The 38th Annual Mebane Dogwood Festival takes place April 25 and 26, 2025, in the Downtown of nearby Mebane, North Carolina. Mebane is 20 miles to the northwest of Chapel Hill, and just 10 miles to the west of Hillsborough. It's free to attend and to enjoy the entertainment, but you'll need funds for food, drinks, rides, etc. Mebane Dogwood Festival has created Facebook events for each … [Read more...] about 38th Annual Mebane Dogwood Festival April 24-25
outdoor concerts
Spring Jazz Market in Moore Square Park Apr. 25
Oak City Music Collective is presenting Spring Jazz Market on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 12 to 6 p.m., at Moore Square Park, 200 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. This event is free to attend and is open to everyone. It features live jazz, delicious food trucks, sweet treats, and local vendors. Performers include: … [Read more...] about Spring Jazz Market in Moore Square Park Apr. 25
40th North Carolina Pickle Festival in nearby Mount Olive April 25
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
Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk Apr. 24
The last Friday of every month, rain or shine, Downtown Hillsborough showcases its art scene with the Last Fridays Art Walk from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Explore art galleries, artist studios, fine jewelers, boutique shops and award winning restaurants. There will also be entertainment, which might be live music, circus performers, spoken word poetry and more. Art receptions and events take place … [Read more...] about Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk Apr. 24
Smithfield’s River Jam Concert Series at Neuse River Amphitheater
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 at Neuse River Amphitheater
Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival May 17
Love food trucks? Then make sure to go to the Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., at 8010 Arco Corporate Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. It's free to attend and family friendly. The annual event features 50+ food trucks, plus games, local art vendors, face painting, a bounce house, and live music from Sleeping Booty. Please bring a lawn … [Read more...] about Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival May 17
Franklinton Independence Day Celebration June 27
The Franklinton Independence Day Celebration takes place Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Franklinton Middle School Football Field, 224 Rams Way, Franklinton, North Carolina. Enjoy live music from Stonebrook Moonshine, food trucks, kids' games, family fun and fireworks. No alcohol, smoking, pets, personal fireworks or weapons are allowed. … [Read more...] about Franklinton Independence Day Celebration June 27
Family Fun Day at Archer Lodge Community Center, including bike parade, fireworks and more July 5
The Town of Archer Lodge, in Johnston County, is hosting their Family Fun Day on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 4 to 10 p.m. It will take place at Archer Lodge Community Center, 14009 Buffalo Road, Clayton, North Carolina. This event typically includes inflatables, food trucks, vendors, entertainment, fireworks and more. … [Read more...] about Family Fun Day at Archer Lodge Community Center, including bike parade, fireworks and more July 5
Josh Cellars Jazz Series at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in April
The popular low-cost Wednesday night Josh Cellars Jazz Series will take place at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC, promising a refreshing mid-week break. The shows take place Wednesday evenings from April 1 to April 22, 2026. Parking is free. Gates open at 5:15 p.m. and the music is from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. This is a family-friendly event. Dogs on leashes are also … [Read more...] about Josh Cellars Jazz Series at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in April
Morrisville’s July 2 Red, White & Boom!
The Town of Morrisville is celebrating Independence Day on Thursday, July 2, 2026, with Red, White & Boom! at Cedar Fork District Park, 228 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, North Carolina. The festival will take place from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and will include live music, inflatables, face painting, food trucks, family-friendly games, and more. A fireworks show will conclude the … [Read more...] about Morrisville’s July 2 Red, White & Boom!
