First Friday Market & Movie Series

Experience the vibrant spirit of the community at the FM2FV Concert Series, a premier outdoor music event held at the scenic Centennial Square in Fuquay-Varina. This recurring series invites music lovers to enjoy high-quality live performances in an open-air setting, providing the perfect atmosphere to unwind with friends and family during the spring and fall seasons. Guests can enjoy the rhythm of talented local and regional musicians while soaking in the beautiful surroundings of North Main Street. To enhance your evening, the venue hosts a rotating selection of local food trucks and craft beer vendors, ensuring that delicious refreshments are always within reach. Please note that for the safety and comfort of all attendees, outside coolers and pets are not permitted at the venue. This event serves as a wonderful way to connect with neighbors and celebrate the local arts scene in a fun and welcoming environment. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable night of music and community camaraderie. Plan your visit today by checking our upcoming performance schedule and mark your calendars for a season filled with great entertainment. We look forward to seeing you at Centennial Square.

Experience the vibrant spirit of Chapel Hill at the iconic Carolina Inn, located on the beautiful University of North Carolina campus. Starting May 1, 2026, we invite you to join us for the highly anticipated return of Fridays on the Front Porch. This beloved weekly series offers a perfect way to kick off your weekend with live music performances in a relaxed outdoor setting. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m., providing an ideal backdrop for socializing with friends and family. Enjoy the talents of local musicians like The Back Roads while you soak in the pleasant atmosphere of our historic front lawn. To enhance your evening, a rotating selection of local food trucks will be on-site, serving up delicious bites that pair perfectly with the festivities. This event is entirely free to attend, making it a wonderful community gathering that celebrates local culture and entertainment. We encourage you to mark your calendars and arrive early to secure the best spot on the lawn. Whether you are a music enthusiast or simply looking for an enjoyable way to spend your Friday evening, this concert series promises an unforgettable experience. Come be a part of this cherished tradition and celebrate the season with us.

Experience the vibrant spirit of Chapel Hill at the iconic Carolina Inn, located at 211 Pittsboro Street on the UNC campus. We are thrilled to welcome back the beloved Fridays on the Front Porch series starting May 1, 2026. Join us from 5 to 8 p.m. for an evening of exceptional live entertainment featuring The Back Roads. This series captures the essence of community, offering a perfect setting to unwind as the sun begins to set. Enjoy a fantastic selection of delicious offerings from various on-site food trucks, including gourmet burgers and traditional hot browns fresh off the grill. This event is entirely free to attend, making it an ideal outing for music lovers and families looking for a relaxing way to kick off the weekend. Immerse yourself in the local culture, soak in the beautiful outdoor atmosphere, and discover why this gathering has become a staple of the Triangle area. We invite you to mark your calendars and bring your friends for a memorable evening of music and community spirit. Visit our website today to learn more about upcoming dates and additional outdoor concert opportunities in the region.

Join the Central Carolina Chrysanthemum Society on May 1 and 2, 2026, at the NC State Farmers Market in Raleigh for an exclusive opportunity to acquire rare and heirloom chrysanthemums. This event offers plant enthusiasts access to highly coveted cultivars that are rarely available through commercial retailers. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice, you will find rooted cuttings perfect for your garden or decorative pots. There is no admission fee, making this the perfect local destination for botanical discovery. Expert growers will be present throughout the event to offer personalized guidance and professional tips to ensure your plants thrive. You can explore a wide variety of unique flowers, learn specialized growing techniques, and even join the society to connect with a community of passionate horticulturists. With affordable pricing options of five dollars per plant or five for twenty dollars, this sale provides exceptional value for high quality stock. Do not miss this chance to grow extraordinary flowers that define the Queen of Fall. Visit us at the Farmers Market to elevate your garden collection today.

