Artspace First Friday and Open Studio Sessions

Experience the joy of literature and the great outdoors this May with the Wake County Parks StoryWalk series. We invite families and nature enthusiasts to explore multiple park locations while enjoying engaging children books displayed along scenic pathways. This unique initiative combines physical activity with literacy, providing a wonderful opportunity for children to develop a love for reading while exploring the natural beauty of our local park system. Throughout the month, various parks including Beech Bluff, Crowder, Harris Lake, Oak View, Yates Mill, and Sandy Pines will host featured stories that celebrate nature, kindness, and artistic expression. Each location offers a fresh perspective and a new story to discover, making it an ideal activity for weekend outings or afternoon strolls. Whether you are walking through the woods or along historic paths, these stories are sure to inspire readers of all ages. We encourage you to visit our parks during operating hours to experience these immersive reading adventures firsthand. Plan your visit today, grab your walking shoes, and join us for a delightful exploration of stories set against the backdrop of our beautiful local parks.

Experience the magic of literature and nature combined at the JC Raulston Arboretum Garden Story Walk. We invite families and nature lovers to wander through our lush botanical grounds while engaging with a featured story displayed page by page along our walking paths. This unique, self-guided adventure encourages visitors to immerse themselves in a great narrative while exploring the seasonal beauty of our gardens at their own pace. This event is designed for all ages to enjoy a peaceful and educational outing. You can begin your literary journey at your convenience by checking in at the Visitor Center for guidance to the first page. Whether you are looking for a relaxing morning stroll or an engaging afternoon activity for your children, this experience offers a perfect blend of outdoor exercise and creative storytelling. Most visitors complete the trail in under an hour, leaving plenty of time to explore other areas of our expansive grounds. We encourage you to plan your visit between May 2 and May 10 and join us for this wonderful seasonal tradition.

Celebrate the special women in your life this season by joining us for an exclusive Mothers Day DIY body scrub workshop at Tiny Town. This hands-on experience provides a perfect opportunity to slow down, practice self-care, and create meaningful, personalized gifts for every mom you love. Participants will craft custom sugar and coconut oil body scrubs using premium, natural ingredients including invigorating lemon, soothing lavender, refreshing eucalyptus, and beautiful dried flowers. To ensure your creations are as stunning as they are sustainable, we will also provide instruction on gift wrapping using elegant beeswax wraps. This workshop is designed to honor motherhood in a relaxing, creative environment where you can connect with friends and family. Whether you are crafting a gift for yourself or someone special, you will leave with professional-grade products and wonderful memories. Space is limited for this unique seasonal event, so we encourage you to secure your spot early. Please visit our official website today to RSVP and complete your registration. We look forward to welcoming you to this heartwarming celebration of care and craftsmanship.

Experience the joy of literature and the great outdoors this May with the Wake County Parks StoryWalk series. We invite families and nature enthusiasts to explore multiple park locations while enjoying engaging children books displayed along scenic pathways. This unique initiative combines physical activity with literacy, providing a wonderful opportunity for children to develop a love for reading while exploring the natural beauty of our local park system. Throughout the month, various parks including Beech Bluff, Crowder, Harris Lake, Oak View, Yates Mill, and Sandy Pines will host featured stories that celebrate nature, kindness, and artistic expression. Each location offers a fresh perspective and a new story to discover, making it an ideal activity for weekend outings or afternoon strolls. Whether you are walking through the woods or along historic paths, these stories are sure to inspire readers of all ages. We encourage you to visit our parks during operating hours to experience these immersive reading adventures firsthand. Plan your visit today, grab your walking shoes, and join us for a delightful exploration of stories set against the backdrop of our beautiful local parks.

