JAWSFest, a Memorial Day Weekend celebration, is returning to the Midway in downtown Chapel Hill, NC, on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The festivities include a mechanical shark, art, live music, a dunk tank, raffle, and, of course, Jaws on the big screen. There's a lot going on at different businesses. It's a big block party. Use 106 N Graham Street, Chapel Hill. Participating businesses generally … [Read more...] about JAWSFest in Chapel Hill Memorial Day Weekend: music, movies, mechanical shark, more…
Entertainment
Raleigh Spring Train Show May 23-24
Neuse River Valley Model Railroad Club is presenting the 9th Annual Raleigh Spring Train Show on May 23 and 24, 2026, at the Jim Graham Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is $10 and that covers both days. Children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult. This is one of the largest train shows in the Southeast. There … [Read more...] about Raleigh Spring Train Show May 23-24
Live music, trivia, and more at The Williams House Craft Taproom in Cary
The Williams House Craft Taproom, 210 East Chatham Street, Cary, North Carolina, serves up both coffee and beer, as well as cider and hard seltzer. They are hosting many events, which you can find on their website. Check back soon. Recurring Events Music BingoWednesdays7 to 8:30 p.m.Free Trivia NightThursdays7 to 8:30 p.m.Free Live MusicSaturdays7 to 10 p.m.Free Deals … [Read more...] about Live music, trivia, and more at The Williams House Craft Taproom in Cary
Instrument Petting Zoo at Dix Park on May 23
Raleigh Music Collective is bringing an Instrument Petting Zoo to Gibson Play Plaza at Dorothea Dix Park on May 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gibson Play Plaza is at 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a free event. Enjoy an interactive, participatory music experience designed for all ages. This hands-on “instrument petting zoo” invites community members to explore, try … [Read more...] about Instrument Petting Zoo at Dix Park on May 23
9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
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
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
