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
outdoor concerts
SpringFest at Southern Village Apr. 18 — free outdoor music
Southern Village, at 620 Market Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is hosting SpringFest on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. Live music will take place on the Southern Village Green: Admission is free, but tips for the musicians are encouraged. Rain date is April 19. … [Read more...] about SpringFest at Southern Village Apr. 18 — free outdoor music
8th Annual Pimento Cheese Festival in Cary April 11
The Town of Cary is once again celebrating pimento cheese! The Annual Pimento Cheese Festival takes place April 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. Food trucks and vendors will serve their regular menus, plus new dishes that feature pimento cheese. Menu items include pimento cheese ice cream, sausage balls, egg rolls, empanadas, … [Read more...] about 8th Annual Pimento Cheese Festival in Cary April 11
Sunset Concert at Sweetwater in Apex on April 11
Sweetwater Town Center, 2701 Lawnview Lane, Apex, North Carolina, is hosting Sunset Concert at Sweetwater on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. This concert is free to the public. Bring your blanket or lawn chair. The concert features renowned jazz vocalist Niki Haris (who performed for many years with Madonna), multi-Grammy nominated jazz guitarist Keith Ganz and The Christian Tamburr … [Read more...] about Sunset Concert at Sweetwater in Apex on April 11
Fermentation Fest at The Plant in Pittsboro on March 15
Fermentation Fest is a celebrate of beer, cider, kombucha, sourdough, pickles and more. It takes place Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m., at The Plant, 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, North Carolina. It's free to attend. This festival brings together local producers, educational demonstrations, and hands-on tastings. Guests can explore the science and craft behind fermentation while … [Read more...] about Fermentation Fest at The Plant in Pittsboro on March 15
Brewgaloo — local beer fest — April 24 and 25 (Save $10)
Brewgaloo NC Craft Beer Festival takes place on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, 2026. It features live music, food, and, of course, a wide selection of beer to try! Friday Night Kick-Off Party On Friday night, there's a tasting event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There's no admission price to enter the festival, but a tasting ticket is $45 online … [Read more...] about Brewgaloo — local beer fest — April 24 and 25 (Save $10)
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
Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival May 2
The Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival takes place Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Historic Downtown Smithfield. Smithfield is in Johnston County, about a 34 minute drive southeast of Raleigh. Check back soon for the schedule. The festival features a full day of art, music, kids' activities, food and more. A popular feature of the festival is the "What's That Yam Thing?" in which children turn … [Read more...] about Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival May 2
WRAL’s First Night Raleigh — all the details!
WRAL's First Night Raleigh returns for New Year's Eve 2025, offering a fun, jam-packed way to welcome 2026. Head to Downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, for an exciting, low-cost New Year's Eve celebration. The festivities include the Children's Celebration, which starts at 2 p.m., outdoor musical performances at City Plaza in the afternoon, an early New Year's Eve countdown and … [Read more...] about WRAL’s First Night Raleigh — all the details!
Braswell Family Farms New Year’s Eve Egg Drop in Nashville, NC
Looking for an early, low-cost New Year's Eve celebration with the family? If you're willing to drive just a bit east, here's one for you! The 3rd Annual Braswell Family Farms New Year's Eve Egg Drop takes place Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Nashville Junction, 723 S Barnes Street, Nashville, North Carolina. This is 45 miles to the northeast of Raleigh, and 23 miles from … [Read more...] about Braswell Family Farms New Year’s Eve Egg Drop in Nashville, NC
