Apr 13

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE 2026 Charlotte Ideas Festival

featuring Charles Montgomery!

April 13, 2026 at The Dubois Center

How the Cities We Build Shape How We Live

The places we inhabit quietly shape our happiness, health, and sense of belonging—often more than we realize. In this keynote, Charles Montgomery, award-winning author of Happy City and founder of Happy Cities, explores how urban design influences the way we think, feel, and act.

Drawing on cutting-edge research in psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics—and vivid examples from cities around the world, from Disneyland to Dubai—Montgomery reveals the powerful links between the built environment and human wellbeing. Named one of the world’s 100 most influential urbanists by Planetizen, he brings an interdisciplinary perspective shaped by his work with governments, the World Health Organization, and cultural institutions like the Guggenheim Museum.

Event tickets are free but you must reserve a ticket to attend.

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, 320 E 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

About the Charlotte Ideas Festival: The Charlotte Ideas Festival is a multi-day exploration of today’s pressing ideas and issues through the lens of the humanities. This year’s conversation-packed events feature a range of thinkers, innovators and community members engaged in connection and conversation. A program of The Charlotte Center for the Humanities & Civic Imagination (The Charlotte Center), the Charlotte Ideas Festival is part of the three-week Charlotte SHOUT! festival celebrating Food, Art, Music, and Ideas.

About The Charlotte Center: The Charlotte Center for the Humanities & Civic Imagination (The Charlotte Center) is a community forum and civic action catalyst that invites people into meaningful connection and problem-solving informed by deep consideration of the human experience. Our mission is to help people and communities flourish. The Charlotte Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We are interested in what is good for Charlotte and what Charlotte can offer the world. We invite you to join us!