There's nothing better on a warm evening than listening to music outdoors. We are updating a list of outdoor concert series for 2026 in the Triangle. You'll find live music in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, and more. Maybe "summer" stretches a little bit into spring and autumn too. Most of these concert series are family friendly. At many you … [Read more...] about Day by Day List of Outdoor Concert Series in the Triangle — Updated for 2026
Music
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
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
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 Cary Town Band Concert at Downtown Cary Park May 17
The Cary Town Band is a concert band based in Cary, North Carolina, which seeks to bring the love of music to the people of the area by performing free concerts and supporting the town by providing musical entertainment at their civic, cultural and community events. They provide an opportunity for community musicians to grow together and inspire others in their understanding and appreciation of … [Read more...] about Free Cary Town Band Concert at Downtown Cary Park 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…
Artsplosure in Raleigh May 16-17 — art market, performances, kids’ activities and more…
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…
Beer & Banjos every Tuesday at Speakeasy, and more
Speakeasy, at 100 E Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina, is a spot for drinks and local music. You can find their events on their website calendar and on Facebook. Recurring Events Carrboro Open MicMondays (scheduled through December 2026)7:30 p.m.Free Beer & BanjosTuesdays (scheduled through December 2026)7 to 10 p.m.Free Beer & Banjos Carrboro is a weekly headliner … [Read more...] about Beer & Banjos every Tuesday at Speakeasy, and more
Open Mic Night every Tuesday at Slim’s Downtown Raleigh
Slim's Downtown Raleigh, at 227 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, has a rich history spanning 25 years. It's considered to be a hidden gem dive bar, with affordable drinks and lots of good times. Slim's frequently hosts live music, often with no cover. You can see upcoming events on their website calendar or Facebook page. Live Music in 2026: Recurring Events Open Mic … [Read more...] about Open Mic Night every Tuesday at Slim’s Downtown Raleigh
