Events in Alamance County, NC

Connect with local writers and members of the Burlington Writers Club in a quiet, free space to work and receive coaching. A coffee bar is available, and everyone is welcome.

Bring your own chessboard or borrow one at this casual meet-up for non-competitive chess players. Free admission.

Take part in a weekly double-elimination pool tournament. Entry is $15, with prizes awarded to first, second, and third place. Players of all skill levels are welcome.

Take the stage and sing your heart out at karaoke night.

This 5K channels the energy of runners and walkers into support for The Bridge and S.A.F.E. food ministries in Alamance County, which collect and distribute food to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Participants of all experience levels are welcome, and the atmosphere emphasizes health, wellness, and community connection. Families are encouraged to participate, strollers and costumes are welcome, and dogs are not permitted. The event features a clearly marked course, professional timing, commemorative T-shirts, awards across several categories, and refreshments after the finish, creating a meaningful day on and off the course.

The Fourth Annual Arboretum Day at the Burlington Arboretum at Willowbrook Park highlights Burlington’s natural resources and the community partners and projects that help the city grow greener. Presented by the City of Burlington and New Leaf Society, the day features nature exhibits, a free tree giveaway, Park & Play activities, a nature journaling workshop where participants bring their own journal, a guided walking tour of the Arboretum, and a Liberty Tree planting in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Exhibitors and partners include New Leaf Society, Burlington Recreation & Parks, Burlington Stormwater Division, Burlington Tree & Appearance Commission, NC Extension Master Gardeners, 4-H, NC Forest Service, Duke Energy, and Impact Alamance. It is an opportunity to explore, learn, and celebrate the natural beauty that helps Burlington thrive.

Crystal Clear Pools and Spas is hosting a customer appreciation event featuring a hot tub sale, discounts on algaecide, chlorine tablets, and chlorine shock, local vendor booths, and free door gifts. Visitors receive a free entry into raffles for a Water Tech Volt FX-4 Cleaner and a 25-pound bucket of chlorine shock, with additional entries available through store purchases. Admission is free.

This active program focuses on building teamwork, respect, confidence, and strong communication through movement, hands-on challenges, and positive group interaction. To ask questions or register, email carouselconnectionsnc@gmail.com. Include the experience of interest, the student’s name, age, current grade, and school, along with any allergies, medical needs, or key accommodations. Space is limited, and enrollment is confirmed in the order that payments are received. A waitlist will be created once the program is full.

Middle school students can take part in a four-week arts and crafts series that explores a variety of projects and materials, with finished pieces ideal to keep or share as holiday gifts. The workshops welcome all experience levels. Two class sessions are available so families can choose the option that fits best, including one that works well for homeschoolers. All supplies are provided, and space is limited.

Settle in for a cozy book club that meets on the second Monday of each month to chat about the current pick. August’s selection is Hart’s Landing by Melanie Harlow. Meetings take place after store hours, and there is time beforehand to purchase a coffee or another refreshing drink. Book club titles are 15% off, and on the day of the club all in-store purchases are also 15% off, including beverages, gifts, or an extra book.

Try BattleTech, a sci-fi tabletop war game where players control mechs and battle other mechs. This free, open event welcomes both new and experienced players. Wednesday games do not include rules for gravitational effects, radiation, underwater play, or Aerospace.

Persnickety Books hosts a monthly open mic on the second Friday, bringing neighbors together to share poetry, songs, limericks, author readings, and even juggling. The event is free. Bring a handpan drum or simply come as you are, grab a drink from the coffee bar, and either take the mic or enjoy the performances. Performer sign-up is available. This gathering takes place upstairs at Persnickety Books, which has no elevator and is not accessible.

Spread Eagle performs in Mebane for the first time, with support from Lisa Kyle and the Lost Souls.

Start your day with a 60-minute, all-levels yoga flow that connects movement with breath to build strength, encourage mobility, and improve flexibility. Move at a pace that feels right for you, and wear pink in honor of someone you love or to show your support for people impacted by breast cancer. Ticket profits will be donated to Little Pink Houses of Hope, which helps breast cancer patients and their families spend meaningful time resting, reconnecting, and celebrating life. Additional donations are welcome. Bring your mat and enjoy a morning of movement with purpose.

An immersive seminar at Isaac's Martial Arts Burlington NC centers on Isshinryu Karate Jutsu with a focus on the Kusanku kata. Open to newcomers and experienced practitioners alike, it explores the practical applications, or bunkai, highlighting the form’s underlying functional techniques and offering a deeper understanding of what the kata teaches.

This community gathering offers families, friends, and community members an opportunity to honor the memory of a loved one through reflection, remembrance, and connection. Everyone is welcome.

