Raleigh Uke Jam

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.

What it is: A high-energy, open-air arts festival that fills downtown with 175+ artists, live music, interactive installations, and food—easy to wander, with something happening every hour. Festival hours on Saturday, May 16: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Festival hours on Saturday, May 17: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM What you’ll find: 🖼️ 175+ juried artists with original work (paintings, ceramics, jewelry, more) 🎶 Live music all weekend on two stages (local + national acts) 🎨 Interactive installations and large-scale art throughout downtown 🛍️ Art you can buy directly from artists 🌮 Food trucks, drinks, and local vendors 👧 Kidsplosure with hands-on creative activities (optional, not the focus) 🎶 Full Music Schedule Saturday, May 16 Festival hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Main Stage 12:00 – 12:40 PM: Cuqui Gorman Dance 1:00 – 1:45 PM: Club Cardio 2:15 – 3:00 PM: T. Gold 3:40 – 4:30 PM: Joseph Terrell 5:15 – 6:00 PM: Sunny War Side Stage 12:00 – 12:45 PM: Cloverr 1:30 – 2:15 PM: Clover-Lynn 3:00 – 3:45 PM: Featherpocket 4:30 – 5:15 PM: Housecat! Sunday, May 17 Main Stage 10:00 – 11:00 AM: Dari Satterwhite 11:05 – 11:45 AM: Doug Watson 12:00 – 12:45 PM: Luke & The Cool Hands 1:30 – 2:15 PM: Dreamroot 2:45 – 3:15 PM: Slow Funeral 3:45 – 4:30 PM: Frail Talk 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Tashi Dorji Side Stage 11:00 – 11:45 AM: M. Roomie 12:30 – 1:15 PM: Kenny Wavinson 2:00 – 2:45 PM: Leon Rosewater 3:30 – 4:15 PM: Pretty Crimes 5:00 – 5:40 PM: Bedroom Division

Get ready for an extraordinary celebration of creativity at Artsplosure, the premier Raleigh Arts Festival returning to downtown Fayetteville Street on May 16 and 17, 2026. This dynamic event transforms the heart of the city into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, featuring an impressive showcase from over 175 juried fine artists and skilled craftspeople. Whether you are an avid collector or simply looking to find a unique treasure, you will have the opportunity to browse and purchase high-quality works across ten distinct creative categories. Beyond the stunning visual art, the festival promises an energetic atmosphere filled with live music, engaging interactive installations, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Families will particularly enjoy the dedicated kids activities designed to inspire the next generation of creators. This is a spectacular way to experience the cultural spirit of the Triangle area during the beautiful spring season. We invite you to join us for this unforgettable weekend of community and inspiration. For the most current schedules and event updates, please visit the official website at artsplosure.org and plan your visit today.

Experience the vibrant creativity of the Chatham Artists Guild at their annual Spring Festival. This exciting community event takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Plant, located at 220 Lorax Lane in Pittsboro, North Carolina. It is a wonderful opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore and purchase original works from a diverse group of talented professional guild artists. The festival atmosphere promises to be truly delightful, featuring live music performances throughout the day that will keep the energy high while you browse the unique collections on display. In addition to the impressive art showcase, attendees can indulge in delicious local food and refreshing drinks provided by the various established businesses at The Plant. Whether you are searching for a new piece of art for your home or simply looking to enjoy a relaxing day outdoors with friends and family, this event offers something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to join us for a day of inspiration, culture, and community spirit. Mark your calendars today and come be a part of this fantastic spring celebration.