5 Reasons to Attend Dancing With The Carolina Stars: Celebration

Dancing With The Carolina Stars: Celebration, the Carolina Theatre’s annual fundraiser, takes place Wednesday, May 20, and this beloved century-old nonprofit is rolling out the red carpet! Get ready for a night of astounding talent and fierce competition as Bull City’s brightest stars from your favorite local businesses and organizations go head-to-head in a show-stopping dance contest—all for a great cause!

Support the Theater and Your Community 

Attending Dancing With The Carolina Stars: Celebration is an amazing way to be engaged and support the Carolina Theatre, a pillar within the community! By purchasing a ticket, you are raising funds to support our nonprofit theater’s mission to present live events, film, and educational programs that enrich and celebrate Durham. This includes free and low-cost community-based programming like our Free Retro Family Days, Family Saturday Series, and Sensory Friendly Film Series. 

Mingle With The Stars 

Our local celebrities are beloved community leaders who come from a variety of backgrounds — community organizing, hospitality, real estate, education, and media — yet they all have come together to compete in Dancing With The Carolina Stars: Celebration. When you vote for your favorite star, you are not only encouraging someone who positively impacts Durham through their line of work, but you are also supporting the arts. After you witness our local celebrities dazzle on stage, you will have the unique opportunity to mingle with them after the competition is over. 

Enjoy Amazing Entertainment 

Although our “stars” are amateur dancers, you are still in for a delightful night of entertainment thanks to the amazing local professional dancers they are paired with who choreograph each number. From ballroom to hip hop, each performance is different, showcasing the local celebrities’ talents and skills. The performances every year amaze the audience and have them on their feet cheering and dancing along with the stars! 

Access Exclusive Auction Items 

Attending the fundraiser gives you access to a live auction and raffles featuring exclusive experiences and incredible prizes, including highly coveted live event tickets, artwork, and one-of-a-kind dining and vacation packages. There is something for everyone at an amazing value that is too good to pass up, especially when it benefits the theater.

Party! 

The party doesn’t stop once the Dancing With The Carolina Stars: Celebration competition and live auction ends. Enjoy a special after-hours party with enticing treats, live music, and a chance to mingle with the Stars.

If that didn’t convince you, maybe this highlight reel from our 2025 fundraiser will!