This May is filled with lots of events, including festivals, concerts and more.
May 1-4
April 30-May 4: NC Strawberry Festival (April 30-May 4) -Chadbourn celebrates this tasty fruit each year. There will be seed spitting contests, a parade and more.
April 29-May 4: Kimberly Akimbo at DPAC – A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), this show is the winner of five Tony Awards including best musical.
May 1: StepUp Durham’s 10th Anniversary IMPACT Fundraiser – Enjoy inspiring stories, live entertainment, and opportunities to give back at the Durham Armory.
May 2: PLAYlist Concert Series: Opening Night with Charly Lowry – A musical powerhouse from Pembroke, NC, Charly Lowry is a dynamic singer-songwriter whose sound fuses folk, soul, and Indigenous traditions. As a proud member of the Lumbee/Tuscarora Tribes, she uses her music as a platform for activism, raising awareness about the struggles and resilience of underserved communities.
May 2: 2025 Family Sneaker Ball – This family-friendly event will include a DJ, a 360-photo booth, crafts and food trucks at Green Road Community Center. Admission is free.
May 2: Holly Springs International Food Festival 2025 – Enjoy a variety of international cuisine in downtown Holly Springs from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.
May 2-3: Jeremy Piven at Raleigh Improv – Known for his role as Hollywood agent “Ari Gold” in the HBO series Entourage, actor, comedian and podcast host Jeremy Piven will take the stage this weekend at Raleigh Improv.
May 2-4: Shuler King at Goodnights – South Carolina native, stand-up comedian, and funeral director Shuler King knew he was destined to be an entertainer at an early age. You can see him on stage this weekend at Goodnights.
May 2-4: Spring Garden Party at Juniper Level Botanic Garden – Stroll lush gardens, shop unique plants, and enjoy over 3,000 blooming varieties during this event open to the public. It is free admission.
May 2-4: 26th Annual HerbFest Wake Forest – Held in downtown Wake Forest, this event will feature a variety of vendors including gardening, home, art and cooking, plus a large selection of organic herbs, organic vegetable plants and perennials.
May 2-5: Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival – Enjoy four days, four stages and over 50 bands in Chatham County.
May 3-4: Durham Greek Festival – Enjoy delicious Greek food and pastries, a Greek Taverna, traditional music, folk dance performances, shopping and more at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. Admission is free.
Schoolhouse Rock Live! at Raleigh Little Theatre – A pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage in Schoolhouse Rock Live! Tom, a nerve-wracked school teacher, is nervous about his first day of teaching.
May 3: 20th Annual Strawberry Festival at Old North Durham Park – The Strawberry Festival is a child-centered, family run, community fun-focused event for all of Durham, hosted by Central Park School for Children (CPSC).
May 3: Susan G. Komen Triangle Race for the Cure – The Triangle Race for the Cure is back for it’s 29th year. It will be held at Boxyard in Research Triangle Park.
May 3: The Greatest Fashion Show – Enjoy a spectacular event where fashion meets the circus at the Durham Armory.
May 3: Handcrafted DURM Mothers Gifts and Womens Health Fair – Join the final Spring market of 2025 for Handcrafted DURM, en memoriam of Ethel Patterson, the founder’s mother. They’ll have free info tables on common health concerns including anti-cancer health, screening, food resources, 150 free home test kits for COVID, and more.
May 3: 3rd Annual Adult Recess Triangle Festival – This event transforms Fred Fletcher Park into an adult playground with a pop-up skating rink and “Lego-land.” There will also be co-ed sports, swings, see-saws, yard games, arts and crafts and more.
May 3: Durham Nights – The MAKRS Society presents: Durham Nights: a night market series at Golden Belt Campus.
May 3: Mom’s and Mimosa’s Market – Oaklyn Springs Brewery in Fuquay-Varina will host this event from noon to 5 p.m. It will include vendors, live music, food trucks and $5 mimosas.
Creative Kitchen Kids Food Festival at Marbles – The Creative Kitchen Kids Food Fest at Marbles is a weekend of activities dedicated to teaching families about how to make balanced food choices through fun and engaging activities. The festival will serve up flavorful fun with free hands-on experiences, community partner engagement and live entertainment. Kids can roll up their sleeves for hands-on cooking workshops and reserve their spot in the James Beard Foundation Future Foodies Classes. Families will learn through play with the Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt, featuring goody bag prizes.
May 3-4: BBQ Festival on the Neuse – Head to downtown Kinston for this annual celebration of great food and music.
