Visit Hillsborough, NC

Thursday Jazz at Yonder
2025-05-15 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-05-22 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-05-29 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew, 114 W King St, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Each Thursday from 8-10 Yonder presents live jazz with some amazing local, and traveling jazz musicians.
Les Trois Chats
Katharine Whalen’s JazzSquad
Crystal Bright and Griffanzo
Taz Halloween with Griffanzo
New Morning Jazz

KÜF KNOTZ & CHRISTINE ELISE

Ayr Mount Tours 2025
2025-05-16 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-23 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-29 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Ayr Mount Historic Site, 376 St. Mary's Rd, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, Ayr Mount strikes a startling figure in the historical town. The 1815 federal, masonry edifice was the first of its kind in this once bustling trade town, and thanks to the preservation efforts of our founder Richard Jenrette, remains well preserved with several original family objects on display.
CAHPT invites you to explore the site to learn about the design, construction, and maintenance of the estate as well as the lives of those, enslaved and free, who crafted and occupied the extravagant home and landscape from 1820 to 2018.
Visitors are welcome to explore the site select Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays April through November. Guided tours will be offered Thursday & Friday at 1:00pm and 2:30pm. Tour times for Saturday take place at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 2:30pm. All guests must purchase tickets in advance.
Tickets can be bought here: https://secure.jenrette.org/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents
This is a potentially strenuous tour which includes climbing stairs, traversing uneven terrain, and enduring uncomfortable weather conditions and the presence of bugs or other wildlife. We regret that we cannot be responsible for those needing assistance and encourage all guests to dress accordingly. No food or beverages are allowed in the houses with the exception of a closed bottle of water.

Historic Hillsborough Guided Tours
2025-05-17 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-05-24 10:30 - 12:30 | Hillsborough Visitors Center, 150 E King Street, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Experience American history through the unique perspective of one of North Carolina’s oldest and most historically significant towns, with a guided walking tour of downtown Hillsborough. Established in 1754 as the seat of government for Orange County, Hillsborough’s colonial legacy and signs of its importance in North Carolina and American history can be seen everywhere.
The tour begins at the Hillsborough Visitors Center, located in the eighteenth century Alexander Dickson Farm House, and guides visitors to a variety of historic places from the site of a 1790s African American-owned distillery to the 1840s Orange County Courthouse and the grave of one of North Carolina’s signers of the Declaration of Independence.
This is an in-person walking tour that sometimes crosses uneven terrain. Please plan to be walking or standing for the duration of the event, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle (plus your curiosity)!
For groups that are concerned about the length, duration, or terrain of the tour. Please, contact The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough for other options, including bus tours.
Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/3277bebb-5a4c-48ec-9a1e-0c4e287138b5

PORCH Hillsborough Pick-Up Week
2025-05-18 08:00 - 17:00 | NC
Every month, volunteers with PORCH Hillsborough, a local non-profit organization dedicated to combating hunger in northern Orange County, collect non-perishable food donations that community members leave on their porches. This initiative helps provide food to those in need within the community.
If you’d like to join this important cause by donating food, please follow this link to find your Neighborhood Coordinator. You’ll need to notify them if you’re planning to leave food out for pickup. If you are unable to locate your neighborhood, please email hillsborough@porchcommunities.org for assistance and to learn how to contribute to the donation effort. Your support helps make a significant impact in the fight against hunger.
Pick-up Date include:
April: 20th-23rd
May: 18th-21st
June: 22nd-25h
July: 20th-23rd

Stretch & Sip at Eno River Brewing
2025-05-18 10:45 | eno river brewing, 329 Eno Mountain Rd, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States

