Darkness RISING: Live is an annual FREE music and mental health event in its 9th year. This block party celebrates wellness, the arts and community and features powerful performances, free resources and joy! The 2026 event is made possible by HealthLit4Wake. Darkness RISING takes place Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North … [Read more...] about 9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
Music
Orange – Chatham African American Cultural Festival May 23
Chapel Hill - Carrboro Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is presenting the Orange - Chatham African American Cultural Festival. This event will take place Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Lincoln Center, 750 S. Merritt Mill Road, Chapel Hill, NC. This is a free, family-centered event that highlights and celebrates African American art, culture and … [Read more...] about Orange – Chatham African American Cultural Festival May 23
Live music at Sunrise Community Farm Center — pay what you can!
Sunrise Community Farm Center, 6407 Millhouse Road, Chapel Hill, NC, is a community farm inclusive of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and interests. In addition to farm activities, Sunrise Community Farm Center also hosts special events throughout the year, including live music and dancing. The music events below are "pay what you can." This ensures that the events are accessible to everyone, … [Read more...] about Live music at Sunrise Community Farm Center — pay what you can!
Crossroads Plaza Weekly May Music Series
Crossroads Plaza, at 213 Crossroads Blvd, Cary, North Carolina, is presenting Crossroads Plaza Weekly May Music Series. This is a free concert series taking place on Thursdays in May, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The concerts will be held on The Patio near Subway. Check the link above for announcements about the artists. … [Read more...] about Crossroads Plaza Weekly May Music Series
Live at Lunch: Free music series at Downtown Cary Park May 21
Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina, is hosting a live music series, Live at Lunch, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Concerts return in spring of 2026. The free concerts take place at Academy Plaza. Learn all about the incredible Downtown Cary Park, including more free events. You can find all the Live at Lunch concerts (and more) at … [Read more...] about Live at Lunch: Free music series at Downtown Cary Park May 21
LIVE @ Lake Raleigh outdoor concert series: Palmyra on May 21
NC State's very popular free, family-friendly, outdoor concert series, LIVE @ Lake Raleigh, is returning in April and May of 2026. It takes place at Lake Raleigh, Main Campus Drive & Campus Shores Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and food trucks will be on site at that time. The concerts start at 6 p.m. LIVE @ Lake Raleigh Schedule Thursday, April 9, … [Read more...] about LIVE @ Lake Raleigh outdoor concert series: Palmyra on May 21
Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival May 17
Love food trucks? Then make sure to go to the Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., at 8010 Arco Corporate Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. It's free to attend and family friendly. The annual event features 50+ food trucks, plus games, local art vendors, face painting, a bounce house, and live music from Sleeping Booty. Please bring a lawn … [Read more...] about Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival May 17
Arts at St. Luke’s: May Musicale on May 17
Arts at St. Luke's presents concerts, recitals and other events for the community. The events are free to enjoy, but donations are accepted. The concerts take place at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1737 Hillandale Road, Durham, North Carolina. Find an updated schedule at stlukesdurham.org/arts-events/. 2025/2026 Arts at St. Luke's Storyteller and Folklorist Liz PardueSunday, March 15, 20264 … [Read more...] about Arts at St. Luke’s: May Musicale on May 17
Free Concert with Durham Symphony Orchestra May 17: Spring Pops
The Durham Symphony Orchestra performs affordably priced and free concerts in a wide variety of community spaces. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3 p.m. Durham Symphony is presenting "Spring Pops" at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. Admission is free. Bring a chair or blanket and join the DSO and your Durham neighbors for a free, family concert of light classics, … [Read more...] about Free Concert with Durham Symphony Orchestra May 17: Spring Pops
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…
