Summer BreakOUT!

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.

Art Walk 2026 is a community showcase at Crabtree that celebrates local creativity and spring talent. The event transforms common areas into an expansive gallery where attendees can explore professional works and engage directly with the regional arts scene. Visitors can view displays from various local artists stationed across both the lower and upper levels of the center. The program features live painting demonstrations, providing a unique chance to observe the creative process firsthand. You will find opportunities to meet the makers, learn about their techniques, and support small businesses within the community. These interactive sessions make the artistic process accessible and engaging for all visitors. This event is designed for families, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with Raleigh culture in a relaxed environment. The atmosphere is open, social, and welcoming to participants of all ages. We invite you to join us for this spring celebration to experience local talent and discover new favorites. Plan your visit to explore the displays, meet the artists, and participate in a vibrant day dedicated to the arts.

This pottery painting workshop is a self-guided creative session where participants paint their own ceramic pieces. The event offers a relaxed environment to explore artistic expression while working with various ceramic items like animals and trinket dishes. Upon arrival, guests select a ceramic item and receive all necessary painting materials, including brushes and paints. A team remains available throughout the ninety minute session to provide artistic guidance and tips. As a special highlight, attendees are welcome to interact with the resident cats during the creative process. All materials needed for painting are included with the ticket purchase. This workshop is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it ideal for individuals, friends, and families. Whether you are seeking a solo creative outlet or a unique group activity, the studio provides a cozy atmosphere for everyone. You will leave with a personalized, hand painted ceramic piece to take home. We invite you to join us for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and feline company. Please book your spot in advance to ensure availability for this engaging hands on experience.

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.

Join the community at Ernest Myatt Presbyterian Church in Raleigh for the upcoming Grace Filled Free Market. This special event offers a unique opportunity for neighbors to come together and access essential items at absolutely no cost. Whether you are looking to browse through a variety of goods or simply wish to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of community support, this market welcomes everyone to participate in the spirit of generosity. The market will be held on May 16, 2026, starting early at 7 a.m. and concluding at 12 p.m. Our goal is to provide a helpful resource for all local residents while fostering strong community bonds. If you have items you would like to contribute prior to the market date, please reach out to the church staff to coordinate your donation. We encourage you to spread the word to friends and family who may benefit from this welcoming initiative. Mark your calendars for this morning of giving and community connection at 4926 Fayetteville Road. We look forward to seeing you there.

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 the creative heartbeat of the community at the Durham Craft Market, held every Saturday morning at the beautiful Durham Central Park. This vibrant outdoor gathering serves as a premier showcase for local talent, featuring a curated selection of handmade goods from artisans living within a thirty-mile radius of the city. Whether you are looking for unique home decor, jewelry, or one of a kind gifts, our collective of over fifty talented artists offers something special for every visitor. On April 11, 2026, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable celebration marking our twentieth anniversary. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere by participating in the Meet the Maker Scavenger Hunt for your chance to win exclusive prizes, including our commemorative tote bags, custom stickers, and gift certificates to spend with our featured artists. This milestone event highlights two decades of dedication to local craftsmanship and community connection. Come support your neighbors and discover the exceptional artistry that makes our region thrive. We look forward to seeing you at Foster Street for a morning of shopping, inspiration, and celebration.

Experience the magic of literature and the beauty of the outdoors this May with the Wake County Parks StoryWalk series. This engaging program invites families and nature enthusiasts to stroll through our local parks while enjoying featured children books displayed along accessible trails. It is a fantastic way to combine physical activity with the joy of reading, making it an ideal outing for learners of all ages. Whether you are exploring the trails at Beech Bluff, Crowder, Harris Lake, Oak View, Yates Mill, or Sandy Pines, you will find delightful stories paired perfectly with the vibrant scenery of springtime in North Carolina. Each park location offers a unique selection of titles that celebrate nature, friendship, and curiosity. This event is a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from screens and reconnect with your community in a peaceful, natural environment. We invite you to visit your local park during operating hours this month to participate in these immersive literary walks. Pack a water bottle, bring your family, and head out to experience these special installations before they conclude at the end of May. We look forward to seeing you on the trails.