Welcome to Spring. Enjoy the warmer, longer days of the season and come check out these top 10 events in and around the communities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough, North Carolina. If you enjoy science, antique shopping, history, music, farm tours, art, gardens and more, you'll find the perfect event this spring.
1. UNC Science Expo - Come to one of the biggest science celebrations in the state. More than 100 exhibitors provide hands-on activities, games, science demonstrations, and lab tours on the quads surrounding Morehead Planetarium & Science Center on the UNC Campus. April 5
2. Revolutionary War Living History Day - Featuring reenactors, dancers, captivating historic tours, interactive activities, and collaborative events throughout the town, this is a day of enriching experiences for all to enjoy. Live reenactors focus on Hillsborough's unique role in the American Revolution. Enjoy activities at the Visitors Center, the Orange County Historical Museum, the Burwell School Historic Site, and Occaneechi Replica Village with dancers, interactive activities and historic tours. April 5
3. Tarheel Antiques Festival - An entire weekend to enjoy the love of antiques through vendor’s booths, appraisals and onsite auctions at Lloyd's Dairy Farm.. April 5 & 6.
Photo by Tarheel Antiques Festival
4. Piedmont Farm Tour – Visit over 30 farms in Orange, Durham, Chatham, Person and Alamance counties, Get a better understanding of where your food comes from. Tour various farms throughout the area from 2-6pm both days. Admission available per farm or per car to see multiple farms. April 26 & 27.
5. Fridays on the Front Porch - The Carolina Inn begins their yearly event happening each Friday May - October. Enjoy live music, food trucks, beverage specials and comfortable seating on the shady front porch and the lawn of the Inn, from 5 pm - 8 pm. The 2025 season begins May 2.
6. Hillsborough Garden Tour - Celebrating the Hillsborough Garden Club with a centennial garden tour showcasing 10 private gardens. Six of the gardens are attached to 100-year-old or older homes. The other gardens evoke a sense of history with their plants and garden designs. There are three public gardens on the tour that are maintained with the help of garden club members. Tickets are $35 through April 27 and $40 starting April 28. May 3.
2025 Hillsborough Garden Tour by Nancy Beach
7. Annual Art in the Garden Sculpture Exhibition - Outdoor exhibition of both regional and nationally recognized sculptors now celebrating their 30th year. Hosted by Garden Art Gallery on acres of of intimate garden settings, winding paths and open spaces. May 3, 4 & 10.
8 Freight Train Blues Series - Four free Friday evening concerts series which honors the musical traditions and life of Piedmont blues legend Elizabeth "Libba" Cotten on the lawn of the Carrboro Town Commons. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the music from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. May 16, 23, 30 & June 6.
9. Orange County SeaFest - Efland Ruritan Club grounds at 3009 Forrest Ave is hosting this seafood and music festival which is fun for the whole family. In additional to seafood, enjoy hot dogs and burgers, carnival rides and games, 3 live bands, craft and art vendors on Friday, 3 pm - 10 pm and Saturday, 10 am - 10 pm. Funds will support North Carolina Veterans Outdoors. May 16-17.
Seafood plate by Freepik
10. Carrboro Bluegrass Festival - Head to the Cat’s Cradle Back Yard for a day of world-class bluegrass, featuring Jim Lauderdale, Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Woody Platt, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Graham Sharp, Max Wareham, and more! doors open at 1 pm and music starts at 2 pm. Tickets are seated and standing options. May 24.
(Header - Freight Train Blues Concerts at Carrboro Town Commons by Town of Carrboro)
