Out and About

Got to Be NC, Artsplosure, Naughty by Nature lead our weekend best bets

Looking for something to do this weekend? We have the lowdown on free festivals and a special performance by hip hop legends Naughty by Nature.

Posted Updated
Got to Be NC Festival 2012
By
Kathy Hanrahan
RALEIGH, N.C. — From live music to amazing food, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds will be busy this weekend with Got to Be NC. Friday through Sunday, check out rides, antique farm equipment, a beer and wine expo and more. Admission and parking are free. Rides and some exhibits will cost you though. 
Downtown Raleigh will celebrate the arts this weekend with the annual Artsplosure festival. There will be activities for the children, live music and an art market during this free event. Some of the music headliners this year include Jeanne Jolly, The Wailers and the BoDeans.
A two day art festival takes over Downtown Raleigh every May. Enjoy sand art, sculpture, live music, crafts for kids, beer, and shopping!
The Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will takeover CCB Plaza in Durham on Saturday. This annual family-oriented event celebrates African and African-American history, culture, art and traditions. There will be ethnic food, arts and crafts, an interactive kid’s area and live music. Headlining this year - Naughty by Nature. Admission is free.
Another free event this weekend to tell you about - the Center Stage music series kicks off on Friday at Diamond View Park. This event, formerly known as "On the Lawn," will feature a beer tent, food trucks, a kids' bounce house and hula hoops, custom corn hole lanes, art and other vendors. (No picnics, coolers or alcohol please.) Solas will headline on Friday. Music starts at 6 p.m.
Find out how the chickens live during the annual Tour D'Coop this weekend in Raleigh. The tour will visit 21 coops throughout the area. Meet the homeowners and find out how they keep the coops going. Bring a camera because there will be opportunities to meet the chickens as well. 
Children enjoy the Hen-side the Beltline Tour d'Coop.
A chance to help homeless pets this weekend. The annual Auction and Bash benefiting Chatham Animal Rescue and Education (CARE) starts at 5 p.m. Sunday. The night will include food, music and auction items. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
Head to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Sunday for their game against the Norfolk Tides – and Wool E. Bull's Birthday! Mascots from other teams and organizations, including Rameses from UNC, Mr. Wuf from NC State and Stormy from the Carolina Hurricanes will be there to celebrate.
Finally, go to Solas on Sunday morning for a Super-sized Drag Brunch to benefit the Crape Myrtle Festival. This is the first time they have expanded to two floors! The lounge will be serving a seated $10 brunch and the rooftop terrace will provide a relaxed social environment. Tickets to the brunch are $10 and do not include lunch.

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