Visit Hillsborough, NC

Stories that Connect Us
2025-02-06 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-02-20 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-02-27 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Passmore Center, 103 Meadowlands Dr. , Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
A Community Conversation on Telling the Full Story
Discover the stories that shape our community in a special four-part conversation series! Hosted by the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and the Telling the Full Story committee, each session dives into the history of local sites from our interactive map, with engaging video presentations and oral histories that bring these places to life. Join us for lively discussions and reflections on the impact of these spaces in Hillsborough.
Mark your calendar for Thursday evenings in February 2025, 5:30–7:00 PM at the Passmore Center in Hillsborough, NC. Come to learn, connect, and be inspired—see you there!
Registration is not required, but it is encouraged. Click here to register: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/the-stories-that-connect-us-series
What is Telling the Full Story: The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough’s Telling the Full Story program seeks to uncover and share the diverse, often untold histories of Hillsborough. Through community conversations, interactive maps, and oral histories, this program invites everyone to explore the people, events, and places that have shaped our community, fostering a richer understanding of our shared heritage.
February 6th: Entrepreneurship in the 20th Century
Explore the rich history of local entrepreneurship in the 20th century during this engaging session of the Telling the Full Story Conversation Series. Committee members will spotlight three important sites: the Warner Complex, Shanklin Press, and Faribault BBQ. Through oral history videos and lively discussions, attendees will learn about the impact of these businesses on our community’s economy and culture.
February 13th: The Land Remembers
Uncover the deep historical connections between land and memory. The conversation will focus on three significant sites: Margaret Lane Cemetery, the Mayo Rock Quarry, and the Occaneechi Replica Village. Through video presentations and insightful discussions, attendees will learn how these places carry stories of resilience, culture, and history that continue to shape our community today.
February 20th: Community Institutions
Discover the vital role of community institutions in shaping local history. Focused on Dickerson Chapel AME Church and the former Central High School, which also hosted Agnes Kindergarten, attendees will learn about the central place these institutions held in the lives of African Americans in the area. Through oral histories and lively discussion, we will explore how these sites fostered education, faith, and community during a time of segregation and change.
February 27th: Navigating Freedom
Examine the theme of freedom through the lives of those who navigated and shaped it in our community. Featured stories will include the life of Jesse Ruffin, a key figure in local history, and the Midwives Retirement Community, which became a haven for trailblazing women like Peggy Faribault and Fanny Breeze. Through oral histories and thoughtful conversation, attendees will learn how these individuals and places played a crucial role in fostering freedom, independence, and resilience.

Pete the Cat: Original Art by James Dean
2025-02-07 - 2025-02-08, 2025-02-14 - 2025-02-15, 2025-02-21 - 2025-02-22, 2025-02-28 - 2025-03-01, 2025-03-07 - 2025-03-08, 2025-03-14 - 2025-03-15, 2025-03-21 - 2025-03-22, 2025-03-28 - 2025-03-29 | Hillsborough Visitors Center, 150 E King Street, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
“Pete the Cat: Original Art by James Dean” on view in Hillsborough, NC, 1/3/25 through 4/3/25
Hillsborough, NC – The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and Mike’s Art Truck are excited to present “Pete the Cat: Original Art by James Dean.” This selection of Dean’s popular “CAT-themed” paintings will be on display from January 3 through April 3, 2025, at the Alexander Dickson House, the historic building which houses the Hillsborough Visitors Center.
Artist James Dean, self-taught creator of that iconic blue feline, Pete the Cat, graciously shares a unique collection of his original paintings in this exhibition. The show is expected to confirm once again that “Everybody Loves Pete.” Exhibition artwork is available for purchase directly through Mike’s Art Truck. For information email mikesarttruck@centurylink.net, or visit their website at www.mikesarttruck.com. All of the exhibition artwork can be viewed on the same website.
The Alexander Dickson House and Hillsborough Visitors Center is located at 150 E. King St., in downtown Hillsborough, NC. Admission to the exhibit is free and open to the public during regular visitor hours. Free parking is available. For more information about Historic Hillsborough, including the Visitors Center, please visit http://www.visithillsboroughnc.com.

ERB Spring Fling
2025-03-30 12:00 - 17:00 | eno river brewing, 329 Eno Mountain Rd, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
We are so excited to invite you all to our very first Spring Fling Makers Market! Everyone had such an amazing time at Fall Fest 2024, that we couldn’t wait another whole year to get everyone back together! We have some returnees, and a lot of new faces joining us! There will be groovy tunes, a ton of local small businesses and some delicious eats from @mrdonsfamouschickenribs ! We will be slanging beer and merch in the backyard, to encourage even more outdoor time! Everything will get rocking and rolling by noon, so get here early, bring your camping chairs and picnic blankets, and get ready to shop all your new favorite local makers!

