Enjoy a crisp fall weekend with concerts, pumpkin painting, fundraising events and more
Compiled by Makayla Williams
Thursday-Sunday
Film Fest 919
This festival highlights the best feature films and the artists behind them over five days of screenings at The Drive-in at Carraway Village and Silverspot Cinema. Past years have included dozens of movies that go on to be nominated for Oscars. Tickets are required.
Thursday
Annual Paint a Pumpkin at La Vita Dolce
Southern Village and La Vita Dolce invite all to join in the 7th annual pumpkin painting event from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Pumpkins and paint will be supplied at the cafe, and pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin pie gelato are available to order for a sweet treat while you create your masterpiece.
The Goodloves
The Colonial Inn hosts the Durham-based group for an outdoor concert. The band combines pop, rock and folk music while they perform both original music and covers. The concert begins at 5:30 p.m.
Michigander
Cat’s Cradle hosts singer, producer and guitarist Michigander. The small-town Michigan singer made his debut with the song and at the doors that open at 7 p.m.
Boo’s and Booze
Spring Haven Farm collaborates with Botanist & Barrel to host a fun-filled evening for those older than 21. Tickets are required, and admittance includes time to meet Spring Haven’s animals along with tokens for Botanist & Barrel’s ciders and activities including henna by Sparkle Body Arts, caricatures by Cartoon Jordan, Tarot readings and more. Festivities begin at 7 p.m.
The Spark with Tift Merritt: Culture Mill
Carolina Performing Arts hosts UNC alumni Tift Merritt and Saxapahaw performing arts collective Culture Mill founders Tommy Noonan and Murielle Elizéon for a special artist-to-artist interview that will explore the creative process. The interview, available for viewing via livestream, will begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are required.
Friday
Orville Peck
Cat’s Cradle hosts the masked country musician at 7 p.m. Known for his concealed identity and deep baritone, the activist and songwriter will perform at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are required.
Saturday
BikeFest 2021
The Carolina Tarwheels host the annual bike ride, with route options ranging from 7 to 100 miles, through historic Hillsborough and rural Orange County. All proceeds are donated to support bicycling related activities in the area. A staggered start begins at 7:30 a.m., and the event continues until 4 p.m. Registration is required.
Birding the Eno – Accessibly
Tom Driscoll, former New Hope Audubon Society president, guides this tour of birds at the Eno River via Hillsborough’s Riverwalk at Gold Park. This walk, which will identify birds by sight and sound, is open to all and is wheelchair accessible. The bird spotting begins at 8 a.m.
Lera Lynn
The indie rocker comes to Cat’s Cradle’s Back Room to perform her self-produced album “On My Own.” Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 8 p.m., with tickets required.
Fall Kids Craft and Young Entrepreneur Fair
The Eno River Farmers Market hosts the semi-annual event where children and their parents are welcome sell their arts and crafts at the market. Vendors are asked to bring their own table. This fair begins at 10 a.m.
Festifall Art Market
Sip on a draft from Gizmo Brew Works during this open-air market filled with dozens of booths from local arts and craft vendors from 4 to 8 p.m. Vendors include Uniquely Henna, Pintamar and others, and live performances from Tre. Charles and The Living Arts Collective take place at 140 West Plaza.
Ronald McDonald Oktoberfest
The Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill hosts an Oktoberfest-themed fundraiser from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Southern Village Green. Bavarian-style food will be available along with beer tastings while guests enjoy live music performed by Love & Valor, silent auctions and more. Tickets are required.
Sunday
School of Rock Chapel Hill’s Halloween Spooktacular
Students take the stage at Cat’s Cradle to show off their skills. The midseason preview – including covers of The Clash, Aretha Franklin and more – begins at 1 p.m.
“The Heroes & Sheroes of the Eno River Valley”
Durham-based artist Sandee Washington brings this portrait series to El Restaurante Ixtapa in Hillsborough. This series will showcase the unsung heroes based on stories told by their families. The show, which begins at 1:30 p.m., includes music from Jasme Kelly.
Cheers to 25 Years – An Outdoor Wine Tasting and Celebration of EMPOWERment
The Chapel Hill-based nonprofit marks 25 years of service to the community and celebrates the work accomplished toward providing affordable housing, supporting local businesses and promoting community engagement. Food, drinks and a wine tasting will be held at the Carrboro Town Commons from 2 to 5 p.m. along with a fundraiser to help support EMPOWERment’s continuing work. Tickets are required.
Registering History
The Burwell School Historic Site unveils its National Historic Register Plaque. Visitors will learn about the school and the importance of being registered, take a short tour of the site and celebrate the site’s bicentennial, beginning at 3 p.m.
Autumn Special
Don’t miss the last chance to view Margaret Lane Gallery‘s exhibit showcasing nine local artists. The art pieces each depict a different meaning of autumn. The exhibit closes for good at 9 p.m.
