Free Laundry Day with Uplift Laundry Truck

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.

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.

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.

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.

Darkness RISING The Kickoff is a community mixer celebrating 90s culture before the main block party. This event serves as a space for attendees to connect, play, and engage in wellness while fostering community joy. The schedule includes a 90s themed costume contest, a gaming competition, and freestyle photo opportunities. Guests can shop with local vendors, visit food trucks, and enjoy a cash bar. We are partnering with Lets Get Social Raleigh to host adult playtime activities. Attendees may also utilize onsite wellness stations offering chair massages, facials, nail services, and energy healing sessions. This event is designed for community members who want to socialize, reset, and celebrate in a supportive environment. The atmosphere is energetic, welcoming, and focused on self care and connection. Whether you are coming to compete in the 90s fit contest or to enjoy a relaxing massage, this is a space for you to show up authentically. We invite you to grab your friends and join us for this unique cultural experience as we prepare for the official Darkness RISING Live event. Secure your spot today to participate in this pre block party gathering.

Paint and Sip with Cats is a creative evening class held at the local cat cafe where participants paint a customizable portrait of a feline companion. Led by local artist Taylor Varron, this guided event provides a relaxed environment for attendees to express their creativity while interacting with resident cats. The experience is designed to be accessible to everyone regardless of prior painting skill levels. Each ticket includes step-by-step professional instruction and all necessary art supplies, including a pre-drawn canvas. Beyond the painting workshop, guests enjoy dedicated playtime with the cats throughout the evening. This structured session ensures you have everything needed to complete your masterpiece while enjoying a unique social atmosphere. A portion of every ticket sale directly benefits Safe Haven for Cats, supporting local animal welfare efforts. This event is perfect for art enthusiasts, cat lovers, and anyone looking for a fun evening out. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and intended for those seeking a creative way to unwind. Space is limited, so please secure your tickets early to join us for this artistic and charitable gathering.

Join us every Wednesday evening at Boxyard RTP for an exciting and communal game night experience. Located within the innovative cargotecture development made from upcycled shipping containers, our venue offers a unique and industrial backdrop for community engagement. Whether you are a dedicated strategist or a casual player looking to unwind after work, our event provides the perfect environment to connect with others and enjoy a variety of tabletop activities. Our open and inviting central pavilion creates an energetic atmosphere where participants can relax and socialize. In addition to the gaming fun, attendees are encouraged to explore the diverse food and beverage vendors located on-site, offering delicious options to fuel your evening of play. This event is entirely free to the public, making it an accessible destination for friends, families, and neighbors alike. We invite you to gather your group and head to 900 Park Offices Drive in Durham for an evening of friendly competition. For additional information or to check for any schedule updates, please visit our official website at boxyard.org/calendar. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of gaming and community spirit.

Experience the vibrant energy of Boxyard RTP, a unique development constructed from upcycled shipping containers located in the heart of Durham. This innovative space features a central pavilion that serves as the perfect backdrop for live performances, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for guests. Whether you are looking to enjoy high-quality entertainment or simply explore the variety of on-site food and beverage vendors, there is always something exciting happening at this local hub. Our recurring music events bring together the best of the local arts scene in a relaxed and inviting setting. We invite you to join us for an evening of melody and community. Beyond our live performances, Boxyard RTP offers a dynamic range of retail and service providers that reflect the creativity of the Triangle area. We encourage you to visit our official website at boxyard.org/calendar/ to browse our full schedule of upcoming events and plan your visit accordingly. Bring your friends and family down to enjoy the music and discover why our cargotecture space is becoming a staple destination for local residents and visitors alike.

Celebrate National Burger Month with Shake Shack throughout the entire month of May 2026. This exciting promotion offers burger enthusiasts a fantastic opportunity to enjoy their favorite meal with an added bonus. Guests who spend a minimum of ten dollars on any order will receive a complimentary Shake Shack single burger. Each burger is expertly crafted using premium 100 percent Angus beef and prepared fresh to order with the highest quality ingredients available, ensuring a delicious dining experience every time. To participate in this limited time offer, simply place your order through the official Shack App, visit the website, or use an in-shack kiosk. Be sure to apply the promotional code FREEBURGER during checkout to redeem your reward. Whether you are looking to try a new combination or stick with your classic go-to, this event is the perfect reason to visit your local restaurant. Do not miss your chance to snag these weekly deals throughout May. Gather your friends and family to visit a nearby location today and take full advantage of this mouthwatering special offer before the month concludes.