Durham

‘Everything Now All At Once’

Through July 26, 2026

This diverse exhibit showcases a variety of the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University‘s most iconic works from more than 50 artists, honoring the museum’s 20th anniversary.

Kaiju-Quest Film Series

Select Wednesdays through Nov. 19

This series celebrates the Japanese film genre by bringing all the greatest monsters, including Godzilla, Mothra, Megaguirus and some of Ray Harryhausen’s colossal creations, to the big screen at the Carolina Theatre on select Wednesdays.

Retro Film Series

Select Days through Dec. 12

This weekly series, which brings double features of classic movies back to the big screen at the Carolina Theatre.

September

Wake

‘What We Leave Behind’

Through Oct. 5

This Theatre Raleigh production premieres at De Ann S. Jones Theater, offering a profound and introspective look a chronic illness and its impact on family, as well as the growth and resilience it takes to embark on such a journey.

Orange

‘God’s Country’

Through Oct. 5

Experience Cornell Watson’s “God’s Country” at the Peel Gallery. Watson’s work explores the dissonance between spirituality and our identities as U.S. citizens.

‘Something to Say’

Through Oct. 13

Engage in and celebrate visual art and poetry by people with the lived experience of incarceration at Margaret Lane Gallery’s exhibit of “Something to Say,” a collection of art from residents at the Orange Correctional Center.

Color Triumphant: Modern Art from the Collection of Julian and Josie Robertson

Through Jan. 4

View 54 works by 53 artists exploring the story of modern art through vivid Impressionism, intense Expressionism and immersive abstraction, including paintings, sculptures and works on paper at Ackland Art Museum.

Last Fridays & The Art Walk

Through Nov. 28

Connect with local artists through unique exhibits, family-friendly art activities, a market for makers and a drum circle in downtown Hillsborough.

Carrboro Music Festival

Sept. 27-28

Visit the Carrboro Town Commons for this beloved annual live music festival featuring local bands, youth bands, jazz orchestras and more.

Paperhand Puppet Project

Weekends through Sept. 28, and Nov. 7-9

Experience the 25th season of North Carolina’s awe-inspiring puppet show at the Forest Theatre at UNC. With live music, individually crafted giant puppets, masks, stilts, illuminated beings and shadow puppets, this unique, larger-than-life performance, “The Gift,” is sure to inspire viewers of all ages.

North Carolina Symphony

Sept. 28 & Nov. 13

See this local symphony perform iconic pieces by Dvořák and Beethoven at UNC‘s Memorial Hall.

Frank Gallery Featured Artists Exhibit

Through Nov. 8

Browse local art at Frank Gallery, featuring pieces from artists Barbara Tyroler and Donna Stubbs, plus guest artists Tama Hochbaum, Wyatt Speight Rue and Carmen Elliot, who specialize in pottery, painting and photo-art.

Chatham

Mead Fest

Sept. 27

Visit The Plant in Pittsboro and experience this free, fun and family-friendly event featuring food trucks, sword fighting knights, renaissance music, home mead making demonstrations and plenty of arts and crafts vendors.

October

Wake

Raleigh Wide Open

Oct. 3-4

This free downtown music festival produced by PineCone features live bluegrass, Americana, gospel, folk and R&B performances, plus an art market, refreshments and family-friendly fun.

North Carolina Symphony’s Halloween Spooktacular

Oct. 25

Take your family on a thrilling symphonic ride through spooky melodies, haunted classics and ghostly stories at Meymandi Concert Hall. Get the party started early with fun pre-concert activities, including a Halloween costume contest.

Durham

North Carolina Latin American Film Festival

Oct. 3-16

This festival, which is organized by the Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean Studies at Duke University and UNC, has featured work by Latin filmmakers from more than 20 countries in 13 languages, screening films and inviting speakers on issues such as migration and globalization at various locations around Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh.

Día de los Muertos Ofrenda

Oct. 3 – Nov. 2

Seven artists from the Inter-Latin American Artist Collective honor those who came before them with colorful oversized skulls as a Day of the Dead altar piece at Duke Chapel.

Missy Lane’s Block Party

Oct. 4

Visit Durham’s East Main Street for this high-energy, live music festival – presented by Missy Lane’s Charitable Foundation, Missy Lane’s Assembly Room LLC and Stretch Music LLC – showcasing top-tier national acts across two stages.

‘The Sounds of Music’

Oct. 9-12

Celebrate 65 years of one of the world’s most beloved musicals as this timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein classic comes to DPAC in a stunning new North American tour. The vibrant production tells the uplifting story of Maria and the von Trapp family through unforgettable songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” inviting audiences to embark on its everlasting themes of love, courage and the power of music.

Slingshot Festival

Oct. 10-12

Join this showcase of music, innovative art and technology featuring artists from around the world at The Fruit.

