Artsplosure--the Raleigh Arts Festival will be back again on May 16 and 17, 2026, bringing art, music, kids' activities, interactive installations, and entertainment to Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. The festival features the work of more than 175 juried fine artists and craftspeople, and 10 different categories. All art will be available for purchase. In addition, enjoy … [Read more...] about Artsplosure in Raleigh May 16-17 — art market, performances, kids’ activities and more…
Music
Freight Train Blues Concert Series in Carrboro returns May 15
Music Maker Foundation's Freight Train Blues Concert Series is returning in 2026. This series features roots musicians steeped in the diverse traditions of the Carolina Piedmont. The concert series is in honor of Piedmont blues legend, Elizabeth ‘Libba’ Cotten, born in 1893 in Carrboro, NC. (Read more about her below.) It will take place on Friday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., from May 15 … [Read more...] about Freight Train Blues Concert Series in Carrboro returns May 15
Durham Greek Festival May 16 and 17
Durham Greek Festival returns on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, 2026. St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church is presenting the very popular event at the church, at 8306 NC Hwy 751, Durham, NC. It's 1/2 mile south of I-40 Exit 274. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Enjoy fabulous Greek food and scrumptious … [Read more...] about Durham Greek Festival May 16 and 17
Artist Notes: Free Summer Concert Series on NC State’s Centennial Campus
Artist Notes is a free concert series that takes place on NC State's Centennial Campus, at The Corner, 941 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, on five evenings from May to August, 2026, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Presented with THAT Station and Lincoln Theatre. Each night will feature an artist on stage to not only play music, but also share what went into creating their songs. It’s a deep … [Read more...] about Artist Notes: Free Summer Concert Series on NC State’s Centennial Campus
Ballroom Dancing at Pullen Park Community Center on Wednesdays
Pullen Dance hosts low-cost ballroom dancing socials on most Wednesday nights at Pullen Park Community Center, 408 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina. Read on to learn about this weekly event. Pullen Dance's Weekly Dance This long-standing event takes place from 7 to 9 p.m., and costs $5 per person. Adults of all dance skills and abilities are welcome to attend. Attendees dance to a … [Read more...] about Ballroom Dancing at Pullen Park Community Center on Wednesdays
Raleigh Drum Circle at Pullen Park on Wednesdays (outdoors)
Each week everyone is invited to participate in the Raleigh Drum Circle and Raleigh Hoop Jam. This is an all ages event and no experience is required. Free to participate. If you have drums, shakers, etc., please bring them, but there might be a few available to borrow. The event is held every Wednesday, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Pullen Park, 520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina. Learn … [Read more...] about Raleigh Drum Circle at Pullen Park on Wednesdays (outdoors)
Wine Down Wednesday at La Vita Dolce: live music and wine specials
La Vita Dolce at Southern Village, 610 Market St in Chapel Hill, will once again host Wine Down Wednesday every Wednesday from April 1 to October 21, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., with the music starting at 6 p.m. This is the 10th year for Wine Down Wednesday and it's a favorite tradition in Chapel Hill. Mingle, sip, and enjoy great weather and live music at this open social. This is a … [Read more...] about Wine Down Wednesday at La Vita Dolce: live music and wine specials
Shuffle: Lunch break music series at Hub RTP
Hub RTP is hosting a mid-week lunch break concert on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Shuffle will take place March through June, 2026, and then September through October. It's free to attend. There will be a new artist-in-residence featured each month. At the opening event on March 4, 2026, the first 100 attendees will get a free ice cream. The music will take place at 3151 Elion … [Read more...] about Shuffle: Lunch break music series at Hub RTP
Got to be NC Festival May 15-17 — music, family activities, much more…
Got to be NC Festival will offer three great days of down-home celebration North Carolina-style from May 15 to 17, 2026. Got to be NC Festival takes place at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, and is free to attend. Carnival rides and games, food and drinks, and some activities have a cost associated with them. It takes place at North Carolina State … [Read more...] about Got to be NC Festival May 15-17 — music, family activities, much more…
Common Roots Fest: Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival May 16
The annual Common Roots: Festival for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month takes place Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. Admission is free and open to all ages. Enjoy: Check for updates in the Facebook event. … [Read more...] about Common Roots Fest: Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival May 16
