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…
Festival
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…
56th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Durham — headliner Doug E. Fresh
The 56th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will take place Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 1 to 7 p.m., at Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Drive, Durham. This festival is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts and traditions. This is a FREE event for all ages. The event includes: Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Main Stage … [Read more...] about 56th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Durham — headliner Doug E. Fresh
Queen Bee Bash at SEEDS in Durham May 16: bee hive demos, arts and crafts more…
SEEDS, at 706 Gilbert Street, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting its 2nd Annual Queen Bee Bash on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a free event. Join for the second annual Queen Bee Bash at Seeds! The Queen Bee Bash celebrates caregivers in whatever form they take – parents, older siblings, mentors, grandparents and other guardian figures – as well as the families they … [Read more...] about Queen Bee Bash at SEEDS in Durham May 16: bee hive demos, arts and crafts more…
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. What to know Schedule Performances on Center Lawn: … [Read more...] about Common Roots Fest: Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival May 16
Spring Festival at The Can Opener in Durham May 16
The Can Opener, at 205 South Gregson Street, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting Spring Fest on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 12 to 10 p .m. This is a free event, featuring live music, face painting and a balloon artist. The balloon artist and face painting will be going on from 12 to 6 p.m. Music Schedule: … [Read more...] about Spring Festival at The Can Opener in Durham May 16
Wake County Smart Start Block Party May 16 — free food, free books, 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 food, free books, more…
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
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
Top Things to do in the Triangle in May — big list of events
In the Triangle, May is the beginning of the summer season. That means that free outdoor concerts are in full swing, festivals are kicking in, and there's tons of kid-friendly fun as well. Plan May, 2026, with this list of the top things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. We're highlighting more than 25 events this month. But then, scroll down for our huge … [Read more...] about Top Things to do in the Triangle in May — big list of events
