75+ things to do in May
Read on for your guide to a May full of fun, which includes Artsplosure, the Got to Be NC Festival, The Lion King at DPAC, outdoor markets, strawberries, a dessert festival and more!
May 1-7
May 1: Helena Redman - Part of the Josh Cellars jazz series at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Swedish-born Singer Helena Redman, is best known for her wide-reaching repertoire.
May 1: City Market Night Market - There will be local handmade artists, food trucks, games on the lawn, entertainment, drinks from the City Market bar and fun for the whole family!
May 2: Midtown Beach Music Series - Blackwater Band performs at North Hills.
May 2: Queens of the Stone Age - The rock band comes to Red Hat Amphitheater.
May 2-4: "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” In Concert - Watch as Luke faces Darth Vader one last time on the big screen while the symphony performs John Williams’ thrilling score.
May 3: First Friday Market and Movie Night - There will be live entertainment, food trucks, a market and a movie at Halifax Mall.
May 3: Star Wars Night at Moore Square - The downtown Raleigh event includes an outdoor movie, food trucks, a local vendor's market, free Star Wars-themed caricature drawings, a free photo op with Star Wars costumers and a craft corner.
May 3: Get the Led Out - The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live like you’ve never heard before. The show is at DPAC.
May 3: Red Clay Ramblers - The Red Clay Ramblers remain one of the longest-running string bands from the Piedmont of North Carolina.
May 3: Say Anything - The rock band is at the Ritz Raleigh.
May 3-5: Juniper Level Botanic Garden’s Spring Garden Party - Self-guided garden tours, 15-minute “Gardening Unplugged” talks and access to the open greenhouses for plant purchases. There's also a DIY floral hat decorating contest – open to all visitors. The event repeats May 10-12.
May 4: The Market at NCMA - Browse the galleries, enjoy the NC Museum of Art park and shop local.
May 4: Handcrafted DURM Market - Taking place after the Durham Farmers' Market, shop locally-made and small business vendors at Durty Bull Brewing Company.
May 4: Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival - Food, performances, children’s games, vendors and inflatables in Smithfield. WRAL is a proud community partner.
May 4: Geek and Grub Night - Geek out at Fred Fletcher Park with galaxy-inspired beverages, vendors and activities.
May 4: Komen Triangle Race for the Cure - The race raises money for breast cancer research. WRAL is a proud sponsor.
May 4: Derby Days - Dress to the nines for the classiest day party at Fenton. There will be Kentucky hot brown sandwiches, mint juleps, whiskey tastings and a cash prize for the best Derby dressed.
May 4: Taco and Margarita Crawl - Bar Crawl your way through Sports & Social Cary making sure you stop at each bar for a taste of the specialty margarita, and fuel up at one (or more) of the five taco stands throughout the venue.
May 4: Murder Mystery Night with Goats - Find the murder weapon, location, and suspect in an immersive, real-life version of Clue at Spring Haven Farm as you follow a puzzle-filled, farm-wide scavenger hunt to solve the mystery.
May 4: Strawberry Festival - Soapstone United Methodist Church welcomes the public for a vendor fair, fire truck and EMS, bounce houses, hot dogs and BBQ, fresh strawberries, giant bubbles, a bake sale, food trucks, face painting, sensory friendly crafts and more.
May 4: May the Science Be With You - Join the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences' scientists, educators, and sci-fi/fantasy fans for a day of special presentations celebrating May the Fourth!
May 4: Ma and Pa Festival - This festival on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh celebrates Mother's Day and Father's Day. There will be 100+ local vendors, a DJ and food trucks.
May 4: Raleigh Foodie Fare - Join Raleigh Iron Works for a food truck rodeo, food vendors, art vendors, drinks, live music and more!
May 4: May the Fourth Be With You - Join this all-day Star Wars celebration at the Downtown Cary Park with a pet costume contest and more.
May 4: Marbles Bike Rodeo - Bring your bike, trike and helmet and get rolling at Marbles in Raleigh! There will be obstacle courses, bike safety, art on the move and bike bling. For all ages and skill levels. This is a free event.
