Events Calendar for the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area
- 4th of July Fireworks & Celebrations
- African-American Heritage
- America’s 250th
- Annual Events
- Arts
- Beer & Brewery
- Black History Month Events
- Bluegrass Music
- Classes & Workshops
- Colleges & Universities
- Comedy Shows
- Live Music & Concerts
- Dance Performances
- Dining & Drinks
- Education Outreach
- Esports & Gaming
- Community Fairs
- Family Events
- Local Farmers Markets
- Farm Experiences
- Festivals
- Film & Cinema
- Free Events
- Free Food Events
- Fundraisers & Benefits
- Historic Events
- Holiday Events
- Kids Night Out Events
- LGBTQ+ Events
- Mother’s Day Events
- Multicultural Events
- Museum Programs & Exhibits
- Nature & Outdoor Events
- Nightlife
- Open House Events
- People-First Tourism
- Raleigh Locals Guide
- Running & Races & Marathons Events
- Shopping Events
- Sports & Athletics
- Spring Festivals
- Team Building
- Theater & Performing Arts
- Tours
- Wellness Events
Upcoming Featured Events
The best upcoming events you won't want to miss
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Queen Bee Bash
706 Gilbert Street, Durham, NC 27701
Join SEEDS for a free, family-friendly celebration of spring and all the amazing moms, mother figures, and caregivers in our lives!
Enjoy a day in the garden with: arts and crafts, music, acraft market, food and drink, a raffle, live bee hive demonstrations from Buddha Bee Apiary, and more!
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Artsplosure: The Raleigh Arts Festival
Downtown Raleigh, Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC
Get ready to experience the vibrant spirit of creativity at Artsplosure, the premier Raleigh Arts Festival returning to downtown on May 16 and 17, 2026. This dynamic event transforms Fayetteville Street into a bustling hub of imagination, featuring the exceptional work of over 175 juried fine artists and skilled craftspeople. Attendees can explore a diverse array of media across ten unique categories, with every masterpiece available for purchase to take home a piece of local culture.
Beyond the incredible art displays, Artsplosure offers an engaging atmosphere filled with live music, interactive installations, and tailored kids activities designed to inspire visitors of all ages. Whether you are a dedicated art collector or simply looking for an entertaining weekend outing, this festival celebrates the heart of our community through a festive blend of entertainment and artistry. We invite you to join us for this highly anticipated seasonal event to support talented creators and enjoy the beautiful downtown surroundings. Please visit the official artsplosure.org website for the most up to date schedule and additional information regarding this exciting celebration.
Historic Events
Historic tours, reenactments, and heritage celebrations.
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Spring Fling Beer and Cider Tour
at Lynnwood Brewing Concern, Midtown Raleigh
The Spring Fling Beer and Cider Tour is a guided tasting experience that explores Raleigh's craft beverage scene. Participants visit two local venues to sample high-quality beer and cider while learning about the city's unique history. This tour allows guests to purchase their own drinks at each stop, offering full control over their tasting preferences and spending.
The tour features stops at Lynnwood Brewing Concern and East Bower Cider Co. Natalie Hampton, a guide with over ten years of expertise in North Carolina beverages, leads the group. Guests enjoy a short walk between these venues, which are located just one block apart. The itinerary includes local insights, behind-the-scenes knowledge, and trivia sessions to enhance the overall experience.
This event is ideal for beer and cider enthusiasts who enjoy exploring local culture in a relaxed, social setting. Attendees should appreciate a casual atmosphere and outdoor patio spaces. The tour provides a great opportunity to connect with local makers and gain a deeper understanding of regional craft production. Book your spot today to enjoy an afternoon of discovery and expertly curated local flavors.
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Top Greene’s “Adornment of Grace” Hat Show Contest
at John P. "Top" Greene African American Cultural Center, Downtown Raleigh
The Adornment of Grace Hat Show at Top Greene is a celebration of Black culture and the long-standing tradition of hat-wearing. This event honors history and artistry through style, creativity, and self-expression. Participants are invited to wear their favorite hats to join a friendly competition for a chance to win a free three-hour rental at the venue. This gathering explores the intersection of heritage and fashion in an engaging environment. Attendees will experience a curation of vintage hats from the Mary Corbett Hat Collection. The program features guest speaker Dr. Donna Corbett and showcases unique sculptures by artist Erica Kendrick. Guests can expect a blend of fashion, fine art, and cultural storytelling throughout the event. This show is designed for anyone who appreciates bold design, generational style, and artistic expression. It serves as a space for community connection and creative appreciation. Please come prepared to showcase your best headwear and engage with fellow guests in a lively atmosphere. We look forward to seeing your personal style on display at this celebration of elegance and tradition.
