The "Dueling Dinosaurs" exhibit opening this weekend at Raleigh's North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will feature what's believed to be the most complete T. rex skeleton ever discovered.

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DinoLab at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Homeowners insurance doesn't cover floods, so purchasing separate flood insurance is crucial in North Carolina, especially in high-risk areas.

Homeowners insurance doesn't cover floods: How to protect your home in North Carolina

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With a lot of events popping up on our calendar, we wanted to put together a special list for family events! Check back as this list will be updated to include more than just our top 10! 

<strong>May 14: <a href="https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/peppa-pig-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peppa Pig LIVE at DPAC </a></strong>- The pig is back! If your child loves jumping around in muddy puddles, you might want to check this show out!

<strong>May 21-22: <a href="https://www.artsplosure.org/events/#artsplosure-banner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artsplosure in downtown Raleigh </a></strong>- It's not really a concert but they have performances and a special Kidsplosure section that is worth checking out!

North Carolina in spring is the time for farmers markets, festivals, concerts, Easter egg hunts, strawberry picking and more.



<h2>Your guide to North Carolina in spring</h2>

Enjoy spring in North Carolina in Spring! WRAL presents your guide to everything spring in the tar heel state!

North Carolina in Spring

North Carolina in spring is the time for farmers markets, festivals, concerts, strawberry picking and more. Below, find a few guides to help you fill your spring and summer with new outdoor experiences plus gardening and <a href="https://www.wral.com/story/how-to-know-what-kind-of-grass-you-have-and-why-it-s-important/20224483/">lawn care advice</a> and more.

<h4><a id="Pick-your-own strawberry fields" name="Pick-your-own strawberry fields">Strawberry farms are now open</a></h4>

Many local farms grow strawberries, and most allow customers to pick their own right from the field! It's a special springtime tradition for many families, but you can always support local growers by buying pre-picked baskets too.

In our area, there are plenty of strawberry farmers! <strong>Use our guide to find one closest to you</strong>.

<h4><a id="Farmers markets" name="Farmers markets">Farmers markets in NC now open</a></h4>

Our list of farmers markets features well-known venues, like the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, and smaller markets across the Triangle, in places like downtown Raleigh and at North Hills.

A list of farmers markets in North Carolina offering produce, meats, baked goods, gifts, crafts, candles, plants and more.

Farmers markets in North Carolina: Find produce, baked goods, gifts

Midtown Farmers Market

Check out our <strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/farmers-markets-in-north-carolina/19154408/">full list of farmers markets in NC</a></strong> and some tips for visiting markets, including <a href="https://www.wral.com/story/how-to-avoid-food-poisoning-at-the-farmers-market/18476985/">food safety</a> and <a href="https://www.wral.com/take-the-kids-pick-up-some-fresh-peaches-and-more-at-state-farmers-market/19231719/">things to know if you're bringing the kids</a>.

<h4><a id="NC festivals" name="NC festivals">Festivals in NC are ramping up</a></h4>

Spring is also festival season in North Carolina. Milder, warmer weather sets the stage for popular festivals like Dreamville at Dix Park, Brewgaloo in downtown Raleigh, the Spring Daze arts and crafts festival in Cary, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival and more.

There are also festivals celebrating every type of food you can imagine, like strawberries, potatoes, blueberries, yams, barbecue and more. <strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/Festivals-in-NC/18235865/">Check out our list of festivals in NC</a> </strong>and go ahead and fill up your calendar -- most of these events are family-friendly and free to attend.

Here's a month-by-month look at festivals in NC from the mountains to the coast.



2022 North Carolina festival guide: Festivals in NC for spring and beyond

Festivals in NC: Dreamville Festival

<h4><a id="NC concerts" name="NC concerts">Concerts are in full swing</a></h4>

Jimmy Buffett, Kiss, Tim McGraw, Foo Fighters, Garth Brooks, Backstreet Boys, Mandy Moore, Dave Matthews Band, Shawn Mendes and Keith Urban are only a few of the many performers and bands playing the Triangle this spring and summer. Keep<strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/concerts-in-raleigh-durham-this-year-jimmy-buffett-tim-mcgraw-backstreet-boys/20182303/"> checking our concert list</a></strong> for more events, which will be added as they are announced.

As coronavirus cases drop to a new low in North Carolina, many people are looking forward to going out and enjoying life again. There are many big name musicians visiting Raleigh and Durham this spring and summer that you should be on the look out for. 


Concerts in Raleigh, Durham this year: Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw, Backstreet Boys 

Red Hat Amphitheater (Courtesy of Red Hat Amphitheater)

<h4><a id="Gardens and parks to explore" name="Gardens and parks to explore">Where to spend time outdoors</a></h4>

If you're looking for the best trails and parks to take in the springtime sights and activities, take a stroll down the Raleigh Flower Trail – to best enjoy North Carolina in spring without leaving the city, <strong>here's our list of the seven best locations to see vibrant blossoms</strong>.

May we also recommend a <strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/take-the-kids-hanging-rock-state-park/20144832/">day trip to Hanging Rock State Park</a></strong> (two hours from Raleigh) or a stroll through the WRAL Azalea Gardens. Find the <strong>history of the gardens</strong> and a <strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/story/hidden-history-of-wral-azalea-gardens/19051075/">guide to visiting</a></strong>.

