Experience Spring in Full Bloom in Chapel Hill & Orange County
Festivals, outdoor dining, scenic hikes, and vibrant downtowns
Spring is a spectacular time to visit the charming towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough in Orange County, North Carolina. With tree-lined streets in bloom, lush gardens awakening, and crisp spring air drawing hikers outdoors, this season brings our communities to life. Enjoy local festivals in April & May, dine al fresco on sun-soaked patios, and stroll through vibrant downtowns. Visit one of our many local farms for u-pick or cuddle with goats, or explore our bustling farmers markets, where you’ll find fresh seasonal produce, artisan goods, and a taste of the region’s agricultural roots. Whether you're seeking nature, culture, or simply a fresh perspective—Spring is calling you to Orange County.
Check out these popular spring festivals and events to attend:
Tarheel Antiques Festival (April 10th and 11th)
UNC Science Expo (April 11th)
Revolutionary War Living History Day (April 11th)
Tar Heel Ten Miler and Fleet Feet 4-mile Run (April 18th)
Fields of Funk Beer Festival (April 18th)
Piedmont Farm Tour (April 25th and 26th)
Chapel Hill Garden Tour (April 25th and 26th)
Last Fridays & Art Walk (April 24th and May 29th)
Art in the Garden Sculpture Exhibition (May 2nd, 3rd and 9th)
Carrboro Bluegrass Festival (May 23rd)
Preservation Fest (Dates to be determined)
Fridays on the Front Porch (Dates to be determined)
Outdoor Fun Parks & Gardens
Ayr Mount and Poet's Walk
- 376 St Mary's Road
Ayr Mount is open to the public on select days from April through November. All guests are…
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
- 625 Virginia Cates Road
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area offers a quick escape into nature with its three miles of…
North Carolina Botanical Garden
- 100 Old Mason Farm Road
The Botanical Garden, one of the largest natural botanical gardens in the southeast, features nature…
Coker Arboretum
- 399 E. Cameron Avenue
Coker Arboretum is 5 acres of a wide variety of plantings including flowering trees and shrubs as…
Occoneechee Speedway
- 320 Elizabeth Brady Road
The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail is a 44-acre site on the National Register for Historic…
Riverwalk
- Nash and Kollock Streets
Riverwalk is a paved, accessible, urban greenway that stretches about 1.8 miles along the Eno River…
Eno River State Park
- 6101 Cole Mill Rd
Eno River State Park—like its namesake—flows near urban areas of Durham and Orange counties with…
Bolin Creek Trail
- 120 South Estes Drive
10' wide paved trail through meadow and wooded floodplain. Trail is 1.5 miles. Connects the…
Blackwood Farm Park
- 4215 NC 86 South
Blackwood Farm Park features approximately 152 acres of land located between Hillsborough and Chapel…
Morgan Creek Trail
- W. NC Hwy 54
10' wide paved woodland trail; one steep slope at a boardwalk section. 0.85 miles. The trail…
Outdoor dining Restaurants & Bars
Carolina Coffee Shop
- 138 East Franklin Street
We proudly serve brunch, coffee, and drinks throughout the week. We embrace our roots as North…
Carolina Brewery
- 460 W. Franklin Street
Since 1995, the locally-owned and operated Carolina Brewery has been proudly providing…
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
- 100 East Franklin Street
Whether you live in Chapel Hill, are just visiting, or are here to connect to your college roots…
Al's Burger Shack
- 516 West Franklin St
Delicious made to order burgers and fries, hot dogs and shakes from the best local ingredients. Try…
Acme Food & Beverage Co.
- 110 East Main Street
Acme Food & Beverage Company has been serving good Southern American cuisine, signature cocktails…
Antonia's
- 101 North Churton Street
Authentic Regional Italian Cuisine Prepared with Fresh and Local Ingredients. Check out their weekly…
Wooden Nickel Pub
- 113 N. Churton Street
The Wooden Nickel has been the neighborhood pub of Hillsborough since 2003, featuring some of the…
Glasshalfull
- 106 South Greensboro Street
Glasshalfull is a contemporary American restaurant, bar, and wine shop. Both the food and the wine…
Gray Squirrel Coffee Co.
- 360 E Main Street
At Gray Squirrel Coffee Co. we like to keep things simple: roasting in small batches with care to…
Roquette at Franklin Motors
- 601 W. Franklin Street
As Chapel Hill's first and only beer garden, we've set the bar high. In addition to serving over 20…
La Residence
- 202 West Rosemary Street
A Chapel Hill landmark since 1976, La Residence offers an American inspired twist on classic French…
Merritt's Grill
- 1009 South Columbia Street
Defining Genuine Southern Culture... Since 1992. Famous for its BLTs and delicious sandwiches…