Butner Summer Festival

Experience the vibrant energy of the Research Triangle Park with the Shuffle lunch break music series. Hosted by Hub RTP, this recurring event invites professionals and music lovers alike to step away from their desks and enjoy live performances in an open air setting. Every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., attendees can unwind to the sounds of talented musicians, including our featured artist for this session, Mellow Swells. The series runs through June 2026 and returns in September, offering a consistent opportunity to connect with the local arts community during the work week. To kick off the inaugural event on March 4, 2026, the first 100 guests will receive a complimentary ice cream treat. Whether you are looking for a mid-day escape or a chance to discover new local talent, this event promises a refreshing atmosphere. The stage is located at 3151 Elion Drive in Durham, North Carolina. We encourage you to bring your colleagues, grab some lunch, and join us for an afternoon of rhythm and relaxation. Visit our website today to view the full artist lineup and plan your visit.

Boris Lurie: Echoes of Memory is a multidisciplinary program honoring the legacy of Holocaust survivor and NO! art movement founder Boris Lurie. This event explores how trauma and identity shape creative expression through a thoughtful blend of visual art, live music, and historical analysis. It serves as a space for reflection on artistic responses to the Holocaust and the enduring impact of Lurie’s work. The performance features violinist Ilana Zaks-Nederlander, who will present a curated selection of works by Jewish composers impacted by the Holocaust. Beyond the musical program, the event includes opening remarks and a post-event discussion. These segments provide critical historical context, connecting Lurie’s art to broader cultural narratives and the themes presented in the Off the Wall series. This program is ideal for students, history enthusiasts, and art lovers interested in the intersection of personal experience and creative activism. Attendees can expect a professional, moving, and thought-provoking environment designed to facilitate deep engagement with complex subject matter. We invite you to join this unique tribute to understand how art preserves memory and challenges historical silence.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Wine Down Wednesday at La Vita Dolce in Southern Village, a beloved Chapel Hill tradition celebrating its tenth anniversary. Running weekly from April 1 through October 21, 2026, this recurring event offers the perfect setting to unwind after a long day. Guests are invited to enjoy professional live music performances starting at 6 p.m. while savoring exceptional wine specials in a welcoming social environment. This community-focused gathering is designed for everyone to enjoy, as it is both kid-friendly and dog-friendly. Whether you are looking to mingle with friends or simply relax in the fresh air, our venue provides the ideal backdrop for a delightful mid-week treat. We encourage you to take advantage of this recurring series and make it a staple of your spring and summer schedule. For the most up-to-date information on musical acts and weather-related scheduling changes, please monitor our official social media channels. We look forward to welcoming you to La Vita Dolce for an evening of music and relaxation.

Get ready for a spectacular weekend of railroading excellence at the 9th Annual Raleigh Spring Train Show. Hosted by the Neuse River Valley Model Railroad Club, this highly anticipated event takes place on May 23 and 24, 2026, at the spacious Jim Graham Building located within the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. As one of the largest train shows in the Southeast, this gathering promises an immersive experience for hobbyists, families, and curious enthusiasts alike. Attendees will enjoy over 400 tables dedicated to model railroading and more than 12 incredible operating layouts spanning from G scale to Z scale, featuring everything from intricate classic designs to creative LEGO displays. In addition to the main exhibits, the event features the prestigious Craftsman Showcase, where experts present and judge high quality craftsman structures and rolling stock. Admission is just ten dollars and covers entry for both days, while children twelve and under are admitted for free with a paying adult. Gather your family for this memorable celebration of engineering and creativity. We look forward to seeing you there for a weekend full of innovation and fun.