<h4><a id="Lawn care and gardening" name="Lawn care and gardening">Lawn care and gardening</a></h4>

It's the season of yard work, so we've teamed up with some lawn and garden experts for advice. Here are some helpful links:

<ul>	<li><strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/story/how-to-know-what-kind-of-grass-you-have-and-why-it-s-important/20224483/">How to know what kind of grass you have</a></strong></li>	<li><strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/story/how-to-create-a-beautiful-lawn-based-on-the-type-of-grass-you-have/20219811/">How to create a beautiful lawn based on the type of grass you have</a></strong></li>	<li><strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/video/talking-tech-gardening-apps-for-everyone/18444851/">Gardening apps for everyone</a></strong></li>	<li><strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/video/entertainment/out_and_about/video/17394689/">How to prep your garden for spring</a></strong></li>	<li><strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/story/nc-state-expert-offers-spring-vegetable-gardening-tips/19569709/">Spring vegetable gardening tips</a></strong></li>	<li><strong><a href="https://www.wral.com/gardening-basics-what-you-should-plant-in-your-garden-this-summer/19716479/">What you should plant in your garden this summer</a></strong></li></ul>

North Carolina Spring Guide: Festivals and Fun

<strong>May 27-30: <a href="https://ncmemorialballoonfest.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2022 First Fruits Farm Memorial Balloon Festival</a> -</strong> This hot air balloon festival is back this year with live music, balloon rides and more fun.

<strong>May 29: <a href="https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/triangle-wind-ensemble-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">An American Celebration: Film Music from the Magical World of Disney at Koka Booth Amphitheatre</a> </strong>- The Triangle Wind Ensemble will present this Memorial Day weekend concert with music from everything from "Fantasia" and "Encanto" to "Star Wars" and the "Avengers."

<strong>July 9-10: <a href="https://www.dukeenergycenterraleigh.com/events/paw-patrol-live-great-pirate-adventure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paw Patrol Live - The Great Pirate Adventure at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium</a> -</strong> The pups are live on stage during this pirate-themed adventure!

<strong>Aug. 14: <a href="https://www.wral.com/encanto-sing-along-concert-coming-to-raleigh/20253001/">"Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert Tour at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek in Raleigh </a>- </strong>See a full screening of the movie with a live on-stage band performing all of the hits from the soundtrack. No live characters will be appearing at the event. It will just be the movie screening and the live band.

Get ready to "not talk about Bruno" this August when a special screening and live concert featuring the hit Disney movie "Encanto" comes to Raleigh.

Kathy Hanrahan

'Encanto' sing-along concert coming to Raleigh

hypatia-h_ba0969a1407d5912b016c7e43f86ec4c-h_a8a40ba25994cb762eea0aba3b820069-300

<strong>Aug. 16: <a href="https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/kidz-bop-live" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kidz Bop Live at Koka Booth Amphitheatre </a></strong>- You don't have to worry about any offensive lyrics with these kid-friendly versions of popular songs.

As coronavirus cases remain low across North Carolina, many artists are taking the stage again and hosting concerts. Now's the time to support your local artists. There are dozens of free concerts and music across Durham and Raleigh to take part in this spring. 





Maggie Brown

Support local artists: Free concerts across Durham, Raleigh this spring 

Generic conert photo 

<strong>Sept 14 - Oct. 2: <a href="https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/frozen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frozen at DPAC</a> </strong>- The Broadway production of this popular Disney movie has been touring the country. It has been a hit, especially for its music!

<strong>Sept. 30-Oct. 1:  <a href="https://www.wral.com/infamous-stringdusters-jerry-douglas-band-are-among-first-acts-announced-for-2022-ibma-bluegrass-live/20191748/">IBMA Bluegrass LIVE! </a></strong>- This outdoor street festival features multiple stages of live music. It's free to attend, but shows inside Red Hat Amphitheater require tickets.

<strong>Oct. 13-23: <a href="https://www.ncstatefair.org/2021/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NC State Fair </a>-</strong> The fair is always filled with family-friendly fun.

Jessica Patrick

10 Triangle area family-friendly events to look forward to in 2022

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An initial report from the Federal Aviation Administration indicates the small plane that crashed at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Wednesday "bounced" as it attempted to land.

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Orange County Schools informed Jaylan Sorrells and his mother, Ellen Sorrells, that Jaylan, who has attended the school for four years while also enrolled at the Partnership Academy, will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. The decision by the school district has Jaylen Sorrells and his mother asking: Why is this happening?

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NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with “egregious” improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.

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Authorities on Wednesday arrested a 16-year-old in connection to the death of a 13-year-old girl earlier in the week in north Raleigh.

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Thursday is shaping up to be a beautiful, sunny spring day!

Warm, sunny spring day in store Thursday😎

At the bus stop on Thursday, April 25

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With Hurricane defenseman Brett Pesce likely out for the rest of the series vs. the Islanders, that opens the door for Tony DeAngelo to slide in. The regular season didn't go as he had hoped, but he's ready to step in 

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Mohamed Diarra played one season in Raleigh, averaging 6.3 points a game during a 2023-2024 campaign that saw State reach the Final Four.

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The Carolina Hurricanes scored 5 unanswered goals to steal Game 2 at home on Monday. What the win could mean for their ultimate goal this postseason, NFL Draft talk and more!

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Since his final NBA season playing for the Dallas Mavericks in 2021, JJ Redick has served as an analyst and basketball commentator for ESPN. 

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JJ Redick and other Duke greats were honored at halftime during the Duke vs. Maryland game pm Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. (Photo by: Will Bratton)

10 Triangle area family-friendly events to look forward to in 2022

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