Residents and visitors alike tour art galleries, meet artists from all walks of life, watch art demonstrations and enjoy browsing, all in a festive atmosphere that includes music and refreshments. Be sure to visit FRANK for a glimpse of the art scene or participate in the 2ndFriday Art Walk.
Arts & Entertainment
Chapel Hill has spaces for education, arts and culture, and exploring the natural world. We are a diverse place that appreciates our past and looks forward to our future!
Museums
For those who want a taste of preserved culture, Orange County is home to seven museums that showcase everything from football memorabilia to Native American artifacts. The museums include the Ackland Art Museum, The Kenan Football Center Hall of Honor, The Carolina Basketball Museum, The North Carolina Collection Gallery, The Orange County Historical Museum, Kidzu Children’s Museum and the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center.
Live Performances
The University of North Carolina’s PlayMakers Repertory Campaign draws thousands a year to performances at the Paul Green Theater on the UNC campus. Hear a world class concert or see a dance company or ballet at the Memorial Hall on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus through the Carolina Performing Arts Series. On an ordinary evening, places like Local 506 or Cat’s Cradle are the best places to enjoy the entertainment of your choice.
Festivals and Events
The Cultural Arts division also provides a wide range of large public events such as street fairs, 4th of July celebration, egg hunt, and other community programs.
Programs and Services
Programs and services are targeted to all age groups and people in all economic situations. The Department offers programs in camps, after school programs, therapeutic recreation, Special Olympics, athletics, aquatics, the arts, fitness, and youth services. A fee reduction program is in place for those who do not have the resources to pay full price for these programs.
Parks and Open Spaces
The Department manages an extensive park, greenway, and open space system. The Town has 13 developed parks that comprise over 350 acres. Parks range in size from the 68 acre Meadowmont Park to the 1.5 acre Oakwood Park.
Parks are located in all sections of Town. In addition to developed parks the Department manages 730 acres of open space, primarily along the many streams that course through the Town. Several of these open space areas protect significant riparian and upland slopes within the Town.
Recreational Facilities
The Town also has several important recreational facilities including two indoor pools, an outdoor pool; many lighted athletic facilities, gymnasiums, tennis courts, an outdoor hockey rink, many picnic facilities and other recreational amenities. The Town realizes the importance of recreation to the citizens of Chapel Hill and in response continually expanses and improves programs and facilities.