Chapel Hill's premier free annual festivals: unmissable events of the year!
From classic area music festivals to new art festivals highlighting local and regional artists, Chapel Hill is a great place for festivals.
These are some of the best annual free festivals that hit the Chapel Hill and Carrboro area, put together using winners and nominees for the area’s best venues and events from WRAL Voters' Choice Awards and online reviews.
Carrboro Music Festival
Since its establishment in 1998, the Carrboro Music Festival has been making all genres of music more accessible through free concerts where all performers have donated their time. The event originally was held every June 21st to coincide with Fête de la Musique, also known as 'Make Music Day,’ and has now been moved to cooler fall dates.
When: October
Where: Downtown Carrboro
Festifall Arts Markets & More
Each November, Chapel Hill’s beloved fall arts festival returns to West Franklin Street. With different markets held periodically throughout the month, each provides an opportunity to experience a distinct and eclectic mix.
When: October
Where: Downtown Chapel Hill
Uproar Festival of Public Art
Uproar Festival of Public Art is a newer arts festival that has burst onto the scene. The event brings together bold and high-impact artists and showcases them through the downtown communities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough over the course of several weeks. It’s up to the public and a group of judges to select the People’s Choice Winner, who takes home $10,000.
When: July and August
Where: Downtown Chapel Hill
The Bazaar Craft & Art Market
Born out of the need for a large venue where artists and craftspeople can share their goods with the public, The Bazaar is a vibrant atmosphere that welcomes vendors and visitors alike. The market is held once a month from March to May and again in September through November.
When: March, April, May, September, October, November
Where: Carrboro Town Commons
Fridays on the Front Porch
The return of Fridays on the Front Porch marks the unofficial start to patio season every year, kicking off in April. The event runs every Friday through October at The Carolina Inn’s expansive lawn with live music, crafted cocktails and North Carolina beers. A full food truck lineup is also available each week.
When: Weekly April through October
Where: The Carolina Inn
