Gary Pullen - Merry Music of May

Experience the grand finale of the Sweetwater Town Center Spring Concert Series on Friday, May 15, 2026. This highly anticipated event features an evening of incredible live music performed on the picturesque Market Square Lawn in Apex, North Carolina. The concert kicks off at 5 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m., showcasing the talented Jamey Meeter followed by headliner Julia Golden. Julia Golden, a celebrated artist known for her appearance on The Voice and her status as a three time Best of the Pines champion, promises an unforgettable performance for music enthusiasts of all ages. We invite the local community to gather for this vibrant celebration of local talent and outdoor entertainment. Please bring your lawn chairs and blankets to ensure a comfortable viewing experience as you enjoy the spring weather. While outside coolers are not permitted at this venue, attendees can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the town center. Do not miss your chance to be part of this wonderful musical experience. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and join us for an evening of melody under the stars.

Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience at the Carolina Indie Fest, taking place on May 15 and 16, 2026, at Hugger Mugger Brewing in downtown Sanford, North Carolina. This exciting two-day outdoor festival showcases ten diverse performances that highlight the best of the local indie scene. Whether you are a dedicated music lover or just looking for a lively weekend activity, this event offers the perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy high-quality live entertainment under the open sky. Beyond the incredible lineup of artists, attendees can explore a variety of local arts and crafts vendors or grab a delicious bite from onsite food trucks. This family-friendly gathering welcomes children and pets, making it an ideal destination for a community outing. Please remember to bring your lawn chairs for maximum comfort while you enjoy the performances. The festival runs from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Head over to the official Carolina Indie Fest Facebook page for the latest updates and mark your calendars for this exceptional free event.

Experience an unforgettable evening of rhythm and community at the Sunrise Community Farm Center in Chapel Hill. On Friday, May 15, 2026, we invite you to join us for an energetic Barn Dance featuring the soulful sounds of The Fuzzy Catfish Blues Band. This event celebrates the vibrant spirit of our local farm, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy live music and dancing under the stars in a welcoming, inclusive environment suitable for all ages and backgrounds. We believe that culture and connection should be accessible to everyone in our community. In this spirit, we are adopting a pay what you can ticket model for this event. Your contributions directly support our talented local musicians while ensuring that high-quality entertainment remains available to all neighbors regardless of budget. This is a fantastic way to spend a Friday night while giving back to the arts scene. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the festivities continue until 9 p.m. We encourage you to bring your dancing shoes and join us at 6407 Millhouse Road for this heartwarming celebration. Please visit our website for further details and to plan your visit to our community farm center.

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 magic of literature and the beauty of the outdoors this May with the Wake County Parks StoryWalks initiative. This unique program combines physical activity with early literacy, allowing families to enjoy a children book page by page as they navigate scenic nature trails. It is an excellent way to encourage a love for reading while exploring the diverse landscapes of our local park system. Throughout the month, various parks will feature rotating story selections, offering fresh adventures for recurring visitors. Whether you are strolling through the walkways of Oak View or wandering the natural paths of Harris Lake, these curated experiences provide a refreshing escape for readers of all ages. We invite you and your family to visit these sites throughout May to engage with these wonderful tales in an immersive environment. Please check the official park schedules to plan your visit and ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the trails until sunset. Grab your walking shoes and prepare for a delightful journey where every step leads to a new page of discovery. We look forward to seeing you out on the trail soon.

Experience the botanical wonder of Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery during their exclusive seasonal open house events. Spanning twenty eight acres in Raleigh, North Carolina, this world renowned destination showcases over thirty thousand unique plant varieties, including rare perennials, exotic specimens, and unusual trees collected from global expeditions. Whether you are a dedicated horticulturalist or a passionate home gardener, you will find endless inspiration wandering through these meticulously maintained display gardens and research spaces. These open weekend events provide a rare opportunity for the public to explore the grounds without prior reservations. Discover new favorites for your own landscape while shopping for unique additions in the onsite sales greenhouses. The nursery is committed to educational excellence and botanical diversity, making this an essential destination for nature enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Join us for a weekend of discovery and community in a truly remarkable setting. Admission and parking are entirely free, and the event proceeds rain or shine. Visit our website today to plan your trip and browse our extensive online catalogue for your next planting project.

Adult Night: Social in the Shire is an exclusive after-hours event at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This 21 plus experience transforms the museum into a Middle Earth themed setting for guests to enjoy science in a social, adult-oriented environment. Attendees can explore the museum exhibits at night while participating in interactive science stations, themed games, and trivia challenges. The evening features live music and local entertainment. Food and beverages, including beer, wine, and themed cocktails, will be available for purchase throughout the event. This event is designed for adults looking to enjoy a unique night out. Costumes are encouraged but must adhere to the museum safety guidelines, which prohibit items resembling weapons and require masks to be removed during the check-in process. We reserve the right to refuse entry for costumes deemed offensive or unsafe. Gather your friends and join us for this celebration of science and fantasy. Tickets are available now for an evening of exploration and entertainment.

Club 90s is a high-energy dance party dedicated to the iconic music and aesthetic of the mid-2000s. This event recreates the pulse of late night dance floors by focusing on the specific sounds and fashion trends that defined that era. It serves as a space for fans of this musical period to gather and celebrate through a curated DJ-led experience. The night features a nonstop mix of anthems from artists like LMFAO, Skrillex, A$AP Rocky, Swedish House Mafia, Passion Pit, Rihanna, and MGMT. Attendees can expect a fast-paced environment filled with bloghouse tracks and popular radio hits from the mid-2000s. The atmosphere is designed to mirror the reckless and fun spirit of the time, complete with nods to classic party accessories like neon bracelets and shutter shades. This event is perfect for fans of 2000s club culture who want to dance to their favorite nostalgic tracks in an immersive group setting. Whether you are looking to relive the era or experience the energy for the first time, this party offers a vibrant nightlife experience. Join us for a night that captures the spirit of the mid-2000s.

Overcome Fest IV is a multi-day hardcore music festival showcasing raw energy and talent from across the country. Day one brings together a diverse lineup of established bands and rising artists to celebrate the intensity of the scene. This event serves as a central gathering point for fans of high-energy live music and community-driven performances. The lineup features a powerful roster of acts including Bitter End from Texas and Eyez Wide Shut from North Carolina. Other performers include One By One, Distrust, Quick to Judge from Boston, Lucky Feeling, and Kill Card. Attendees can expect a series of intense, back-to-back live sets that showcase various styles of hardcore ranging from street rock to traditional underground sounds. Each act brings a distinct approach to the stage, ensuring a dynamic experience throughout the entire night. This festival is tailored for fans who value authentic live hardcore music and local scene participation. The atmosphere is focused and high-octane. If you enjoy raw musical delivery and community-oriented shows, secure your spot early to experience this gathering of talent. Join us for a full day of heavy sound and live performance.