Don’t miss these gallery openings, concerts, festivals and more
Compiled by Caitlyn Yaede
*Events are subject to change; check with organizers prior to attending
SEPTMEBER
Check out a new exhibit called “Corrientes Latinas” on display at the Smelt Art Gallery that showcases Latin American artists like Pepe Caudillo and Peter Marin as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Sept. 1-Oct. 29; theplantnc.com/smeltartgallery
Every Saturday at 2 p.m. in September, 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 21 consecutive years. Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24; comeoutandplay.info
The Red Truck Bakery owner Brian Noyes will speak with culinary author Sheri Castle at McIntyre’s Books about the comfort food traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains and his bakery in Marshall, Virginia. Learn about corn crabcakes, Virginia peanut pie and other recipes in his new book, “The Red Truck Bakery Farmhouse Cookbook.” Sept. 10; mcintyresbooks.com
Mystery lovers won’t want to miss author Craig Johnson, who will discuss “Hell and Back,” 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. 11; 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. 15-17; hoppinjohn.org
The Hispanic Liaison hosts the ninth Hispanic Heritage Fiesta in Siler City for Hispanic Heritage Month. This free, outdoor celebration on North Chatham Avenue will have folklore dance performances, games and activities, a parade of traditional Latin American and quinceanera outfits and more. Afterward, Saludos Compay will perform in the September installment of the Downtown Siler City Music Series. Enjoy the Latin American- and Caribbean-inspired music as part of an all-day event hosted by the NC Arts Incubator in partnership with The Hispanic Liaison. Sept. 17; hispanicliaison.org
The work of Raleigh-based artist Leticia Alvarez will be on display at NC Arts Incubator. Her art celebrates her Mexican roots and pictures motifs of religious and cultural importance. Leticia has collaborated in the past with the North Carolina Museum of Art, Artspace and the City of Raleigh Museum. Sept. 17-Oct. 15; ncartsincubator.com
Starrlight Mead presents its annual mead celebration 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. 24; starrlightmead.com
Historian and New York Times bestselling author Rinker Buck comes to McIntyre’s Books to share his latest book, “Life on the Mississippi: An Epic American Adventure.” This work chronicles Rinker’s adventures down the Mississippi River on a handmade wooden flatboat with an eccentric crew. Sept. 24; mcintyresbooks.com
OCTOBER
Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center welcomes back “A Tribute to Elvis,” honoring the late rock ‘n’ roll star. The show will feature tribute artist Stephen Freeman as Elvis, alongside Echos of A Legend Show Band. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner followed by a 7 p.m. show. The performance will benefit Bynum Front Porch, a nonprofit that celebrates Chatham County’s history through family-friendly community events. Oct. 1; bynumfrontporch.org
Take part in the 18th annual Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance. The festival begins with an opening ceremony by Batalá Durham followed by four days of performances, craft vendors and camping. Learn from local beekeepers, compete in the poetry slam and bring noisemakers to participate in the happiness parade. Oct. 6-9; shakorihillsgrassroots.org
Head down to Mosaic at Chatham Park for two fall concerts. First up is The Legacy Motown Revue on Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. The fun and music continue with Trial By Fire and She Bop 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, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, and Maple View Ice Cream. Oct. 7, 21; 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 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
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
Abundance NC presents Death Faire, an all-day event for processing grief and exploring alternate art therapy. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. at The Plant with meditation and sound healing. Then, participate in art workshops, sharing circles and movement therapy by the Living Arts Collective, plus poetry, a parade, food and more. Nov. 5; abundancenc.org/death-faire
Dance and groove at The Plant during a bohemian concert benefiting Abundance NC. Throw down to live music by The Fritz and Upper Cases, as well as electronic music by DJ phløem, starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 5; theplantnc.com
Chatham Artists Guild will hold two opening receptions with preview exhibits ahead of its annual Studio Tour. The first will be held at The ArtsCenter gallery in Carrboro on Nov. 4 while the second will take place at the Smelt Gallery at The Plant. The exhibits will feature a single item from each of its 55 members, like Gina Harrison, Vince Pitelka and Beth Bale, who will be participating in the tour during the first two weekends in December. The tour includes 39 artists’ studios that will be open to the public on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Nov. 27; theplantnc.com/smeltartgallery
Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11; chathamartistsguild.org
