Visit Hillsborough, NC

Big Spoon Roasters Winter Market
2025-02-01 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Big Spoon Roasters, 500 Meadowlands Dr, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Join us at our HQ & Roastery Saturday, February 1 to sample and shop our entire lineup, create custom gift sets (just in time for Valentine’s Day!), and get first dibs on jars of our ultra-limited, customer-favorite Dark Chocolate Hazelnut & Almond Butter!
Our Winter Market is free and open to the public; you can find the event page and RSVP link here. Parking is available on-site, with overflow parking available at Joe Van Gogh (505 Meadowlands Drive).

Mt. Bright Black History Month Series
2025-02-02 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-09 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Mt. Bright Baptist Church, 211 West Union Street, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Mt Bright Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting a series of talks for Black History Month that will be part of their Sunday services. Museum Exhibits and Programs Coordinator Courtney Smith is honored to be included in the celebrations. She will speak on the 23rd, providing an overview of black history in Orange County and how the Museum showcases it.

Upcoming Classic Film: Wooden Crosses
2025-02-02 14:00 - 16:30 | Passmore Center, 103 Meadowlands Dr. , Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
THE HILLSBOROUGH CLASSIC FILM SOCIETY is delighted to present Raymond Bernard’s 1932 film, Wooden Crosses, at 2pm Sunday, February 2, at the Passmore Center. The Center is at 103 Meadowlands Drive in Hillsborough. The film is free (and so is the popcorn).
Wooden Crosses is a distinguished film not often seen in this country, considered one of the two or three best films about the First World War. David Blakeslee, writing in 2010, said about it, “No one who has ever seen this technical and emotional powerhouse has been able to forget it.” Professor Max Owre will be leading the discussion. Max is Executive Director, Carolina Public Humanities at UNC. He is a fierce advocate for the public humanities and a great friend of the Classical Film Society; he has been helping us out since the very first season with Battle of Algiers in 2019, Grand Illusion in 2020; Lacombe, Lucien in 2022, and Au Revoir Les Enfants in 2024. If you’d like more information about the film, visit our website, hillsboroughclassicfilms.com; there is a great deal of information there, including links to reviews and to trailers; we recommend especially the 1970s interview with the director, Raymond Bernard.
Again, Wooden Crosses will be shown at the Passmore Center on February 2 at 2 p.m. If you would like to attend, please sign up before 3 pm Friday, January 31, by calling the Passmore Center at 919 245-2015 or by going to our website. The staff of the Passmore opens the Center’s doors and provides help for the Society on the weekend when they are normally closed, but they need to have some indication in advance that the audience will be large enough to justify the expense. Please sign up if you are thinking of coming.

Mini Monarchs Family Movement Class
2025-02-03 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-02-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Monarch Movement Company, 360 Executive Ct. #105, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Move at Monarch!
Movement, Music, Tumbling and Sensory play for crawlers through confident walkers with their caregiver. Infant siblings are welcome to attend with their family.
Mondays 11:00-11:30am
Feb 3-March 24 $120

The Passion of Red (Gouache Painting Journal series)
2025-02-05 18:00 - 20:30 | Margaret Lane Gallery Annex/ F-Stop 2, 302 W Corbin, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
The Fauvists (wild beasts of art”) explored the expressive, emotional qualities of red, and we will too, primarily focusing on the human form.
What: A themed, evening art program for enthusiastic beginner to diehard intermediate artists.
For: Adults and mature teens.
When: Wednesday, February 5 6:00-8:30pm
Location: Margaret Lane Gallery Annex/F-Stop 2, 302 W Corbin Street, Hillsborough, NC
Cost: $45/session. (Sign up for the full series and get a 10% discount.)
Instructor: Wendy Aldwyn, Likeness Ink
Registration Deadline: February 3
Recommended supplies are available through Anne & Arthur Fine Art Supply in Hillsborough, NC, and other sources; alternatively, supplies will be available to use during the session, $8 payable to the Gallery

Whit's Frozen Custard - Orange High School Band Spirit Night
2025-02-06 12:00 - 21:00 | Whit’s Frozen Custard, 240 S Nash St, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Treat yourself to Whit’s Frozen Custard and support the Orange High School Band and Guard.
Whit’s will be donating 15% of profits to the Orange High School Band Boosters.
It’s a win-win! Delicious custard for a great cause!