May 4: Raleigh Tacos N' Tequila Bar Crawl - Enjoy a culinary journey of tacos, savor refreshing margaritas, and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a fiesta you won't forget.
May 4: Alice in Wonderland and Balanchine's "Who Cares?" - Cary Ballet Company's dancers will bring these iconic works to life.
May 4: Priscilla Block - The country star performs at the Ritz.
May 4: Movies Under the Stars - A fun, free movie screening of "Star Wars: A New Hope" in downtown Chapel Hill. There will be trivia and a costume contest.
May 5: The Golden Gals Live! - This show will feature moments you remember from the original show plus all new moments that you will never forget.
May 7: Foo Fighters - The rock band comes to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.
May 8-14
May 9: DPAC Rising Star Awards - Affectionately referred to as “The Superbowl for High School Musical Theater”, the evening will feature the best-of-the-best of area high school musical theater talent as students compete live.
May 9: Sum 41: Tour of the Setting Sum - The rock band comes to Red Hat Amphitheater.
May 9: Midtown Beach Music Series - Band of Oz performs at North Hills.
May 10: KEM - Internationally renowned R&B singer/songwriter KEM brings his tour to DPAC with special guest NiiTO.
May 10-11: Longleaf Film Festival - The festival at the NC Museum of History screens films that demonstrate a Tar Heel State connection, through the people involved in making them, their filming location, or through their subject.
May 10-11: NC Symphony: Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet - See the performance at Meymandi Concert Hall.
May 10-12: Juniper Level Botanic Garden’s Spring Garden Party - Self-guided garden tours, 15-minute “Gardening Unplugged” talks and access to the open greenhouses for plant purchases. There's also a DIY floral hat decorating contest – open to all visitors.
May 11: Cary Vintage Market - There will be vintage clothing for men and women, accessorties, houseware, baked goods, craft coffee, beer and wine and more.
May 11: The Decemberists - The rock band comes to DPAC.
May 11: DanceArt 22nd Annual Dance Recital - Choreographers collaborated to create entertaining dances for dancers of all ages.
May 11: Sierra Ferrell - The pop artist brings her Shoot for the Moon tour to the Ritz.
May 11-12: Raleigh DIY Punk Rock Flea Market - Two days of fun, music and rad vendors outside Rebus Works, including records, local artists, makers and vendors, oddities, weird stuff, live bands, food, vintage and more!
May 12: Underground Market - New bands every month from Oak City Music Collective, 45+ local vendors, food trucks, workshops by Joy Worthy Co, beer/wine/bubbly from Bubbly and Brew and more at North Hills.
May 12: Mr. Bungle - The rock band is at the Ritz.
May 12: JOCO Latino Festival - A vibrant celebration of Latino culture and community engagement in Selma with food, activities, bounce houses, vendors and more.
May 15-21
May 15-June 9: The Lion King - The Triangle's best-loved musical returns to DPAC.
May 16: Midtown Beach Music Series - Spare Change performs at North Hills.
May 16-19: Carolina Ballet's Cinderella - Carolina Ballet will close the season with the most enchanting version of Cinderella.
May 17: Hank Williams Jr. - The country star comes to Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.
May 17: Tank: The R&B Money Tour - Assembling a once-in-a-lifetime lineup, it promises to be an unforgettable night of sultry, smooth, and show-stopping R&B headlined by Tank with support from Keri Hilson and Carl Thomas.
May 17: Cary Night Market - Enjoy local handmade artists, food trucks, games on the lawn, entertainment and fun for the whole family.
May 17: Market on Main - A celebration of crafts, family fun, and culinary delights in Garner.
May 17-19: Got to Be NC Festival - This is a mini-version of the State Fair! There will be rides, food, animals, farm equipment and more.
May 18: Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival - This family-oriented event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions. WRAL is a proud community partner.
May 18: Durham Brews and Blues Festival - An evening of fun with unlimited 12 oz. pours from some of NC's finest breweries and entertainment from three great blues bands. All proceeds go to local charities and non-profit programs.
