Engage with area artists this weekend via theater and musical performances, art festivals, craft vendors, an opera and the annual Open Studio Tour
Compiled by Eloise Rich
Thursday-Sunday
“The Skin of Our Teeth”
To celebrate American playwright Thornton Wilder’s 125th birthday, PlayMakers Repertory Company offers this lively performance directed by Vivienne Benesch. Spanning 5,000 years, the play follows a not-so-average American family as they cross paths with dinosaurs and Moses. Ray Dooley appears in his final performance as a company member. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Thursday
“After Jesus, Before Christianity” with Sue Monk Kidd
Join co-authors Hal Taussig and Princeton University professor Erin Vearncombe, accompanied by award-winning author Sue Monk Kidd for a virtual seminar at 6 p.m. hosted by Flyleaf Books as they present the groundbreaking novel. Registration is required.
Randie O’Neill Concert
Enjoy a beer or cocktail at Nash Street Tavern while the Americana-folk artist performs live, beginning at 6 p.m.
“The Problem with Apu” Film Screening
Join UNC’s Asian American Center and Carolina Asia Center for this film screening followed by a discussion with associate professor Pamela Lothspeich at the Nelson Mandela Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m.
Friday
Green Roots, Red Resilience
Celebrate and learn about Native American practices, relationships with and uses of plants from local Native American experts during this interactive program hosted by the North Carolina Botanical Garden. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event takes place in person at Reeves Auditorium and virtually through Zoom. Registration is required.
“Truth in the Time of COVID-19” Opening Reception
Abstract painter Chieko Murasugi presents an exhibition of her work exploring what truth is during the pandemic, at Peel art gallery in Carrboro. The opening reception begins at 6 p.m.
Opening Reception at Oneoneone
The main gallery displays work by multidisciplinary artists Elijah Leed, Carol Leskanic and Jon Rollins. Join in for an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m.
Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Classes
Chapel Hill’s recently opened Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community Center kicks off a series of whole-food, vegan cooking classes taught by Dilip Barman. This class takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and registration is required.
Tar Heel Basketball
Watch the UNC men’s basketball team take on the Brown University Bears at 7 p.m. at the Dean E. Smith Center. Tickets are required.
Rissi Palmer Concert
Southern soul singer Rissi Palmer performs live at the The ArtsCenter from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Saturday-Sunday
Open Studio Tour
More than 100 Orange County artists open their studios and share their work with local art lovers during the 27th annual tour, presented by the Orange County Artists Guild. Featuring fiber artists, oil painters, ceramicists and more, don’t miss the final weekend of this years’ tour. Studios are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
UNC Opera Performances
As part of UNC’s Scholarship Benefit Concert Series, UNC Opera presents “L’incoronazione di Poppea” at the James and Susan Moeser Auditorium. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday, and each includes a pre-show discussion starting an hour before the opera. Tickets are required.
Saturday
NCModernist Trickle Tour
Modernist architecture fans around the county have the chance to visit a cutting-edge home through this self-guided tour of the “Hillside House” in Carrboro, designed by owners Youn Choi and Doug Pierson, who will be on-site to talk about the design process that culminated in building the home last year. Purchase a ticket for a 30-minute time slot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or a VIP anytime ticket.
Africa Fest
Join UNC’s African Studies Center for the premier of this family friendly event full of African culture, art and history. Highlights include panel discussions, dance and music performances and poetry readings. The festival at the FedEx Global Education Center takes place from noon to 5 p.m.
“Fix”
Get your red carpet attire ready for the premier of this independent film at The Varsity Theatre, including a meet and greet with the cast and crew of more than 40 UNC students. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the screening starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are required. Head to Linda’s Downbar for the after-party!
Hooverville Live Concert
Yonder Southern Cocktails & Brew hosts Hooverville, a soulful and classic-sounding band, from 8 to 11 p.m.
Sunday
“Forgiveness and Acts of Kindness”
Don’t miss the final chance to view the exhibit at Margaret Lane Gallery in Hillsborough. This show features work from Linda Chalmers, Beverly Currence and others. Visit the gallery from 1 to 5 p.m. during open hours, or schedule a visit when the gallery is closed to the public.
The Bazaar
High Street Design organizes this craft and art market at the Carrboro Town Commons from noon to 5 p.m. Get a start on holiday shopping from local vendors, accompanied by DJ Selector B Steady, food trucks and autumnal beverages.
Triangle Fermentation Fest
Hosted by Botanist and Barrel, this festival features presentations and workshops celebrating the art of fermentation. From sourdough starter classes to a kombucha home-brewing demonstration, explore the joys of fermentation from 1 to 5 p.m. Register for a close-by parking spot in advance.
Drag Brunch
Vecino Brewing Co. hosts this popular event featuring performer Naomi Dix. Tickets are required for the brunch that begins at noon, and include a drink and appetizer.
Kidzu Children’s Museum Fall Benefit
Bid on silent auction items all week leading up to this outdoor event from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring interactive presentations and individual charcuterie boards. Food and drinks are courtesy of Bella Bean Organics, The Food Fairy, La Farm Bakery and TOPO Distillery. Registration is encouraged in advance.
