The Road From Emancipation to Freedom

Join the Chapel Hill Carrboro Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for the vibrant Orange Chatham African American Cultural Festival. This exciting community celebration takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This family centered event serves as a wonderful opportunity to honor and explore the rich tapestry of African American heritage through a diverse array of art, cultural expression, and culinary experiences. Attendees can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with music, dance, literature, and various entertainment options that highlight local talent. With an emphasis on community engagement, the festival also features a variety of food trucks and local vendors, making it the perfect outing for guests of all ages. This gathering is completely free to the public, ensuring that everyone can participate in the festivities. We invite you to bring your family and friends to immerse yourselves in this meaningful celebration of culture and creativity. Mark your calendars today and prepare for an unforgettable afternoon of connection, inspiration, and fun in the heart of our community.

This concert explores the historical collaboration between Jewish composers and African American performers who defined the American musical landscape. The program highlights the cultural exchange that produced some of the most influential jazz, Broadway, and Great American Songbook standards of the 20th century. The performance features the Joe Alterman Quartet with special guest Christian Tamburr on vibraphone. Musicians will perform classic tracks from legendary figures including Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong. Each set combines musical performance with storytelling to illustrate how these partnerships fostered artistic innovation and enduring legacies in modern music. This event is ideal for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the social impact of collaborative art. The atmosphere is vibrant, educational, and focused on celebrating the creative power of unity. Attendees can expect a high-energy evening that bridges the gap between historical context and live jazz performance. We invite you to join us for an evening of insight and entertainment that honors the pioneers of American music. Secure your spot now to experience this celebration of cultural synthesis and artistry.

The African American Festival is a vibrant community gathering designed to celebrate and honor the rich heritage, history, and contributions of African American culture. This event serves as a dedicated space for cultural appreciation and connection within our community. Attendees are invited to experience a day full of meaningful engagement and collective celebration. Guests can explore a wide variety of activities throughout the day. The festival features live music performances, diverse craft vendors showcasing unique creations, and access to essential community resources. Food enthusiasts can also enjoy a selection of delicious cuisine. These elements combine to create a comprehensive showcase of local talent and tradition. This event is open to people of all ages and backgrounds who wish to learn and celebrate together. The atmosphere is family friendly and welcoming to all guests. We encourage you to join us for this special occasion to support local vendors, enjoy quality entertainment, and foster a deeper sense of community connection. Mark your calendar and prepare to be part of an uplifting experience that highlights the excellence and spirit of the African American community.

This hands-on workshop teaches participants how to create custom wooden signs using professional routing techniques. You will learn the entire process of transforming raw wood into a personalized decorative piece through guided instruction. Students will gain practical experience in wood preparation and design transfer methods. The curriculum focuses on the safe and accurate operation of a router to carve letters and patterns into your wood surface. You will also learn professional sanding techniques to ensure your sign has a smooth and refined finish. By the conclusion of the session, you will complete a unique, custom sign ready for final finishing or immediate display. This class is ideal for woodworkers of all skill levels who want to build their routing proficiency. The environment is collaborative, focused, and designed to help you master essential manual crafting tools in a controlled setting. Whether you are looking to learn a new hobby or improve your existing shop skills, this workshop provides the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed. Join us to build your own custom sign and gain the confidence to pursue future woodworking projects on your own.

Boris Lurie: Echoes of Memory is a multidisciplinary program honoring the legacy of Holocaust survivor and NO! art movement founder Boris Lurie. This event explores how trauma and identity shape creative expression through a thoughtful blend of visual art, live music, and historical analysis. It serves as a space for reflection on artistic responses to the Holocaust and the enduring impact of Lurie’s work. The performance features violinist Ilana Zaks-Nederlander, who will present a curated selection of works by Jewish composers impacted by the Holocaust. Beyond the musical program, the event includes opening remarks and a post-event discussion. These segments provide critical historical context, connecting Lurie’s art to broader cultural narratives and the themes presented in the Off the Wall series. This program is ideal for students, history enthusiasts, and art lovers interested in the intersection of personal experience and creative activism. Attendees can expect a professional, moving, and thought-provoking environment designed to facilitate deep engagement with complex subject matter. We invite you to join this unique tribute to understand how art preserves memory and challenges historical silence.

