In the Triangle, May is the beginning of the summer season. That means that free outdoor concerts are in full swing, festivals are kicking in, and there's tons of kid-friendly fun as well. Plan May, 2026, with this list of the top things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. We're highlighting more than 25 events this month. But then, scroll down for our huge … [Read more...] about Top Things to do in the Triangle in May — big list of events
Music
Free Concert by New River Ensemble for Kids and Families at Meredith College — with a chance to play music too on May 10
Meredith College is hosting a FREE concert with New River Ensemble for kids and families. The concert takes place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 3 to 3:45 p.m., at Carswell Recital Hall, Wainwright Music Building, 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted at the door. American Tales is a multimedia program that combines children’s … [Read more...] about Free Concert by New River Ensemble for Kids and Families at Meredith College — with a chance to play music too on May 10
Dr. M.T. Pope House Presents: Black Joy in the Springtime — free concert with Shenette Swann on May 9
Enjoy a FREE concert, Black Joy in the Springtime, at the Pope House Museum, on 511 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. Music played a central role in American family life during the 19th and early 20th centuries, long before the advent of television and cellphones. African American households embraced music as a powerful means of … [Read more...] about Dr. M.T. Pope House Presents: Black Joy in the Springtime — free concert with Shenette Swann on May 9
Ritmo Latino Festival in Cary May 9
The Annual Ritmo Latino Festival is a free outdoor event in Downtown Cary Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m to 6 p.m., on N. Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. Admission is free! This free festival is a celebration of many Latino/Hispanic cultures. The festival features: Some of the performers: … [Read more...] about Ritmo Latino Festival in Cary May 9
Ma & Pa Festival — a Mother’s and Father’s Day Festival May 9
Celebrate both Mother's Day and Father's Day at the Ma & Pa Festival on May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Fayetteville Street, between Hargett and Davie Streets, in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. It's free to attend. Shop local this year for your parents with some of the best local vendors! There will be a DJ and live music keeping the party alive and an interactive lounge section … [Read more...] about Ma & Pa Festival — a Mother’s and Father’s Day Festival May 9
Extended: Live Nation’s Summer of Live $30 ticket sale through May 7
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Live Nation has announced Summer of Live, which offers $30 tickets to many shows in select amphitheaters across the U.S. and Canada. (Last year the program was called Ticket to Summer.) The $30 tickets sale has been extended through May 7, 2026. The $30 includes all fees, but taxes will be added. Keep reading for a list of shows in the Triangle Alternately, please remember that there is … [Read more...] about Extended: Live Nation’s Summer of Live $30 ticket sale through May 7
Raleigh’s Spring Festival May 9
Raleigh's Spring Festival is taking place Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S. Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is free. This is a family-friendly, pet-friendly event. The event includes: … [Read more...] about Raleigh’s Spring Festival May 9
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at The Plant in Pittsboro
The Plant, at 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is hosting a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. It's free to attend. Ta Contento is bringing the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta to The Plant! Enjoy live music with Grupo Caribe Vibe, as well as delicious food and drinks for purchase. bmc brewing will offer $5 Pints of their Mexia Mexican Lager and $1 off Tequila … [Read more...] about Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at The Plant in Pittsboro
Triangle String Orchestra: Hollywood in Concert on May 6
Triangle String Orchestra is a community orchestra of amateur string musicians. It meets at Meredith College in Raleigh. The orchestra is presenting a concert, Hollywood in Concert, on May 6, 2026, at 7 p.m., at Carswell Auditorium in Meredith College's Wainwright Music Building, 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Enjoy songs from movies, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, E.T., … [Read more...] about Triangle String Orchestra: Hollywood in Concert on May 6
Strawberry Social at The Plant May 3
The Plant, at 193 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is presenting a Strawberry Social on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m. This event is a celebration of all things strawberry. Free to attend and for all ages. Strawberry Social welcomes spring with fresh strawberries, local vendors, and live music at The Plant. This family-friendly festival highlights strawberry desserts, drinks, … [Read more...] about Strawberry Social at The Plant May 3