May 3: 39th Annual Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival – The Ham & Yam Festival has grown into a celebration of the agricultural products that Smithfield and Johnston County are known for with live music, country ham biscuits, and sweet potatoes galore!
May 3: 44th Annual Apex PeakFest – This annual celebration on Salem Street features live music, arts and crafts, vendors and food trucks. Admission is free.
May 3: Ma and Pa Festival – The MAKRS Society presents: Ma & Pa Market: a mother’s and father’s day festival at City Plaza. It will feature more than 100 local vendors, live music, food trucks, a lounge area and much more.
May 3: 60th Annual Triangle Chapter Car Show – This local car show will be held at Brier Creek shopping Center in west Raleigh.
May 3: An Evening with Hiss Golden Messenger – Join Hiss Golden Messenger for a special evening benefiting the Me Fine Foundation at The Rialto Theatre.
May 3: Meet in the Street Festival – This is a day filled with food, fun and entertainment in historic downtown Wake Forest.
May 3: NC Sports Con – This is a family-friendly sports-themed event with toys, games, collectibles, and memorabilia at the Wendell Community Center. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children.
May 3: Raleigh Tacos & Margs Crawl – This event will combine elements of a food festival, treasure hunt and fiesta-themed bar crawl, to create an afternoon of fun on Glenwood Avenue. Tickets start at $25.
May 3: Relay for Life of the Triangle – This annual walk for the American Cancer Society will be held at Fenton Square in Cary.
May 3: Star Wars Night at Durham Bulls – The force will be strong during this game featuring the Durham Bulls against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
May 3: Shakespeare in the Park – This outdoor festival features productions of William Shakespeare‘s plays at Knightdale Station Park.
May 3: The Market at NCMA – This monthly local artist market series features a selection of local artists in the plaza and live music.
May 3: Wendell Public Safety Day – The Wendell Police Department and other local first responders will be at this free event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be face painting, public safety demonstrations, food, bounce houses and much more.
May 3-11: Garden Story Walk – The JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State will host this event daily. Story Walks are self-guided experiences where pages of a book are displayed in the garden.
May 4: Kevin James Thornton at Raleigh Improv – Kevin James Thornton has built a loyal following with his hilarious, heartfelt and occasionally cringey moments of self reflection (with a splash of autotune) about growing up gay in a religious community.
May 4: The Friends of the Page-Walker Hosts 13th Annual Herbfest – Stroll through craft and herb booths selling items related to gardening, such as herbs, native plants, perennials and nature.
May 4: May the 4th at Bricks and Minifigs Durham – Get ready to join Bricks & Minifigs Durham for a day of legendary brick building fun with giveaways, prizes and a costume contest.
May 4: Geek and Grub Market (May the 4th Be With You Edition) – Grab your lightsabers and head out to join a Special Star Wars Edition of the Geek and Grub Market at the Durham Armory.
May 4: Wool E. Bull’s Birthday – The Durham Bulls celebrate their mascot’s birthday with a special day of fun during their matchup with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
May 5-11
May 3-11: Garden Story Walk – The JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State will host this event daily. Story Walks are self-guided experiences where pages of a book are displayed in the garden.
May 6: Linkin Park at Lenovo Center
May 6: Durham Bulls Education Day – This game has a special early pitch time of 11:05 a.m.
May 6: Durham Community Day at Museum of Life and Science – On Durham Community Days, Durham County residents get in free with current proof of residence. All adults must have Durham residency to get in free; each adult can bring up to five children.
May 7: Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele – This candlelight concert at the Merrimon-Wynne House features the music of Adele. Admission is $47.
May 7: Music at the Stack – This free concert at The Stack at American Tobacco Campus features Butler Knowles Trio (jazz), in partnership with Missy Lane’s Assembly Room. Food and beverage provided by Fullsteam Brewery and Ment Beverage Co.
May 7: Candlelight: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac – This candlelight concert at the Merrimon-Wynne House features the music of Fleetwood Mac. Admission is $47.
May 8: Beach Music Series: The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra – Beach Music Series returns for its 16th season in Midtown Park. General admission is $5.
May 8: Durham Bulls Bark in the Park – Dogs are welcome at this special game.
May 8: Ellen Skrmetti at Raleigh Improv – See this viral Instagram and TikTok star on stage.
May 9-10: Donnell Rawlings at Goodnights – Donnell first became recognized for his hilarious sketches on “Chappelle’s Show.” He soon became a force both on and off the stage as a comedian, actor and podcaster.
May 9: Durham Bulls Copa de la Diversion – The Bulls will celebrate Latin American and Hispanic culture as the Bulls play as the Toros Bravos de Durham.
