Upcoming Events
Sick Chick Flicks Film Festival
Female-driven independent Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy films from around the world, featuring both short and feature-length screenings.
Date/Time:
Saturday, October 9, 2026 | 6:00–10:00 PM
Sunday, October 10, 2026 | 12:00–7:00 PM
Location:
The Varsity Theater
123 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Cost: Tickets available by donation / Pay what you want
2nd Friday ArtWalk:
Acktoberfest
Join the Ackland Art Museum for its fifth annual Acktoberfest, an evening of art, crafts, special exhibitions, and local vendors. This free, walk-in event requires no registration.
October 9, 2026 | 5:00–9:00 PM
Ackland Art Museum
101 S. Columbia St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
UNC vs. Duke Watch Party at The PITCH
Game day, without the game-day guessing! Join The PITCH for a free UNC vs. Duke watch party on Franklin Street, featuring four wall-projected games, three flat-screen TVs, surround sound, tableside drink service, and reserved seating with a clear view.
Enjoy comfortable seating, including La-Z-Boy/projector seating available by request. Groups can also request cards, Connect 4, Giant Jenga, tabletop hook toss, or a beer pong table. A DJ and music will follow the game.
October 17, 2026 | 2:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: The PITCH, 462 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC
Admission: Free admission and table reservations. Drinks purchased separately. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol.
Reservations: Limited table reservations close Friday, October 16, at midnight. To RSVP, provide your party size, every guest's name, and your drink and game preferences. Tables will be held under the main RSVP. All guests must arrive by 2:45 PM; unclaimed tables will be released afterward.
Event Contact:
Contact@thepitchchapelhill.com
AI for Research Workflows
Generative AI is becoming part of many everyday research workflows, from exploring a topic and evaluating information to organizing data and developing reports. In this hands-on workshop, staff from the Library AI Studio will introduce practical ways to use generative AI to support research-related tasks.
Participants will explore how to:
- Use generative AI to begin researching a topic and refine questions
- Evaluate AI tools and choose appropriate models for different tasks
- Identify misinformation, inaccuracies, and other limitations of AI-generated content
- Organize, analyze, and manipulate data with AI-supported tools
- Use AI to assist with report development and communication
- Make informed decisions about when and how to incorporate AI into a research workflow
This workshop focuses on accessible, practical applications rather than advanced or specialized research computing. No prior experience with generative AI is required. Participants will have opportunities to try tools and apply strategies to their own research or information-related projects.
Date: 10/20/2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Event Location: Innovate Carolina Junction
136 E Rosemary St. Suite 100
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Merchant Meeting
Are you a downtown business owner or operator? We need your voice at the table.
The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership (CHDP) is bringing merchants in the Downtown Municipal Service District together for a conversation that shapes the future of downtown. CHDP and the Mayor will share organizational updates and upcoming opportunities and resources, and facilitate feedback on the downtown experience.
This meeting only works if you show up with your questions, concerns, and ideas.
What matters most for your business should drive what we prioritize.
Please register for the event here: https://forms.gle/bqCsgv8tq7SYwcSTA
Date: Thursday, October 22nd
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
Location: Innovate Carolina Junction (136 E. Rosemary Street)
Building Partnerships for Innovation
Join Innovate Carolina for a fireside conversation with Tommy Sowers, Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at UNC Chapel Hill, about UNC's role in building stronger partnerships across North Carolina and supporting innovation and economic development in the region. Hosted at 79°West in Pittsboro, the conversation will focus on the growing opportunities to connect UNC with communities, entrepreneurs and North Carolina based companies throughout Central North Carolina.
Chatham County and Pittsboro are an important part of this regional ecosystem, creating opportunities for UNC to build stronger relationships with the communities and companies surrounding the university. The conversation will also highlight UNC's Industry Partnerships Initiative and its focus on developing meaningful relationships with North Carolina companies. Together, these partnerships can connect companies with UNC's talent, research, innovation and entrepreneurial resources while creating opportunities for greater economic impact across the state.
Come hear Vice Chancellor Sowers share his perspective on UNC's role in the region, the opportunities ahead for Central North Carolina, and how stronger partnerships can benefit both the university and the communities around it.
Carolina Innovators Connect Meet-and-Greet 2026
Free Internship Fair with Startup Companies + Small Business and Student Resource Corner
Carolina Innovators Connect offers students and startups an event that gives students learning and career development opportunities with high-growth startup companies, social ventures and innovative opportunities in the Research Triangle region.
Think career fair ...but not! No suits or resumes here.
Students should come prepared to mingle with a diverse group of businesses and founders in a casual environment. Local companies and nonprofits that are eager to work with talented students through internship and employment are given a free opportunity to post their jobs and mingle with candidates.
We will also offer a Resource Center for students and companies to learn more about innovation resources on UNC's campus and in the Triangle region.
Check back soon for a full list of participating companies.
Date: 10/28/2026
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Event Location: Innovate Carolina Junction
136 E Rosemary St. Suite 100
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Free AI Workshop for Small Business Owners
Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Innovate Carolina and Launch Chapel Hill are hosting a free, hands-on morning for local business owners, led by RDU Labs, an Anthropic SMB training partner.
Bring your laptop and one task you’re always behind on, like invoices, scheduling, marketing, or following up with customers. You’ll get help setting up Claude to handle it, using tools you already work with, such as QuickBooks, Shopify, or Square. No tech background is needed. Coffee is provided, and everyone who attends gets a free month of Claude Max.
Date: December 3, 2026
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Innovate Carolina Junction, Chapel Hill
The Mainliners - Chapel Hill
Get ready to rock, Chapel Hill! Join us for an electrifying night with The Mainliners - Chapel Hill at the iconic Local 506. Known for their high-energy performances and powerful sound, this hard rock band is set to take the stage and deliver an unforgettable experience. The intimate atmosphere of Local 506, with its vibrant energy and welcoming vibe, makes it the perfect spot to enjoy live music and connect with fellow rock enthusiasts.
Don’t miss your chance to witness The Mainliners as they bring their signature style to life in the heart of Chapel Hill. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their music, this concert promises to be a night filled with headbanging and good times. Grab your friends and secure your spot for an evening of hard-hitting tunes and unforgettable memories. Book your tickets now!
Date/Time:
12/06/2026 | 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Location:
Local 506, 506 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Cost: $59
Submit Your Event
Hosting something special in Downtown Chapel Hill? We’d love to feature it! Our events calendar celebrates what makes our community vibrant — from live music and cultural festivals to pop-up markets and creative workshops.