Stories that Connect Us
2025-02-06 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:00 | 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.

Thursday Jazz at Yonder
2025-02-06 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-02-13 20:00 - 22:00 | 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

Pete the Cat: Original Art by James Dean
2025-02-07 - 2025-02-08, 2025-02-14 - 2025-02-15 | 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.

Eno River Farmers Market
2025-02-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Eno River Farmers Market Pavillion, 144 E. Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC, United States
Eno River Farmers Market in downtown Hillsborough offers farm fresh vegetables and fruit, cheese, pasture raised meat and eggs, wood fire baked goods, prepared foods and crafts from local growers and producers. Our vendors are selected with great care based on the quality and diversity of their offerings; vendors must be local (within 60 miles of Hillsborough for traditional foods; within NC for specialty items such as peaches and apples) and the original producers of their products. We have live music, master gardeners, arts and crafts activities, chef demonstrations, and more!
The market is open on Saturdays year round! April-November: 8am-12pm, December-March: 10am-12pm
For More information visit our website: https://www.enoriverfarmersmarket.com/?fbclid=IwAR3Mfp4vM2d3wnvffaELfzGfLbEtFPLwJBEmDU5BDVmsUa-71Opb2qvpITw#home

Valentine's Day Card Making Drop-in Session
2025-02-08 10:00 - 15:00 | Margaret Lane Gallery Annex/ F-Stop 2, 302 W Corbin, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Please join us for a fun and relaxing Valentine’s Day card making session!
While there is no instruction, we will have lots of examples you can follow, and lots of supplies you can use, including paints (watercolor, acrylic), alcohol inks, colored pencils, micro line pens, watercolor pencils and crayons, markers including chalk markers, specialty papers (patterned collage papers and cardstock, glitter and metallic cardstock, pearl papers), paper lace, rubber stamps and ink, spray inks, cutting dies and die cutter, paper punches, different adhesives.
You can also bring and use your own supplies.
This session is suitable for adults and mature teens, and younger school age students with a supervising adult.
Pay as you please, $15 suggested — we recognize that everyone’s supply and time usage is different, so we just ask that you pay what you think is fair and you can afford. We will have a jar set out for cash and checks, and a link you can access to pay online by credit card. There is no registration required.
Location: Margaret Lane Gallery Annex/ F-Stop 2, 302 W Corbin Street, Hillsborough, NC (co-located with Yesterday and Today Frame Shop).

Love Art: Pop-up Show @ The Eno House
2025-02-08 11:00 - 18:00, 2025-02-09 11:00 - 18:00 | The Eno House, 903 Eno St, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of creative exploration at Love Art, a dynamic pop-up art show that brings together six diverse artists, each pushing the boundaries of their respective mediums. Hosted at the intimate and inspiring Eno House Artist’s Den in Hillsborough, this special event offers a chance to experience a range of works spanning painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, woodworking, and mixed media installations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover, engage, and be moved by the works of six talented artists in a setting that encourages dialogue and connection.

Featuring Artists:• Dorrie Casey – www.dorriecasey.com• Vic Cocowitch – www.instagram.com/viccocowitch• Jessi Galloway – www.jessigalloway.com• Todd McPhail – www.instagram.com/toddmcphailphoto• Holly North – www.hollynorthgallery.com• Bren West – www.brenwest.com

On Saturday at 5 PM, join us for an Artist Meet & Greet followed by a Q&A session.

Dates: February 8th & 9th, 2025Time: Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM – 6 PMLocation: Eno House Artist’s Den, Hillsborough

Feel free to bring a friend or many along.

The Sheer Resilience of Free People of Color in Orange County
2025-02-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Burwell School Historic Site, 319 North Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Join Judge Beverly Scarlett for a presentation and reading of her newest book, Sheer Resilience. This untold story delves deep into the forgotten past of Free Communities of Color in Orange County, North Carolina. Step into the pages of history and witness the true stories of numerous families who endured the harsh realities of the apprenticeship system—a brutal chapter in our nation’s history that tested the limits of human endurance.
Guests will have the opportunity to engage in a short Q&A following the presentation. Copies of Sheer Resilience will be available for sale through the BSHS gift shop. Light refreshments will be served.

