Author Event: John Pavlovitz

Page 158 Books invites you to an exclusive evening with New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center as she celebrates the release of her latest novel, The Shippers. This event offers readers an opportunity to hear directly from one of the most popular voices in contemporary romantic comedy. During the session, Katherine Center will discuss her transition from writing hits like The Bodyguard and The Rom-Commers to her new story set on a cruise ship. Attendees will gain insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind her complex characters, and the themes of second chances and reconnection that define her work. The presentation will be followed by a chance to engage with the author. This event is perfect for fans of heartwarming fiction and anyone interested in contemporary storytelling. The atmosphere will be welcoming and relaxed, providing a great space for book lovers to connect. Join us for an energetic discussion about love, destiny, and the art of the modern romantic comedy. Please check our official website for registration details and secure your spot today.

Page 158 Books invites you to an engaging author discussion featuring Steve Bergsman as he presents his new biography, Have Mercy Baby: The Life of Clyde McPhatter. This event explores the life and legacy of the iconic tenor who helped shape early rock and soul music. David Menconi will join Bergsman in conversation to dive deep into McPhatter’s musical contributions and personal journey. Attendees will gain insight into McPhatter’s career, from his early work with the Dominoes to his role in founding the Drifters. Bergsman draws on exclusive interviews to provide a comprehensive portrait of this influential artist. The discussion will cover McPhatter’s impact on American music, his two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the complex challenges he faced behind the scenes. This event is ideal for music historians, fans of mid-century rhythm and blues, and anyone interested in the pioneers of rock and roll. Join us for this enlightening conversation to learn more about a true music legend. Please visit the Page 158 Books website for venue details and registration information.

Page 158 Books invites you to a special author event featuring Chef Toya Boudy. She will present her new cookbook, Cooking from Scratch, which explores heritage recipes and personal resilience. This session celebrates the release of her latest work and offers guests a chance to engage with the author. Toya Boudy is a noted chef and storyteller known for her appearances on national television. During this event, she will discuss her creative process, the inspiration she drew from Malinda Russell, and how she reimagined seventy soul-satisfying recipes. Attendees will learn about the stories behind dishes like her signature Jamaican Curry and African Spinach Stew. She will also touch on the twenty natural remedies included in her book that aim to nourish the body and spirit. This event is perfect for home cooks, food enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of cooking and personal storytelling. The atmosphere will be welcoming, professional, and insightful. Join us at the store to meet the author, ask questions, and celebrate the healing power of cooking from scratch. We look forward to seeing you there.

The Unhinged Coffee and Co Ribbon Cutting Block Party is an official grand opening celebration held in Knightdale. This event marks the launch of a new community space designed to provide coffee and connection for all residents. The celebration will feature local food trucks and a vendor block party highlighting small businesses and local makers. Guests can enjoy breakfast from the Good Mornings NC food truck starting at seven in the morning. A lunch menu from Dom Tacos will be available from noon until three-thirty in the afternoon. The official ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jessica Day takes place at eleven in the morning. The vendor market will remain open from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon. This event is intended for the entire Knightdale community. The space aims to offer an inclusive environment where anyone can feel welcome regardless of their day. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, family, or colleagues to help mark this milestone. We look forward to seeing the community gather to support this new local business as it opens its doors to the public.

Birdwatching for Beginners is an introductory outdoor program designed to help you learn the fundamentals of identifying local bird species. Participants will gain practical skills in bird recognition while engaging with nature in a guided group setting. During this session, we will embark on a one-mile walk across diverse trails to observe birds in their natural habitats. You will learn how to identify common species and discover how to contribute your observations to meaningful collaborative science projects. This experience provides a hands-on approach to building your birding knowledge and understanding the impact of citizen science. This program is perfect for anyone interested in nature observation regardless of previous experience. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and focused on learning at a comfortable pace. Please dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy closed-toed shoes, and bring water for the hike. Before arrival, we recommend downloading the free eBird and Merlin Bird ID apps to your mobile device to enhance your experience. We will gather in front of the building next to the parking lot before we begin our guided walk.

Living Collections Members Night is an exclusive after-hours event designed to give our members direct access to the experts who care for our animals. This evening allows you to explore the museum at your own pace while engaging with the professionals who manage our living exhibits. Throughout the night, you will have the chance to meet our animals up close and learn about their daily care. Our Living Collections team will share behind-the-scenes stories and provide technical insights into our conservation efforts. You can expect interactive demonstrations, expert presentations, and rare opportunities to see our habitat maintenance processes in action. This event is tailored specifically for our museum members as a gesture of appreciation for your continued support. The atmosphere is educational and conversational, making it an ideal setting to ask questions and deepen your understanding of the natural world. We encourage all members to join us for this unique evening to experience the museum from a new perspective. Please confirm your attendance through the member portal to ensure your spot for this special occasion.

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.

The Unhinged Coffee and Co Ribbon Cutting Block Party is an official grand opening celebration held in Knightdale. This event marks the launch of a new community space designed to provide coffee and connection for all residents. The celebration will feature local food trucks and a vendor block party highlighting small businesses and local makers. Guests can enjoy breakfast from the Good Mornings NC food truck starting at seven in the morning. A lunch menu from Dom Tacos will be available from noon until three-thirty in the afternoon. The official ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jessica Day takes place at eleven in the morning. The vendor market will remain open from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon. This event is intended for the entire Knightdale community. The space aims to offer an inclusive environment where anyone can feel welcome regardless of their day. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, family, or colleagues to help mark this milestone. We look forward to seeing the community gather to support this new local business as it opens its doors to the public.

The Bailey Drive Gateway Groundbreaking celebrates the official start of construction for a new community space designed to improve local connectivity and outdoor recreation. This project will transform the area into a welcoming hub for residents and families to gather and enjoy nature. Attendees will explore the planned layout for the new community space, which includes a covered pavilion and a dedicated grill area. The design also features comfortable seating and a scenic wetlands overlook. A major highlight is the new sidewalk connection that will link Walnut Creek Wetland Park with Fuller Elementary School along Bailey and Boaz Drive. Project leaders will be on site to share details about the timeline and how these improvements will benefit the neighborhood infrastructure and public access. This event is intended for local residents, school families, and anyone interested in city park development. The atmosphere will be informative and community focused, offering a great chance to see future neighborhood enhancements firsthand. We encourage everyone to join us to learn how these new spaces will support an active and connected community environment.