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…
Festival
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
Ritmo Latino Festival in Cary May 9
The Annual Ritmo Latino Festival is a free outdoor event in Downtown Cary Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m to 6 p.m., on N. Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. Admission is free! This free festival is a celebration of many Latino/Hispanic cultures. The festival features: Some of the performers: … [Read more...] about Ritmo Latino Festival in Cary May 9
Ma & Pa Festival — a Mother’s and Father’s Day Festival May 9
Celebrate both Mother's Day and Father's Day at the Ma & Pa Festival on May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Fayetteville Street, between Hargett and Davie Streets, in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. It's free to attend. Shop local this year for your parents with some of the best local vendors! There will be a DJ and live music keeping the party alive and an interactive lounge section … [Read more...] about Ma & Pa Festival — a Mother’s and Father’s Day Festival May 9
Raleigh’s Spring Festival May 9
Raleigh's Spring Festival is taking place Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S. Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is free. This is a family-friendly, pet-friendly event. The event includes: … [Read more...] about Raleigh’s Spring Festival May 9
Strawberry Social at The Plant May 3
The Plant, at 193 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is presenting a Strawberry Social on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m. This event is a celebration of all things strawberry. Free to attend and for all ages. Strawberry Social welcomes spring with fresh strawberries, local vendors, and live music at The Plant. This family-friendly festival highlights strawberry desserts, drinks, … [Read more...] about Strawberry Social at The Plant May 3
Annual Wake Forest HerbFest April 24 – May 3
HerbFest is an annual tradition in Wake Forest. Vendors will be selling organic, non-GMO and heritage herbs, as well as vegetables and local perennials. Besides the herb-shopping, there are typically other vendors, plus art and music. HerbFest is the longest running herb festival in the United States, and is free to attend. HerbFest will take place at 530 S. White Street, Wake Forest, on … [Read more...] about Annual Wake Forest HerbFest April 24 – May 3
Wands and Wonder: Celebrating Worlds of Wizardry at Downtown Cary Park May 2
Magic will fill Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, NC, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 4 to 10:30 p.m., when the park hosts Wands and Wonder: Celebrating Worlds of Wizadry. This is a free event for all ages. It's not a drop-off event, so please stay with your children. Step into a world where magic stirs in every corner of Downtown Cary Park. Explore herbology gardens, craft your own … [Read more...] about Wands and Wonder: Celebrating Worlds of Wizardry at Downtown Cary Park May 2