Join Cary Arts Center instructor Claudia Finelle for an interactive workshop focused on creating a spring-themed accordion book. This session provides a hands-on opportunity to explore mixed-media techniques while celebrating the arrival of the new season through artistic creation. Participants will learn various assembly methods to construct a custom accordion book from scratch. You will experiment with layering papers, textures, and decorative elements inspired by spring imagery. All materials are provided, and you will receive professional guidance on color application, composition, and structural binding. The instructor will demonstrate how to combine different media to achieve a cohesive and professional finished product. This workshop is designed for artists of all skill levels who enjoy tactile projects and creative expression. The environment is supportive, focused, and ideal for those looking to expand their crafting repertoire. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced creator, this class offers a structured way to develop your artistic skills. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention from the instructor. Register today to secure your spot and prepare to craft your own unique spring-inspired accordion book.

The Fine Arts League of Cary proudly presents the 16th Annual Wake County Teen Art Exhibition, a vibrant celebration of creativity showcasing over 100 works by talented student artists from across Wake County. On view May 6–27, 2026, at the Frankie G. Weems Gallery on the campus of Meredith College, this professionally curated exhibition highlights the exceptional achievements of young artists selected by their teachers. Join the community for a special public reception and awards ceremony on May 10, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m., where $20,000 in prizes will be awarded to students and their schools. Sponsored by Cary Family Dental and supported by local arts organizations and Meredith College, the exhibition not only honors artistic excellence but also reinvests in school art programs, helping foster the next generation of creative thinkers. Now in its 16th year, this inspiring event underscores the importance of arts education while offering students a meaningful opportunity to exhibit their work in a gallery setting. All are welcome to attend and experience the creativity, imagination, and talent of Wake County’s young artists.

Experience the joy of literature and the beauty of nature combined with the May StoryWalks series across Wake County Parks. This engaging program invites families to read a featured children book page by page as they stroll along scenic park trails. It is a wonderful way to foster a love for reading in young children while encouraging physical activity and outdoor exploration in our local natural spaces. We are thrilled to feature several new stories this month at Beech Bluff, Crowder, Harris Lake, Oak View, Yates Mill, and Sandy Pines. Each location offers a unique atmosphere where families can immerse themselves in stories like I Love Strawberries or Finding Wild while enjoying the fresh air. Whether you are a regular park visitor or looking for a new weekend activity, these trails provide the perfect setting for a wholesome and educational outing. We encourage you to visit your nearest participating park location throughout the month of May to discover these delightful tales. Pack your walking shoes and prepare for a rewarding journey through these captivating outdoor libraries that celebrate literacy and our vibrant community environment.

Join the vibrant community at The Bunny Hive for an engaging and social stroller walk designed for parents and little ones alike. We invite you to gather at our location before embarking on a gentle stroll spanning approximately half a mile toward a local coffee shop. This outing provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, connect with fellow parents, and indulge in a relaxing coffee break before returning to our facility. Upon our return, children are invited to enjoy supervised outdoor play in our secure, fenced, and turf-covered backyard. This space offers a safe environment for kids to explore and interact while you continue your conversations with other members of our community. This event is entirely complimentary and open to participants of all ages, making it the perfect way to spend a morning. Space is limited, so we kindly ask that you register in advance to ensure we have an accurate headcount for our group. We look forward to welcoming you and your family for a morning of activity, socialization, and fun at The Bunny Hive.

Boris Lurie: Echoes of Memory is a multidisciplinary program honoring the legacy of Holocaust survivor and NO! art movement founder Boris Lurie. This event explores how trauma and identity shape creative expression through a thoughtful blend of visual art, live music, and historical analysis. It serves as a space for reflection on artistic responses to the Holocaust and the enduring impact of Lurie’s work. The performance features violinist Ilana Zaks-Nederlander, who will present a curated selection of works by Jewish composers impacted by the Holocaust. Beyond the musical program, the event includes opening remarks and a post-event discussion. These segments provide critical historical context, connecting Lurie’s art to broader cultural narratives and the themes presented in the Off the Wall series. This program is ideal for students, history enthusiasts, and art lovers interested in the intersection of personal experience and creative activism. Attendees can expect a professional, moving, and thought-provoking environment designed to facilitate deep engagement with complex subject matter. We invite you to join this unique tribute to understand how art preserves memory and challenges historical silence.