Open Farm Day at Firefly Farm
2025-04-05 08:00 - 18:00 | Firefly Farm, 4911 Hunt Rd, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
You are invited to the Open Farm Day at Firefly Farm . Saturday, April 5, 2025, 8 am till 6 pm. This free event is the perfect opportunity to see what we are growing. We are a U-pick flower farm, growing many varieties of flowers. Come out and wander the farm and pet the animals.
Schedule of Events for Open Farm Day at Firefly Farm
No ticket needed – free event, open to the public
8 am – Gates open. Farmer Cindy and staff will be available to answer any questions you may have. Wander the farm – be our guest! While the wildflowers are not ready for the U-pick season yet, this is a great time to see what the farm has to offer. Select flowers will be available for purchase and we may have a special opportunity for U-pick tulips. Park at the barn or in the overflow lot (follow the yellow signs). Check in at the barn to begin your adventure (map available). Walk the labyrinth. Say hello to the farm animals and the unicorn. Swing on the farm swing. Touch a tractor. Find a hammock and take a nap while the kids make a craft. Enjoy the fresh air and run around outside. Make it your day.
Special activity: Farm tours will occur at 10 am, noon, 2 pm and 4 pm. Meet Farmer Cindy at the barn and she will lead you around some of the flower gardens and discuss what is happening on the farm. Feel free to ask questions. During the 10 am and 4 pm tours, we will feed the animals!
Vendors joining us include: Burger Bistro, Smokehouse Bandits BBQ, Ms. Tori and her crafts (A Child’s Creative Curiosity), State Farm, First National Bank, CirclesandSymmetry Etsy store and others! Plan on buying some delicious food and sweets, finding your favorite spot on the farm, and having a picnic on a beautiful Spring day!
6 pm – Gates close. Thank you for joining us! www.fireflyfarmnc.com

Drift Opening Reception
2025-04-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, 121 N. Churton St., Hillsborough, 27278
DRIFT: New work by watercolorist, Ryann Carey and furniture maker, Pete Rodrigues

Saturday Slowdown at RambleRill Farm: Market and Open Farm Day
2025-05-03 10:00 - 14:00 | Ramble Rill Farm, 913 Arthur Minnis Road, Hillsborough, NC, 27516, United States
Join us for the first Saturday Slowdown of 2025. Shop local makers and growers, wander the farm and trails, visit the goats and chickens, bring your lunch, relax and slowdown with us! Family friendly. Saturday, 5.3.25, 10am-2pm. 913 Arthur Minnis Road Hillsborough, NC. Free Admission.

Concert on the Courtyard Series
2025-05-14 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-26 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-30 18:00 - 19:30 | The Colonial Inn, 153 W King St., Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Welcome to May at The Colonial Inn!
The flowers aren’t the only things blooming this month—so is our live music lineup
>>> Check out the schedule below:

Wednesday May 14th: Tea Cup Gin 6pm
Wednesday May 21st: Bob Hartford 6pm
Monday May 26th: Houda Idrissi 6pm
Friday May 30th: Charlotte Morris 6pm – Part of Hillsborough Arts Council’s Last Fridays & Art Walk

Sponsored by Hillsborough Real Estate Group
Let May be full of music, memories, and community.

Trivia Nights at the Rookery
2025-05-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-28 19:00 - 21:00 | The Rookery, 115 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Join us at The Rookery for Trivia Night in partnership with Orange County Public Library! Every Wednesday from 7-8pm starting on May 14th!! Teams or individuals welcome! Winner(s) get a free round of drinks on the house! Free parking in the parking deck beyond the Public Library.

Hillsborough on Tap: Local Trivia & Non-Profit Showcase
2025-05-22 19:00 - 20:00 | The Rookery, 115 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time: 7:00–8:00 PM
Location: The Rookery, Hillsborough, NC
Hosted by the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, Hillsborough on Tap is a special event celebrating our Annual Meeting in a fun, engaging format. This evening gathering brings together board members, staff, volunteers, and community partners to share our collective goals and missions in a relaxed and social setting.
The evening begins at 7pm with a partner showcase, where participating organizations will each have two minutes to introduce themselves and share highlights of their work in the community. The Showcase will be followed by Local Trivia, with questions drawn from the presentations and local history. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams.
Learn more about the space:
Located at 115 W Margaret Lane in the heart of historic downtown Hillsborough, The Rookery is a family-friendly bar offering a welcoming atmosphere for all. With both indoor and outdoor seating—including cozy fire pits and a relaxed lounge area—it’s an ideal spot to unwind. The Rookery features a creative cocktail menu and encourages patrons to bring their own food or order from nearby sister restaurant Nomad.
This event is free and open to nonprofit partners, board members, volunteers, and community supporters. For more information and updates about Hillsborough on Tap, visit our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1368497407507265/

Last Fridays and the Art Walk!
2025-05-30 17:30 - 21:00 | Downtown Historic Hillsborough, 101 S Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC, 27278
FREE monthly events celebrating ART, CULTURE, and COMMUNITY in Hillsborough, NC, featuring:
⭐ The Art Walk (Year-Round) – 28+ participating venues offer monthly artist receptions, demonstrations, mini markets, live music, and more.
⭐ Living Arts in River Park (April – October) – Community drumming, dance, and interactive opportunities with the Living Arts Collective in Hillsborough’s River Park. No matter your experience or comfort level with drumming or dance, these gatherings are an opportunity to expand. All are welcome.
⭐ Last Fridays Makers Markets & *NEW* Live on the Lawn Performance Series (May – October) – Local artists, community groups, community arts & crafts, and live performances at the Old Orange County Courthouse Lawn.
Applications to become an Approved Vendor for 2025 Last Fridays Makers Markets are NOW OPEN. Local artists and organizations/community groups are encouraged to apply.
Learn about each monthly lineup, download the itinerary, and CHOOSE YOUR LAST FRIDAYS ADVENTURE at www.lastfridays.org*!
*Details on this page are generally finalized the week before each Last Friday event.
This program was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Additional support is provided by the Tourism Board of the Town of Hillsborough.

