The very popular North Carolina Pickle Festival is returning on April 25, 2026, with some events the night before. It takes place in nearby Mount Olive, North Carolina, the home of Mt. Olive Company. This is a free event, but some activities might have a cost. Mount Olive is just about an hour's drive, to the southeast, from Raleigh, and is a little closer for those along I-40 East, like … [Read more...] about 40th North Carolina Pickle Festival in nearby Mount Olive April 25
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9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
Darkness RISING: Live is an annual FREE music and mental health event in its 9th year. This block party celebrates wellness, the arts and community and features powerful performances, free resources and joy! The 2026 event is made possible by HealthLit4Wake. Darkness RISING takes place Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North … [Read more...] about 9th Annual Darkness RISING Block Party — an arts & mental health event May 23
Raulston Blooms — Garden Festival April 25, including 24th Annual Birdhouse Competition
The JC Raulston Arboretum, at 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, is hosting Raulston Blooms on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Raulston Blooms is a garden festival for people of all ages. It features garden and nature activities, plant sales, outdoor fun, and more. Tickets are only $5, or $10 per family. Admission is free for garden members and for college students. Proceeds benefit … [Read more...] about Raulston Blooms — Garden Festival April 25, including 24th Annual Birdhouse Competition
Apex EarthFest April 25
This content is sponsored by the Town of Apex
The Town of Apex is presenting EarthFest on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 12 to 4 p.m., on the Town Hall Campus, 73 Hunter Street, Apex, North Carolina. This is a free event for Earth Day. The theme this year is Sustainable Fashion. The event features: Schedule of Events: Know Before You Go: … [Read more...] about Apex EarthFest April 25
Forest Fest in Wake Forest April 18
Head to Wake Forest for Forest Fest on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free family event in Downtown Wake Forest focuses on celebrating the heart and history of Wake Forest. The event will feature entertainment, the Wake Forest Farmers Market, a tree seedling giveaway, educational opportunities, children's activities, vendors, food options and much more! The festival takes … [Read more...] about Forest Fest in Wake Forest April 18
25th Annual Children’s Day Festival of Cary: International music, dance, crafts, food April 18
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Children's Day Festival of Cary will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. Admission is free. It is a mini version of the nation-wide celebrations that have been taking place in Turkey for the past 89 years as a national holiday, a children’s version of the international festival, and an event where children … [Read more...] about 25th Annual Children’s Day Festival of Cary: International music, dance, crafts, food April 18
55th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Durham May 16
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 typically includes: Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Main Stage … [Read more...] about 55th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Durham May 16
8th Annual Chicken Festival in Siler City May 2
Siler City and Siler City Parks and Recreation Department present the 8th Annual Spring Chicken Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Downtown Siler City. Admission is free. The Spring Chicken Festival will take place on three blocks of Chatham Street, between Beaver Street and Third Street. The festival typically features: … [Read more...] about 8th Annual Chicken Festival in Siler City May 2
Got to be NC Festival May 15-17
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
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