Discover a unique gardening opportunity at the Central Carolina Chrysanthemum Society plant sale, taking place on May 1 and 2, 2026, at the NC State Farmers Market in Raleigh. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, visitors can browse and purchase a wide variety of rare and heirloom chrysanthemum cuttings that are expertly rooted and ready for your home garden. Whether you are a seasoned horticulturalist or a novice gardener, this is your chance to acquire exclusive cultivars not found in typical commercial shops. Expert growers will be available throughout the event to provide hands-on advice, display photographs of mature blooms, and offer guidance to ensure your plants thrive. With prices starting at just five dollars, it is an incredibly affordable way to cultivate exceptional flowers. You are also invited to learn about membership opportunities, which offer ongoing education and access to regional exhibitions. Join us to explore why chrysanthemums are known as the queen of fall flowers and add something truly special to your landscape this season. We look forward to seeing you at the farmers market for this exciting community event.

Discover the beauty of rare and heirloom chrysanthemums at the upcoming plant sale hosted by the Central Carolina Chrysanthemum Society. Join us on May 1 and 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the NC State Farmers Market in Raleigh. This event offers a unique opportunity to purchase rooted cuttings of highly coveted cultivars that are rarely found in commercial stores. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner, our expert growers will be on site to offer guidance and share photos of stunning mature flowers. Plants are priced affordably at five dollars each or five for twenty dollars, making this the perfect time to add something truly special to your home garden or pots. You will also have the chance to learn about membership benefits and discover the joy of cultivating these exquisite blooms. We invite you to explore the fascinating world of horticulture and see why chrysanthemums are known as the queen of fall flowers. Come visit us this weekend to grow flowers you have never seen before.

Escape the urban grind and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of William B. Umstead State Park. This unique Curious Minds Trail Adventure invites explorers of all ages to discover the diverse ecosystems nestled within this Wake County treasure. As you traverse the scenic hiking trails and winding paths near our beautiful manmade lakes, keep a keen eye out for local wildlife like the marbled salamander or rare flora such as the Jack-in-the-Pulpit. This engaging scavenger hunt is designed to transform your hike into an interactive educational journey. Getting started is simple and accessible for everyone. Download the free Actionbound app on your mobile device to begin your quest. No profile creation or data collection is required, ensuring a private and seamless experience. Simply scan the designated park QR code or search for the event name within the app to unlock your adventure. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, this self-guided trek offers the perfect blend of outdoor exercise and scientific discovery. Join us through April 30, 2026, and experience the rustic beauty of Umstead at your own pace.

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life by visiting William B. Umstead State Park. This beautiful destination in Wake County serves as the perfect backdrop for our Curious Minds Trail Adventure. As you navigate the winding hiking trails and scenic manmade lakes along the Piedmont East Science Trail, you will have the unique opportunity to connect with local nature. Keep a sharp eye out for local wildlife, such as the marbled salamander, or discover native plant species like the Jack-in-the-Pulpit hidden along the forest floor. To participate in this engaging scavenger hunt, simply download the free Actionbound app on your mobile device. No personal data collection or profiles are required to start your journey. Once you arrive at the park, scan the designated QR code or search for the park name within the app to unlock your interactive guide. This digital experience is available throughout the month of April 2026, offering families and outdoor enthusiasts a fantastic way to explore the outdoors. Lace up your hiking boots, bring your sense of discovery, and join us for this educational outdoor adventure today.

Experience a refreshing fusion of literacy and outdoor exploration with the April StoryWalks program across various Wake County Parks. This engaging initiative invites families and children to enjoy beloved stories while traversing scenic nature trails. By placing book pages along walking paths, we transform a simple stroll into an immersive literary adventure that encourages physical activity and a love for reading. Throughout the month of April, visitors can explore diverse titles at locations including the American Tobacco Trail, Beech Bluff, Crowder County Park, Historic Oak View, Yates Mill, Lake Crabtree, and Robertson Millpond. Each site features a carefully curated children book that aligns with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Whether you are learning about the cosmos, discovering the wonders of composting, or exploring the intricacies of nature, there is a story waiting for you at every turn. We invite you to gather your loved ones and visit these beautiful parks to participate in this unique educational opportunity. Please consult individual park hours before your visit and prepare for a memorable day of discovery and imagination in the great outdoors.