"Atmospherics" Art Reception at The Little Market
2025-05-30 18:00 - 21:00
The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts is proud to announce the opening of its new satellite space, The Little Market, with an inaugural exhibition by artist Adrienne Knowles. The show, titled “Atmospherics,” features a striking new body of abstract landscapes. A reception will be held Friday, May 30th from 6-9pm in conjunction with the Art Walk.
The Little Market is dedicated to showcasing curated, rotating exhibitions and creative collaborations, providing a fresh space where artists and the community connect through art. They aim to create new opportunities for both established and emerging artists.
In “Atmospherics,” Knowles explores the emotional and intuitive process of artmaking through a series of richly layered, abstract landscapes. Working with acrylics, oil, cold wax medium and sometimes collage elements, she builds compositions from color, texture, and memory—inviting viewers to experience the quiet mystery of landscapes that arise from within.
Adrienne shares: “For the last several years, I’ve focused on non-representational abstraction, but recently this group of abstract landscapes has taken shape—unbidden at first, then welcomed wholeheartedly.”
The Little Market is located at 118 N. Churton St, just across the street from the main HGA gallery within Hillsborough Real Estate Group, and will feature a rotating selection of artist exhibitions, small works, and curated collections. Join us for the closing reception of “Atmospherics” on Friday, May 30th from 6-9pm and experience this exciting new addition to Hillsborough’s art scene.
“Atmospherics” will be available to view fthrough June 15th, 2025. The Little Market is open Last Fridays 6-9pm and Saturdays and Sundays 12-4. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughgallery.com/the-little-market.

Hands-on History Fair
2025-05-31 10:00 - 15:00 | Hillsborough Visitors Center, 150 E King Street, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Join Us for the FREE Hands-On History Fair!
Get ready to step into the past at the Hands-On History Fair on May 31st from 10am–3pm at the Hillsborough Visitor Center grounds! This FREE community event brings history to life with fun, family-friendly, and interactive experiences.
Meet local preservationists, artisans, and history-minded organizations as they showcase the many ways we keep the past alive—from restored artifacts and tools of the trade to hands-on activities designed for all ages. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, there’s something for everyone to explore!
This event is held in conjunction with our Past Meets Present Preservation Tour. The Past Meets Present Preservation tour is a paid self-guided tour where participants will be able to explore inside 7 different preserved historic buildings in Hillsborough.
To learn more about the FREE Hands-on History Fair or the paid tour, please visit our website: https://historichillsborough.org/preservationfest/

BLAC Fest: Summer Reading
2025-06-02 10:00 - 19:00 | Orange County Main Library, 137 W. Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
This month at Main Library, we have displays in Adult Services highlighting:
Read Black | Juneteenth occurs this month on June 19th. Celebrate by reading Black literature of various genres.

Join us for book discussion of Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson (available in multiple formats) hosted by Tuesday Evening Book Club on Tuesday, June 10th, 6:30pm at Main Library.

Join us for a book discussion of Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (available in multiple formats) hosted by Spotlight Books & Films Club on Wednesday, June 11th at 6:30pm at Main Library

BLAC Fest is OCPL’s Black Literature, Arts, & Culture Festival leading up to Juneteenth.

Saturday Slowdown at RambleRill Farm: Kids and Families Day
2025-06-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Ramble Rill Farm, 913 Arthur Minnis Road, Hillsborough, NC, 27516, United States
It’s Kids and Families Day at Saturday Slowdown this weekend! Don’t miss Alex’s Menagerie of Musical Instruments, Kids’ Crafts, Scavenger Hunt, Flower Bar, Longleaf Forest School Play Date, and Greet the Goats. Plenty of prizes to win and free ice cream scoops to eat! Shop local makers and growers, bring a picnic lunch, wander the woods. Slow Down with us. Saturday, June 7, 10am-2pm, 913 Arthur Minnis Road, Hillsborough

BLAC Fest: Story Quilt Activities Begin
2025-06-08 10:00 - 19:00 | Orange County Main Library, 137 W. Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Event Details

Story Quilt Activities | Ongoing All June at Main Library | Stop by the library and create a square for our community-made story quilt in honor of the late Faith Ringgold, artist, quilter, and author of the classic children’s book, Tar Beach. The quilt that we make over the summer will be highlighted as part of our Artember festivities in September of this year. While you’re visiting, you can also learn more about story quilts and Ringgold’s life and legacy at our ongoing puzzle table which features a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle depicting Ringgold’s quilt, Tar Beach 2. Both activities are for all ages.
