Burwell School Historic Site Guided Tour – Thursday-Friday, 1-2 p.m. – Learn about the life at the Burwell School from 1837-1857 when it was home to the Burwell family, their slaves and the students of this landmark school for young women.
Sam Lewis: The Last Of The Great Sideshow Freaks – Thursday, 7-8 p.m. – Feed your soul at the headlining concert of this Nashville singer-songwriter at Cat’s Cradle. Tickets $10–$12
North Carolina Symphony – Thursday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. – Head to Southern Village for a celebration of the musical classics at Village Green stage. Bring your blankets and chairs out for the free performance.
Movies Under the Stars – Thursday, 8:30 p.m. – The Town of Chapel Hill will show its first of six free sci-fi, kid-friendly movies, popcorn included, on various Thursdays at the Wallace Parking Deck. Bring a blanket and come out a little early for fun activities before the first film, “Lilo and Stitch.”
Summer Challenge Kickoff Party at the Library – Friday, 2-6 p.m. – The Chapel Hill Public Library‘s Summer Challenge: Read More! Do More! Learn More! starts with a community celebration including special demonstrations, activities, food trucks, games and UNC student-athletes as reading role models. Chapel Hill Transit will run a shuttle from Phillips Middle School and families are encouraged to carpool, bike or walk to the event.
Outdoor Movies on the Green – Friday & Saturday, 8:30-10 p.m. – Come out to the Lumina Theater for another presentation from the outdoor movie series. Travel to “Zootopia”, where anyone can be anything and adventure is just around the corner.
18th Annual North Carolina Rhythm Tap Festival – Friday-Sunday – Hosted by the NC Youth Tap Ensemble at the Ballet School of Chapel Hill, teachers such as MacArthur Fellow and native Michelle Dorrance will conduct three days of beginning to advanced levels of tap dance classes. The festival will culminate in a performance. See link for ticket info and times.
Triangle Race for the Cure – Saturday, 7:30am-1:30pm – Come out and support the world’s largest breast cancer organization at The Frontier in Research Triangle Park. The competitive race starts at 7:30am, followed by the 20th anniversary celebration at 8:15am, honoring survivors and remembering those we have lost, and a recreational 5K at 9:05am. Don’t miss out on live music, surprises along the running course, the Food Truck Rodeo for after-race fun and a Family Fun Zone sponsored by the Carolina Hurricanes featuring a bounce house and Disney characters. There’s still time to register and donate!
Summer Reading Fun Run – Saturday, 8-9:30 a.m. – Celebrate the Summer Reading sign-up party at the library with a 5K and Fun Run/Walk along Riverwalk with the help of the Hillsborough Running Club.
Pollination-Themed Tour of the Garden – Saturday, 10-11 a.m. – The North Carolina Botanical Gardens is offering an informative tour about the challenges facing native pollinators and the role native plant gardening plays in pollinator conservation. Free; registration required.
Bar-B-Que Throwdown – Saturday, 1-4 p.m. The battle of barbecue will go down on the front lawn of the Carolina Inn; five judges – including our own Andrea Griffith Cash – will determine which of the eight competitors is worthy of bragging rights. Attendees can enjoy bourbon, beer and live music by The Gravy Boys. Tickets: $25-$55; children 6 and younger are free.
Fair Game Rum Release and Celebration – Saturday, 2-6 p.m. – Celebrate the release of Fair Game Beverage Co.’s newest addition, Amber Rum. Complete with barbeque, music, games, and much more. Head on out to Pittsboro with your tiki attire for a party like no other!
Car Races at the Orange County Speedway – Saturday, 5 p.m. – This week features Late Models, Limiteds, Pure Stock, Street Stock, Super Mini trucks and more. See website for ticket info. Grandstands open at 5 p.m.; green flag is at 7 p.m.
Mike Oechsle Presents: The Lost Cipher – Saturday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Join local author Mike Oechsle at the Orange County Public Library for his reading from his debut fantasy novel, “The Lost Cipher.”
No Shame Theatre – Saturday, 8 p.m. – Pieces arrive up to an hour before show time at the ArtsCenter and are given an hour to be cast and rehearsed. The 15 works will be put in front of a live audience an hour later.
The Pursuit of Happiness: Dancing the American Dream – Sunday, 7 p.m. – Alumni from NC Arts in Action will celebrate some of the most important historical U.S. moments at the ArtsCenter.
A Southern Summer Outdoor Concert – Sunday – This week’s performance at Southern Village will feature The Ambassadors for swing-era dance music. Bring chairs and blankets.
