Free Trolley Rides in Chapel Hill and Carrboro This August

ORANGE SLICES

Free Trolley Service in August 2025 in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Photo by the Chapel HIll / Orange County Visitors Bureau

Visit Chapel Hill is launching a free trolley service on three Saturdays this August to celebrate the UPROAR Festival of Public Art. Sponsored by the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, the trolleys will help residents and visitors explore Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the UNC campus with ease.

“In 2023, my kindergartner and I rode the trolley for several hours up and down Franklin and Main St. We took selfies with the art pieces, tried some businesses we hadn’t been to before, and enjoyed seeing the two downtowns from the air conditioning,” said Sarah Poulton, Town of Chapel Hill staffer and mother of a young kid who likes to be entertained in the summer months. “It was free, fun and a terrific way to stay cool and see the area.”

Trolley Dates and Times:

• Saturday, August 2, 2025: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday, August 9, 2025: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday, August 16, 2025: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Two air-conditioned trolleys will run on a continuous loop through downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Riders can get on and off at any stop throughout the day. No tickets or registration are required.

Where to Park and Ride:

You can park and hop on the trolley at any of these locations:

• Drakeford Public Library, 203 S. Greensboro Street, Carrboro
• East Rosemary Parking Deck, 125 E. Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill
• Any public parking lot in Chapel Hill or Carrboro. See links here: https://www.visitchapelhill.org/maps-info/transportation/parking/

What to Expect on Board:

• “I Spy” family entertainment brochure with free ice cream rewards
• Comfortable, air-conditioned seating
• Easy access to dozens of public art installations as part of the UPROAR Festival

“This is a great way to see art, visit local shops and restaurants, and enjoy the area without worrying driving, traffic and how to access this cool art,” said Katie Murray, Director of the Orange County Arts Commission.

The Welcome Center, operated by Visit Chapel Hill, will open extended evening hours on these three Saturdays in August.

This Uproar visitor loved learning about art. Photo of Susie Poulton submitted by mom, Sarah Poulton.

To learn more:

• Visit www.uproarfestnc.com for festival information
• Visit www.visitchapelhill.org for travel tips and maps

Mark your calendar and enjoy a summer Saturday on the trolley!

Share your thoughts with me here,

Laurie Paolicelli

Disclaimer: Published by Orange County’s Tourism Department through its Public Relations team, this story includes interviews and repurposed content from websites and partner press releases. For more, visit www.visitchapelhill.org or contact Laurie Paolicelli.

Laurie Paolicelli is executive director for the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, a position she has held since 2005. Laurie has worked in tourism and marketing for twenty-five years, having served in leadership roles in Houston and California convention and visitor bureaus. She is a native of the Twin Ports of Duluth, MN/Superior Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Communications from the University Wisconsin-Superior and graduate certification in Technology In Marketing from the UNC-Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media. This reporter can be reached at Information@TheLocalReporter.press