LOCAL HAPPENINGS: Firefest at Starworks set for Easter weekend, April 3-4

STAR — On April 3 and 4, Starworks will host Firefest, a two-day celebration of glass, ceramics and metal arts. 

The lively event brings together esteemed visiting artists, local makers, art-lovers, families and visitors from across the state for live demonstrations, hands-on activities, exhibitions, artist talks and dramatic fiery finales.

Hosted by Starworks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Firefest supports the organization’s year-round mission to promote community and economic development by providing outstanding artistic educational programs.

Admission is $10/day with kids 12 and under admitted for free. Hands-on workshops require additional registration and payment. 

Tickets and workshop registration available at StarworksNC.org

Event Highlights & Finales

Each day offers a full schedule of demonstrations and interactive experiences in Starworks’ glass, clay and metal studios.

On Friday, April 3, Starworks Glass artists will close out the day with the annual Kids Draw It, We Make It demonstration, creating a glass sculpture based on a drawing submitted by a local elementary school student. Starworks is accepting submissions from local elementary students through March 14.

On Saturday, April 4, Starworks Ceramics and Featured Ceramic Artist Bruce Dehnert will unveil the 2026 Fire Sculpture. This work will be revealed straight from the kiln as it reaches peak temperature at over 2,000 degrees, glowing orange hues from the extreme heat of Starworks custom petal kiln. 

Alongside Saturday’s unveiling, Starworks Metal will host its annual Iron Pour, welcoming attendees to participate by designing and carving into resin-bonded sand blocks which will be filled during the pour.

Featured Artists

Bruce Dehnert (Ceramics) will unveil the 2026 fire sculpture from Starworks’ signature petal kiln.

Dan Friday (Glass) creates works often rooted in Coast Salish heritage. He was a contestant on the Netflix series Blown Away.

Elsa Hoffman (Metal) works in cut steel, concrete and reclaimed materials, creating sculptural and functional pieces featured in museum and public collections worldwide. 

Admission

General Admission ($10/day; kids 12 and under free) includes demonstrations, artist talks, exhibitions, tours, music, food trucks and vendors. Hands-on workshops require separate registration at StarworksNC.org/firefest.

THIS WEEK

City’s Eggstravaganza Saturday at Sportsplex 

ASHEBORO — Looking for a family friendly event this Easter?  The annual Easter Eggstravaganza, presented by Asheboro Cultural & Recreation Services is set for Saturday, March 28.

The event is free and takes place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Cone Health ZooCity Sportsplex. This event is rain or shine.

Face painting, inflatables music and more will be part of an event that also includes more than 7,500 candy filled eggs, including prize eggs in every age category.

 Children ages 1-10 are eligible to participate. (Please note that parents are asked to remain outside of the egg hunt area while children are collecting eggs.) The Easter Bunny will also be available to photos!

Egg hunt times:

— 1-2 year olds at 10 a.m.

— 3-4 year olds at 10:30 a.m.

— 5-7 year olds at 11 a.m.

— 8-10 year olds at 11:30 a.m.

Pettyfest is back Saturday; see ‘Lightning McQueen’ 

LEVEL CROSS — The 16th Annual Pettyfest unfolds this weekend, which includes a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the animated Pixar film “CARS” that included characters voiced by Richard and Lynda Petty. 

Organizers say on hand will be a “LIFE SIZE Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, Strip “The King” Weathers and the REAL LIFE Richard and Kyle Petty!”

Also you can visit the Petty Museum and the Petty Garage, take part or visit a cruise-in, plus vendors and food trucks will be onsite.

The event happens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 309 Branson Mill Road, Randleman. Admission is $10 for 12-up, $5 for ages 5-11 and free for kids 4 and under. For more information, call 336-495-1143.

Antiques & Auto Festival begins Thursday in Denton 

DENTON — A year of various events began this month at Denton FarmPark, with one of the highlights an upcoming three-day event March 26-28 featuring the Carolina Pickers Antique & Auto Festival.

The cost is reasonable ($7 for 13-up, free for 12-under), the parking is free and pets are allowed on the large FarmPark in Denton that features its own train on a 1.5 mile loop.

Train rides will be available as well as hundreds of antique vendors, live music, cars, live auction with Hathcock Auction, wood carving shows, golf cart rentals and various food vendors.

Gates are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. And if you miss this show, there’s a return event set for Sept. 17-19. 

UPCOMING

Millstone’s 5th Annual Eggstravaganza April 5 

RAMSEUR — An outdoor for kids and family awaits at Millstone Creek Orchards on Easter Sunday afternoon.

It’s the 5th Annual Eggstravaganza, and for $3 per child and $1 per adult, visitors can take part in an egg hunt, lawn games, a hay ride and have photos taken with the Easter Bunny.

Registration is required. Visit the Millstone Creek Orchards website to sign up.

Thrifty Thursday movie: ‘Barefoot in the Park’ 

ASHEBORO — Thrifty Thursday movies are scheduled for the first Thursday at Sunset Theatre in Asheboro. 

For $5, patrons can get a ticket, popcorn and drink to see a movie classic at 1 p.m. each month. Patrons 50 and older, however, get in free, thanks to local sponsors.

This month’s movie is “Barefoot in the Park” featuring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.