Cupcake Wars — Thursday, 4-5pm — Does your child have what it takes to win the Cupcake War? Fourth to sixth graders will face off against fellow decorators to create a delicious work of art. Cupcakes and decorations are provided. Orange County Library, 137 West Margaret Lane; Free; orangecountync.gov
Craft Beer, Ice Cream & Comedy for the Climate — Thursday, 7pm — New Belgium beer and Ben & Jerry’s will team up with local musicians and comedians to celebrate their collaboration: Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale. The event will also benefit Environment North Carolina – a statewide, citizen-funded advocacy group working for a cleaner, greener and healthier future. Cat’s Cradle, 300 E. Main St., Carrboro; $20; newbelgium.com/rdu
East Chapel Hill High Dramatic Arts Department Presents “DNA” — Thursday-Saturday, 7:30pm — DNA is a coming-of-age story about a group of students who accidentally cause the death of someone they are bullying and cover up the murder. Saturday performances will include a symposium after the show, featuring the actors, the director, Hope Hynes Love and local experts in the fields of psychology and human genetics. Black Box Theater, 500 Weaver Dairy Rd. $8 online and $12 at the door. eastreservations.org
Priceless Gem Tour — Friday, 3-4pm — The Black and Blue Tour, led by Robert Porter, starts from the UNC Visitors’ Center and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the university, ask questions and learn fascinating historical tidbits they might not have known. West Wing of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 East Franklin Street; Free, Reservations suggested; unc.edu
Holiday Gala — Friday, 5:30-8:30pm — For a night of wine, delicious hors d’oeuvres, rousing live music from “The Southern Routes,” dancing and a professional Fashion Show, stop by the Holiday Gala. Proceeds will benefit Friends of the Seymour Senior Center for programs and services at the Center. The Robert and Pearl Seymour Senior Center, 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill; $30; gallowayridge.com/holiday-gala-fashion-show
2nd Friday Artwalk Opening: Scandinavian Market at Ackland Museum Store — Friday, 6pm — Shop for beautiful Scandinavian homewares for the perfect holiday gifts or just something special for your own home. The market will be open through the holidays, but stop by on opening day for your pick of the store! Ackland Museum Store, 100 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill; ackland.org
Opening Reception: 3 Artists, 3 Worlds — Friday, 6-9pm — Explore pieces from three quirky, variegated worlds created by three very different artists. The event will feature the work of mixed media artist Sudie Rakusin, painter Michele Maynard and potter Erik Haagensen. Frank Art Gallery, 109 E. Franklin St.; Free; frankisart.com
Light Up Carrboro — Friday, 6-9pm — Ring in the holidays, Carrboro-style! Walk luminary-lined downtown streets, browse the 2nd Friday Artwalk and shop and dine at local businesses. Townsend Betram, North Greensboro St., Carrboro; Free; 2ndfridayartwalk.com
Getting to Know Your Bird Neighbors — Saturday, 10-11:30am — Get to know the birds that live among us with a day of family friendly games, hands-on activities and educational displays. Children can look through a birding scope and binoculars, play a bird identification game, color pictures of birds and construct a pinecone seed bird feeder to take home. Orange County Library, 137 West Margaret Lane; orangecountync.gov
Art Adventures — Saturday, 10:30am-2:30pm — Designed for 6- to 9-year-olds, Art Adventures sessions give kids a guided view of art in the Ackland’s galleries, and the opportunity to create take-home treasures in an adjacent art studio using art-making techniques. Materials are provided. 101 South Columbia Street; Free for Members, $5 for non-members. ackland.org
Festival in the Park — Saturday, 12-4pm — Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation will host a Festival in the Park event featuring live entertainment, food trucks and some favorite community arts organizations. With activities for all ages, the Festival in the Park will be a family friendly event. Dogwood Acres Dr.; Free; townofchapelhill.org
Sarah Foster at Flyleaf Books — Saturday, 2-3pm — Sara Foster, the founder and owner of Foster’s Market, visits Flyleaf to celebrate the release of her newest cookbook, Foster’s Market Favorites. Hors d’oeuvres made from recipes in the cookbook will be featured at the event. Flyleaf Books, 752 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; Free; flyleafbooks.com
UNC Football vs. Miami —Saturday, 3:30 p.m. — The Tar Heels will take on the Hurricanes this weekend during the last home game. Come for a day of football, food and fun! Kenan Memorial Stadium, 104 Stadium Dr., Chapel Hill; Ticket prices vary; goheels.com
Beach Shack Boil — Saturday, 6:30-10pm — Come out for an evening of good food, a good time and good music, all for a great cause. Each ticket includes a Lowcountry shrimp boil, beer, wine, sweet tea and live music from Lester Fricks. Profits will benefit the SKJAJA Fund, an organization that helps children participate in social and educational activities. American Legion Post 6, 1714 Legion Road, Chapel Hill; $45; skjajafund.org
together PANGEA at Cat’s Cradle Back Room — Saturday, 7pm — This rock band from California began with lead singer-songwriter William Keegan recording songs on a 4-track tape machine as a teenage. Joined with his band, Keegan will play songs from all of the band’s albums. 300 East Main St.; $10-$13; catscradle.com
Del McCoury and David Grisman, The Music of Woody Guthrie — Saturday, 8-10pm — International Bluegrass Music Hall of Famer Del McCoury and mandolist/composer David Grisman celebrate a 50-year musical friendship in this concert featuring previously unheard lyrics by America’s folk poet Woody Guthrie, set to music by Del himself. 114 East Cameron Ave; $34. carolinaperformingarts.org
The Bazaar: Craft & Art Market — Sunday, 1-6pm — Take advantage of the exceptional artists and craftspeople who call Carrboro home and enjoy food, drinks, music and more while shopping for one-of-a-kind items. Carrboro Town Commons, 301 West Main Street; Free; thebazaar.us
Musical Empowerment Fall Recital — Sunday, 2pm — Come see and enjoy Musical Empowerment students and teachers showcase what they’ve been working on this semester. Empowerment is a non-profit organization that pairs underserved children in the community with college students that teach music lessons. University United Methodist Church, 150 E Franklin St.; Free; musical-empowerment.org
St. Matthew’s Women’s Singing Circle CD Release Concert — Sunday, 4-6pm — St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church will host a concert in celebration of the Women’s Singing Circle’s 3rd CD “Homecoming”. The CD features old favorites and classic songs, and focuses on sacred music with roots in the 19th century drawing from harp songs and hymns, as well as contemporary songwriters. St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 210 St. Mary’s Road; $10; stmatthewshillsborough.org
