Spring in Orange County is a wonderful thing with events focusing on art, music, food, beer and beer!  Enjoy the warmer, longer days of spring with these top 10 events in and around the communities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough; worthy of an add to your 'things to do' list this season.

 

1. Revolutionary War Living History Day - 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 6

2. The Tarheel Antique Festival - An entire weekend to enjoy the love of antiques through vendor’s booths, appraisals and onsite an auction. April 6 & 7

Tarheel Antique Festival Vendor - Lloyds Dairy

3. UNC Science Expo - The UNC Science Expo is your chance to get up close and personal with cutting edge science hands-on activities, demonstrations, games, and performances. April 6

4. Fridays on the Front Porch at the Carolina Inn - Sip on crafted cocktails and beers, enjoy live music and nibble on cuisine from their weekly food truck lineup. It’s fun for all ages! Starting April 19th running thru October. (Website with 2024 schedule will be updated soon) 

Fridays on the Front Porch Event - Carolina Inn

5. Piedmont Farm Tour – Visit local farms in Orange, Durham, Chatham, Person and Alamance counties, 31 farms in total! Get a better understanding of where your food comes from. Tour various farms throughout the area from 2-6pm both days. April 20th & 21st

6. Fields of Funk Beer Festival - sponsored by Steel String Brewery out at Pluck Farm in Mebane. This festival features groovy beers, ciders, wines and mean from around the south and beyond April 20th. 

7. River Park Concert - There will be 4 bands, local beer, food, art vendors, live mural painting, and community mural. It is completely free to attend. April 20th

8. Chapel Hill Garden TourThis year’s theme is Tucked Away Treasures, Five Private Gardens plus the North Carolina Botanical Garden for you to explore! April 27 & 28th

2024 Chapel Hill Garden Tour Yost Backyard Garden by Photo by Daphne McLeod
2024 Chapel Hill Garden Tour Yost Backyard Garden by Photo by Daphne McLeod

9.  Annual Art in the Garden Sculpture Exhibition - Outdoor exhibition of both regional and nationally recognized sculptors now celebrating their 29th year. Hosted by Garden Art Gallery on acres of of intimage garden settings, winding paths and open spaces. May 4th, 5th & 11th. 

10. Freight Train Blues Series - Eight FREE Friday evening concerts featuring incredible roots musicians steeped in the diverse traditions of the Carolina Piedmont! Freight Train Blues celebrates the life and legacy of Piedmont blues legend Elizabeth “Libba” Cotton. May 5th thru June 23rd

Bonus Events (Because really, who doesn’t love a bonus?!)

Youth Fishing Rodeo at Blackwood Farm - Bring your own pole or borrow one of ours (limited availability). Bait worms will be provided. Live bait only. Prizes will be awarded for the following: Most creative hat, first fish caught, shortest fish, and biggest fish. May 18th

JawsFest Returns to Midway - Two days, 8 bands, 40 + vendors on Saturday at Midway Market. May 25th & 26th 

 

We would love to see photos of your visit to any of these events - tag @VisitChapelHill on Social

(Top image: River Park Concert, Triangle Music Alliance)