Seasonal Best Bets

While any season is a great time to visit, Summer is especially exciting. Our flowers are popping, trees are blooming, and our outdoor festivities are in full swing. There is plenty to celebrate in the communities of Orange County, NC! We come together to celebrate our cultural diversity- we celebrate our artists, our food and our farms. And we invite you to join us!. Scroll down and plan your visit around these best bets for summer. New for 2018 - Summer is Sizzling: download and print here.

The Second Friday ArtWalk is a great way to experience the local art scene in Carrboro and Chapel Hill. FREE

Last Fridays is a free concert series from April through September in the neighboring town of Hillsborough. Artists, food vendors, craftspeople set up wares on the sidewalks around the old downtown courthouse.

Enjoy the parks, greenways and trails throughout Orange County. You'll find urban greenways, state and community parks with miles of trails, and community gardens perfect for hiking and relaxing on our Things to Do page.

Shop downtown specialty and boutique stores on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, Main Street in Carrboro, and Churton Street in Hillsborough. Check out this digital guide of our unique shops to plan your shopping excursion.

Attending a Sunday Concert on the Village Green in Southern Village which features local and regional bands is a great way to end the weekend. Concerts are free and happen every Sunday April through early September from 6 pm - 8 pm. Bring a chair or blanket. Dine outdoors before or after the concert at one of the several wonderful restaurants on the square. Stay at the Hyatt Place Chapel Hill/Southern Village for a fun weekend getaway only minutes from downtown Franklin Street in Chapel Hill and Main Street in Carrboro.

The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill hosts Fridays on the Front Porch (FOFP) featuring live music on the front porch/lawn of this historically but modern and charming hotel. Food and cocktails are available for purchase. The concerts begin at 5 pm, no cover and open to the public. Late April through mid October.

Freight Train Blues 2018 is celebrating Carrboro folk singer Elizabeth Cotten, Friday evenings beginning May 18 - June 8. No cover for live music. Beer and food available for purchase.

Stop by any of our Farmers Markets open Saturdays all year and certain weekdays during the spring, summer and fall months. Many of our local farmers have roadside stands and invite visitors to pick your own berries. Visit Things to Do Farm Life & Markets for a list of our farmers and markets.

Looking for more things to do - check out our events calendar for current happenings and download this printable SUMMER SIZZLING brochure.

You also might be interested in these seasonal trip ideas...