May 9: Friday Family Flicks – Moana 2 – Join Garner Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources for a free outdoor movie on the big screen. Free activities will be offered one hour prior to the movie start time listed. Concessions will also be available for purchase.
May 9: Kenny G at DPAC – This is a musician who has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, owns the best-selling instrumental record of all time with 1992’s 12-times-platinum Breathless.
May 9: Monthly Friday Market & Movie Night: Tangled – Enjoy this outdoor market and movie night in Moore Square.
May 9: Outdoor Movie Night Featuring Solo: A Star Wars Story – Enjoy watching this free screening at Five County Stadium in Zebulon. Bring a blanket for the outfield or watch from the seats in the stands.
May 9: Shane Gillis Live at Lenovo Center – Shane Gillis is a comedian, actor, and writer hailing from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
May 9: Stargazing with Sagan: A Journey Through the Cosmos, and Moon Tree Dedication – Stargaze through telescopes, do hands-on activities and see Carl Sagan’s classic series “Cosmos” at West Point on the Eno Park.
May 9-10: Jay Pharoah at Raleigh Improv –
Actor and comedian Jay Pharoah is one of the industry’s most highly-anticipated leading men.
May 9-10: Stravinsky: The Firebird – The North Carolina Symphony conducted by Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto performs Stravinsky’s shimmering showpiece The Firebird. Plus, pianist Alessio Bax plays Nights in the Garden of Spain.
May 9-11: Spring Garden Party at Juniper Level Botanic Garden – Stroll lush gardens, shop unique plants, and enjoy over 3,000 blooming varieties during this event open to the public. It is free admission.
May 10: Parmalee, Chris Janson at Koka Booth Amphitheatre
May 10: Durham Bulls: SpongeBob SquarePants Night
May 10: Mother’s Day Market – Find great gifts for all the ones who raised you at Boxcar’s Mother’s Day Market on our sunny patio, sponsored by The Creatives Club.
May 10: Menopause: The Musical 2: Cruising through the Change at DPAC – Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas.
May 10: Live at the Springs with Everclear – Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the 1990s will be hitting the stage live at Ting Stadium in Holly Springs.
May 10: Geek and Grub Market (Anime Edition) – Enter the realm of ultimate anime fandom at the special Anime Edition of the Geek & Grub Market at Optimist Farm in Apex.
May 10: Frankie Beverly Tribute World Tour – Get ready to groove to the smooth sounds of Frankie Beverly and Maze with this tribute world tour at Dorton Arena.
May 10: Raleigh’s Spring Festival – Spring in the City – This event at Moore Square will include live music, food vendors, arts and crafts and more. Admission is free.
May 10: Ritmo Latino Festival – Presented by Diamante Arts & Cultural Center, Ritmo Latino festival is a fantastic annual celebration of Latino culture in downtown Cary.
May 10: Alien Ant Farm at Motorco
May 10-11: Mother’s Day Tea at NCMA – This “Afternoon Tea” experience features a prix-fixe menu including savory canapes, finger sandwiches and curated pâtisserie.
May 10-11: MayFest– Held annual in Pilot Mountain, this festival includes arts and crafts, plants and flowers, local musicians and food.
May 10-11: Carolina Indie Fest – Carolina Indie Fest is a free two-day multi-stage music festival located in downtown Sanford. There will be two outdoor stages, and one stage inside Hugger Mugger Brewing, which will also act as the hub of the festival.
May 11: Kite Festival Morrisville 2025 – This festival will be held at Cedar Fork District Park and will include kite flying (kites and thread available for purchase), kids’ games, a bouncy house, DJ an food vendors.
May 11: Raleigh Underground Market – The MAKRS Society X Oak City Music Collective present this market and concert series at Midtown Park.
May 11: Carthage Buggy Festival -This festival is held each year to commemorate the Tyson and Jones Buggy Factory, which made carriages that were essential to life in rural North Carolina. There is a classic car and truck show, in addition to a buggy and tractor show
May 11: Race City Festival – This event includes an outdoor street fair, NASCAR displays and souvenirs, live music and food trucks in downtown Moorseville.
May 12-18
May 11-13: Pearl Jam at Lenovo Center
May 13: Coheed and Cambria and Mastodon at Red Hat Amphitheater
May 15: Beach Music Series: The Chairmen of the Board – Beach Music Series returns for its 16th season in Midtown Park. General admission is $5.
May 15: Vic DiBitetto at Raleigh Improv – An incredibly powerful performer, comedian Vic DiBitetto churns energy, honesty and humanity into nonstop laughter.
