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…
Even more free and cheap stuff to do
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…
Free Concert with Durham Symphony Orchestra May 17: Spring Pops
The Durham Symphony Orchestra performs affordably priced and free concerts in a wide variety of community spaces. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3 p.m. Durham Symphony is presenting "Spring Pops" at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. Admission is free. Bring a chair or blanket and join the DSO and your Durham neighbors for a free, family concert of light classics, … [Read more...] about Free Concert with Durham Symphony Orchestra May 17: Spring Pops
Beer & Banjos every Tuesday at Speakeasy, and more
Speakeasy, at 100 E Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina, is a spot for drinks and local music. You can find their events on their website calendar and on Facebook. Recurring Events Carrboro Open MicMondays (scheduled through December 2026)7:30 p.m.Free Beer & BanjosTuesdays (scheduled through December 2026)7 to 10 p.m.Free Beer & Banjos Carrboro is a weekly headliner … [Read more...] about Beer & Banjos every Tuesday at Speakeasy, and more
Art Walk at Crabtree Valley Mall on May 16
Crabtree Valley Mall, 4236 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting an Art Walk on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests are invited to explore a walkable gallery experience. Local artists will be stationed throughout the upper and lower level common area. In addition, there will be live painting demonstrations. … [Read more...] about Art Walk at Crabtree Valley Mall on May 16
Triangle’s Train: New Hope Valley Railway offering free rides for military service members on Armed Forces Day
Triangle's Train: New Hope Valley Railway, 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, North Carolina, is offering free train rides to military service members on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026. The hour-long ride travels on historic railroad track from Bonsal to New Hill and back. Included in the invitation are active duty service members and veterans. Service members and veterans are encouraged … [Read more...] about Triangle’s Train: New Hope Valley Railway offering free rides for military service members on Armed Forces Day
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…
Pickin’ in the Park in Knightdale May 16
The Town of Knightdale is presenting a new annual event, Pickin' in the Park, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, North Carolina. Admission is free. Get ready to enjoy some delicious barbecue and awesome music! PRIME Barbecue, in collaboration with the Town of Knightdale, will be bringing together an incredible lineup of … [Read more...] about Pickin’ in the Park in Knightdale May 16
Pop Up Skate Park at Dix Park May 16
Skate Raleigh is bringing a Pop Up Skate Park to Gipson Play Park, 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This free all-ages, all-skill-level event welcomes beginners and experienced skaters alike. Real skate features will be set up in the park, with instructors and volunteers on hand to offer tips, support, and encouragement. Whether … [Read more...] about Pop Up Skate Park at Dix Park May 16
