Things to Do in Hillsborough, NC: Fall & Holiday 2026
There's always something happening in Hillsborough. From long-standing community traditions and fall festivals to live music, local arts, historic tours and holiday celebrations, Hillsborough and the surrounding Orange County area offer plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the community.
At Capital Ford of Hillsborough, we're proud to be part of the community we serve. We've put together this guide to highlight some of the festivals, events and activities happening around Hillsborough for the remainder of 2026. Whether you're a Hillsborough local or visiting for the weekend, here are some events to have on your calendar.
September 2026 Events in Hillsborough
Hillsborough Hog Day
Location: River Park, 114 E. Margaret Lane, Downtown Hillsborough
One of Hillsborough's best-known annual traditions, Hillsborough Hog Day brings the community together for two days of barbecue, live music, local vendors and family fun. The festival features a BBQ cook-off, classic car show, children's area, 5K run, Pigs on Parade Art Project, handmade crafts, food vendors and plenty of barbecue.
Historic Hillsborough Guided Walking Tours
Location: Hillsborough Visitors Center, 150 E. King Street
Explore Hillsborough's rich history on a guided walking tour through historic downtown. The outdoor educational tours highlight colonial landmarks, historic buildings and stories that helped shape the Hillsborough community.
First Fridays at the Mill: Colors of Soul / Colores del Alma
Location: Eno Arts Mill, 437 Dimmocks Mill Road
Spend Friday evening enjoying Hillsborough's local arts scene with live music, food trucks, open artist studios and a free exhibition opening at Eno Arts Mill.
Outlandish Friday Night Cèilidh
Location: Downtown Hillsborough / Visitors Center Lawn, 150 E. King Street
Kick off Hillsborough's Scottish festival weekend with bagpipes, folk dancing lessons, crafts and community activities in downtown Hillsborough.
Outlandish Hillsborough Scottish Festival
Festival: Ayr Mount Historic Site, 376 St. Marys Road
Celebrate Hillsborough's Scottish heritage with a full day of live music, bagpipes, traditional dancing, cultural demonstrations, food trucks, vendors and family-friendly activities.
October 2026 Events in Hillsborough
Apple Fest
Location: Botanist & Barrel, 105 Persimmon Hill Lane, Cedar Grove
Celebrate fall with live apple milling and pressing demonstrations, seasonal cider and wine releases, fresh apple cider donuts, caramel apples, hot mulled cider, live music, face painting and yard games.
FlushFest
Location: Multiple venues in West Hillsborough, including Eno River Brewing, Eno House and Nash Street Tavern
FlushFest brings a weekend of music and entertainment to West Hillsborough. The community festival includes live performances, a silent film, kids' activities, food trucks, outdoor games and other activities.
Chantey Pub Sing
Location: The Colonial Inn, 153 W. King Street
Enjoy an evening of traditional maritime folk music with the Ship's Company Chanteymen. This free community sing takes place at the historic Colonial Inn in downtown Hillsborough.
Fall Corn Mazes at McKee Farms
Location: Cedar Creek Farm, 5011 Kiger Road, Rougemont
Make the most of fall with two corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkins, farm animals, games, a play area, barrel train rides and more. The attraction includes a 12-acre corn maze as well as a smaller interactive maze designed for children.
November 2026 Events & Activities
Chantey Pub Sing
Location: The Colonial Inn, 153 W. King Street
The monthly Chantey Pub Sing returns to the Colonial Inn for another evening of traditional maritime folk music and community singing.
Hillsborough Vintage Market
Location: The Rookery, 115 W. Margaret Lane
Browse a gathering of vintage curators, makers, artists, collectors and small businesses. Find vintage pieces, handmade goods, music and unique local treasures.
Holiday Shopping
Location: Historic Downtown Hillsborough
The holiday season is a great time to explore independently owned shops, galleries and restaurants. Spend an afternoon finding locally made gifts and supporting businesses.
December 2026 Holiday Events in Hillsborough
Chantey Pub Sing
Location: The Colonial Inn, 153 W. King Street
Enjoy the final Chantey Pub Sing of 2026 at the Colonial Inn with an evening of maritime folk music and community singing.
Hillsborough Holiday Parade
Location: Downtown Hillsborough
Historic Hillsborough lights up for one of the community's favorite holiday traditions. The evening parade features marching bands, fire engines, decorated floats, mascots, cheerleaders, special guests and Santa Claus. Downtown restaurants and shops are also open before and after the parade, making it easy to spend the evening enjoying Hillsborough.
Homes for the Holidays: A Hillsborough Gingerbread Tradition
Location: Participating businesses throughout Downtown Hillsborough
Take a walk through downtown Hillsborough and see gingerbread creations displayed in local shop windows as part of this annual holiday tradition. The displays combine creativity with holiday fun while encouraging visitors to explore downtown businesses throughout December.
Christmas in the Groves
Location: 3510 NC Highway 86 N., Hillsborough
Celebrate Christmas with a decorated Christmas barn, local vendor market, visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, live nativity scenes, and other seasonal activities.
Elfland Christmas Festival
Location: The Barn at Lloyd's Dairy, 227 N. Lloyd's Dairy Road, Efland
The Elfland Christmas Festival brings holiday fun to the greater Hillsborough area with an Elfland Christmas Village, Santa's workshop, arts and crafts, hayrides, Christmas lights and interactive holiday scenes.
Solstice Lantern Walk & Market
Location: Farmers Market Pavilion & Hillsborough Riverwalk
One of Hillsborough's most unique annual traditions celebrates the Winter Solstice with a glowing procession. Participants bring handmade lanterns and walk along the Eno River while the surrounding market features local artists, live music, warm food and hot drinks.
Things to Do in Hillsborough Year-Round
Hillsborough has plenty to explore even when there isn't a major festival happening.
- Hillsborough Riverwalk: Enjoy a scenic walk along the Eno River on Hillsborough's Riverwalk, conveniently located near historic downtown. Open year-round.
- Historic Downtown Hillsborough: Explore locally owned restaurants, shops, galleries, historic buildings and centuries of North Carolina history. Open year-round; individual business hours vary.
- Ayr Mount: Explore the historic Ayr Mount property and its scenic grounds just outside downtown Hillsborough. Open year-round; property and trail hours vary.
- Eno River State Park: Spend the day hiking, exploring the Eno River and enjoying one of the Triangle's most popular outdoor destinations. Open year-round; seasonal park hours apply.