May 15-18: Carolina Ballet presents Swan Lake – Rekindle your passion for Swan Lake. This season’s production brings Swan Lake back to its roots, inspired by Marius Petipa’s original 1895 version and Tchaikovsky’s resonant score.
May 16: Adult Nights; Game On! – Get ready to press play at this adults-only event, where the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will feature the best of board games and video games.
May 16: Kaki King – Dubbed by Rolling Stone as “a genre unto herself,” Brooklyn, NY-based Kaki King has proven to be just that. See King on stage at The Rialto.
May 16: The String Cheese Incident with special guests The Wood Brothers – See the bands at Red Hat Amphitheater.
May 16-18: Spring Garden Party at Juniper Level Botanic Garden – Stroll lush gardens, shop unique plants, and enjoy over 3,000 blooming varieties during this event open to the public. It is free admission.
May 16-18: Got to be NC Festival – A “mini state fair,” this fest boasts rides, fried food and shows.
May 17: 55th Annual Bimbe Cultural Arts Festival – This annual cultural festival is happening at Rock Quarry Park from 1 to 7 p.m. This year’s headliner is Raheem DeVaughn.
May 17: Durham Ballet Theatre presents Cinderella – This show is bringing a little magic to the Bull City with a performance of the family-friendly storybook ballet, Cinderella, at the Carolina Theatre at 2 and 6 p.m.
May 17: Fenton Maker’s Market – Triangle Pop Up hosts this monthly Maker’s Market at Fenton from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 17: Joe Pug – Pug is a singer-songwriter known for his lyrical acumen and plaintive harmonica style. See him at The Rialto.
May 17: Fullsteam RTP Book Fair – Fullsteam RTP and Eli Rainwater Books are hosting an all ages book fair at Boxyard RTP.
May 17: NC Courage vs Chicago Stars at WakeMed Soccer Park
May 17-18: Artsplosure: The Raleigh Arts Festival – This long-running arts festival is two days of fun in downtown Raleigh. There will be an art market with 175 juried visual artists from across the United States. There will also be two stages of entertainment.
May 17: Teddy Swims at Red Hat Amphitheater
May 17: Get the Led Out at DPAC
May 17: Kool and the Gang at Koka Booth Amphitheatre
May 17: SpringFest in Morrisville – Enjoy music, artisan vendors, make-and-take crafts and the Western Wake Farmer’s Market. Plus, don’t miss the first Morrisville Chalk Walk, where artists bring the pavement to life with vibrant works of art.
May 17: Theatre Raleigh in Concert: Ali Stroker – Ali Stroker is a Tony Award winner for her role as ‘Ado Annie’ in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! She made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway in Deaf West’s acclaimed revival of Spring Awakening and the first actor in a wheelchair to win a Tony.
May 17: Wheels on Academy – This annual event in Downtown Cary is a celebration of all things wheels — from classic cars to modern marvels.
May 18: Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium at Red Hat Amphitheater
May 18: Brier Creek Spring Food Truck Festival – Enjoy live music and food trucks from 5 to 8 p.m.
May 18: Gettin’ Piggy With It 2025 – This year’s Gettin’ Piggy event hosted by Lawrence Barbecue and Trophy Brewing takes place at Maywood Hall and Garden. The festival features award-winning chefs and pitmasters nationwide, local beer and spirits, games, live music, raffle, kid’s zone and more.
May 18: Jim Jeffries at DPAC – Comedian/Actor/Writer and Australia native Jim Jefferies is one of the most popular and respected comedians of his generation.
May 19-25
May 20-25: Back to the Future: The Musical at DPAC – When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history.
May 21: LIVE After 5 kickoff – Live After 5 is a Sip n’ Stroll friendly block party with live music, vendors, food trucks, wine and beer for purchase, exclusive offerings from local businesses and more fun in City Plaza.
May 21: Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay – This candlelight concert at the Merrimon-Wynne House features the music of Coldplay. Admission is $47.
May 21: Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen – This candlelight concert at the Merrimon-Wynne House features the music of Queen. Admission is $47.
May 22: Durham Community Day at Museum of Life and Science – On Durham Community Days, Durham County residents get in free with current proof of residence. All adults must have Durham residency to get in free; each adult can bring up to five children.
May 23: Rauw Alejandro at Lenovo Center
May 22: AfterHours: Science of Beer – The Museum of Life and Science in Durham will host this adults-only event. Enjoy the indoor and outdoor exhibits while reps from your favorite breweries serve up samples and the science behind them all evening long.
