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 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT
We are pleased to announce our 2025-2026 Performance Series season! Check the Opelika Observer. Click on the link below to go to our secure online order form, or call the office at 334-749-8105.
“Sweet Dreams” - Mandy Barnet Sings Patsy Cline, rescheduled for OCT. 19, 2025
East Alabama Arts is proud to announce that "Sweet Dreams - Mandy Barnett Sings Patsy Cline" has been successfully rescheduled for Sunday evening, October 19, 7pm, at Opelika Center For The Performing Arts. This was a 2024-2025 Performance Series event, but single tickets are also available for this unique musical experience celebrating one of Country Music's greatest icons, brought to life by the incredible voice and spirit of Nashville star, Mandy Barnett
Performance Series Events
Individual show ticket sales open Friday, August 16, 2025.
The 2025-2026 Season Subscription
EARLYBIRD PRICES JUNE 2 - 20 ONLY!
Prague Philharmonia . . . . .
January 24, 2026
Prague Philharmonia
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
January 26, 2026
The Trocs in Swan Lake
The Electric Light Orchestra Experience
February 5, 2026
The Choir of Man
February 10, 2026
“Evil WOman” credit Eli Pruet
photo by Steve Schuff
The Vienna Boys Choir .
February 16, 2026
Cirque Kalabanté
March 8, 2026
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
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Jazz Ambassadors - Click for More
(This link will take you to the Official Jazz Ambassadors page.)
Known as America’s Big Band, the Jazz Ambassadors are the premier touring jazz orchestra of the United States Army. Formed in 1969, this 19-piece ensemble has received critical acclaim throughout the United States and abroad performing America’s original art form, jazz.
All Concerts are free and open to the public but ticket reservations are required.
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Spotlighting the thrilling range of musical achievement by one of America’s most prolific and sought-after composers, arrangers, pianists, and conductors, showcasing a variety of familiar, inspiring choral works and piano solos, Mark Hayes will conduct the East Alabama Civic Chorale and the East Alabama Community Band Orchestra on stage at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.
Read More.