Raleigh Wide Open is a FREE music festival coming to Raleigh October 2 and 3, 2026, with a kickoff party on October 1. It is presented by PNC Bank and produced by PineCone. Raleigh Wide Open is a FREE street festival, with music on multiple stages, food and drink, art vendors, and family fun. Kickoff Celebration October 1 A free kickoff celebration takes place Thursday, October 1, 2026, at … [Read more...] about Lineup announced for Raleigh Wide Open — FREE music festival Oct. 1-3
Festival
World Hunger Day in Durham June 7 — awareness event with free giveaways, kids’ activities and more
Durham residents are invited to come together for Durham Hunger Day, a community celebration focused on nourishing our neighbors on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. Now in its fifth year, this annual gathering, originally launched in connection with World Hunger Day, has grown into a Durham tradition dedicated to … [Read more...] about World Hunger Day in Durham June 7 — awareness event with free giveaways, kids’ activities and more
Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
The popular food festival Taste of Soul holds several food and merchant events throughout the year in Durham and Raleigh, NC. Taste of Soul NC is the ultimate cookout experience, with food, merchants, DJ, live performances, and bounce houses Admission is free. You just pay for your food and drink. The next Taste of Soul NC event takes place on May 23, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Durham … [Read more...] about Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
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…
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
Wheels on Academy, including Touch-a-Truck, in Cary May 16
Wheels on Academy takes place on North Academy Street, in Cary, North Carolina, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the cars of yesteryear, as well as some of today's modern hot rods and exotic cars. Wheels on Academy also features: It's free to attend and free to register your car! Interested in showing your car at Wheels? To be considered for awards, … [Read more...] about Wheels on Academy, including Touch-a-Truck, in Cary May 16
Common Roots Fest: Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival May 16
The annual Common Roots: Festival for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month takes place Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. Admission is free and open to all ages. Enjoy: Check for updates in the Facebook event. … [Read more...] about Common Roots Fest: Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival May 16
Wake County Smart Start Block Party May 16 — free books, produce and more…
The annual Wake County Smart Start Block Party takes place Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Roberts Park, 1300 E Martin Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a free event designed for young children (ages 0-5) and their families. The activities will be geared toward children up to age 5, but there will be some activities for their older siblings as well. Please … [Read more...] about Wake County Smart Start Block Party May 16 — free books, produce and more…
Carolina Indie Fest — free music festival in Sanford May 15 and 16
Hugger Mugger, 229 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC, is hosting Carolina Indie Fest, a FREE two-day, outdoor music festival, on May 15 and 16, 2026. Look for updates on Carolina Indie Fest's Facebook page. Sanford is a bit to the southwest of the Triangle, but it's close enough to make a very easy day trip. It's a 43 minute drive from Raleigh, a 30 minute drive from Apex, and a 22 minute drive from … [Read more...] about Carolina Indie Fest — free music festival in Sanford May 15 and 16
