First Friday Market and Movie Night

What it is: A high-energy, open-air arts festival that fills downtown with 175+ artists, live music, interactive installations, and food—easy to wander, with something happening every hour. Festival hours on Saturday, May 16: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Festival hours on Saturday, May 17: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM What you’ll find: 🖼️ 175+ juried artists with original work (paintings, ceramics, jewelry, more) 🎶 Live music all weekend on two stages (local + national acts) 🎨 Interactive installations and large-scale art throughout downtown 🛍️ Art you can buy directly from artists 🌮 Food trucks, drinks, and local vendors 👧 Kidsplosure with hands-on creative activities (optional, not the focus) 🎶 Full Music Schedule Saturday, May 16 Festival hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Main Stage 12:00 – 12:40 PM: Cuqui Gorman Dance 1:00 – 1:45 PM: Club Cardio 2:15 – 3:00 PM: T. Gold 3:40 – 4:30 PM: Joseph Terrell 5:15 – 6:00 PM: Sunny War Side Stage 12:00 – 12:45 PM: Cloverr 1:30 – 2:15 PM: Clover-Lynn 3:00 – 3:45 PM: Featherpocket 4:30 – 5:15 PM: Housecat! Sunday, May 17 Main Stage 10:00 – 11:00 AM: Dari Satterwhite 11:05 – 11:45 AM: Doug Watson 12:00 – 12:45 PM: Luke & The Cool Hands 1:30 – 2:15 PM: Dreamroot 2:45 – 3:15 PM: Slow Funeral 3:45 – 4:30 PM: Frail Talk 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Tashi Dorji Side Stage 11:00 – 11:45 AM: M. Roomie 12:30 – 1:15 PM: Kenny Wavinson 2:00 – 2:45 PM: Leon Rosewater 3:30 – 4:15 PM: Pretty Crimes 5:00 – 5:40 PM: Bedroom Division

Get ready for an extraordinary celebration of creativity at Artsplosure, the premier Raleigh Arts Festival returning to downtown Fayetteville Street on May 16 and 17, 2026. This dynamic event transforms the heart of the city into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, featuring an impressive showcase from over 175 juried fine artists and skilled craftspeople. Whether you are an avid collector or simply looking to find a unique treasure, you will have the opportunity to browse and purchase high-quality works across ten distinct creative categories. Beyond the stunning visual art, the festival promises an energetic atmosphere filled with live music, engaging interactive installations, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Families will particularly enjoy the dedicated kids activities designed to inspire the next generation of creators. This is a spectacular way to experience the cultural spirit of the Triangle area during the beautiful spring season. We invite you to join us for this unforgettable weekend of community and inspiration. For the most current schedules and event updates, please visit the official website at artsplosure.org and plan your visit today.

Experience the vibrant creativity of the Chatham Artists Guild at their annual Spring Festival. This exciting community event takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Plant, located at 220 Lorax Lane in Pittsboro, North Carolina. It is a wonderful opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore and purchase original works from a diverse group of talented professional guild artists. The festival atmosphere promises to be truly delightful, featuring live music performances throughout the day that will keep the energy high while you browse the unique collections on display. In addition to the impressive art showcase, attendees can indulge in delicious local food and refreshing drinks provided by the various established businesses at The Plant. Whether you are searching for a new piece of art for your home or simply looking to enjoy a relaxing day outdoors with friends and family, this event offers something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to join us for a day of inspiration, culture, and community spirit. Mark your calendars today and come be a part of this fantastic spring celebration.

