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
outdoor concerts
Smithfield’s River Jam Concert Series returns to Neuse River Amphitheater in 2026
The Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department is holding River Jam Concert Series in the spring of 2026. It will take place at the Neuse River Amphitheater, 150 S Front Street, Smithfield, North Carolina. This is a free event. The concerts are all at 7 p.m. Enjoy the live music, food and fun. This concert was announced on Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department's Facebook … [Read more...] about Smithfield’s River Jam Concert Series returns to Neuse River Amphitheater in 2026
RTP Underground Market: live music, vendors, more…
The MAKRS Society brings local makers, artists, small businesses and unique sellers to the public, through pop-up markets in Raleigh and Durham, and elsewhere in North Carolina. MAKRS Society is presenting RTP Underground Market four dates in 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hub RTP, 3151 Elion Drive, Durham, North Carolina. Each event features live music, local vendors, and more. They are … [Read more...] about RTP Underground Market: live music, vendors, more…
Cary’s Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival April 25
Celebrate springtime and art at Cary's Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Bond Park, 801 High House Road, Cary. It's free to attend. You might also be interested in this huge list of upcoming art, artisan and vintage markets in the Triangle! This festival will feature 170+ local artists and also serves as an Earth Day … [Read more...] about Cary’s Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival April 25
Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
The popular food festival Taste of Soul holds several food and merchant events throughout the year in Durham and Raleigh, NC. Taste of Soul NC is the ultimate cookout experience, with food, merchants, DJ, live performances, and bounce houses Admission is free. You just pay for your food and drink. The next Taste of Soul NC event takes place on May 23, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Durham … [Read more...] about Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
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
New Year’s Eve Pickle Drop and Fireworks in Mount Olive (and free pickles)
Looking for New Year's Eve fireworks pretty close to the Triangle? And maybe an earlier bedtime? And maybe a Pickle Drop? And free pickles? Read on. Mt. Olive Pickle Company is holding its 26th annual New Year's Eve Pickle Drop on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. This is an early New Year's Eve event, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. It takes place in front of the University of Mount Olive's Kornegay Arena, … [Read more...] about New Year’s Eve Pickle Drop and Fireworks in Mount Olive (and free pickles)
Moore Square Winterfaire — new 4-day European style Christmas Market and Festival
MAKRS and Raleigh Parks are presenting the first Moore Square Winterfaire from Thursday, December 11, to Sunday, December 14, 2025. The Christmas festival and market takes place at Moore Square, 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Admission is free. This 4-day festival features: Live Music Schedule The music is presented by Oak City Music Collective. Please check their … [Read more...] about Moore Square Winterfaire — new 4-day European style Christmas Market and Festival
Friday Nights at Sweetwater Apex on Dec. 12 — live music, vendor market, more…
Enjoy Fridays at Sweetwater Apex, 2701 Lawnview Lane, Apex, North Carolina, on the select Fridays, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. This will be a lively evening under the stars, on the lawn, filled with local vendors, live music, wine & beer, and fun for the whole family! Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets and kick back on the all-new event lawn while you browse amazing local goods, sip … [Read more...] about Friday Nights at Sweetwater Apex on Dec. 12 — live music, vendor market, more…