The Horizon is a community event hosted by Visible People, Inc. that focuses on collective wellness, personal growth, and meaningful connection. It serves as an inviting space for individuals of all ages to engage in healing practices and foster community spirit within a supportive local environment. Attendees can participate in a variety of scheduled activities throughout the afternoon. Highlights include yoga and mindfulness sessions, family friendly engagement stations, and creative workshops. The program also features a dedicated community recognition segment to celebrate the contributors and partners who support local growth. Guests can enjoy music and shared reflection time as the event concludes in the early evening. This event is designed for community members, professionals, and families seeking to strengthen local bonds. Whether you want to participate in wellness practices or simply connect with neighbors, this gathering offers a valuable experience. To ensure easy access, a free park and ride shuttle service will operate throughout Dorothea Dix Park. Please check the signage for specific shuttle locations at Lot A, Lot C, Lot E, and the House of Many Porches Market.

Join the Orange County community for a solemn and respectful tribute to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The annual Orange County Veterans Memorial Day Service will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Site in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This meaningful ceremony features a distinguished lineup of local leaders, military representatives, and guests, including an address by Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program includes the posting of colors, the laying of a memorial wreath, and special recognitions for Gold Star Families and Purple Heart recipients. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and community unity as we recognize those who served in the armed forces. Refreshments will be provided for all attendees following the ceremony. We invite residents and visitors alike to gather at 2501 Homestead Road to pay their respects and observe this significant holiday. Please visit our website for more information on how you can participate in this important community event.

Artful Story Time is a recurring educational program that bridges the gap between classic children literature and fine art. This month we are focusing on the cultural traditions surrounding the Muslim festival of Eid al Adha through immersive storytelling and visual exploration within our museum galleries. Attendees will participate in interactive reading sessions led by guest speakers from Artist Ummah. The program incorporates movement exercises, hands-on creative activities, and gallery observations that highlight how Eid is celebrated both globally and specifically within the North Carolina community. These elements provide a tangible way for participants to engage with diverse cultural narratives and artistic expressions in a meaningful, shared environment. This event is designed for families and children who enjoy creative learning and cultural storytelling. The atmosphere is energetic, welcoming, and celebratory. We encourage guests to dress in their favorite festive attire to enhance the spirit of the occasion. Please join us for this unique opportunity to learn, create, and connect through the power of art and literature. We look forward to welcoming you to the gallery for this special holiday celebration.

In honor of Memorial Day, Ace Hardware is proud to continue a meaningful tradition by giving away one million American flags to the community. This generous initiative provides 8x12 inch stick flags that are perfect for placing on a garden, field, or gravesite as a heartfelt tribute to the brave servicemen and servicewomen who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This tribute pays homage to the original Decoration Day observance that began after the Civil War. No purchase is required to participate in this patriotic event. Flags will be available at participating locations while supplies last, and Ace Hardware is also supporting local VFW posts to ensure veterans graves are properly marked and honored across the region. We invite you to visit your local Ace Hardware store on Saturday, May 23, 2026, to pick up your flag and join us in showing respect for our fallen heroes. For more information on other Memorial Day ceremonies and weekend events in the area, please visit our complete guide to local observances. We look forward to seeing the community come together to celebrate our shared history and honor those who served.

Join the Orange County community for a solemn and respectful tribute to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The annual Orange County Veterans Memorial Day Service will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Site in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This meaningful ceremony features a distinguished lineup of local leaders, military representatives, and guests, including an address by Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program includes the posting of colors, the laying of a memorial wreath, and special recognitions for Gold Star Families and Purple Heart recipients. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and community unity as we recognize those who served in the armed forces. Refreshments will be provided for all attendees following the ceremony. We invite residents and visitors alike to gather at 2501 Homestead Road to pay their respects and observe this significant holiday. Please visit our website for more information on how you can participate in this important community event.