Experience the vibrant community spirit at Haven Farm's Goats and Greens Farmers Market in Knightdale. This monthly gathering serves as a premier destination for those looking to support local makers and discover unique regional gifts. Our market features a carefully curated selection of local food vendors, fresh seasonal produce, handcrafted drinks, and holistic plant medicine. Whether you are looking to restock your kitchen with high quality ingredients or find a special handmade treasure, you will find an abundance of options available here. The highlight of our market is the opportunity to interact with our resident goats, providing a charming and unforgettable atmosphere for visitors of all ages. This event is a wonderful way to connect with your neighbors while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the farm. We are thrilled to host these gatherings on March 15, April 26, and May 17, 2026. Join us for a day of discovery and local shopping. We invite you to mark your calendars and bring your family to support these talented artisans and farmers. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm for an inspiring and energetic community experience.

Experience the vibrant spirit of community and commerce at the Black Farmers Market in Durham. This recurring event provides a unique opportunity to support local Black farmers and business owners while enjoying a wide variety of fresh, high-quality products. By shopping at this market, you are directly contributing to the sustainability of local family farms and helping to address historic economic disparities. It is more than just a place to shop; it is a movement dedicated to working together for mutual success and regional growth. The market takes place on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., alternating between Durham Tech Community College in Durham and Montague Plaza in Raleigh. Whether you are looking for fresh produce, artisanal goods, or simply want to connect with your neighbors, this inclusive event welcomes everyone to participate. Please check the official Facebook page for the most current scheduling updates and market location details to ensure you do not miss out on this enriching local experience. Join us this Sunday to shop with purpose, celebrate local entrepreneurship, and strengthen the connections that bring our diverse community together through meaningful collective action.

Experience the vibrant community spirit at the Carrboro Farmers Market with the exciting Market Bunch program. Designed to engage young minds, these weekly sessions offer free, hands-on activities centered on sustainability, local agriculture, arts and crafts, and healthy eating habits. Located on the historic Carrboro Town Commons, the market brings together local farmers and artisans who are passionate about sharing their craft with the next generation. Beyond the weekly Market Bunch program, the market hosts a series of seasonal celebrations throughout the year including Kids Seedling Day, the Strawberry Jamboree, June in Bloom, and the festive Vendor Halloween Costume Contest. Whether you are looking to explore local produce, participate in educational workshops, or enjoy live music, there is something for everyone to discover. These events provide a unique opportunity to connect with your community while supporting local food systems and creative endeavors. We invite families to join us every Wednesday and on special Saturdays to celebrate the best of our region. Visit our website to view the full event calendar and sign up for our weekly newsletter for updates.

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 Got to Be NC Festival is a three day community celebration hosted at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. This annual event showcases the best of the state by highlighting local products, agriculture, and regional culture in one central location. Attendees can explore a vast array of exhibits featuring North Carolina made food, beverages, and crafts. The festival grounds host live musical performances, agricultural demonstrations, and interactive displays suitable for all ages. Visitors will find plenty of opportunities to sample local goods while learning about the industry and heritage that define the state. The layout ensures easy navigation through different vendor sections and entertainment areas. This event is designed for families, local residents, and visitors who want to experience authentic North Carolina hospitality. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and perfect for a weekend outing with friends. Admission to the festival and parking are both completely free for everyone. Plan your visit to support local businesses and enjoy a festive environment that celebrates the unique identity of North Carolina. We invite you to join the community for this comprehensive state showcase.

Experience our historic gristmill in operation during these interactive demonstration tours. This program invites visitors to observe traditional milling techniques and learn about the mechanical power of water-driven machinery in a preserved historical setting. You will witness the complete process of turning raw corn into meal using authentic millstones. Listen to the sound of the waterwheel, see the inner workings of the historic machinery, and engage with our knowledgeable historical interpreters who explain the significance of the milling process. These tours are designed for anyone interested in regional history, engineering, or local agricultural heritage. The atmosphere is educational and perfect for curious individuals or families looking for a unique hands-on learning experience. Because space inside the mill is limited to twenty people at a time, we operate this as a drop-in program throughout the scheduled hours. No advance registration is required to join. Simply arrive at the mill during the posted times to participate in this engaging demonstration. We look forward to sharing this piece of our living history with you during your next visit.