May 23-25: Animazement – Animazement is Raleigh’s premier Japanese animation and culture convention. Enjoy concerts, educational panels, limited merchandise, unique artwork and more at the Raleigh Convention Center.
May 23-25: Godfrey – See this comedian, actor and host on stage at Raleigh Improv.
May 23-25: KidsWrite! Festival 2025 – Students submit their plays, and with a team of professional theatre makers, Burning Coal produces selected scripts. Seven plays have been selected to be presented at this year’s festival, all directed by Durham resident, actor and playwright, Susan Gross.
May 24: Darkness RISING: Live Black Arts & Mental Health Block Party – This free, annual music and mental health festival is celebrating its 8th year. It will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. in Moore Square.
May 24: Taste of Soul NC at Durham Central Park – There will be a DJ, live performances and games, as well as food. Admission is free.
May 25: Theatre Raleigh Sings Disney – Prepare to enjoy beloved songs from Disney’s most iconic films, including A Whole New World from Aladdin, Let It Go from Frozen, Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid, Circle of Life from The Lion King, Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast, and so many more.
May 25: NC Sugar Rush – This dessert food event will take place in City Plaza.
May 25: Durham Underground Market – The MAKRS Society X Oak City Music Collective presents: Durham Underground Market: a market and concert series at Durham Central Park. The event starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. It will feature music, more than 45 local vendors and food trucks.
May 26-31
May 26: Memorial Day Ceremony at Knightdale Station Park Veterans Memorial
May 26: Memorial Day Ceremony at Apex Downtown Service Memorial
May 26: Cary Memorial Day Remembrance 2025
May 26: Memorial Mile at Rolesville Town Hall
May 26: Memorial Day Observance at Lake Benson Park
May 27: Lord of The Rings & The Hobbit: The Concert – Sold Out
May 27: The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others – A Celebration of Film Music – The best film music from Dune, James Bond, The Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, and more with The Hollywood Film Orchestra, choir, star soloists and selected film sequences. It’s all happening at Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh.
May 28: Julian Vaughn at Raleigh Improv – Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, Julian Vaughn was primarily a drummer when he picked up the bass guitar. Vaughn developed his playing style while growing up in the church where his grandfather pastored until turning over the reins to Vaughn’s father.
May 29: Beach Music Series – Jim Quick & Coastline – Beach Music Series returns for its 16th season in Midtown Park. General admission is $5.
May 29: Durham Bulls Bark in the Park – Dogs are welcome at this special game.
May 29-31: Dave Attell at Goodnights – Dave Attell is a stand-up comedian, actor and writer, best known as the host of Comedy Central’s “Insomniac with Dave Attell,” which gave him a cult following.
May 29: Halsey – The singer brings her “For My Last Trick” tour to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.
May 29-31: Nate Jackson at Raleigh Improv – The comedian brings his “Super Funny World Tour” to Raleigh Improv.
May 30: Candlelight: Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop Favorites – Discover the music of Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop Favorites at The Historic Wakefield Barn under the gentle glow of candlelight.
May 30: Movie in the Park – Enjoy a free screening of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” at Knightdale Station Park. Activities start at 6 p.m. and the movie wills tart around 8:30 p.m.
May 30: Durham Bulls Wizarding Night – Enjoy a magical night at the Bulls’ game, plus fireworks!
May 30: Wicked Sing-Along – Enjoy this event at Garner Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10.
May 30-31: 41st Raleigh Greek Festival – This festival will be held in the Jim Graham Building at the NC State Fairgrounds. Tickets are $5 for adults and children 13 and under are admitted for free. There will be handmade authentic Greek food prepared by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church family using recipes handed down for generations. Hear live Greek music and see traditional folk dances.
May 31: Keith Urban at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
May 31: 2025 AIDS Walk & 5K Run – Every step you take helps fight stigma, support those living with HIV, and fuel the lifesaving work of the Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina.
May 31: BBQ and Bubbly at Fenton in Cary – Tickets start at $65 for general admission. The ticket includes unlimited barbecue from more than 12 top chefs and pitmasters; a curated selection of 20 sparkling wines, plus local beers and cold brew coffee; a family-friendly atmosphere with music and kids’ activities. Admission is free for children 6 years and under. A portion of the proceeds will benefit CureSearch for children’s cancer research.
May 31: NC Symphony Carnival of Animals – Have you ever seen an elephant dance ballet? Or encountered giant sea creatures in a submarine? Look no further! The Symphony and guest artists bring the animal kingdom to life for Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals.
May 31: International Children’s Day – Join the City of Raleigh Museum for a free, fun-filled day of storytelling and magic for the whole family.