High Tea Fundraiser for PORCH Hillsborough
2025-05-18 14:00 - 16:00 | NC
Join us for a very special High Tea Fundraiser to support PORCH Hillsborough! Enjoy a charming afternoon filled with tea, classic treats, and community, all set in one of the most magical home gardens in Historic Hillsborough. Our gracious hosts are Val Blettner and Tim Werrell.
Amy Beros, CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, will speak on food insecurity, community activism, and the enduring power of neighbors helping neighbors.
Your ticket purchase helps support PORCH Hillsborough’s core programs, which provide food assistance to at-risk families in northern Orange County. Can’t attend in person? Please consider an online donation to our cause and share this page with your family and friends; your personal recommendation is the best publicity we can generate!
COMING SOON: Online Silent Auction, a fabulous collection of artwork, furniture, travel, tours, private lessons, and more! We will alert you when the auction goes live. Check back often to bid on these one-of-a-kind offerings.
Thank you in advance for your generosity! We look forward to a delightful afternoon in your company. No rain date: If the weather does not cooperate, all ticket holders will receive a very special gift bag!.

Drift
2025-05-20 - 2025-05-21, 2025-05-22 - 2025-05-23 | Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, 121 N. Churton St., Hillsborough, 27278
Artists Ryann Carey and Pete Rodrigues will be exhibiting recent works in their upcoming show, Drift, which will be on display at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts from April 22nd until May 25th. The opening reception will be on Friday, April 25th from 6:00-9:00 pm. During the reception, Ben Fisher will perform experimental/ambient music heavily influenced by
North Carolina’s deep tradition of folk music, on the patio in front of the gallery.
Painter Ryann Carey considers Drift an apt title for the watercolor work she has created for this show. Says Carey “I am a bit of a wanderer both in place and mind. Often sidetracked by the light reflecting off an electric wire or the pattern of the ripples on water, I let my observations lead the way for my watercolor paintings. These moments surround us, often passing unnoticed, in the midst of joy, pain, sadness, hope.”
Woodworker Pete Rodrigues creates not only unique handcrafted furniture, but also art that hangs on the wall. Using select hardwoods which he cuts, bends and shapes, Rodrigues uses his imagination as well as his knowledge of the properties of his materials to achieve his original designs. “For me, creating furniture as an art form is a process of visualizing what is possible- designing building, and then letting it be used as function as much as form” says Rodrigues. “For my featured show this year I’m excited about the work I will be displaying. As I continue to work on them, I’m enjoying how the process is more sculptural, having a general idea and drifting with it.”
Drift will be on display at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts from April 22nd through May 25th with a talk by the artists in the gallery on Saturday, May 10th at 4pm.
About the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts:
The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts is owned and operated by 20 local artists and represents these established artists exhibiting contemporary fine art and fine craft. The Gallery’s offerings include oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, sculpture, pottery, weaving, jewelry, glass, gourd sculpture, scratchboard, and handcrafted furniture. 121 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Phone: (919) 732-5001. The gallery is open 10am-6pm Monday – Saturday, and 12pm-4pm on Sunday. More information can be found on the HGA website: http://www.HillsboroughGallery.com

Open Mic at Yonder
2025-05-20 19:30 - 23:00, 2025-05-27 19:30 - 23:00 | Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew, 114 W King St, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Orange County’s BEST ACOUSTIC Open Mic!

🎤 Yonder Open Mic NightEvery Tuesday, Hillsborough’s coziest living room turns into a showcase of local talent—and you’re invited! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just ready to belt out a tune after a beer, Yonder’s Open Mic is the place to be.
🕢 Starts at 7:30 PM with poetry & spoken word, followed by live music from 8–11ish, and maybe a late-night jam if the vibe is right.
🎶 Got something to share?

Sign-ups open at 7 PM (in person)
Musicians: 3 songs or 15 mins
Poets: 3 poems or 5 mins
No drums, no amps, no mimes (seriously)
First come, first-ish served

Grab a cocktail, cheer on your neighbors, and maybe even surprise yourself. This isn’t just open mic—it’s open heart, open ears, and open tabs.
📍 Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew
Check them out on Facebook.
Let’s make your Tuesday night anything but typical.

Concert on the Courtyard Series
2025-05-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-26 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.