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Boris Lurie: Echoes of Memory
at North Carolina Museum of Art; East Building, SECU Auditorium, West Raleigh
Boris Lurie: Echoes of Memory is a multidisciplinary program honoring the legacy of Holocaust survivor and NO! art movement founder Boris Lurie. This event explores how trauma and identity shape creative expression through a thoughtful blend of visual art, live music, and historical analysis. It serves as a space for reflection on artistic responses to the Holocaust and the enduring impact of Lurie’s work.
The performance features violinist Ilana Zaks-Nederlander, who will present a curated selection of works by Jewish composers impacted by the Holocaust. Beyond the musical program, the event includes opening remarks and a post-event discussion. These segments provide critical historical context, connecting Lurie’s art to broader cultural narratives and the themes presented in the Off the Wall series.
This program is ideal for students, history enthusiasts, and art lovers interested in the intersection of personal experience and creative activism. Attendees can expect a professional, moving, and thought-provoking environment designed to facilitate deep engagement with complex subject matter. We invite you to join this unique tribute to understand how art preserves memory and challenges historical silence.
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The Horizon: A Community Experience of Joy, Healing, and Collective Wellness
at Dorothea Dix Park, Downtown Raleigh
The Horizon is a community event hosted by Visible People, Inc. that focuses on collective wellness, personal growth, and meaningful connection. It serves as an inviting space for individuals of all ages to engage in healing practices and foster community spirit within a supportive local environment.
Attendees can participate in a variety of scheduled activities throughout the afternoon. Highlights include yoga and mindfulness sessions, family friendly engagement stations, and creative workshops. The program also features a dedicated community recognition segment to celebrate the contributors and partners who support local growth. Guests can enjoy music and shared reflection time as the event concludes in the early evening.
This event is designed for community members, professionals, and families seeking to strengthen local bonds. Whether you want to participate in wellness practices or simply connect with neighbors, this gathering offers a valuable experience. To ensure easy access, a free park and ride shuttle service will operate throughout Dorothea Dix Park. Please check the signage for specific shuttle locations at Lot A, Lot C, Lot E, and the House of Many Porches Market.
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Orange County Veterans Memorial Day Service
at Orange County Veterans Memorial,
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.
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Memorial Day Remembrance with Durham County Veteran Services
at Administration II Building, Durham,
Join Durham County Veteran Services for a poignant and meaningful Memorial Day Remembrance on Monday, May 25, 2026. This special commemorative event takes place at 9 a.m. inside the William V. Bell Building, located at 201 E Main Street in Durham, North Carolina. We invite the entire community to gather in Conference Room 126 to honor the courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
The program features a solemn roll call recognizing the more than 350 known Durham County veterans who died in service. Attendees will witness the traditional POW/MIA Table Ceremony, which serves as a powerful tribute to military personnel who were taken as prisoners of war or remain missing in action. The ceremony will conclude with a wreath-laying at the war memorials, followed by the evocative notes of Taps.
This event is free and open to the public, with seating provided and light refreshments served afterward. Please join us in reflecting on the significance of this holiday as we pay our respects. We look forward to seeing you there to honor those who served.
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Apex Memorial Day Ceremony
at Apex Fire Station #1,
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.
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Memorial Day Cemetery Tour
at Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh,
Join us for a profound and respectful tribute this Memorial Day at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh. We invite the community to gather on Monday, May 25, 2026, to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen service men and women who have dedicated their lives to our nation. The main service will take place at the Field of Honor from 4 to 5 p.m. with seating provided for all attendees.
In addition to the formal ceremony, we are proud to offer guided walking tours earlier in the day at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. These tours provide a unique opportunity to walk through history and learn the personal stories of the service members resting in this hallowed space. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the Triangle area, this experience offers a meaningful way to reflect and pay your respects.
All events are free and open to the public with no RSVP required. Simply meet at the cemetery office to join the tours or follow the posted signage to the Field of Honor. We look forward to welcoming you for this significant day of remembrance.
Knightdale Memorial Day Ceremony
at Knightdale Station Park, Knightdale
The Knightdale Memorial Day Ceremony is a public tribute dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. This event serves as a time for the community to gather, reflect, and show respect for those who gave everything for our shared freedom and future.
Attendees can expect a structured program featuring a formal keynote presentation that addresses the significance of this day. A primary highlight of this ceremony is the official unveiling of newly engraved names on the Veterans Memorial. This addition ensures that the local heroes who served with honor receive the permanent recognition they deserve within our community space.
This event is open to all residents, veterans, and their families who wish to pay their respects in a quiet, dignified setting. The atmosphere will be solemn yet uplifting as we come together to acknowledge the weight of our collective history. Please join us for this important community observance as we remember our fallen service members with gratitude and sincerity. Your presence helps sustain this vital tradition of remembrance for future generations.
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Memorial Day Cemetery Tour and Service
at Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh,
Join the community at Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh for a meaningful and moving tribute this Memorial Day on May 25, 2026. This special occasion offers a unique opportunity to honor and remember the brave service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Guests are invited to attend a dedicated service held at the Field of Honor from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., where seating will be provided for your comfort.