Super Bowl Watch Party and Potluck @ Yonder
2025-02-09 17:30 - 22:00 | Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew, 114 W King St, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
We’ll have the game on the big screen with full sound. Paige is working on cocktail specials. This is a pot luck, so bring a dish to share.
Yonder will provide plates, flatware, and napkins.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE STORY, Vol. Xl: Jeffery Beam
2025-02-11 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-02-13 10:00 - 18:00 | Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, 121 N. Churton St., Hillsborough, 27278
In 2013, the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts began an annual show highlighting the work of a local writer by responding visually to his or her work. In the past, this show has been inspired by the work of writers with local ties: Michael Malone, Lee Smith, Allan Gurganus, Jill McCorkle, Nancy Peacock, John Bemis, Elizabeth Keckly, composer Billy Strayhorn, poet Jaki Shelton Green, and singer/songwriter Mary Rocap. The work of North Carolina poet, Jeffery Beam, will be the focus of this year’s show. The gallery’s 20 artists have each chosen a poem from Mr. Beam’s body of work as inspiration for a piece of art in their chosen medium.
Sculptor Lynn Wartski has based her piece, “Dryad Slumber,” on Beam’s poem, “The Green Man’s Man,” published in 2010 in the collection “From Gospel Earth.” Most of her recent sculptural work has dealt with animal forms, so this was a welcome opportunity to create a figurative piece; in “Dryad Slumber,” Wartski represents a figure who blurs the lines between plant and animal, giving the viewer a peek at the inner life of a forest nymph. Wartski writes, “For me, it is usually a turn of phrase that catches my attention.” She found inspiration in the poem “The Green Man’s Man.”
Scratchboard artist, Sally Terrell, was inspired by Jeffery Beam’s poem, “Credo.” Terrell was especially drawn to Beam’s idea of communicating through unspoken words rather than the ones that are said. The truth of this message, as well as the addition of a chickadee in the last stanza, confirmed Terrell’s choice of this poem for her beautiful piece, “The Periwinkle and the Chickadee.”
Glass artist, Pringle Teeter, chose the poem, “Paracelsus: Concerning the Iris in the Vase,” which includes a line about “The glass-blower’s tincture.” Teeter focused on the lines of the poem that include inspiring colors to create her two glass pieces. The sparkling green of her vessel, “Luna Moth,” and the undulating purple sides of her piece, “Purple Petals,” are both nods to the poem.
Nancy Smith created a portrait inspired by Jeffery Beam’s poem, “Ars Poetica: the Queen.” Her portrait, “Following the Goddess, Jewel of the Hive,” was created using a variety of media, including bees wax. In describing her inspiration from the poem, Smith writes, “I was reminded that, like the queen bee, we exist in a world of our own creation. And like her, our creation is built not by us alone, but always in collaboration with others. I think her message is that there is a great responsibility in discerning guidance from other beings in our lives.”
The images in Jeffery Beam’s poetry provided fertile inspiration for the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts’ 20 visual artists. Their work will be on display from February 11th through March 23rd with a reception in the gallery on February 28th from 6-9pm during Hillsborough’s Last Friday Art Walk. In addition, HGA will host a reading by Mr. Beam in the gallery on Sunday, February 23rd from 4-6pm. Both events are free and open to the public.

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 painting, sculpture, scratchboard, ceramics, jewelry, glass, metals, encaustic, enamel, fiber art, weaving, gourd sculptures, and wood. 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

Drop-in Life Studio
2025-02-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Eno Arts Mill, 437 Dimmocks Mill Road, Suite 17, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Join us for Life Drawing sessions facilitated by Tom Stevens. Each session offers multiple rounds of gesture and pose drawings with a live nude model. Artists provide their own materials. We must have 5 pre-registrations to run the studio, so please pre-register if possible. Absolutely no photography or video allowed in the sessions. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/drop-in-life-drawing-with-tom-stevens

Free Style Color! (Gouache Painting Journal series with Wendy Aldwyn)
2025-02-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Margaret Lane Gallery Annex/ F-Stop 2, 302 W Corbin, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Time to splash down and mix your own palette as we explore our feelings of love (and rejection!). Bring a photo of your loved one (person or pet). There will be plenty of chocolate to go around.
What: A themed, evening art program for enthusiastic beginner to diehard intermediate artists.
For: Adults and mature teens.
When: Wednesday, February 12 6:00-8:30pm
Location: Margaret Lane Gallery Annex/F-Stop 2, 302 W Corbin Street, Hillsborough, NC
Cost: $45/session. (Sign up for the full series and get a 10% discount.)
Instructor: Wendy Aldwyn, Likeness Ink
Registration Deadline: February 10
Recommended supplies are available through Anne & Arthur Fine Art Supply in Hillsborough, NC, and other sources; alternatively, supplies will be available to use during the session, $8 payable to the Gallery