5 Points Gallery Featured Artist

Through Oct. 11

Discover the striking beauty of Japanese mineral painting in this solo exhibition by Yuko Nogami Taylor at 5 Points Gallery. Drawing from her cultural heritage and life in the American South, Yoko’s works explore themes of humility and strength through a deeply personal lens. Her meticulous technique and emotional depth offer a powerful portrayal of quiet perseverance.

Barktoberfest

Oct. 25

Sniff out the fun at Durham Central Park for a paw-some celebration for dogs and their humans. This free event features costume contests, agility courses, local pet vendors and plenty of treats for pups and people alike.

Durham Symphony Orchestra 50th Anniversary Season

Through May

Attend performances throughout the Bull City celebrating themes of freedom, unity and the American experience. 

Orange

Paint It Orange Plein Air Paint-Out & Wet Paint Sale

Oct. 1-3

Join this ninth annual event at Hillsborough’s Thomas Stevens Gallery and celebrate more than 100 diverse artists, meet painters from throughout the region and explore more than 180 works of original art capturing the natural beauty of Orange County.

Calico Makers Market 10th Edition

Oct. 4-5

Calico Studio hosts its Fall Makers Market at 1141 Smith Level Rd., where attendees can shop for art, pottery, jewelry and photography from local artists and vendors as they listen to music and grab bites from food trucks.

‘The Wolves’

Oct. 8-26

PlayMakers Repertory Company presents Sarah Delappe’s “The Wolves,” an exhilarating story of a high school soccer team’s battle with humor and heartbreak on and off the field.

Off the Wall Fundraising Gala

Oct. 18

Now in its 15th year, Frank Gallery’s Off the Wall Fundraising Gala brings people together to enjoy unique art and delicious food and drink.

Festifall Arts Market: Carolina Day

Oct. 18

Browse artists’ booths and enjoy performances throughout downtown Chapel Hill during the arts-focused block parties on West Franklin Street hosted by Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture.

Pop Up Chorus

Oct. 23

Join this spontaneous choral ensemble and learn two songs from the group’s conductor at The ArtsCenter. When the group is ready, you’ll do a dress rehearsal followed by a filmed final performance.

Burnout Paradise

Oct. 28-29

Award-winning experimental performance collective, Pony Cam, visits Joan H. Gillings Artspace, presenting “Burnout Paradise,” a high energy performance piece consisting of four performers on treadmills complete increasingly intense tasks before an audience – testing their bodies, minds and spirits.

Chatham

Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival

Oct. 2-5

Celebrate 21 years of music, dance, art and education at this famous Shakori Hills campout and music extravaganza. Enjoy live performances, interactive workshops, local vendors and vibrant cultural experiences for kids, teens and adults alike. Expect activities such as a guided drum circle, a free-form creative dance experience and sustainability workshops, plus a lineup of dozens of musicians and performance groups rotating through the Shakori Hills stages.

Ancient Arts Festival

Oct. 10-12

Embrace the mysterious and macabre at this celebration of all things tattoos, arts and oddities. This event returns to Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center for its third year, complete with tattoo and costume contests, live music, parades by Paperhand Puppet Intervention, food trucks, art vendors and more.

Goldston Old Fashion Day

Oct. 11

Explore Goldston, North Carolina’s rich history with an all-day street festival full of snacks, desserts and fun for all ages, presented by Goldston Lions Club.

GreenWood Wrights’Fest

Oct. 17-19

Sharpen your skills and your carving tools at this celebration of traditional crafting methods, hosted by Shakori Hills Community Arts Center. Enjoy days of demos and workshops followed by dancing and musical performances bound to entertain and inspire every spoon carver, bowl turner, chair maker, basket weaver and toolsmith.

Fall for Literacy Luncheon

Oct. 24

Acclaimed journalist and author Steven Petrow speaks at this ninth annual event hosted by Chatham Literacy to raise money for the organization’s various educational programs, including English language tutoring, financial literacy training and citizenship preparation classes. He’ll discuss his book “The Joy You Make,” a collection of tips and words of advice for finding a joyful life.

Pittsboro Street Fair

Oct. 25

Enjoy food from local vendors, craft beverages and live music at the Rotary Club of Pittsboro‘s annual street fair.

Wren Halloween Fest

Oct. 31

Dress up and get festive at Wren Memorial Library‘s annual, family-friendly festival, featuring carnival-style games, candy and spooky movie screenings.

November

Wake

Dia de Oakwood: Evening Screening of Disney’s ‘Coco’

Nov. 1

Join the community at Historic Oakwood Cemetery and celebrate the Day of the Dead with this beloved story following themes of family, tradition and what it means to belong.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

Nov. 15 – Jan. 11

Illuminate your evenings with magic and wonder at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Wander among thousands of handcrafted lanterns, each glowing with dazzling artistry and captivating themes. This family-friendly walk-through experience also features cultural performances, interactive displays, delicious treats and so much more – an enchanting night for all ages.

