Arts & Entertainment

Despite our relatively small size compared to major cities in North Carolina and elsewhere, you can visit nearly three dozen art galleries (some representing well known contemporary and early artists), attend world-class concerts and plays at the newly renovated Memorial Hall and the PlayMakers Repertory Company theatre, both on the University campus, see local and improvisational theatre and comedy performances and participate in a wide range of other cultural events and activities that you wouldn't find in most major cities of the U.S. and foreign countries—and would!

Ackland Art Museum

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South Columbia St (off East Franklin St)
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3400

Directions

phone (919) 966-5736

Open Wed.-Sat., 10am-5pm; Sun., 1-5pm. Also open 2nd Fri., till 9pm.


The permanent collection of over 15,000 objects includes the art of Asia, Africa, Europe and America, with works ranging from ancient times to the 21st century. The Museum holds the most significant collection of Asian art in the state and one of the largest collections of works on paper in the Southeast. Long known for its strength in European painting and sculpture, the Ackland has recently added additional emphasis to the building of its collection of 20th-century and contemporary art. Admission is free.

ArtsCenter (The)

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300-G East Main St Downtown
Carrboro, NC 27510

Directions

phone (919) 929-2787

Open Mon.-Fri., 10am-9pm; Sat., 10am-10pm; Sun., noon-4pm; plus evening and weekend special events.


Presents jazz, folk-traditional and world music, plus theater and children’s programs. Light fare, wine and coffee available during performances. Cost varies by performance. The ArtSchool offers classes in the visual, literary and performing arts for all ages and levels of experience, and the two galleries present exhibits on a rotating basis. Parking.

C’est si Bon! Cooking School

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1002 Brace Ln
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Directions

phone (919) 942-6550

Call for lesson and event schedules.


Since 1997, C’est si Bon! Cooking School has been devoted to teaching the techniques of excellent cooking, and the result—cozy, feel-good gatherings in the kitchen. C’est si Bon!’s old-world approach to the culinary arts is not about the "show". We’re about getting your hands in the dough! We offer all hands-on classes for adult-chefs (both one-on-one and group-style), corporate team-buildings, teen-chef programs in North Carolina—and France—and our signature kid-chef programs year round. At C’est si Bon!, you’re the star, not us.

Carolina Performing Arts Series

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140 East Cameron Ave
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3276

Directions

phone (919) 843-3333

Box office hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm.


Located in the heart of the University’s historic campus, Memorial Hall has hosted world-renowned performers and elegant ceremonies throughout its history. Carolina Performing Arts Series events include jazz, classical, dance, world stage, American roots, urban voices, student performances and community groups. Costs vary by performance.

Carolina Union

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Graham Student Union: South Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-5210

Directions

phone (919) 962-2285

Box office hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm (during academic session); Mon-Fri, noon-4pm (summer).


As the center of community life, the Carolina Union provides cultural, social, educational and entertainment programs that enhance and complement the academic experience of the University. It supports opportunities for campus members to engage in debate, conversation and interaction, and provides services and amenities they need in their daily life on campus.

Carrboro Town Hall

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301 West Main St
Carrboro, NC 27510

Directions

phone (919) 918-7309

Open Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-5pm.

Chapel Hill Public Library

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100 Library Dr (off Estes Dr)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Directions

phone (919) 968-2749

Open Mon.-Wed., 9am-9pm; Thur., 10am-9pm; Fri., 10am-6pm; Sat., 9am-6pm; Sun., 1-5pm; closed major holidays.

Chapel Hill Town Hall

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405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Directions

phone (919) 968-2749

Open Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-5pm.

Chelsea Theater

1129 Weaver Dairy Rd (Timberlyne)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Directions

phone (919) 968-3005

Call for show times.

Clay Centre (The)

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402 Lloyd St (Downtown)
Carrboro, NC 27510

Directions

phone (919) 967-0314

Open Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, and by appointment.


The Clay Centre is a group of studios, a kiln room, a glaze-mixing room, courtyard and gallery specializing in pottery classes for teens and adults. We have well-equipped, professional studios with an emphasis on exchange among artists, collaboration and group creative energy. We are set up to encourage students of all levels to expand their creative activities within a supportive community of artists and teachers. Studios include the Red Clay Co-op, the Teaching Studio and Carolyn Doyle’s studio.

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Did You Know?

The arts scene in Orange County includes many diverse public art displays, commercial galleries, arts & crafts studios, performing arts events and movie showings.