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
Festival
Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 14
Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade is planned for Saturday, March 14, 2026. It starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about an hour and a half. This is a non-motorized parade. Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade Route The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Hillsborough Street and McDowell Street, heading west on Hillsborough Street. It then turns right on Glenwood Avenue, ending at W Lane Street. The official … [Read more...] about Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 14
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. Check back soon for confirmation of the exact hours, but if they're the same as last year they will be: The festival features the work of more than 175 juried fine artists and … [Read more...] about Artsplosure in Raleigh May 16-17 — art market, performances, kids’ activities and more…
Arts on the Block in Raleigh April 18
Arts on the Block is a new block party for all ages, hosted by Artspace, celebrating the power of community and visual art. The festival takes place Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 12 to 5 p.m., at Historic City Market, 306 Parham Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a FREE event. Historic City Market and Davie Street will come alive with local DJs, hands-on artist-led demonstrations, art … [Read more...] about Arts on the Block in Raleigh April 18
Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Fest in the West is a free festival in Western Cary on Saturday, April 18, 2026. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mills Park, 501 Mills Park Drive, Cary, North Carolina. Get ready for an active day of learning and fun! Fest in the West is a family-friendly festival designed for parents who seek engaging activities for their children. This event aims to unite the community in the heart … [Read more...] about Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Durham Mardi Gras Feb. 17 — live music, parade, jam sessions and dancing
Durham celebrates Mardi Gras in a big way. The main event is always on Fat Tuesday, which is February 17, 2026. It is FREE and open to the public. The places you can expect updates are the Bulltown Stutters' Facebook page and Durham Mardi Gras' Facebook page. Durham Mardi Gras The main event will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. All these events are free to attend. Here's what … [Read more...] about Durham Mardi Gras Feb. 17 — live music, parade, jam sessions and dancing
Mardi Gras Festival at The Plant in Pittsboro Feb. 13-14
The Plant, at 192 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina, is hosting a weekend long Mardi Gras Festival, from February 28 to March 2, 2025. The celebration includes a costume parade, king cakes, live music, vendor markets and more. Read on for the details. Friday, February 13, 2026 Saturday, February 14, 2026 12 to 6 p.m. Look for updates on the Facebook event. … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras Festival at The Plant in Pittsboro Feb. 13-14
Envision Science Academy’s Spring Cultural Market in Wake Forest March 14
Envision Science Academy, 590 Traditions Grande Blvd, Wake Forest, North Carolina, is hosting a Spring Cultural Market on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's free to attend. This family-friendly event will feature local vendors, delicious food trucks, music, and plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate together. Come shop unique goods, enjoy great food, experience … [Read more...] about Envision Science Academy’s Spring Cultural Market in Wake Forest March 14
Mardi Gras Celebrations in the Triangle
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No matter how you like to celebrate Mardi Gras, there's a party for you in the Triangle. Learn about a couple of the major events and then keep reading for a day by day list of Mardi Gras events that are free or cheap to attend in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond. Drinks are on you though! Fat Tuesday is on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, but events take place on other dates as well. We … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras Celebrations in the Triangle
16th Annual ‘Cuegrass Festival April 18
16th Annual North Carolina 'Cuegrass Festival returns to Downtown Raleigh on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The festival is free to attend, but raises funds for local children's causes, so donations are welcome. This festival celebrate two of the great things about North Carolina: Barbecue and Bluegrass. There will also be a vendor village on Fayetteville Street, near … [Read more...] about 16th Annual ‘Cuegrass Festival April 18
