Art, Community, & JOY
in Cape Charles
Since 1997, Arts Enter Cape Charles has brought the visual and performing arts to the lower Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Our vision is that every member of our community has access to the inspiration of the arts, whether as a performer, creator, or appreciator.
Two Venues. One Movement.
Live theatre, music, dance, visual art, film, and arts education come together through Arts Enter's programs at two venues.
Upcoming Events
Tickets are on sale now for our 2026-2027 30th Anniversary Season.
13 days to the eventSun, Oct 18Historic Palace TheatreOn remote Yaupon Island, Annie Revels takes up her late father’s life as a waterman to support her family. But when Nathan arrives, the lives of Annie and her younger sister are changed forever. Sponsored by Rayfield's Pharmacy.
27 days to the eventSun, Nov 01Historic Palace TheatreA Doorway Singers classic featuring the traditional music of Appalachia. Gentle mountain melodies mingle with lively tunes that invite you to dance, charming down-home costumes, and a warm campfire spirit. Sponsored by Delmarva Veteran Builders.
Multiple Dates46 days to the eventFri, Nov 20Historic Palace TheatreActor Garry Essendine is charming, hedonistic, and notorious for affairs his wife largely tolerates, until his indiscretions unravel and chaos erupts. Sponsored by Tankard Nurseries and Anonymous.
61 days to the eventSat, Dec 05Historic Palace TheatreCelebrate the season with an evening of dance, joy, and community. Our Christmas in New York Dance Showcase features talented dancers of all ages in a festive performance inspired by the magic of the Big Apple. Sponsored by Terri & John Birtles | Kim Lenhardt & Lisa George.
62 days to the eventSun, Dec 06Historic Palace TheatreJoin us for an afternoon of festive and sacred songs, performed by the Shore Singers. Directed by Megan Cartwright, the chorus warmly welcomes new members, both professionals and amateurs. Experience the joy of Christmas through shared song. Sponsored by Wendell Distributing. Free.
68 days to the eventSat, Dec 12Historic Palace TheatreVibrant and festive brass and percussion deliver a program of classical and contemporary holiday cheer. “Joy to the World,” “Jingle Bells,” and a Hanukkah medley are performed with finesse and flair. A favorite community tradition. Sponsored by Blue Heron Realty
69 days to the eventSun, Dec 13Historic Palace TheatreGood Shot Judy brings holiday classics to life with the timeless sounds of Sinatra, Crosby, Fitzgerald, Bublé, and more. Joined by vintage vocal group The Satin Dollz and a swinging band, Brett Cahoon and Jeanette Corey deliver an unforgettable evening filled with nostalgia. Sponsored by Bay Creek.
116 days to the eventFri, Jan 29Historic Palace TheatreExperience the Winter Edition premiere of Films That Move (formerly Experimental Film Virginia), featuring original dance-inspired short films created on location in and around Cape Charles. See what 25 international artists from multiple disciplines created in just 12 days, presented in 4K.
124 days to the eventSat, Feb 06Lemon Tree GalleryJoin Megan for an evening of beloved songs in this second concert in our Candlelight series at Lemon Tree. Whether tender, playful, or delightfully funny, Megan's selections are sure to brighten a February night. $25 adults | $15 students. Includes champagne and desserts. Sponsored by Mark Clark MD.
137 days to the eventFri, Feb 19Historic Palace TheatreShawn Barker revitalizes the true character and spirit of Mr. Cash himself, one of America’s greatest musical icons. With his strikingly similar looks, baritone voice, and mannerisms, Shawn has an uncanny resemblance to the original “Man In Black.” The show is complete with a full backing band.
152 days to the eventSat, Mar 06Historic Palace TheatreA groundbreaking fusion of pop and symphony, Who’s Bad brings Michael Jackson’s greatest hits to life with full orchestral power. The world’s longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band delivers the joy, spectacle, and electric energy of the King of Pop in a performance that brings people together.
