The Forest Theatre, located on the eastern side of UNC-Chapel Hill campus has been around for 100 years. The outdoor amphitheater borders Battle Park — home to 93 acres of land and trails. William Coker, botany professor at the university originally recommended the location of the theatre back in 1916. Coker’s building proposal led to the 1918 construction of the open-air theatre, situated conveniently downhill from the Coker Arboretum.

The newly formed Carolina Playmakers had its beginnings at the theatre. The ensemble put on their first performance just a year after the theatre’s completion, in celebration of the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The campus resident theatre company is now a nationally recognized ensemble, successfully developing new playwriting talent.

The Forest Theatre was later reconstructed in 1940 with funds from the Works Projects Administration. An English landscaper, Albert Bell, was hired for the project’s redesign due to his previous work in Virginia. Further improvements were made in 1948 to create what we know the theatre as today.

The outdoor theatre is on the face of a hillside and made almost entirely of local stone. You can access the theatre through a pathway off of Country Club Road. Stone retaining walls surround the theatre creating a semi-enclosed border. The entrance has two stone rooms on either side that act as ticketing booths for the theatre. The amphitheater is filled with sand, and stone seating that descends, stadium-style towards the stage. The Forest Theatre is surrounded by woodland creating a naturalistic setting — being one with nature.

The open-air theatre continues to provide a creative space for outdoor entertainment. The annual Paperhand Puppet Festival is held in the theatre every summer between August 3 and September 3. The theatre is also available for weddings providing a picturesque backdrop for the ceremony and photographs. The Forest Theatre is currently managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden.

Related Stories
‹
Indoor Venues of Chapel Hill Respond to Challenges Introduced by Pandemic
Indoor venues in Chapel Hill have pursued changes in appearance and operations in response to the challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, these venues are preparing for an ease in certain COVID-19 restrictions as more of the country becomes vaccinated. Since the Chelsea and Lumina theaters were forced to close last March, each have […]
Chapel Hill: LUMO, Veteran's Day Events, Franklin Street Fire
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, November 12, discussing town news and events. She talked about the town's ongoing rewrite of the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) which is scheduled to be voted on in the coming weeks. She talked about a recent fire on Franklin Street with Chapel Hill police making an arrest for it being intentionally set. She also recapped a Veteran's Day event on campus, and more.
Viewpoints: The Church of Reconciliation Responds to Vitus
The Church of Reconciliation was shocked by a statement attributed to Vitus about engagement with the Elliott Woods Apartments community.
On Air Today: Science Education Specialist Amy Sayle on the Night Sky
Science Education Specialist Amy Sayle spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, November 11. She discussed here current residency at the Grand Canyon, including what the expectations are and what she has found different there so far. She also shared significant celestial events to keep an eye on in the coming weeks, and more.
Chapel Hill Staple Bandido's Announces December Closure, Final Day of Business
The Chapel Hill Mexican restaurant announced it will close at the end of 2026 after remaining in business since 1995.
The Evening News - Intentional Downtown Fire, Constitutional Amendments, Local Government
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we learn of a downtown fire from Sunday night that was intentionally set, and the subsequent arrest from Chapel Hill Police. We hear a story on possible implications of the constitutional amendments that passed during this month's elections. We also check this week's local government meeting schedule, and more. In sports, Men's Basketball and Football both get wins, while the ACC Tournament begins in soccer, and more.
Chapel Hill: Election Aftermath, Keenan Stadium Sound, Festifall
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, November 5, discussing town news and events. She discussed the results of Tuesday's midterm elections, and the implications locally. She also talked about resident's complaints about the volume of the public address system at Keenan Stadium. She previewed upcoming events including Festifall this weekend, and more.
Allen Buansi, Renée Price Each Win Third Terms for N.C. House Representing Orange County
Rep. Allen Buansi will represent Chapel Hill and Carrboro in the North Carolina House of Representatives for another two years.
The Evening News - Election Preview, Chatham County Utilities, Mixed Start to Basketball Season
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we hear more on today's midterm elections locally. We also hear how national trends may play out early in the evening from Public Policy Polling's Tom Jensen. Pittsboro meets with Google Fiber representatives, while Chatham County learns more about new plans for an Enbridge natural gas pipeline, and more. In sports, the men's basketball team holds on for a close win against Western North Carolina, while the women's team takes a loss in to Oklahoma in Paris, and more.
On Air Today: Festifall 2026 in Chapel Hill!
Festifall is back in Chapel Hill! Head downtown Saturday, November 7, from noon to 5 pm for the 53rd annual Festifall Arts Market.
›