Events Calendar for the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area

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!
FREE Spring Festivals Mother’s Day Events
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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.
FREE Spring Festivals Music
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Holiday Events

General holiday season events and celebrations.

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Triangle Youth Music Spring String Orchestra Concerts

at Cary Arts Center, Cary
The Triangle Youth String Orchestra and Triangle Youth String Sinfonia invite you to attend their annual spring concert series. This event marks the final performance for these student ensembles following a full year of intensive musical training and artistic development. Attendees will enjoy a diverse program of classical and contemporary works performed by talented young musicians ranging from ages eight to eighteen. The ensembles will showcase the culmination of months of rehearsals, individual practice, and collaborative growth. Each group brings a unique sound and technical proficiency to the stage, highlighting the dedication of these students and their faculty conductors. The concerts provide an excellent opportunity to witness the progress of these dedicated young artists in a professional live performance setting. This event is perfect for families, music educators, and community members who enjoy supporting youth arts. The atmosphere is professional yet welcoming, making it an accessible experience for all ages. We encourage you to join us in celebrating the achievements of our local student musicians. Please plan to arrive early to secure your seat and support the hard work of these performers.
369.1 mi away $17-$27 Live Music & Concerts Family Holiday
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Artful Story Time: Eid Mubarak

at North Carolina Museum of Art, West Building, West Raleigh
Artful Story Time is a recurring educational program that bridges the gap between classic children literature and fine art. This month we are focusing on the cultural traditions surrounding the Muslim festival of Eid al Adha through immersive storytelling and visual exploration within our museum galleries. Attendees will participate in interactive reading sessions led by guest speakers from Artist Ummah. The program incorporates movement exercises, hands-on creative activities, and gallery observations that highlight how Eid is celebrated both globally and specifically within the North Carolina community. These elements provide a tangible way for participants to engage with diverse cultural narratives and artistic expressions in a meaningful, shared environment. This event is designed for families and children who enjoy creative learning and cultural storytelling. The atmosphere is energetic, welcoming, and celebratory. We encourage guests to dress in their favorite festive attire to enhance the spirit of the occasion. Please join us for this unique opportunity to learn, create, and connect through the power of art and literature. We look forward to welcoming you to the gallery for this special holiday celebration.
370.3 mi away Free with registration; Best for children ages 18 months to 4 years and their adult caregivers. Museums Family Holiday
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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.
350.4 mi away FREE Annual Events Historic Holiday
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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.
353.4 mi away FREE Historic Holiday
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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.
369.5 mi away FREE Annual Events Historic Holiday
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Memorial Day Observance in Garner

at Garner Veterans Memorial,
Join the Town of Garner for a solemn and meaningful Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 25, 2026. This annual event takes place at the Garner Veterans Memorial located in the beautiful Lake Benson Park. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., our community will gather to honor and remember the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. We are honored to feature a keynote address from Jimmie Bellamy, General Counsel for the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, as we pay special tribute to the life and service of PFC Enrique C. Sanchez. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and serves as a vital reminder of the freedoms we enjoy today. Attendees are invited to arrive early or stay after the ceremony for guided tours of the memorial site to learn more about its significance. Please remember to bring a lawn chair to ensure comfortable seating throughout the service. We look forward to seeing our community come together for this important reflection. Visit the Garner Veterans Memorial this Memorial Day to share in this impactful tribute.
380.2 mi away FREE Annual Events Holiday
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Knightdale Memorial Day Ceremony

at Knightdale Station Park,
Join the Town of Knightdale for a poignant and meaningful Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026. This special event takes place at 11 a.m. at the beautiful Knightdale Veterans Memorial located within Knightdale Station Park. We gather as a community to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by our fallen heroes in service to our nation. We are honored to feature Lieutenant General John Jack N.T. Shanahan, United States Air Force Retired, as our keynote speaker for this commemorative morning. This ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the values of courage and duty that define our country. It is an excellent opportunity for families and neighbors to come together in reflection and gratitude within a peaceful outdoor setting. Please join us at 810 North First Avenue to pay your respects and witness this solemn tribute to those who served. We look forward to welcoming you for this significant event. Make sure to check our website for additional details regarding other local events happening throughout the holiday weekend. We hope to see you there.
379.0 mi away FREE Nature & Outdoor Annual Events Holiday
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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.
379.1 mi away FREE Nature & Outdoor Nature & Outdoor Historic Holiday
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Memorial Day Observance in Cary

at Veterans Freedom Park, Cary,
Join the Town of Cary for a poignant and meaningful Memorial Day Remembrance on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Held at the beautiful Veterans Freedom Park, this ceremony serves as a solemn tribute to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. It is an important time for our community to come together in reflection and gratitude. The afternoon will feature a patriotic program highlighted by insightful remarks from local veterans and touching musical tributes. Attendees are invited to explore the Freedom Tower Monument and enjoy complimentary refreshments before and after the main ceremony. While limited seating is provided, we encourage all guests to bring lawn chairs to ensure their comfort throughout the presentation. Parking and shuttle services will be conveniently available at Cary Academy to facilitate your visit. We invite you to join your neighbors for this respectful observance as we remember our fallen heroes. Please make plans to attend this free event and share in this significant community tribute to those who dedicated their lives to our nation.
367.3 mi away FREE Annual Events Holiday
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