. The mission of the Burke Arts Council is to enrich the quality of life in Burke County through  cultural and artistic activities.

The tour will also feature local artists in each garden painting vignettes of the gardens.  There will be five homes and two churches on this self-guided tour.  All of the homes and churches are on West Union or a block or two off.