159 days to the eventSat, Mar 13Lemon Tree GalleryTrio Niche brings the era of Jane Austen to life with historically-informed performances by Susan Via (violin), Sarah Glosson (cello), and Tom Marshall on fortepiano, featuring music by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Sponsored by John Burdiss & Cela Burge and the Hitchings family.
Multiple Dates200 days to the eventFri, Apr 23Historic Palace TheatreAriel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, dreams of life above the sea and falls for Prince Eric. She bargains with the sea witch Ursula, trading her tail for legs. When the deal goes wrong, Ariel’s colorful friends, Flounder, Scuttle, and Sebastian, help her restore order in this musical adventure.
222 days to the eventSat, May 15Lemon Tree GalleryDr. Caroline Gibson and Master Sergeant Alvy Powell share a lifelong passion for music. Their distinguished careers in education and performance took them around the world, including to the White House, and now back to Alvy's roots on the Shore. Sponsored by Sonali Gunawardhana & Eric van Doorn.
236 days to the eventSat, May 29Historic Palace TheatreSuper Diamond is an uncanny tribute to beloved singer, songwriter, and American pop icon Neil Diamond. For more than three decades, San Francisco’s Super Diamond has thrilled audiences across the US. With a glittering, high-energy show, the band performs Diamond’s greatest hits with a rock edge.
243 days to the eventSat, Jun 05Historic Palace TheatreJoin us for an evening of globally-inspired movement, music, and community at the International Spring Festival Dance Showcase. With choreography by Director of Dance Amy Watkins, Lisa Brasch, Ashley Antunes, and Chloe Harper. Sponsored by Suzan Gray & Michael O'Brien.
244 days to the eventSun, Jun 06Historic Palace TheatreJoin us for the Shore Singers’ final performance of the season as our community chorus fills the theatre with song. Under the direction of Megan Cartwright, professional and amateur vocalists come together for an inspiring spring concert celebrating a year of music. Sponsored by Susan Carrigan.
250 days to the eventSat, Jun 12Historic Palace TheatreArts Enter began as a dream shared by Clelia Sheppard and a small group of arts enthusiasts. Celebrate 30 years of bringing the arts to Cape Charles with performances by former students, a retrospective slideshow, jazz by the Christian Mitchell Project, and a dance party with Wonderland.
Arts Education
Nurture your creativity and build community.
To apply for a scholarship, fill out the registration form.
Fall session starts Sept 10.
Sponsors
Legacy Sponsors
Transformational gifts sustain the arts during a milestone year.
Parnters
Valued partnerships ensure that Arts Enter's mission continues.
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Mainstage Sponsors
Arts supporters help bring special performances to Cape Charles.
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Spotlight Sponsors
Sponsors help highlight talent on the Historic Palace Theatre stage.
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Candlelight Sponsors
Patrons of the arts bring intimate live music at Lemon Tree.
Scholarships
Community champions help make arts education accessible.
Generous donors make our programs possible.
Thank you for being a part of our 2026-2027 30th Anniversary Season!
Celebrating 30 years
As we approach Arts Enter's 30 year anniversary in 2027, we reflect back on three decades of bringing the arts to Cape Charles. We are also grateful for 10 years at Lemon Tree Gallery, since 2016.
Thank you to all who are a part of the journey—past, present, and future!
Please be a part of our commemorative coffee table book.
Schedule an interview or send photos.
Join us on June 12, 2027 for our Reunion and Celebration.
"The arts, it has been said, cannot change the world, but they may change human beings who might change the world."— MAXINE GREENE
Contact Us
Address
Lemon Tree & Palace Theatre
301-305 Mason Avenue
Cape Charles, VA 23310
Curio Cottage
12 Strawberry St
Cape Charles, VA 23310
Contact
757-331-2787 (ARTS)
Lemon Tree Hours
Mon-Thurs
10:00 am—5:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am—8:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am—5:00 pm
Sunday
10:00 am—3:00 pm
Curio Cottage Hours
Thurs - Sat
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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