This in-person gathering is a monthly book club dedicated to horror reads. The selection for each month is decided before the prior month’s meeting, so copies are available to purchase in the store. Perks include 15% off the featured Book Club title when you buy it, and on Book Club day there is also 15% off everything you purchase in the shop, whether that is a coffee, a gift, or another book.

Designed for rising fifth graders, this co-ed small-group experience helps students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and grow their social awareness through guided activities and conversations suited to their age. In a supportive setting, participants practice expressing themselves clearly, listening with respect, and navigating peer interactions with kindness and self-assurance. The format encourages meaningful participation, personal growth, and positive connections among students. The session takes place at Burlington City Park. For questions or registration, email carouselconnectionsnc@gmail.com and include the experience of interest, the student’s name, age, current grade, school, and any allergies or important accommodations. Enrollment is limited and confirmed in the order payments are received. Once full, a waitlist will be started.

The Fresh Mobile Market provides fresh food to the community, including meat, fruits, vegetables, bread, and more. Eastlawn families are the main focus, but everyone is welcome. Food is distributed drive-through style, so visitors can remain in their cars while food is loaded. Volunteers are needed to box food, load cars, and direct traffic. This community ministry is in collaboration with Out of the Garden.

Making their debut at Maple St. Tavern, the performers are bringing their show to the venue and aiming for a packed house with a lively crowd.

The Once Upon A Persnickety Fiction Book Club brings readers together on the third Saturday of each month to explore a title selected by its members. There is no fee to participate. Pick up a membership card to receive 15% off the book club pick and anything in the store on meeting days. Selections include The Astral Library by Kate Quinn, The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett, A Fortune of Sand by Ruta Sepetys, and The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner.

Discuss The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett, along with current reads and recommendations.

Local artist Lou Humphries leads a four-week workshop series focused on Fancy Doodles and Zentangle. Through simple pen-on-paper techniques, the sessions encourage creativity and provide a calm, restorative pace. Beginners are welcome, with no prior art experience needed. Participants can relax while building patterned designs that grow into finished pieces. All materials are provided, and the cost for the complete series is $65.

Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Mebane with a day of shopping local and supporting the community. Explore participating shops for exclusive promotions, special events, and unique holiday gifts.

Bring along a craft you’re working on and enjoy relaxed conversation with other crafters and makers. The gathering is friendly and low-pressure, with no cost to take part. Coffee, tea, and other drinks are available from the coffee bar, and friends are welcome.

Parallel Lives brings a high energy show that blends classic rock, 90s and 2000s favorites, hard rock, and pop rock anthems with the band’s own original songs. Expect plenty of sing along moments with material inspired by artists such as Guns N’ Roses, Creed, Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, and Goo Goo Dolls. The set is built for rocking, singing, and dancing, with a crowd pleasing mix that offers something for many tastes.

Creative Directions, Inc.’s Travel Club is organizing a festive day trip to Asheville for a seasonal visit to Biltmore Estate. The outing includes viewing the estate’s holiday decor, unhurried time in Antler Hill Village, and chances for shopping. The trip price is $65 per person. Each participant is responsible for purchasing their own Biltmore Estate admission separately. Payments are accepted by credit or debit card or via CashApp at $CDirections. For details or questions, call (336) 395-3057 or email info@creativedirectionsinc.org. Registration is available to reserve a seat.

Enjoy Breakfast with the Grinch at an all-ages event priced at $10 per person. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ins will be accepted, and space is limited. Each ticket includes a breakfast biscuit, a breakfast beverage, fruit, a craft, face painting, and a chance to take photos with the Grinch.

Children can enjoy an interactive visit with Santa, ask him questions, hear a reading from The Night Before Christmas, and help with toy-making in Santa’s Headquarters. A holiday gathering before or after the session includes hot chocolate, holiday treats, and a craft activity where kids can create a keepsake to take home.

At the Textile Heritage Museum in the 19th century Historic Glencoe Mill Village, this seasonal celebration evokes the Christmas atmosphere of earlier times, with living history interpreters, refreshments, live music, and caroling. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated to support the nonprofit museum.

This monthly book club focuses on horror. The selection for each month is set before the previous month's in-person meeting, so copies are available for purchase in the store. When you buy the Book Club title you receive 15% off that book, and on Book Club day you also get 15% off everything else in the shop, including coffee, gifts, and additional books.

The act presents its first performance at One Last Time Bar & Billiards in Burlington, introducing itself to this venue.

Discuss Grim Tidings by BK Borison with fellow book lovers.

Discuss The Last Christmas by Maria Frankland at a book club gathering.

Discuss the seasonal book selection, Skipping Christmas by John Grisham.