Holly Springs Masonic Lodge 250th Cookout Celebration

This event serves as the public opening for our newest exhibition titled Patterns of Belonging: English Learners Reflections on America 250. We invite the community to explore how English learners interpret their experiences and identity within the context of the national semiquincentennial celebration. The evening offers a firsthand look at collaborative works that capture unique perspectives on the American experience. Attendees will engage with a collaborative community mural that highlights shared expressions of pride and identity. Visitors can read through personal reflection journals to gain insight into the diverse voices of our local English learners. You may also participate in our interactive Wish Wall by contributing your own hopes for the future of the United States. The opening night includes refreshments and crafts to enhance your visit. This exhibition is open to all community members interested in learning about immigrant experiences and contemporary narratives. The atmosphere is intended to be welcoming and thought provoking for all age groups. Join us this First Friday to support these artists and add your voice to this ongoing national conversation.

The Patterns of Belonging exhibit celebration is a community event honoring the perspectives of English learners as they reflect on the 250th anniversary of the United States. This gathering serves as an educational and cultural showcase highlighting the diverse voices and identities that shape our nation today. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the exhibition and appreciate the collaborative efforts of local participants. Highlights of the afternoon include a live musical performance by the Raleigh Music Collective along with various crafts and refreshments for all guests. Visitors can explore personal reflection journals, contribute to a community mural, and share their own hopes for the future of the country at our interactive Wish Wall. This event is family friendly and designed to be an accessible experience for community members of all ages. The atmosphere is welcoming and encourages open dialogue through shared creative expression. We invite you to join us for this meaningful afternoon of connection and celebration. Please plan to visit the exhibit and help us celebrate the stories that define our collective identity.

Patriotic Pops is an outdoor concert series event at Summerfest honoring the spirit and resilience of America 250. This musical celebration commemorates the history and heritage of the nation through a live symphonic performance. The event features the North Carolina Symphony led by conductor Sophie Mok with guest vocalist Taylor Troyer. Attendees will experience an evening of orchestral music performed under the stars. The program highlights themes of heroism and hope designed to inspire the audience during this milestone anniversary celebration. This event is open to the public and serves as an ideal outing for music lovers and families. Children aged twelve and under receive free admission to the lawn area. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic dinners and flameless candles to enhance the evening atmosphere. Secure your space on the lawn to enjoy this community performance. Whether you are a classical music enthusiast or looking for a memorable night out, this concert offers a unique way to participate in the America 250 festivities. Pack your picnic blankets and prepare for an evening of entertainment.

The Unhinged Coffee and Co Ribbon Cutting Block Party is an official grand opening celebration held in Knightdale. This event marks the launch of a new community space designed to provide coffee and connection for all residents. The celebration will feature local food trucks and a vendor block party highlighting small businesses and local makers. Guests can enjoy breakfast from the Good Mornings NC food truck starting at seven in the morning. A lunch menu from Dom Tacos will be available from noon until three-thirty in the afternoon. The official ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jessica Day takes place at eleven in the morning. The vendor market will remain open from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon. This event is intended for the entire Knightdale community. The space aims to offer an inclusive environment where anyone can feel welcome regardless of their day. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, family, or colleagues to help mark this milestone. We look forward to seeing the community gather to support this new local business as it opens its doors to the public.

Experience the vibrant energy of live music at Boxyard RTP, a unique destination located at 900 Park Offices Drive in Durham. This innovative space is constructed from upcycled shipping containers, creating an industrial yet inviting atmosphere that perfectly highlights the central pavilion where performances take place. Whether you are looking to unwind after a long week or discover talented local artists, our Friday night music sessions provide the ideal soundtrack for your evening. Beyond the stage, you can explore a variety of local food and beverage vendors or browse through unique offerings from our on-site retailers. The distinct cargotecture design makes every visit memorable, offering a dynamic community hub for friends and family to gather. We invite you to join us for an evening of melody, community, and great tastes in one of the most creative spaces in the Triangle area. To ensure you do not miss out on your favorite artists, we encourage you to visit our website at boxyard.org/calendar for the most up to date schedule. We look forward to seeing you at Boxyard RTP for an unforgettable night of entertainment.