The Rink

Nov. 22 – Jan. 4

Discover a full experience of wintry joy – twinkling lights, a towering holiday tree and all the cozy trimmings from warm fire pits to lounge furniture and heaters – at Raleigh’s outdoor ice rink at Red Hat Amphitheater. Warm up with hot cocoa or seasonal sips, challenge friends to giant lawn games or reserve a private igloo for the ultimate winter hangout.

Durham

Annual Art Function and Fundraiser

Nov. 1

The theme of El Futuro‘s fourth annual fundraiser, “Expresiones,” focuses on cultural pride and mental health’s intertwined dynamics and emphasizes the healing power of cultural practices. Enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, art and connection with El Futuro at The Rickhouse.

Durham Pottery Tour

Nov. 8-9

The 12th annual celebration of our local pottery scene and its craftspeople showcases sculpture, jewelry, and functional and decorative wares crafted from a range of materials and methods.

‘Is It Thursday Yet?’

Nov. 14-15

Step into the deeply personal and visually stunning world of this powerful dance-theater work from choreographer Jenn Freeman. Inspired by her latein-life autism diagnosis, she explores self-discovery through movement in this intimate, sensory-rich performance presented by Duke Arts Presents at Reynolds Industries Theater.

Iron Pour

Nov. 15

Join more than 3,000 attendees who gather every year at Durham Central Park to witness teams of artists construct furnaces that heat iron to unbelievably high temperatures. Liberty Arts’ ninth annual public event features performances, local food trucks, craft beer, art vendors and opportunities to learn from and engage with the art form.

‘Mass in a Time of War’

Nov. 16

This Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle Signature Series performance at the Carolina Theatre features Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25 and Joseph Haydn’s “Missa in tempore belli.”

Orange

Festifall Arts Market: Día de los Muertos

Nov. 1

Join for a street market featuring artisan vendors, music, performances, and more in celebration of Día de los Muertos on West Franklin Street, hosted by Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture.

Orange County Artists Guild Studio Tour

Nov. 1-2, 8-9

Catch an exclusive early glance into the work of over 100 Orange County artists participating in the 31st Orange County Artists Guild Open Studio Tour at the OCAG Open Studio Tour Preview Show at Hillsborough Gallery of Arts.

The Art of Giving

Nov. 11 – Jan. 8

Celebrate the holiday season with this exhibit showcasing giftable art at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, open through the end of the year.

Holiday Opening Reception

Nov. 12 – Dec. 29

Find the perfect artistic gift at Frank Gallery’s holiday show with exclusive pieces from old and new gallery and guest artists.

Chatham

Death Faire

Nov. 2

Explore grief, remembrance and wisdom at this 10th annual event at The Plant, and discover how the changing culture of grief can inspire reflection and community. The event was inspired by the death positivity movement, and it evolves every year.

December

Wake

‘A Christmas Carol’

Dec. 5-7, Dec. 10-14

Enjoy a masterful musical production of the Dickens classic produced by Raleigh’s Theatre in the Park. This comedic adaptation by Ira David Wood III always puts audiences in a festive spirit. This season marks the first year Ira David Wood IV takes on the role of Scrooge. Performances take place at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts (Dec. 5-7) as well as at the Durham Performing Arts Center (Dec. 10-14).

‘The Nutcracker’

Dec. 11-24

This familiar holiday classic is performed by Carolina Ballet’s cast of professional dancers with a unique twist thanks to magnificent sets and refreshed choreography and costumes at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

Durham

‘The Outsiders’

Dec. 2-7

Follow the raw and gripping journey of 1960s teens navigating friendship, identity and self-discovery in this powerful coming-of-age story brought to life on stage at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

‘The Night Before Christmas Carol’

Dec. 12 & 14

RedBird Theater Company invites you to join Charles Dickens as he invents the characters and storyline for his now-famous “A Christmas Carol.” This enchanting one-man show will be performed at various venues across Durham and Chapel Hill – perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

‘The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind’

Dec. 13

Experience this moving Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle performance in Bay 7 at American Tobacco Campus.

Holidays in the Park

Select nights in December

Stroll with loved ones through the Museum of Life and Science’s outdoor and indoor spaces during its largest fundraising event of the year. Follow shimmering pathways on the Dinosaur Trail, twirl in your socks on the synthetic ice rink, warm up with the butterflies inside the Magic Wings Butterfly House and climb aboard the Ellerbe Creek Railway for a magical nighttime train ride.

Chatham

Chatham Artists Guild Annual Studio Tour

Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14

Draw back the curtain and peer into the creative spaces of Chatham County’s many talented artists. Chatham Artists Guild facilitates scenic tours of artists’ workshops across the county, from pastoral farmlands to ceramic studios, during its 33rd annual event held across the first two weekends in December. Browse original, affordable art pieces, and learn about the processes and visions that created them on this intimate, much-anticipated tour.

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