Experience the botanical wonder of the Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery during our exclusive Spring Open Nursery and Garden Days. Located in Raleigh, this sprawling twenty-eight acre landscape serves as a premier destination for gardening enthusiasts, researchers, and families alike. Visitors are invited to explore a world-class collection featuring over thirty thousand plant varieties, ranging from rare exotic species sourced from international expeditions to unique native perennials rarely found elsewhere. This event offers a rare opportunity to wander through meticulously curated display gardens that provide endless inspiration for your own outdoor projects. Beyond the scenic beauty, guests are welcome to visit our extensive greenhouses to shop for exceptional plants propagated right here on the property. Whether you are a dedicated horticulturalist or simply seeking a vibrant day in nature, our grounds offer something truly special for every visitor. Admission and parking are entirely free throughout these select weekends, rain or shine. We invite you to join us from nine in the morning until five in the evening to celebrate the arrival of spring and discover your next favorite plant.

Experience the charm of the Wake Forest HerbFest, a celebrated annual tradition and the longest running herb festival in the United States. This vibrant event invites garden enthusiasts and local community members to explore a sprawling marketplace filled with organic, non-GMO, and heritage herbs, along with a wide variety of vegetables and local perennials. Whether you are a master gardener or simply looking to add some green to your living space, you will find the perfect additions to your home collection among the high-quality offerings from our dedicated local vendors. Beyond the exceptional plant selection, attendees can enjoy a festive atmosphere complete with live music, local art displays, and additional craft vendors. This event is entirely free to attend, making it the perfect weekend outing for friends and families looking to celebrate the arrival of spring. Join us at 530 South White Street in Wake Forest over the weekends of April 24 to 26 and May 1 to 3, 2026. Make plans to visit us soon to secure your favorite plants and enjoy a wonderful day outdoors.

Unleash your creativity at the Artspace Open Studio, a dynamic program designed for artists of all ages to explore their potential. Hosted by a renowned non-profit visual arts center in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, these weekly sessions offer a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike. Each Sunday, participants can engage in a fresh, beginner-friendly, self-guided art project that changes monthly, ensuring a unique experience every time you visit. This initiative aims to foster community engagement through hands-on creative expression. Beyond the self-guided projects, your attendance allows you to immerse yourself in a vibrant artistic hub. Experience captivating exhibitions showcasing both national and local talent, or take the opportunity to observe over thirty-five professional artists working directly within their studios. This is an exceptional way to connect with the local arts scene and spark your own imagination in a supportive atmosphere. Please note that while this program is entirely free, registration is required for both children and adults to ensure adequate materials for all guests. Secure your spot today and join us for an afternoon of artistic discovery and community inspiration.

Experience the wonder of discovery at the Museum of Life and Science, a premier destination featuring eighty-four acres of immersive indoor and outdoor exhibits. Designed to ignite curiosity in visitors of all ages, the museum offers hands-on exploration across diverse scientific fields, including physics, aerospace, and meteorology. Guests can encounter fascinating wildlife in the Farmyard, observe lemurs and red wolves in their habitats, or step into the enchanting Butterfly House rainforest. The museum is dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for everyone to explore and learn together. Durham Community Days offer an exceptional opportunity for local residents to enjoy these world-class facilities at no cost. During these scheduled events, Durham County residents receive free admission with valid proof of residency. Whether you are climbing through outdoor play areas or investigating interactive science stations, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable day of education and adventure. Plan your visit today by checking our official website for upcoming community dates and preparing your proof of residency for entry.

The Fine Arts League of Cary proudly presents the 16th Annual Wake County Teen Art Exhibition, a vibrant celebration of creativity showcasing over 100 works by talented student artists from across Wake County. On view May 6–27, 2026, at the Frankie G. Weems Gallery on the campus of Meredith College, this professionally curated exhibition highlights the exceptional achievements of young artists selected by their teachers. Join the community for a special public reception and awards ceremony on May 10, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m., where $20,000 in prizes will be awarded to students and their schools. Sponsored by Cary Family Dental and supported by local arts organizations and Meredith College, the exhibition not only honors artistic excellence but also reinvests in school art programs, helping foster the next generation of creative thinkers. Now in its 16th year, this inspiring event underscores the importance of arts education while offering students a meaningful opportunity to exhibit their work in a gallery setting. All are welcome to attend and experience the creativity, imagination, and talent of Wake County’s young artists.