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
outdoor concerts
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
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
Wheels on Academy, including Touch-a-Truck, in Cary May 16
Wheels on Academy takes place on North Academy Street, in Cary, North Carolina, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the cars of yesteryear, as well as some of today's modern hot rods and exotic cars. Wheels on Academy also features: It's free to attend and free to register your car! Interested in showing your car at Wheels? To be considered for awards, … [Read more...] about Wheels on Academy, including Touch-a-Truck, in Cary May 16
Lineup announced for Raleigh Wide Open — FREE music festival Oct. 1-3
Raleigh Wide Open is a FREE music festival coming to Raleigh October 2 and 3, 2026, with a kickoff party on October 1. It is presented by PNC Bank and produced by PineCone. Raleigh Wide Open is a FREE street festival, with music on multiple stages, food and drink, art vendors, and family fun. Kickoff Celebration October 1 A free kickoff celebration takes place Thursday, October 1, 2026, at … [Read more...] about Lineup announced for Raleigh Wide Open — FREE music festival Oct. 1-3
Free Patriotic Pops concert by North Carolina Symphony in Southern Village in Chapel Hill June 18
The North Carolina Symphony is presenting a free concert on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 8 to 10 p.m., at Southern Village Green, Market Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina Symphony, conducted by Sophie Mok, will perform patriotic favorites to celebrate America 250. Featuring vocalist Taylor Troyer. Program Enjoy patriotic favorites such as: You can bring blankets, low … [Read more...] about Free Patriotic Pops concert by North Carolina Symphony in Southern Village in Chapel Hill June 18
FM2FV Concert Series in Fuquay-Varina in April and May
FM2FV Concert Series is a free outdoor concert series at Centennial Square, 102 North Main Street, Fuquay-Varina. The concerts, which are scheduled for the spring and fall each year, take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. FM2FV Spring Concerts 2026 No pets or coolers are allowed. There will be a number of food trucks and beer vendors at each concert. … [Read more...] about FM2FV Concert Series in Fuquay-Varina in April and May
Free Spring Concert Series at Sweetwater: Julia Golden
The final concert in Sweetwater Town Center's Spring Concert Series takes place Friday, May 15, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. It takes place on the Market Square Lawn at Sweetwater Town Center, 1481 Richardson Road, Apex, North Carolina. Performing are Jamey Meeter and headliner Julia Golden. Julia Golden was seen on The Voice (Season 29), and is a CCMA Emerging New Artist winner, and 3-time Best of … [Read more...] about Free Spring Concert Series at Sweetwater: Julia Golden
Carolina Indie Fest — free music festival in Sanford May 15 and 16
Hugger Mugger, 229 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC, is hosting Carolina Indie Fest, a FREE two-day, outdoor music festival, on May 15 and 16, 2026. Look for updates on Carolina Indie Fest's Facebook page. Sanford is a bit to the southwest of the Triangle, but it's close enough to make a very easy day trip. It's a 43 minute drive from Raleigh, a 30 minute drive from Apex, and a 22 minute drive from … [Read more...] about Carolina Indie Fest — free music festival in Sanford May 15 and 16
Meet on Main — outdoor concert series in Downtown Wendell
Wendell's Meet on Main Concert Series includes live music, a kids' zone, food truck rodeo and beer and wine for purchase. The concerts take place in Downtown Wendell on four Fridays, from 5 to 10 p.m., and are free to attend. Meet on Main 2026 Schedule … [Read more...] about Meet on Main — outdoor concert series in Downtown Wendell