In addition to the main service, the cemetery is hosting guided tours at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. These sessions provide an insightful look into the lives and legacies of the service members resting within these historic grounds. You will gain a deeper appreciation for their stories and contributions through these respectful presentations.
This event is entirely free and open to the public with no RSVP required. Simply gather at the cemetery office to participate. We invite you to join us for this day of reflection and historical appreciation in the heart of the Triangle area.
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Memorial Day Service at Historic Oakwood Cemetery
at Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh,
Join the community for a meaningful Memorial Day service at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina. This dedicated gathering invites you to honor and remember the brave service men and women who sacrificed everything for our nation. The ceremony will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Field of Honor. We encourage all attendees to follow the posted signs and utilize the available roadside parking. Chairs will be provided to ensure your comfort during this respectful tribute.
In addition to the main service, the cemetery will host guided tours at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to explore the grounds and learn the compelling stories of service members laid to rest within this historic site. No advance registration or RSVP is required for any of these activities; simply meet at the cemetery office to participate. This event is free and open to the public, making it the perfect way to spend your holiday weekend. We look forward to seeing you there as we pay our respects together.
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Annual Wake County Historical Society Meeting
at Mordecai Historic Park Classroom in the Visitors Center, Downtown Raleigh
The Wake County Historical Society invites you to its annual meeting featuring a presentation by authors Mary Ruffin Hanbury and Ian Dunn. Following a brief business session, the speakers will discuss their book, Lost Raleigh: Exploring the Oak City's Architecture. This event explores the history of significant Raleigh landmarks that have been demolished over the centuries.
Hanbury and Dunn provide a comprehensive look at the city's architectural past by sharing photographs and stories of lost homes, public buildings, and businesses. Attendees will gain insight into how these structures shaped Raleigh identity from the late eighteenth century through the twentieth century. The discussion also highlights the importance of historic preservation in maintaining community character today.
This event is ideal for local historians, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolving story of Raleigh. The atmosphere is educational, welcoming, and perfect for those looking to connect with others who share a passion for local heritage. Join us to learn more about the city we call home and the efforts required to preserve its unique history.
Visual Acoustics: A Documentary Screening
at The Rialto Theatre, Midtown Raleigh
Visual Acoustics is a documentary film screening that explores the life and career of Julius Shulman, the photographer who defined the visual language of modern architecture. This event examines how one individual shaped public perception of mid-century design and influenced the careers of legendary architects like Richard Neutra and Frank Gehry.
Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, the film uses archival footage, interviews, and iconic imagery to showcase how photography transformed glass-walled homes into enduring cultural symbols. Attendees will gain an inside look at the intersection of art history, biography, and the creative process behind Shulman’s lens. The documentary provides a comprehensive look at how a photographer helped establish the California dream and modernized the way we perceive domestic spaces today.
This screening is intended for architects, design enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone interested in the history of modernism. The experience offers a thought-provoking look at the power of visual storytelling and architectural influence. Join us to discover how Shulman’s work continues to impact contemporary design and our relationship with the built environment. We invite you to attend this engaging look at a pivotal figure in visual history.
Audio Description Tour of Knowing the West
at North Carolina Museum of Art, West Raleigh
This audio described tour provides a guided experience of the Knowing the West exhibition. It is designed to make the diverse collection of over 120 works accessible to visitors who are blind or have low vision.
Participants will explore a wide range of artistic media including Native American and non Native American textiles, baskets, paintings, pottery, sculpture, beadwork, and saddles. The tour offers detailed verbal descriptions of these items to provide a clear understanding of the craftsmanship and cultural perspectives on display. Each object is presented to help visitors engage with the complex history and artistry of the American West.
This program is specifically tailored for those who benefit from audio description, ensuring an inclusive and reflective environment for all attendees. The session fosters a deep connection to the artwork through descriptive language and expert insight. Please note that capacity is limited to ensure a quality experience for every guest. If you have any specific requirements or advance questions, please contact the program coordinator before your arrival. Join us for this unique opportunity to experience these significant artistic contributions in an accessible setting.
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Juneteenth Celebration 2026
at Parrish Womble Park, Holly Springs
The Town of Holly Springs and the Holly Springs MLK Committee invite the public to our annual Juneteenth Celebration 2026. This community gathering commemorates the historical significance of Juneteenth while fostering unity and education through local celebration and cultural appreciation. We invite all residents to join us in observing this important milestone of freedom and progress together in an engaging environment.
Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of activities suitable for all ages. The event features a curated selection of local artisan and food vendors showcasing unique goods and flavors. Families will appreciate our dedicated free kids zone, which includes inflatable attractions and various yard games for children to enjoy. Throughout the day, the stage will host live music and community performances designed to inspire and entertain participants.
This event is designed for community members of all backgrounds who wish to celebrate shared history in a positive, inclusive atmosphere. Whether you are coming to browse local crafts, enjoy live entertainment, or simply connect with your neighbors, this celebration offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join us for this meaningful community occasion.