May 18: North Hills Wine Walk - Attendees make a $25 donation to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. You will be given a “passport” listing the participating stores and a cup for sampling wines (or brews!) as you sip and shop.
May 18: Pop-Up Raleigh Market - The open air market features 40+ artisans, live music and food trucks.
May 18: Dix Park Inter-Tribal Pow Wow - Experience a day of competition dancing, music, vendors, and fun showcasing the incredible legacy and culture of indigenous communities living in North Carolina.
May 18: Common Roots Fest - Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with Asian artists, a vendor market, performances, food, and more at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh.
May 18: Kristin Chenowith - Kristin Chenoweth joins the NC Symphony for one night only, featuring show-stopping selections from Wicked; Glee; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; and more.
May 18: Peter Pan - Durham Ballet Theatre’s 4th performance of the storybook ballet of Peter Pan based on the book by J.M. Barrie.
May 18: 2024 NAMIWalks North Carolina - Participate in fun and artistic activities, enjoy food and refreshments, and visit with our dozens of partnering exhibitors during this walk for mental health.
May 18: Home Is Distant Shores Film Festival - The Home Is Distant Shores Film Fest at The Cary Theater celebrates the experiences of immigrants and refugees who journey to new lands, showcasing their compelling stories through a collection of engaging short films.
May 18-19: Artsplosure - Artsplosure is a two-day event featuring an Art Market of approximately 175 juried visual artists from across the United States showcasing works in ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood and more. WRAL is a proud sponsor.
May 19: Triangle Youth Music Spring Concert - Triangle Youth Music's Triangle Youth Orchestra, Triangle Youth Symphony and Triangle Youth Philharmonic will perform orchestral favorites.
May 22-28
May 22: NF: Hope Tour - The rapper, singer, songwriter and producer comes to PNC Arena.
May 23: Durham Night Market - Join The American Tobacco Campus in Durham for local handmade artists, games on the lawn, entertainment, and fun for the whole family.
May 23: Midtown Beach Music Series - The Chairmen of the Board performs at North Hills.
May 25: Reik - Acclaimed Latin pop band Reik are excited to reveal their much-anticipated Panorama 2024 Tour.
May 25: Marisela - The Latin Madonna, "The diva of romantic music" and "La Dama de Hierro" are some of the titles that Marisela has received throughout her career.
May 26: NC Sugar Rush - In Raleigh City Plaza, enjoy a dessert-filled experience like no other with dessert foods of all kinds, vendors, axe throwing and a DJ. The event supports the Wake County Foster Care System.
May 25-26: Repticon Raleigh - See live animals from around the world and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals.
May 26: The Music of John Williams - The Triangle Wind Ensemble presents the work of America's greatest living composer at Koka Booth. This event also includes a patriotic tribute in recognition of Memorial Day weekend.
May 26: Tye Tribbett - The singer, songwriter and musician and Grammy winner for best gospel album is in Raleigh.
May 29-31
May 30: Midtown Beach Music Series - Too Much Sylvia performs at North Hills.
May 30: Trampled by Turtles - Known for rock music with acoustic leanings. $1 from every ticket sold goes to Backline, a non-profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources.
May 30: Orville Peck - The Stampede Tour with Durand Jones and Debbii Dawson comes to Red Hat.
May 30-June 2: UNC Health Championship - The golf tournament at the Raleigh Country Club features family-friendly events, including a Canes Day with inflatables, activities and free admission for season ticketholders. There will be concessions from local Empire Eats restaurants, including The Pit, Gravy, Raleigh Times and Sitti, and Two Roosters Ice Cream. Proceeds go to local organizations.
May 31: Elle King - Elle King performs hits like "Ex's and Oh's" and more at The Ritz in Raleigh.
May 31: Melanie Martinez - The singer and songwriter comes to PNC Arena.
May 31-June 2: Raleigh Gardens on Parade - Tour home gardens and enjoy a party and silent auction during this weekend-long event from the Raleigh Garden Club.
Things to do the entire month of May
It's strawberry picking season! Use our interactive database to find fresh strawberries at local farms in Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Chapel Hill.
Visit dozens of local farmers markets! WRAL has your Triangle guide.