Music BINGO at Eno River Brewing
2025-05-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-28 19:00 - 21:00 | eno river brewing, 329 Eno Mountain Rd, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
🎶 Music Bingo at Eno River Brewing
Every Wednesday | 7–9 PM | 21+ Only
📍 Location:
Eno River BrewingLive tunes, craft brews, and bingo with a beat!
🎯 What It Is:
Forget numbers—this is bingo with a musical twist!

Instead of numbers, your bingo card has song titles or artists

Listen to short clips, mark your card when you recognize a tune

🍻 Why You’ll Love It:

Great beer

Good vibes

Zero pressure to perform—just enjoy the music and play along

Bring friends or make new ones at the table!

🔞 Age Restriction:
Must be 21+ to attend—don’t forget your ID!

Songwriters in The Round
2025-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew, 114 W King St, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Kirk Ridge hosts a monthly Songwriters in The Round at Yonder. Each month three singer/songwriters share their stories and songs on Yonder stage.

Trivia Nights at the Rookery
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.

FREE: ERB Drink ’n’ Draw with Anne & Arthur Fine Arts Supply
2025-05-22 18:00 - 20:00 | eno river brewing, 329 Eno Mountain Rd, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Networking, artist hangout, skills share, yummy drinks

Join us for all of these parts and more as you sit with other artists for a 2-hour event, hosted by Anne & Arthur owner Erin Campbell at Eno River Brewing in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
NOW A FREE EVENT! Join us and claim your seat at the communal tables inside ERB to sketch and find inspiration with other artists. The first portion of the event will be semi-structured and the remaining free form. We are grateful to partner with Eno River Brewing and encourage purchasing their delicious craft beers, wine, or NA beverages in the taproom!

This event is held in a taproom. Mature big kids and teens are welcome to attend when accompanied by a parent or trusted adult per the taproom policies.

Cost: $0

Held Thursdays: March 20, April 17, May 22, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 23, November 20

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/

Tea With Lee
2025-05-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Burwell School Historic Site, 319 North Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at Tea with Lee! Sip on delicious tea, indulge in delightful teatime treats, and enjoy lively conversation with local celebrity author Lee Smith. Lee will read from one of her incredible books, which will be available for purchase and signing on-site. This fundraiser helps support the Burwell School Historic Site and is the perfect chance to get to know the author behind some of your favorite books. Tickets are limited—reserve your spot today and make a difference with every sip!
About Lee:
Lee Smith is the author of 19 works of fiction including Fair and Tender Ladies, Oral History, Blue Marlin and Silver Alert published in 2023. She has received many awards including the North Carolina Award for Literature and an Academy Award in Fiction from the American Academy of Arts and Letters; her novel The Last Girls was a New York Times bestseller as well as winner of the Southern Book Critics Circle Award. Dimestore, A Writer’s Life collection of personal essays, was published in March 2016.

Make Your Own Pizza Class
2025-05-30 17:00 - 19:30 | Smith’s Family Fun Farm, 1715 Saint Mary's Road, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Make Your Own Pizza Class Friday May 30, 5:00-7:30pm. Each ticket is $20 and includes 1 pizza dough that can be stretched up to a 12″ pizza(gluten free crust option available too)and toppings(marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, hamburger, chicken, mushrooms, onions, peppers, pineapple, black olives, pickled jalapenos, and fresh basil). Once you have made your pizza, we will cook it in our outdoor COAL FIRED PIZZA OVEN. This oven is unique and the flavor is amazing! We also have a DESSERT pizza option. Purchase an extra pizza to share the irresistible S’MORES pizza(nutella, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs). You are welcome to bring your own beverages or we will have Soda, Water, and Juice that can be purchased for $1, please bring cash. This class is per pizza not per person and you may come anytime between 5:00-7:00pm to make your pizza. We will have the play area open and games out for you to enjoy as well, bring family but no pets.
Purchase TICKETS in ADVANCE is required due to limit space. Purchase tickets through website.
smithsfamilyfunfarm.com

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.
