Enjoy an eventful weekend packed with arts-based events, live music and Orange County’s first balloon festival
Compiled by Meghan Johnson
Thursday-Friday
Fifth Annual Paint It Orange
Artists come from all over to spend a few days in Orange County and participate in the fifth annual Plein Air Paint-Out event. Participants create a work inspired by what they see around them anywhere in the county throughout the week. At Eno Arts Mill Gallery, jurying and an awards reception takes place at 6 p.m. on Friday, and the Wet Paint Sale starting at 7 p.m. offers a chance to purchase the works. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Orange County Arts Alliance.
Thursday
Boom Boom! The Music of John Lee Hooker
UNC University Libraries hosts a virtual celebration of John Lee Hooker, a legendary American blues musician, from 7 to 8 p.m. Award-winning musicians Bobby Rush and Alvin Youngblood Hart will perform hits from the “King of Boogie,” and speak in a panel discussion after.
Jack Broadbent Concert
The English slide guitarist wows audiences with his musicianship and blues-inspired vocals. Cat’s Cradle hosts this concert starting at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) in the Back Room. Tickets are required.
The Spark with Tift Merritt: Toshi Reagon
The Brooklyn-based activist and musician returns to Carolina Performing Arts with an appearance on Tift Merritt’s ongoing virtual series that examines the artists’ creative process through intimate interviews and a Q&A. Registration is required for the virtual event that starts at 7:30 p.m.
Katharine Whalen’s Jazz Squad
Yonder Southern Cocktails & Brew hosts Katharine Whalen’s Jazz Squad. Banjo diva and singer Katharine plays fresh hits on stage from 7 to 8:30 p.m
“The Doors: Live at the Bowl ’68” Special Edition
Pull up to The Drive-In at Carraway Village for a one-night-only showing of this documentary giving Doors fans a front-row seat at the 1968 Hollywood Bowl. Tickets are required for the showing that starts at 7 p.m.
Friday
Ackland Guided Tour
The Orange County Arts Commission sponsors this tour of the Ackland Art Museum’s collections from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Registration is required.
Community Read
The Orange County Community Remembrance Coalition and Northern Orange NAACP host this reading of Gilbert King’s “Devil in the Grove” in person at Flyleaf Books and virtually, in partnership with Carolina Public Humanities. A panel discussion about the book, which details the life of Thurgood Marshall as well as the life of young Black men in Florida, will take place following the reading at 6 p.m.
“Primer for an Impossible Conversation”
Theatre artists Marcella Murray, David Neumann and collaborator Tei Blow combine imagery and dances for a virtual theater work, “Primer for an Impossible Conversation,” that explores the distance we’re all experiencing. Carolina Performing Arts presents this performance, beginning at 7:30 p.m., and registration is required.
Hailey Brown & Flesh Tuxedo
Come out to Local 506 for this live concert from indie and rock performers Hailey Brown and Flesh Tuxedo. Purchase tickets online and at the door for the 7:30 p.m. concert.
“We Are Here” Early Screening
This documentary follows acclaimed theater troupe Paperhand Puppet Intervention, taking viewers backstage during the 2019 season and Paperhand’s journey to encapsulate the power of art and ultimately change the world. The screening and a Q&A with director Marc Levy at Varsity Theatre from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. takes place as an early screening before the 16th annual Carrboro Film Festival. Tickets are required.
Stop Light Observations Concert
Cat’s Cradle hosts this quartet of Charleston-native, anti-pop performers; William Blackburn, JohnKeith Culbreth, Luke Withers and Will Mahoney take the stage at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are required.
Friday-Sunday
Tarheel Balloon Festival
The inaugural festival welcomes balloon enthusiasts from across the country to the 800-acre farm home to the Barn at Lloyd’s Dairy. Over three days, the festival features travelling and tethered balloon rides, antique aircraft displays and more along with vendors and refreshments. Tickets are required for the event that takes place on Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon.
“Onward, Chef Domínguez!”
The musical, written by current UNC student Gian Gibboney, tells the story of an aspiring pastry chef as she navigates obsessive-compulsive disorder. The performance takes place at The ArtsCenter’s Earl & Rhoda Wynn Theater. Tickets are required for showtimes at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Saturday
Saturday Slowdown at RambleRill
Enjoy hot apple cider while you shop from local vendors including Firefly Farm, Starfish Bakery and Woodcrest Farm & Forge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at RambellRill Farm, located on Arthur Minnis Road.
Fall Farm Open House
Tour Coon Rock Farm’s gardens, orchards and greenhouses and enjoy a picnic or a freshly grilled burger or brat on the lawn, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t forget to take home loads of fresh produce and pasture-raised meats. Sister company Bella Bean Organics will be on-site offering treats and cookbooks for purchase.
Chestnut Festival
Join Strouds Creek Farm for the 5th annual festival that offers plenty of family-friendly activities like pony rides and a bounce house, accompanied by roasted chestunuts or soup made from chestnuts grown on the farm. Tickets are required for the festival, that takes places from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Supporting Brave and Beautiful Women”
This workshop at Karate USA in Hillsborough focuses on self-defense skills from instructor and domestic abuse survivor Niki Hinton. Afterwards, smoothies and skincare will be provided by Robin Thomas and Living Well Connections. Tickets are required for the lesson that begins at 11 a.m., and attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing.
Meet the Makers
Join Camellia Forest Tea Gardens for the 4th annual market where local vendors showcase art and pottery, local honey, fresh tea and other treats. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Camellia Forest Nursery.
Saturday-Sunday
27th Annual Open Studio Tour
Drive around Orange County and pop into artists’ workshops during the 27th annual tour presented by the Orange County Artists Guild. More than fifty artists open their spaces to the public and share their work. Don’t miss a chance to connect with fellow art lovers from the Triangle and beyond from 10 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Sunday
Y.A.Y. Yoga at Yonder
Bring your yoga mat to Yonder Southern Cocktails & Brew for an hour of relaxing practice. Yogis of all levels are welcome, and tickets are required. Stay for a mimosa or a beer after. The yoga class takes place from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
29th Bi-29th Bi-annual Carrboro CD and Record Show
The Town of Carrboro and Musical Roots Production hosts this show featuring vinyl, CDs and musical memorabilia at the Carrboro Century Center from noon to 6 p.m.
