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The Uproar Festival of Public Art will showcase 60 large-scale, bold works of art throughout the downtown areas of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough from August 1 through 23.

The kickoff party will now take place at Eno River Brewing  in Hillsborough from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1. Don’t miss local food and beverages, music by Liquid Pleasure, an artist parade, art-making activities, and more! Free and open to all. No tickets required. We recommend bringing refillable water bottles, camping chairs, and kids. 

Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is building a crisis foster network to support pet owners who are temporarily unable to care for their pets due to emergencies like hospital stays, homelessness, or disasters. The Support for Animals and Families in Emergencies (SAFE) program offers temporary foster care to keep pets safe until they can reunite with their families.

SAFE fosters provide crucial relief and receive full support from OCAS—supplies, food, and veterinary care included. For many in crisis, pets are a vital source of comfort and stability.

View all the great options in the latest Program Guide, which covers July through December, 2025. Registration is open now. 

Preschool Academy is a half-day program for children ages 3-5-years-old, providing both academic enrichment and socialization opportunities. Based on the weekly theme, students will partake in a wide variety of age-appropriate activities to learn numbers, letters, colors, rhythm, and science. Classroom instruction balances both child-directed, play-based learning and teacher-led, small-group activity.

After School serves Orange County traditional calendar school students at select schools with transportation daily from school to the Central Recreation Center. Daily activities include physical activity; homework time and assistance if needed; enrichment activities in science, arts, and more; and freely chosen play.   Program operates from school dismissal to 5:30 p.m.

Do you need a safe, nurturing, and fun place for your children to go when school is out? Orange County Recreation Division is offering an all-day care program on select dates for the 2025-2026 school year for children currently enrolled in Pre-K through 5th grade in any Orange County School. In School’s Out Fun Day Camp, children will spend their day playing games in our gymnasium and outdoor area, participating in enrichment activities in the areas of science, arts, cooking, and more.

The Orange County Youth Soccer League is a fun and developmental program for boys and girls ages 4 to 14. The league focuses on building essential soccer skills, promoting teamwork, and fostering a love for the game. For players in divisions Under 8 and above, teams are formed through a skills assessment and draft process to help ensure balanced and competitive play. Requests for coaches and teammates are not accepted.

The Start Smart Program is a sports development class structured to teach children and adults the basic skills of sport in a fun, non-competitive environment. Start Smart Soccer will focus on the fundamentals of running, dribbling, passing and receiving, shooting, and throw-ins. For children ages 3-5-years-old with a trusted caregiver co-participating. 

To learn more about the Department on Aging programs and resources visit their website or sign up for their e-newsletter. 

Kristin Prelipp, Assistant Community Relations Director 
919-245-2322
kprelipp@orangecountync.gov

General Questions: webadmin@orangecountync.gov

Website: www.orangecountync.gov

Phone: 919-732-8181

Language Assistance Services: 919-245-2498