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. Check back soon for confirmation of the exact hours, but if they're the same as last year they will be: The festival features the work of more than 175 juried fine artists and … [Read more...] about Artsplosure in Raleigh May 16-17 — art market, performances, kids’ activities and more…
Music
Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Fest in the West is a free festival in Western Cary on Saturday, April 18, 2026. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mills Park, 501 Mills Park Drive, Cary, North Carolina. Get ready for an active day of learning and fun! Fest in the West is a family-friendly festival designed for parents who seek engaging activities for their children. This event aims to unite the community in the heart … [Read more...] about Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Arts on the Block in Raleigh April 18
Arts on the Block is a new block party for all ages, hosted by Artspace, celebrating the power of community and visual art. The festival takes place Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 12 to 5 p.m., at Historic City Market, 306 Parham Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a FREE event. Historic City Market and Davie Street will come alive with local DJs, hands-on artist-led demonstrations, art … [Read more...] about Arts on the Block in Raleigh April 18
Durham Mardi Gras Feb. 17 — live music, parade, jam sessions and dancing
Durham celebrates Mardi Gras in a big way. The main event is always on Fat Tuesday, which is February 17, 2026. It is FREE and open to the public. The places you can expect updates are the Bulltown Stutters' Facebook page and Durham Mardi Gras' Facebook page. Durham Mardi Gras The main event will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. All these events are free to attend. Here's what … [Read more...] about Durham Mardi Gras Feb. 17 — live music, parade, jam sessions and dancing
Mardi Gras at The Pour House: Boom Unit with Chip Robinson Sextetto on Feb. 17
The Pour House Music Hall, 224 South Blount Street, hosts lots of great live music, and most shows are pretty inexpensive. The Pour House also has a record store in their upstairs space. It features both new and used vinyl. Mardi Gras Party The Pour House Music Hall is hosting a Mardi Gras Party, featuring Boom Unit Brass Band and Chip Robinson Sextetto, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Doors … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras at The Pour House: Boom Unit with Chip Robinson Sextetto on Feb. 17
Mardi Gras at John Chavis Memorial Park Feb. 17
Celebrate Mardi Gras at John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. This is a FREE, family-friendly event. Registration at above link is strongly recommended. The festivities include: … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras at John Chavis Memorial Park Feb. 17
Free Tours of the Duke University Chapel
Duke University Chapel, 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, is often filled with music, and much of the time it's available for the public to listen to, for free. During weekdays, there is typically a 15-minute Carillon recital at 5 p.m. Upcoming Events See all upcoming events on the Duke University Chapel website. Here's some of what's coming up: Check back soon. Recurring … [Read more...] about Free Tours of the Duke University Chapel
North Carolina Chamber Music Institute: Valentine’s Concert on Feb. 15
IMPACT Series III: Valentine's Concert with Audio Description and Tactile Tour of InstrumentsSunday, February 16, 20264 p.m. (tactile tour of instruments from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.)Church of the Nativity 8849 Ray Rd., Raleigh, NCFree This musical event for all ages features classical and popular selections performed by NC Chamber Music Institute student ensembles. Different combinations of string … [Read more...] about North Carolina Chamber Music Institute: Valentine’s Concert on Feb. 15
Third Space Open Mic at Lanza’s Cafe in Carrboro
Lanza's Cafe, at 601 W Main Street, Carrboro, NC, offers coffee and other hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, beer and more. The cafe also hosts a wide array of events, include game nights, live music, trivia and more. You can find the events on their Facebook page. Upcoming Events Live Music: Manas IteneSaturday, February 28, 20266 p.m.Free (RSVP here) There will be an open drum circle … [Read more...] about Third Space Open Mic at Lanza’s Cafe in Carrboro
Valentine’s Date Night at Downtown Cary Park
Head to Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina, for a Valentine's Date Night on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. There's no charge for the event. Celebrate love at this free Valentine’s Date Night in the Park! Perfect for couples looking for a cozy, creative evening out, this event offers arts & crafts activities to enjoy together, live music setting … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Date Night at Downtown Cary Park
