First Friday Market and Movie: Puss in Boots - The Last Wish

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.

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.

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.

Shakespeare in the Parks presents a free outdoor performance of As You Like It at various locations throughout the Triangle area. This abridged production brings classic theater to local community spaces for a public audience. The story follows Rosalind as she escapes into exile disguised as a man, leading to a series of romantic complications and moments of self-discovery. This version is set in a fictional North Carolina and features live local music. Attendees will experience an accessible, modern take on this comedy through an engaging outdoor performance. The production focuses on themes of reconciliation and love while highlighting the unique regional landscape. This event is suitable for families, students, and theater lovers seeking an informal way to enjoy classical literature. The atmosphere is casual and designed for communal participation in local parks. Please bring your own seating, such as blankets or folding chairs, to ensure a comfortable viewing experience. Check the official event website for a full schedule of dates and specific park locations across the region. We invite you to join us for an afternoon of storytelling and community entertainment in the great outdoors.