Seasonal Best Bets

Our trees are showing bits of color in pinks and yellows and daffodils are popping up everywhere. So we'll take advantage of these days by biking the greenways and hiking the trails, enjoying the last of the winter produce at the farmers' markets, and meeting friends for a quick bite on the patio of our favorite eatery . Of course, if the weather doesn't cooperate, there are still exciting things to do inside.

There is plenty to celebrate in the communities of Orange County, NC! We celebrate our artists, our food and our farms. We come together to celebrate our cultural diversity. And we invite you to join us!. Scroll down and plan your visit around these best bets for SPRING. For a complete listing, jump to the Events Calendar. 

You'll soon discover we have more green than pavement. Take advantage of warmer days and explore the extensive greenway system in Chapel Hill. Or just 20 minutes north, you'll find the award winning Riverwalk in downtown Hillsborough.

Morehead Planetarium will host the 10th annual UNC Science Expo on Cameron Ave., Saturday April 4th, 11 am - 4 pm. Students and faculty share their research with the campus community and local partners. Free and open to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.This is a signature event of the North Carolina Science Festival.

Last Fridays in Hillsborough brings live music, dancing and crafters to downtown Hillsborough.

Fridays on the Front Porch, a popular end-of-the-week celebration in Chapel Hill, NC! Sip on crafted cocktails while listening to live music. Every Friday features a different band and food trucks. Kicks off on April 24th at The Carolina Inn. 

During the last weekend of April, you are invited to tour Orange County farms as part of the Piedmont Farm Tour. This is a perfect way to introduce kids to the concept of farm to fork. For a memorable weekend, come pet baby animals, taste fresh fruits, veggies, dairy and meat produced here in the Piedmont area, and meet the farmers. April 25 & 26,  2 pm - 6 pm both days.

Other Signature Events:

Old North State Nationals

Tar Heel 10-Miler and Fleet Feet 4-mile Run

Art in the Heart of Hillsborough

Near & Far: A Local Celebration of Global Cultures

Chapel Hill Spring Garden Tour

26th Annual Art in the Garden Sculpture Exhibition

Vietri's Spring Warehouse Sale

The Second Friday ArtWalk is a great way to experience the local art scene in Carrboro and Chapel Hill. Many venues offer refreshments and live entertainment. Best of all, it's at your leisure and FREE. 

Stop by any of our Farmers Markets open Saturdays all year long. Visit Things to Do Farm Life & Markets for a list of our farmers and markets