The Savannah Bananas are coming to Chapel Hill!
An added dose of energy fills the air this weekend as the Banana Ball World Tour travels to UNC‘s Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Savannah Bananas are known for their lively, fan-focused take on baseball, turning every game into a full-scale entertaining experience. The format is fast-paced, interactive and built around the fan experience – blending sport with entertainment – featuring music, choreography and constant crowd engagement. Best of all, there’s plenty to enjoy before and after first pitch, whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering Chapel Hill for the weekend.
Banana-Inspired Bites and Sips
Local restaurants and bars are embracing the spirit of the Savannah Bananas weekend with a selection of banana-themed specials – many available for a limited time.
A Few Favorites to Keep On Your Radar:
Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar is offering a $5 “savANNAh Banana” smoothie for game day, along with 10% off for Savannah Bananas K Club members.
Haw River Tap + Table is rolling out two frozen cocktails for the weekend – a classic banana daiquiri and a banana rum runner – alongside a chef-inspired take on banana ketchup.
Chapel Chill is getting into the spirit, serving up limited-time banana splits April 11-12. Stop by for a classic blend of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, topped with whipped cream, pineapple, chocolate and strawberry sauces, plus maraschino cherries and a banana!
Al’s Burger Shack is serving a banana puddin’ milkshake, a nostalgic nod to a Southern classic.
Stop by Bru’s Public House in Carrboro for a pulled pork sandwich paired with house-made banana pudding, or stay a while and explore a few banana-inspired cocktails like the Banana Boulevardier or the banana daiquiri.
Guests can expect a full lineup of themed beverages at The Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery, including the Play Ball, Banana Bread Martini, Savannah 5-0 and the Curveball Lager.
Enjoy a light, refreshing cocktail perfect after a day spent in the Hill at The Grounds Espresso Bar & Lounge located in the Pitch with the “Banana Breeze,” crafted with Cruzan banana rum, crème de banane liqueur, pineapple, lime juice and topped with soda.
The Purple Bowl is offering a banana bread latte made with banana and hazelnut syrup, topped with banana cold foam and a hint of cinnamon, along with a Banana Ball bowl featuring a blend of bananas, mango, pineapple, turmeric and almond milk, finished with granola, fresh fruit, coconut, almonds and bee pollen.
The Carolina Inn is serving a delicious experience with this lineup of cocktails and sweets:
- Banana Pudding Tiramisu
- Southern classic banana pudding-layered tiramisu cake
- Brown Butter Banana Blondie
- Soft chewy banana blondie with walnuts and white chocolate chips
- Blueberry Banana Bread Pudding
- Blueberry custard banana bread with caramelized banana crisp
- Bananas Foster Old-Fashioned
- Spiced rum, Giffard Banane du Bresil and Polynesian bitters
- Bananavardier
- Rye whiskey, Campari, Carpano Antica and Giffard Banane du Bresil
Even Dough Bakery has a lineup of banana-inspired desserts, including gluten-free banana bread, banana pudding cups and a banoffee tart layered with dulce de leche, fresh bananas and crème Chantilly.
Game-Day Activations
The energy extends beyond the stadium, with fan experiences and pop-ups happening throughout the weekend. A highlight includes the Dunkin’ x Savannah Bananas Player Meet & Greet in Chapel Hill, where fans can connect with players in a more casual setting.
Plan Your Game Day
Immerse yourself in a full lineup of entertainment before the first pitch, and fill your whole weekend with banana-themed plans!
Saturday, April 11
- Pre-Game Plaza opens at 2 p.m.
- Player appearances begin at 2 p.m.
- “Before the Peel” show starts at 3 p.m.
- Stadium gates open at 4:30 p.m.
- Game begins at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 12
- Pre-Game Plaza opens at 10 a.m.
- Player appearances begin at 10 a.m.
- “Before the Peel” show starts at 11 a.m.
- Stadium gates open at 12:30 p.m.
- Game begins at 2:30 p.m.
Arrive early for the chance to take in the full experience, from pre-game entertainment to interactive fan moments that set the tone for the day.
Parking & Transportation in Chapel Hill
Excited to join the crowds expected at Kenan Memorial Stadium this weekend? Don’t forget to make a game plan to ensure a smoother experience.
Parking in Chapel Hill and Carrboro is easy and convenient if you know where to look. Reference these handy maps from Go Heels, UNC and Extraordinary Ventures for all downtown parking options, including decks, surface lots and on-street spaces. Allow extra time for arrival, and consider ride-booking or shuttle options when possible to ease congestion around the stadium area.
Explore Chapel Hill While You’re Here
If you’re in town for the weekend, consider carving out time to experience more of what makes this area unique.
Kick off the weekend Friday evening with a nostalgic outdoor screening of “The Sandlot,” presented by Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture at the Hargraves Community Center‘s Baseball Field. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly way to ease into a weekend built around baseball, community and shared experience.
Our ultimate Orange (and Chatham) County bucket list offers a thoughtful starting point – a curated guide for all the best hidden gems in town. And check out The Triangle Weekender event calendar for a look at what’s happening throughout the weekend!
