Summer Kiln Opening at Mark Hewitt Pottery

Experience the ultimate cinematic block party as JawsFest returns to the Midway in downtown Chapel Hill on Sunday, May 24, 2026. This unique Memorial Day Weekend celebration transforms the local landscape into a vibrant hub of entertainment. Attendees can look forward to an eclectic mix of attractions, including a mechanical shark, a challenging dunk tank, engaging art installations, and a thrilling raffle. The highlight of the event is an immersive screening of the classic film Jaws, brought to life on the big screen. The festivities span across multiple local businesses, including The Baxter, Lapin Bleu, and Local 506, as well as the bustling Midway Alley. Whether you are seeking live music, local art, or the simple joy of community gathering, this event offers something for everyone. Because schedules and individual business activities are evolving, we encourage you to explore the area firsthand to discover the full range of programming available throughout the day. Join your neighbors for this unforgettable celebration of film and community spirit. Plan your visit to 106 North Graham Street and prepare for a weekend to remember.

Animazement is the premier Japanese animation and culture convention held annually in Raleigh. This event serves as a central hub for fans to celebrate anime, manga, and traditional Japanese culture through diverse programming and community engagement. Attendees can experience a wide variety of activities including live concerts, educational workshops, and panel discussions featuring industry experts. The convention floor hosts an extensive marketplace offering limited edition merchandise and unique artwork from independent creators. Guests also have access to interactive gaming areas, cosplay events, and cultural demonstrations designed to provide a comprehensive look at both modern and traditional Japanese arts. This event is perfect for casual viewers, dedicated fans, and cultural enthusiasts who appreciate high quality entertainment and immersive environments. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, encouraging attendees to connect with like minded individuals in a vibrant setting. Whether you are looking to learn something new, discover rare collectibles, or simply enjoy a weekend of festivities, Animazement offers a structured and engaging experience. We invite you to join us in Raleigh for this celebration of creativity and community. Secure your tickets now to participate in this unique gathering.

Join the Orange County community for a solemn and respectful tribute to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The annual Orange County Veterans Memorial Day Service will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Site in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This meaningful ceremony features a distinguished lineup of local leaders, military representatives, and guests, including an address by Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program includes the posting of colors, the laying of a memorial wreath, and special recognitions for Gold Star Families and Purple Heart recipients. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and community unity as we recognize those who served in the armed forces. Refreshments will be provided for all attendees following the ceremony. We invite residents and visitors alike to gather at 2501 Homestead Road to pay their respects and observe this significant holiday. Please visit our website for more information on how you can participate in this important community event.

Join the Apex community for a meaningful and moving tribute during the annual Apex Memorial Day Ceremony. Held at the historic Apex Fire Station 1, this event offers a time to honor and remember the brave United States military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. This gathering is a vital part of the local calendar, bringing together public safety officials, Town Council members, and residents for a collective moment of reflection and deep respect. Visitors are also encouraged to experience the town Service Memorial, a stunning landmark featuring a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center. Surrounded by engraved commemorative bricks and a tranquil seating area, the site provides a perfect environment for quiet contemplation. This ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and gratitude that define our community spirit. We invite everyone to join us this May to pay their respects and reflect on the legacy of our fallen heroes. Please visit our website for additional details on how to participate in this commemorative event and other local observances.

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.

Animazement is the premier Japanese animation and culture convention held annually in Raleigh. This event serves as a central hub for fans to celebrate anime, manga, and traditional Japanese culture through diverse programming and community engagement. Attendees can experience a wide variety of activities including live concerts, educational workshops, and panel discussions featuring industry experts. The convention floor hosts an extensive marketplace offering limited edition merchandise and unique artwork from independent creators. Guests also have access to interactive gaming areas, cosplay events, and cultural demonstrations designed to provide a comprehensive look at both modern and traditional Japanese arts. This event is perfect for casual viewers, dedicated fans, and cultural enthusiasts who appreciate high quality entertainment and immersive environments. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, encouraging attendees to connect with like minded individuals in a vibrant setting. Whether you are looking to learn something new, discover rare collectibles, or simply enjoy a weekend of festivities, Animazement offers a structured and engaging experience. We invite you to join us in Raleigh for this celebration of creativity and community. Secure your tickets now to participate in this unique gathering.

This hands-on workshop guides participants through the process of creating a custom steel hammer from start to finish. You will learn fundamental metalworking techniques while crafting a functional tool that you can take home and use immediately. Students will work with one-inch square 4140 steel to punch and shape the hammer eye before forging the functional ends. The curriculum includes essential heat treatment methods to ensure the durability of your tool. You will finish the session by attaching a wooden handle to your forged head. This workshop offers a practical look at smithing techniques and the rewards of manual tool production. This course is designed for individuals who have already completed the Forging Intro class. While Forging II is recommended for added experience, it is not required for participation. The atmosphere is professional, focused, and tailored for those eager to expand their metalworking skills in a guided environment. If you enjoy creating durable equipment with your own hands, register today to secure your spot at the anvil and complete this essential project.

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.

Join our enthusiastic team of children booksellers at Quail Ridge Books for an enchanting Under the Tree Storytime experience. Held every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning, these sessions are designed to spark imagination and foster a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. Our staff carefully selects a diverse collection of both beloved classics and exciting new picture books to share with your family. During each thirty-minute session, we invite you to embark on literary adventures that transport listeners to faraway lands, historical eras, or whimsical futures. This recurring program provides a wonderful opportunity for families to connect through the magic of storytelling in a welcoming environment. We encourage you to participate alongside your little ones as they discover the joy of narrative exploration. Please note that parents or guardians are required to stay with their children throughout the duration of the reading. To ensure we maximize our floor space for all attendees, we kindly ask that you park strollers outside the store entrance. We look forward to seeing you this weekend to share a favorite story together.

Experience a transformative gathering at the Festival of Abundance, a unique community celebration hosted at the Carrboro Town Commons and the Carrboro Arts Center on May 23 and 24, 2026. This inspiring event is built on the principles of collaboration, care, and cooperation, inviting attendees to step away from competition and toward a collective vision of a more just and hopeful world. The atmosphere is designed to be inclusive and empowering for people of all ages. Throughout the weekend, guests can participate in an array of engaging offerings, including free food, interactive skill-sharing workshops, repair stations, and collaborative games. You will also have the opportunity to browse free supplies and literature while enjoying public art and live music. This is a wonderful chance to connect with passionate individuals and local community groups dedicated to turning optimistic possibilities into a tangible reality. We encourage you to join us for this completely free convergence of community spirit. Come ready to shape the space and imagine a brighter future together. Visit our website for more details or simply head to Carrboro to join the movement.