May StoryWalks of Wake County Parks

Experience a delightful fusion of literacy and outdoor exploration with the May StoryWalks of Wake County Parks. Throughout the entire month of May, families are invited to embark on a unique literary adventure by walking along scenic trails while reading pages of popular children books displayed at various park stations. This engaging project, developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, offers a refreshing way to encourage reading habits while enjoying the beauty of nature. Each participating park features a unique story, providing multiple opportunities for your family to return and explore new narratives throughout the season. Whether visiting Beech Bluff, Crowder, Harris Lake, Oak View, Yates Mill, or Sandy Pines, you will discover charming stories integrated perfectly into the landscape. We encourage parents and children alike to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse themselves in these whimsical tales during park hours from sunrise to sunset. This is a wonderful opportunity to foster a love for both reading and the great outdoors. Plan your visit to your favorite local park this May and start your own walking adventure today.

Join our enthusiastic team of children booksellers every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning for an engaging storytelling experience at Quail Ridge Books. Our Under the Tree Storytime series is designed to ignite imaginations as we explore captivating picture books that transport young readers to distant lands, historical eras, and futuristic worlds. We celebrate the joy of reading by sharing a diverse selection of new releases alongside cherished literary classics that are perfect for children of all ages to enjoy together. Each session lasts approximately thirty minutes and provides a wonderful opportunity for families to bond through the power of storytelling. We kindly request that parents remain with their children throughout the reading to ensure a supportive and interactive environment. To maximize our floor space and ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, please plan to park your strollers outside the storefront before entering. We invite you to make us a regular part of your weekend routine and discover the magic held within our shelves. Visit us this weekend to spark a lifelong love of literature with your little ones.

Experience the charm of local history at the Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh. As the home of the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County, this beautiful 174-acre wildlife refuge invites visitors to step back in time. During our Mill Open House, you can explore the inner workings of this historic landmark, interact with knowledgeable interpreters, and discover how water power has been used for centuries to grind grain. This educational and free experience offers a unique glimpse into the agricultural past of North Carolina. Beyond the mill, the park features expansive walking trails, serene gardens, and picturesque picnic areas, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and families alike. Whether you are interested in local history, environmental research, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon in a scenic outdoor setting, there is something here for everyone. We welcome you to join us for this drop-in program and encourage you to visit our website for more information on upcoming events and registration details. We look forward to seeing you at the mill soon.

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.