The Arts Association of East Alabama

The Performance Series at Opelika Center for the Performing Arts

Over 37 seasons, and counting, this warm, inviting, and personable space of 1150 seats has fostered and reflected the camaraderie and sense of community that is Opelika itself, hosting staged events of national and international significance, and creating roller-coaster emotional experiences from tears of joy and sorrow to gut-busting belly laughs. Our visiting artists are always made to feel right at home, from the attention and care they receive from our backstage crew and volunteers, and from the applause and shouts of acclaim of a discerning audience expressing appreciation for their best efforts.

New Curtain Time This Season!

All performances begin at 7:00pm. The Lobby will open at 6:00 for ticket sales and “will call” pickups. Seating will start at 6:30.

The 2024-2025 Season Subscription

NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 6, 2024

Some Enchanted Evening

OCTOBER 7, 2024

VITALY - An Evening of Wonders

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

The Czech National Philharmonic

JANUARY 25. 2025

The Aluminum Show

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

with Bobby Horton and Three on a String

American Spiritual Ensemble .

MARCH 26, 2025

Events at Southside Center for the Arts

The Southside Center for the Arts is a realized and longtime dream come true for Opelika's oldest historic neighborhood.  Innovatively designed as a school building by Southern architectural legend Frank Lockwood, Southside Elementary opened in 1929, and for the next 70 years welcomed thousands of children into its classrooms.  

Now, as a cooperative venture between The Arts Association of East Alabama, Envision Opelika, and the City of Opelika, it is a building alive with the sights and sounds of performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, lectures, arts education activities, and community engagement events.  It houses the administrative offices of the Arts Association, Envision Opelika, as well as the Lee-Russell Opelika Senior Center; a 250-seat auditorium, meeting/conference/rehearsal rooms, and gallery space for student and professional art.  Restoration efforts have been true to the building's historic character with functional upgrades for contemporary use. 

Learn more about Southside Center for the Arts

Erma Bombeck:At Wits End is a comic look at one of our country’s most beloved voices, who captured the frustrations of her generation by asking, “If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?” Discover the story behind America’s beloved humorist who championed women’s lives with wit that sprang from the most unexpected place of all – the truth. The role of Erma Bombeck is played by Kristy Meanor, award-winning actress and artistic director of the Wetumpka Depot Players.