A Different Thread celebrates the release of their new album Over Again with a full band live show at Local 506, 506 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on May 1, 2026, at 7 p.m. The show also features Sugaree String Society. Advance tickets are $16.95 in advance and $20 the day of the show. Purchase tickets here. A Different Thread Known for their harmony-rich, award winning … [Read more...] about A Different Thread album release show at Local 506, with Sugaree String Society May 1
Entertainment
Art Putt: free pop-up mini-golf in Raleigh starting May 1
This spring and summer you can play mini-golf on the most imaginative and artistic course around...for free! Downtown Raleigh Alliance is debuting ArtPutt on Friday, May 1, 2026, and it will be around all spring and summer, until September 30, 2026. This year it will be at Bloc[83] Courtyard, 621 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Play for free any day, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Use … [Read more...] about Art Putt: free pop-up mini-golf in Raleigh starting May 1
Holly Springs International Food Festival May 1
The Holly Springs International Food Festival takes place Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., outside the Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine Street, Holly Springs, NC. It's free to attend. The festival will celebrate different cultures from around the world. You pay for your food and drink. Enjoy a variety of food and beverages from local restaurants and food trucks … [Read more...] about Holly Springs International Food Festival May 1
First Friday Block Party at Raleigh Times — music, art, more
The Morning Times, 10 E. Hargett Street, in Downtown Raleigh, hosts First Friday at the Times on the first Friday of every month, during First Friday Raleigh. These events typically include live music, an art market and more. May First Friday First Friday at the Times on May 1, 2026. Between 7 to 11 p.m., come by for: … [Read more...] about First Friday Block Party at Raleigh Times — music, art, more
PeakFest at new location
PeakFest returns to Apex on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Please note that this year it's at the Apex Town Hall campus, 73 Hunter Street, Apex, North Carolina. New parking spaces recently added in the downtown Saunders Lot and Moore Street lot are a short walk away from Town Hall. The festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Features of PeakFest: Stage Schedule Arch … [Read more...] about PeakFest at new location
Jazz Music and more at Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew in Hillsborough
Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew, at 114 W. King Street, Hillsborough, serves cocktails, wine and beer. It frequently hosts events like music, comedy, trivia, and open mics. There is no cover for most events. However, please tip the performers, and consider buying a CD or other merchandise if you enjoy the performance. Also, please tip your bartender. You can see everything coming up on … [Read more...] about Jazz Music and more at Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew in Hillsborough
Free Live Music Series on Rooftop of Westin Raleigh-Durham
The Westin Raleigh-Durham, at 3931 Macaw Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is reopening the rooftop lounge for the season starting April 16, 2026. Enjoy craft cocktails, small bites and sweeping views. You can sip a cocktail and watch planes glide into RDU, for a unique atmosphere. Westin Raleigh-Durham is hosting a FREE live music series on the rooftop on Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. This is … [Read more...] about Free Live Music Series on Rooftop of Westin Raleigh-Durham
Meet in the Street Festival in Wake Forest May 2
The Annual Meet in the Street Festival is taking place Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in downtown Wake Forest. This will be the 44th year for the festival. It's free to attend. Look for updates in the Facebook event. The festival will feature: … [Read more...] about Meet in the Street Festival in Wake Forest May 2
Haw River Festival — live music and outdoor activities May 2
Haw River Festival takes place Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., near Haw River Ballroom, 1711 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road, Saxapahaw, North Carolina. Haw River Festival is the kickoff to this season's Saturdays in Saxapahaw concerts. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Besides the music, the festival includes: Bands: They're raffling off a "Weekender" … [Read more...] about Haw River Festival — live music and outdoor activities May 2
International Day of Dance Festival at Downtown Cary Park April 29 — performances and free workshops
The 2nd Annual International Day of Dance Festival, organized by Graceful Expressions, takes place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. This is a free event and suitable for all ages. This is not a drop-off event. Parents or guardians must stay with their children. Celebrate the universal language of dance … [Read more...] about International Day of Dance Festival at Downtown Cary Park April 29 — performances and free workshops