Yonder Pairs Cocktails with Pastries with Aliesha Genevieve
2025-02-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew, 114 W King St, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
On February 13, 2025 at 7:30pm, treat yourself and someone you love to some of the most delectable pastries paired with Yonder’s fine, handcrafted cocktails. Aliesha Genevieve, head chef and proprietor of Hillsborough’s own Genevieve Pastries will serve three courses of delicious and beautiful confections. Paige McNeal, one of Yonder’s experienced mixologists will match each drink with a creation of her own, all within the cozy confines of King Street’s venerable cocktail lounge.
“This is our third pairing with Aliesha,” says Yonder co-owner Eryk Pruitt. “No one makes more inventive pastries than she does and she pushes herself and her imagination with each event, which in turn forces us to push ourselves. We’re really excited.”
The event occurs the day before Valentine’s, which makes it the perfect gift for a loved one, especially someone who might be hard to shop for.
“It’s an experience you can’t find anywhere else,” Pruitt says. “Which makes it perfect for someone you love.”
Tickets are $55 per person and include three desserts and three cocktails. They can be purchased at https://genevievepastries-ordering.square.site/
Seating will be limited.

Historic Marker Unveiling with OCCRC
2025-02-15 13:00 - 13:30 | Historic County Courthouse Lawn, 104 E King Street, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Join us on Saturday, February 15th at 1:00pm, for our Historical Marker Unveiling. We will gather together to commemorate Daniel Morrow, Thomas Jefferson Morrow and Washington Morrow – all victims of racial terror lynching in Orange County in 1869. The marker and program will be on the grounds of the Orange County Historical Courthouse in Hillsborough. For more information about the lives and murders of these members of the Morrow family, please use this link: Those We Honor (occrcoalition.org).

We look forward to this meaningful event for our community.
We hope to see you there.

Murder Mystery with Goats - Valentines Edition!
2025-02-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Spring Haven Farm, 5306 Homer Ruffin Road, Chapel HIll, NC, 27516, United States
Step into the intrigue of Spring Haven Farm Murder Mystery Night, Valentine’s Day Edition! Where the air is thick with mystery and love!
Introducing our exclusive Murder Mystery on the Farm – an immersive experience that combines the charm of Goats and other animals with the thrill of solving a gripping mystery. Gather your date, or other loved ones, for an evening of suspense, laughter, and detective work in the heart of our scenic farm – the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day Weekend!
While uncovering the mystery, you can socialize with our friendly animal detectives, enjoy roasting s’mores at our fire pits, warm up with fresh hot chocolate, sip on a delicious beverage from Durty Bull Brewing Company, or enjoy a tasty meal from an on-site food truck to help fuel your fire for mystery-solving!
Reserve your spot for a Murder Mystery at Spring Haven Farm! This event will be for ages 18+, as the mystery will not be easy to solve. So bring your sharpest detective skills, your most trusted companions, and join us for Murder Mystery Night with Goats – Valentines Edition on Saturday, February 15th!

dERBy Day at Eno River Brewing
2025-02-16 11:00 - 17:00 | eno river brewing, 329 Eno Mountain Rd, Hillsborough, NC, 27278, United States
Derby Day is back! Last year we had such an incredible turn out and we are looking forward to even more racers this year! This is a day dedicated to adults getting to re-try their hand at building that charming little wooden race car we all made at some point in our lives. This facebook post goes into great detail about everything you’ll need to know for your very own dERBy Car: dERBy day post

Kits for making your car are available in the Taproom, so come on down to register for the race, grab your kit, and get to building! This event is intended to unleash the inner child, but we ask that all race participants be at least 21 years of age. However, your Pit Crew and Car-Collaborators can be of any age!

We look forward to seeing what gorgeous dERBy Cars everyone comes up with this year. Visit Eno River Brewing’s website for more information: https://www.enoriverbrewing.com/
