Family events in Chapel Hill, NC

This no-cost community market takes place on the Southern Village Green and is open to everyone. Bring items such as books, clothing, or toys to give away, or contribute by sharing a useful skill. Musicians and artists are welcome to present their talents for the community. At the end, please help clean up and collect any remaining items you brought.

BURN Central NC returns to Forest Theater to experience a Paperhand Puppet Project performance at a historic amphitheater. Coordinators have invited the group to support one performance in a front-of-house role, with up to ten volunteer spots covering tasks such as ticketing, ushering, and merchandise, which include complimentary admission. Attendees who are able are encouraged to purchase tickets directly so more volunteers can participate. Many plan to arrive early for a picnic and time to connect before the show, and carpooling is being arranged. The outing aligns with the final weekend of the company’s current residency.

At Chapel Hill’s Forest Theatre, Paperhand Puppet Project unveils its 26th annual show, The Wild Wisdom of the World. This large-scale puppet experience blends masks, towering figures, stilt performance, shadow artistry, and luminous creatures, all set to live original music from the Paperhand band. A vibrant array of beings steps onto the stage and moves through the audience, crafted to captivate people of every age. The theme invites reflection on the world’s wild wisdom, exploring change, interconnection, and the drive in living things to mend and renew. It echoes Robin Wall Kimmerer’s insight that flourishing is mutual, weaving images of shepherds with their flocks, elemental dragons resisting extractive greyness, the journey of a migrating Perula, and the delicate pulse of a monarch’s wing. Rooted in a sense of belonging to Earth’s living landscape, the production encourages the courage and creativity needed for what lies ahead. Tickets are non-refundable unless refund protection is selected.

Discover what to plant for the fall at the Morrisville Education Garden in a class that combines learning with hands-on practice. Each session starts with a 30-minute lesson, then moves into guided work in the garden. It is a good time to transplant pac choi and bok choi. Some sessions may offer giveaways or simple take-home projects. All ages are welcome, and participants under 13 must attend with a registered adult.

William & Mary faces Duke in an early-season football matchup at Wallace Wade Stadium. Contrasting approaches on both sides could lead to big momentum shifts and opportunities for individual stars to shine. The stage is set for a competitive game with plenty of storylines unfolding on the field.

A summer cruise-in for car enthusiasts features a roomy, shaded parking area and lively music. Guests can take part in a 50/50 and enjoy the convenience of a Chik-fil-A located just across the street.

The Durham Armory sets the scene for a Cottagecore take on the Durham Geek and Grub Market, a free, woodland-themed marketplace with more than 40 whimsical geeky vendors, food trucks, special guests, and storybook-inspired activities surrounded by mushroom motifs, meadow vibes, and cozy cottage aesthetics. Guests can start at the main entrance check-in, where kids receive a complimentary treat and details for a no-cost scavenger hunt. Track down eight cottagecore Gambits, then stop by the HQ desk to claim a prize. The indoor Geek Tavern serves non-alcoholic themed mocktails and other beverages. No tickets are required. The event is fully accessible. Street parking is plentiful with weekend free options, and nearby garages offer paid parking. Only service dogs are allowed. A vendor list and map will be posted online ten days in advance, and a detailed schedule will follow soon.

A weekly Sunday salsa social that has been running since 2009 and is now in its 18th year. The evening opens with a basic salsa lesson, then continues with social dancing until close. The music mix leans heavily toward salsa, nearly as much bachata, and a few selections of cha cha, kizomba, merengue, and cumbia. Admission is 10 dollars, with an 8 dollar rate for active military and students who show ID. Guests 17 and under enter free with an accompanying adult, or 5 dollars if attending on their own. Many DJs can accept Venmo and credit cards, though bringing cash is recommended since card payments may include a small additional fee. The DJ rotation typically follows the Sunday of the month and is subject to change, with Jack Wolf, also known as DJ Abuelo Salsero, on the first Sunday, Michael Delucia, also known as DJ Salsa Mike, on the second, DJ Pedro Paz on the third, and Eliuth Cruz Lopez, also known as DJ Monte Alban, on the fourth, while fifth Sundays rotate among these four. For those new to Triangle Dance Studio, the building has no sign and appears as a two story cream colored house next to Research Triangle Dental with a prominent sign. For questions, contact Jack Wolf at jackhwolf49@gmail.com or 919-245-8393 for the landline or 743-208-5497 for the mobile.