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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus. April 11
2. Revolutionary War Living History Day - Featuring reenactors, history interpreters, dancers, music, book signing, exhibits, captivating historic tours, interactive activities, refreshments and collaborative events throughout the town, this is a day of enriching experiences for all to enjoy. The event focuses on Hillsborough's unique role in the American Revolution and will also include special events on America's 250th anniversary. Enjoy activities at the Visitors Center, the Orange County Historical Museum, the Burwell School Historic Site, and Occaneechi Replica Village. April 11
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 10 & 11.
Photo by Tarheel Antiques Festival
4. Hillsborough Jazz Festival – Come enjoy an afternoon of jazz on the lawn of Moorefields featuring Sam Fribush, Angela Bingham Quartet, and Durham Jazz Workshop students from 1-5 pm. Also food trucks, beer and wine and an artisan market. April 18.
5. Fields of Funk Beer Festival – A funky beer festival featuring groovy beers, ciders, wines and mead from around the south and beyond. There will be a free shuttle from downtown Carrboro. More information to come. April 18.
6. Chapel Hill Garden Tour - With the theme Sculpted & Soaring Skyward, explore five unique private gardens in Chapel Hill. These gardens showcase diverse visions of beauty, preservation, sustainability, and design. See beautiful spring blooms, rock formations, a certified wildlife and butterfly sanctuary and much more from 10am-4pm each day. Learn from knowledgeable experts at each location. There are also three public gardens on the tour including the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Tickets are $30 through April 24 and $40 starting April 25. April 25-26.
2026 Chapel Hill Garden Tour by Daphne McLeod
7. 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 25 & 26.
8. Annual Art in the Garden Sculpture Exhibition - Outdoor exhibition of both regional and nationally recognized sculptors now celebrating their 31st year. Hosted by Garden Art Gallery at 1902 Borland Road, Hillsborough on acres of of intimate garden settings, winding paths and open spaces. Free admission 10am-5pm Saturdays and 12pm-5pm Sunday. May 2, 3 & 9.
9. Freight Train Blues Series - Five 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 15, 22, 29 & June 5, 12.
10. Carrboro Bluegrass Festival - Head to the Cat’s Cradle Back Yard for a day of world-class bluegrass, featuring Mason Via, Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands, Trenton Wagler & Eric Brubaker (of The Steel Wheels), Jon Stickley Trio, The Cody Sisters ,The Holland Brothers and more! Doors open at 2 pm and music starts at 3 pm. Tickets are reserved seating and general admission. May 23.
Graham Sharp & Friends at the inaugural Carrboro Bluegrass Festival at Cat's Cradle by S.P. Murray Photography
Plan you spring trip, and find your accommodations at Visit Chapel Hill Hotels and check the variety of dining options at Visit Chapel Hill Restaurants.
(Header - Freight Train Blues Concerts at Carrboro Town Commons by Town of Carrboro)
