UNC-Chapel Hill Launches “All. Together. Now.” Arts Festival in 2027

Carolina Performing Arts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has unveiled its inaugural “All. Together. Now.” arts festival, set to take place from February 18 to 21, 2027. This multi-day event aims to celebrate art, research, and community through a dynamic lineup of performances, conversations, and creative experiences across campus and downtown Chapel Hill.

A Vision for Connection and Collaboration

The festival marks the launch of a long-term initiative for Carolina Performing Arts, described as a platform to bring together creative, academic, and community-driven work. “With ‘All. Together. Now.,’ we’re creating a concentrated moment that brings together creative, academic, and community-driven work across Carolina’s campus and downtown Chapel Hill,” said Alison Friedman, executive and artistic director of Carolina Performing Arts. The event is designed to foster real-time interactions, encourage exploration, and strengthen connections through shared experiences.

The inaugural theme, “love and hope,” underscores the festival’s commitment to art as a force for connection and collective discovery. “Love and hope are more than sentiments—they are commitments to the future,” added Amy Kolling, senior director of artistic and production for Carolina Performing Arts. The theme reflects the festival’s goal of inspiring innovation and progress through the arts.

Diverse Programming for All

Festival programming will feature three distinct experience types:

• Pass Events: Accessible via individual day passes, these include performances and special events spanning dance, theatre, music, film, and multimedia across campus and downtown Chapel Hill.
• Open Gatherings: Free, drop-in experiences such as open classrooms, ask-an-expert conversations, public artmaking, and student showcases, developed in collaboration with campus and community partners.
• Special Festival Event: A separately ticketed event to complement the festival’s offerings.

Festival passes will be sold by individual day, with discounted rates for students and UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, staff, and alumni. The February timing is intended to invigorate the late-winter season and create a vibrant cultural moment ahead of spring events.

Community and Academic Partnerships

The festival will collaborate with a range of campus and community organizations, including the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Research in Black Culture and History, PlayMakers Repertory Company, the Ackland Art Museum, and the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. These partnerships aim to enrich the festival’s programming and expand its reach.

“Carolina has long been recognized for excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts—each playing an essential role in shaping the life of this University,” said Lee H. Roberts, chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill. “All. Together. Now. Reflects that tradition, bringing artists, students, faculty, and community members together across campus and downtown, highlighting the arts as a vital part of what makes Carolina such a dynamic place to learn, create, and connect.”

Next Steps and Access

The full festival schedule will be released in mid-August, with passes going on sale in mid-September. Those interested in attending, partnering, sponsoring, or volunteering can find more information through the festival’s official website. The event is positioned as a cornerstone of UNC-Chapel Hill’s cultural calendar, with plans to grow and evolve across the Triangle region in future years.