Join us for the Southern Creatives Gift and Craft Market for an engaging day of shopping, creativity, and community engagement. This indoor market is conveniently located on the first floor near Macy's at Triangle Town Center, providing a comfortable and climate controlled environment for your shopping experience. Discover a vast array of unique, handmade goods produced by talented local artisans and small businesses. From intricate jewelry and cozy crochet items to handmade candles, bath products, and home decor, our vendors offer high quality treasures that you will not find in big box stores. You will also discover delicious gourmet sweets, party dips, wreaths, and custom wood items. Whether you are searching for the perfect thoughtful gift, looking to treat yourself, or simply want to browse one of a kind creations, this market is the premier destination. This event serves as a wonderful opportunity to support our local makers while connecting with neighbors. We invite you to bring your friends and family to explore these small businesses and enjoy an inspiring day of discovery. We look forward to seeing you there.

Experience the excitement of the 9th Annual Raleigh Spring Train Show hosted by the Neuse River Valley Model Railroad Club. Taking place on May 23 and 24, 2026, at the Jim Graham Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, this massive event is a must-see for hobbyists and families alike. As one of the largest train shows in the Southeast, the venue will be packed with over 400 tables dedicated to model railroading and more than 12 impressive operating layouts ranging from G to Z scales, including a captivating LEGO display for all ages to enjoy. In addition to the extensive layouts, guests can explore the Craftsman Showcase, which features intricate displays and expert judging of craftsmanship structures and rolling stock. Admission is just ten dollars for the entire weekend, and children twelve and under are admitted for free when accompanied by an adult. Whether you are a dedicated collector or simply looking for an engaging family activity, this show promises an unforgettable weekend of exploration. Secure your tickets today and join us for this celebration of locomotive history and model engineering excellence.

Experience the joy of literature and the beauty of nature combined with the May StoryWalks series across Wake County Parks. This engaging program invites families to read a featured children book page by page as they stroll along scenic park trails. It is a wonderful way to foster a love for reading in young children while encouraging physical activity and outdoor exploration in our local natural spaces. We are thrilled to feature several new stories this month at Beech Bluff, Crowder, Harris Lake, Oak View, Yates Mill, and Sandy Pines. Each location offers a unique atmosphere where families can immerse themselves in stories like I Love Strawberries or Finding Wild while enjoying the fresh air. Whether you are a regular park visitor or looking for a new weekend activity, these trails provide the perfect setting for a wholesome and educational outing. We encourage you to visit your nearest participating park location throughout the month of May to discover these delightful tales. Pack your walking shoes and prepare for a rewarding journey through these captivating outdoor libraries that celebrate literacy and our vibrant community environment.

The Garner Police Department is hosting its annual Torch Run on May 20 to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics North Carolina. This community event brings together local officers and citizens to support inclusive sports programs for athletes throughout the state. Participants will gather at the Garner Police Department to begin a two-mile run. Registration opens promptly at 9 am, and the run will commence at 10 am. This non-competitive event focuses on community solidarity and physical activity. Whether you are an experienced athlete or a casual walker, the route is designed to be accessible and engaging for all fitness levels involved in the day. This event is perfect for families, local business teams, and fitness enthusiasts who want to support a meaningful cause. The atmosphere is energetic, welcoming, and centered on the spirit of the Special Olympics. We encourage community members of all ages to join us for a morning of movement and advocacy. Please arrive by 9 am to complete your registration and prepare for the start of the run. We look forward to seeing the community unite for this important local tradition.

Join the vibrant community at The Bunny Hive for an engaging and social stroller walk designed for parents and little ones alike. We invite you to gather at our location before embarking on a gentle stroll spanning approximately half a mile toward a local coffee shop. This outing provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, connect with fellow parents, and indulge in a relaxing coffee break before returning to our facility. Upon our return, children are invited to enjoy supervised outdoor play in our secure, fenced, and turf-covered backyard. This space offers a safe environment for kids to explore and interact while you continue your conversations with other members of our community. This event is entirely complimentary and open to participants of all ages, making it the perfect way to spend a morning. Space is limited, so we kindly ask that you register in advance to ensure we have an accurate headcount for our group. We look forward to welcoming you and your family for a morning of activity, socialization, and fun at The Bunny Hive.