Celebrate National Burger Month at Shake Shack throughout May 2026. The popular restaurant chain is extending its celebration by offering a complimentary single burger with any minimum purchase of ten dollars. This special offer is available every week, giving customers multiple opportunities to enjoy their signature menu items crafted from high quality one hundred percent Angus beef. Every burger is made to order to ensure the freshest experience for every guest. To participate in this delicious promotion, simply place your order through the official Shack App, the website, or at an in-shack kiosk. Make sure to use the promo code FREEBURGER during checkout to redeem your reward. Whether you are looking to try a new combination or stick to a classic favorite, this event is the perfect reason to stop by your local Shack. We encourage you to plan your visit soon to take advantage of these weekly deals. Check the website to find your nearest location and start enjoying these premium burgers today. Do not miss out on this limited time offer during the month of May.

The Unhinged Coffee and Co Ribbon Cutting Block Party is an official grand opening celebration held in Knightdale. This event marks the launch of a new community space designed to provide coffee and connection for all residents. The celebration will feature local food trucks and a vendor block party highlighting small businesses and local makers. Guests can enjoy breakfast from the Good Mornings NC food truck starting at seven in the morning. A lunch menu from Dom Tacos will be available from noon until three-thirty in the afternoon. The official ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jessica Day takes place at eleven in the morning. The vendor market will remain open from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon. This event is intended for the entire Knightdale community. The space aims to offer an inclusive environment where anyone can feel welcome regardless of their day. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, family, or colleagues to help mark this milestone. We look forward to seeing the community gather to support this new local business as it opens its doors to the public.

Birdwatching for Beginners is an introductory outdoor program designed to help you learn the fundamentals of identifying local bird species. Participants will gain practical skills in bird recognition while engaging with nature in a guided group setting. During this session, we will embark on a one-mile walk across diverse trails to observe birds in their natural habitats. You will learn how to identify common species and discover how to contribute your observations to meaningful collaborative science projects. This experience provides a hands-on approach to building your birding knowledge and understanding the impact of citizen science. This program is perfect for anyone interested in nature observation regardless of previous experience. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and focused on learning at a comfortable pace. Please dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy closed-toed shoes, and bring water for the hike. Before arrival, we recommend downloading the free eBird and Merlin Bird ID apps to your mobile device to enhance your experience. We will gather in front of the building next to the parking lot before we begin our guided walk.

Living Collections Members Night is an exclusive after-hours event designed to give our members direct access to the experts who care for our animals. This evening allows you to explore the museum at your own pace while engaging with the professionals who manage our living exhibits. Throughout the night, you will have the chance to meet our animals up close and learn about their daily care. Our Living Collections team will share behind-the-scenes stories and provide technical insights into our conservation efforts. You can expect interactive demonstrations, expert presentations, and rare opportunities to see our habitat maintenance processes in action. This event is tailored specifically for our museum members as a gesture of appreciation for your continued support. The atmosphere is educational and conversational, making it an ideal setting to ask questions and deepen your understanding of the natural world. We encourage all members to join us for this unique evening to experience the museum from a new perspective. Please confirm your attendance through the member portal to ensure your spot for this special occasion.

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 Unhinged Coffee and Co Ribbon Cutting Block Party is an official grand opening celebration held in Knightdale. This event marks the launch of a new community space designed to provide coffee and connection for all residents. The celebration will feature local food trucks and a vendor block party highlighting small businesses and local makers. Guests can enjoy breakfast from the Good Mornings NC food truck starting at seven in the morning. A lunch menu from Dom Tacos will be available from noon until three-thirty in the afternoon. The official ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jessica Day takes place at eleven in the morning. The vendor market will remain open from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon. This event is intended for the entire Knightdale community. The space aims to offer an inclusive environment where anyone can feel welcome regardless of their day. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, family, or colleagues to help mark this milestone. We look forward to seeing the community gather to support this new local business as it opens its doors to the public.

The Bailey Drive Gateway Groundbreaking celebrates the official start of construction for a new community space designed to improve local connectivity and outdoor recreation. This project will transform the area into a welcoming hub for residents and families to gather and enjoy nature. Attendees will explore the planned layout for the new community space, which includes a covered pavilion and a dedicated grill area. The design also features comfortable seating and a scenic wetlands overlook. A major highlight is the new sidewalk connection that will link Walnut Creek Wetland Park with Fuller Elementary School along Bailey and Boaz Drive. Project leaders will be on site to share details about the timeline and how these improvements will benefit the neighborhood infrastructure and public access. This event is intended for local residents, school families, and anyone interested in city park development. The atmosphere will be informative and community focused, offering a great chance to see future neighborhood enhancements firsthand. We encourage everyone to join us to learn how these new spaces will support an active and connected community environment.