Welcome to Uptown Shelby, the heart of our community

Uptown Shelby’s tree-lined streets invite locals and visitors alike to a variety of independent businesses and top-notch attractions.

Hear the music & stories of the American South at the Earl Scruggs Center, taste local produce at the Foothills Farmers’ Market, see a national act at the Don Gibson Theatre, discover local artists at the Cleveland County Arts Council and explore our quirky, fun local businesses. Between live music, great shopping, gallery shows, delicious food, and special events, there is always something fun to do in Uptown.

Come enjoy the great combination of ambiance and options that make Uptown Shelby exciting!

Explore our website for more information about the destinations, businesses, and events in Uptown Shelby. Explore Uptown with this map that shows parking as well as shopping, dining, attractions, and more.

Click here to read about Uptown Shelby's growth over the last 10 years, and how our charming district is poised for continued success in the years ahead.

Shelby Alive! Summer Concert Series

SHELBY ALIVE 2017

Each year Uptown Shelby Association offers outdoor concerts to showcase the heart of our city and to bring people together to meet friends, enjoy music, relax and have some fun. The concerts are held on the fourth Thursday of each month. More great music and more good times in Uptown Shelby.

In 2017, we will enjoy the music under the festival lights at the City Pavilion, 126 W. Marion St.

2017 Concert Schedule

May 25 – Shelby Alive! 6-9 pm  Oak Grove String Band

June 22 – Shelby Alive! 6-9 pm Diverse Groove

July 27 – Shelby Alive! 6-9  pm  Dirty Grass Soul

August 24 – Shelby Alive! 6-9 pm  Java Band

Thanks to our generous 2017 sponsors for making this popular event series possible!

Dragonfly Wine Market

Be a part of our volunteer team!

Volunteer FAQs

Why does USA need volunteers?

We rely on volunteers because we are a non-profit organization operating on a lean budget. With only two full-time staff, there’s no way we can run big events alone. We are in the process of our expanding our volunteer opportunities beyond events to include projects and leadership roles in order to expand our organization’s capacity to accomplish exciting projects that help make Uptown Shelby a more vibrant place.

What does USA look for in a volunteer?

We look for people with a sense of pride in Uptown Shelby and a commitment to volunteering who want to make a difference in their community. Other specific characteristics depend on the volunteer role – some of our volunteer opportunities require a team spirit, and some require the ability to work independently.

How much time is involved?

It varies! We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that range from an hour to monthly meetings to projects on your own schedule. We have one-time slots as well as short-term gigs and longer-term commitments.

How can I learn more about volunteering with USA?

Call us at 704-484-3100 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll be glad to talk more with you about our volunteer opportunities and the role of volunteers in our organization.

What volunteer opportunities does USA offer?

We rely on volunteers to accomplish exciting projects and to make our events run smoothly. The following tables are example volunteer positions - please call us at 704-484-3100 for information about what positions are currently available.

EVENTS

PROJECTS

Thanks for your interest in Uptown Shelby!

As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Uptown Shelby Association is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

Uptown Shelby is a North Carolina Main Street Community, designated by the NC Department of Commerce and Main Street & Rural Planning Center.  Uptown Shelby Association is charged with administering the program at the local level and building a public-private partnership to spur economic development in partnership with the state agency.