Don’t miss these gallery shows, concerts, festivals and more around Chatham County, NC
*Events are subject to change; check with organizers prior to attending
SEPTEMBER
Smelt Art Gallery at The Plant showcases “Perspectives,” a series of photographs, and “Inspired by Dreams,” a wood and sculpture art exhibit, all created by members of the Chatham Artists Guild. Thru Sept. 26; theplantnc.com/smeltartgallery
Every Saturday in September at 2 p.m., there will be a free reception during the Come Out and Play sculpture show at 150 Wild Horse Run in Pittsboro with live music, food and art. What began as a show to honor those affected by 9/11 has continued to promote kindness and the arts in the community for 22 consecutive years. Sept. 2, 9, 16 and 23; comeoutandplay.info
The NC Revelers Orchestra takes over the stage at Forest Hall at Chatham Mills for two unforgettable performances. Each captivating musical evening is accompanied by a buffet-style dinner provided by 39 West Catering. Sept. 11 and Oct. 2; foresthallatchathammills.com
Mystery lovers won’t want to miss author Craig Johnson, who will discuss “The Longmire Defense,” the newest installment of his New York Times bestselling “Longmire” series, in an afternoon event at McIntyre’s Books. Learn about the newest adventures of Walt Longmire in this western fiction that serves as the inspiration for the Netflix original series, “Longmire.” Sept. 16; mcintyresbooks.com
Save the date for a weekend of music, dancing and camping at the Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention. This three-day event at Shakori Hills Community Arts Center showcases the best local talents on the fiddle, banjo and more. Try out clogging or a new instrument at one of the many workshops and enjoy concerts, dances, old-fashioned family activities, craft vendors and more. Sept. 14-16; hoppinjohn.org
The Hispanic Liaison hosts the 10th Hispanic Heritage Fiesta in Siler City for Hispanic Heritage Month. This free, outdoor celebration on North Chatham Avenue will showcase folkloric dance performances, games and activities, a parade of traditional Latin American and quinceanera outfits and more. Enjoy Latin American- and Caribbean-inspired music throughout the all-day event. Sept. 16; hispanicliaison.org
Pulitzer Prize finalist Daniel Mason shares his latest novel, “North Woods,” at McIntyre’s Books. The sweeping, monumental story spans several centuries and centers on a single home in the woods of New England, and the people that inhabit it. Sept. 12, mcintyresbooks.com
Starrlight Mead presents its annual Mead Fest at The Plant. Enjoy a Renaissance-themed family event from noon to 5 p.m. where costumes are encouraged and local food trucks will be on-site. Sample mead, watch mead-making demonstrations and browse the craft vendors, offering everything from jewelry to woodworking and more. Sept. 23; starrlightmead.com
The 73rd annual Chatham County Fair, hosted by the Chatham County Agricultural and Industrial Fair Association, offers activities for the whole family, including art exhibits, face painting, a Ferris wheel and more. The fair began in 1950 as a celebration of household and locally made arts, food and merchandise. This year features soulful country music by Stan Malette, a dance contest and fashion show to get the audience on their feet.
OCTOBER
Celebrate sustainable local farming and artisans at The Plant during Abundance NC’s 16th annual PepperFest. Guests can expect pepper-themed food and drinks prepared by various vendors, including Blue Ridge Pepper Patch, Bulletproof Sauces, Pleasant Burn Sauce Co. and many more. Be sure to stick around for the crowning of a Pepper King and Queen! Other highlights include live music from Soultriii, a kids zone, educational activities and more.
Take part in the 19th annual Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance. Secure your spot for on-site camping in tents, vehicles or RVs, and immerse yourself in performances by global bands like The Vine Sisters, Jon Stickley Trio, Kyle Travers and more. Learn from local beekeepers, compete in the poetry slam and bring noisemakers to participate in the happiness parade. Oct. 5-8; shakorihillsgrassroots.org
Hempsmith hosts its fourth sustainable fashion show on the runway at The Plant. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. and features local designers whose work emphasizes low impact or upcycled materials. Oct. 13; hempsmithclothing.com
Head down to Mosaic at Chatham Park for two fall concerts. First up is Cat 5 with The Will McBride Group on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. The fun and music continue with Tuesday’s Gone and Circle City Rockers on Oct. 21. Enjoy food and drinks from vendors like Ta Contento, BMC Brewing, Red Moose Brewing Company, Smokehouse Bandits, Waves Shave Ice, Cousins Maine Lobster, Buoy Bowls, Jersey Mike’s and Vintage Scoops at these fun events. BYO blanket or lawn chair. Oct. 13, 27; mosaicatchathampark.com
Pittsboro Gallery of Arts will host a night of fine arts and crafts at its “Bal Masqué: Art Unmasked” reception at 5:30 p.m. Check out regional art in a variety of mediums, meet artists like Vince Pitelka, Gina Harrison and Beth Bale and enjoy food and drinks. Oct. 14; pittsboroarts.org
The Ancient Arts Festival is a celebration of tattoos, oddities and art at the Chatham County Agricultural and Conference Center. Enjoy interactive performances by Paperhand Puppet Intervention, marionette artist, a masquerade contest, live music, live tattooing, craft vendors and more. Oct. 20-22; ancientartsfest.com
The Town of Pittsboro and the Pittsboro Rotary Club host the Pittsboro Street Fair, a free, all-day event beginning at 10 a.m. with kids activities, information booths, visual and performing arts, and a variety of food and drink vendors. Oct. 29; pittsboronc.gov
Join Fearrington Village and the North Carolina Poetry Society at 2 p.m. for their monthly poetry reading. This month’s selected poets are Cedric Tillman, author of “Lilies in the Valley” and “In My Feelins,” and Aruna Gurumurthy, who has published seven books. Oct. 29; fearrington.com
NOVEMBER
The Chatham Literacy Council presents the 7th annual Fall for Literacy luncheon. Guest author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle is the first enrolled citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to publish a novel, and will discuss her new release, “Even as We Breathe” at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center. The event includes networking and games beginning at 11 a.m. Nov. 2; chathamliteracy.org
DECEMBER
The Chatham Artists Guild holds its annual Studio Tour the first two weekends in December. The tour includes dozens of artists’ studios that will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10; chathamartistsguild.org
