May Events (2023): What’s happening in Raleigh this month?

The pollen is over, and the trees are in full bloom. It’s Marvelous May in Raleigh! When environmental conditions are perfect for celebrating outside!

Raleigh events, May

We’re sharing what we think are some of the of the best events in Raleigh for May.

Also tell us in the comments what you are doing this month? It’s helpful for the readers coming after you to discover more cool things to do in Raleigh and surrounds.

Don’t forget to get prepared for beyond May by checking out our annual list of festival and events in Raleigh guide, our Spring events guide, and our guide to what’s happening this weekend in Raleigh.

We also update our email community every Friday with more Raleigh events, news, cool finds and happenings, so be sure to join us. It’s FREE and the best way to keep connected.

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We sometimes share personal things happening for our family during the month. This month I’ll (Caroline) be speaking at a travel blogging conference in Kalamata Greece! That means I get to also explore Athens and the Peloponnese Peninsula while I’m there. Follow on Instagram @ytravelblog which is connected to our global travel blog.

Our lives are dedicated to exploring, discovering all the cool things to do in Raleigh and just living large.

National Bike Month

Lake Lynn Trail, Raleigh, North Carolina
Riding the Lake Lynn Trail

May is national bike month. And with over 100 miles of paved and unpaved trails over 270 miles of protected stream corridors, Raleigh has a bike trail for you! Plus, there are endless lake trails to enjoy on a bike as well.

We plan on using May as motivation for us to peddle and explore this month, so be sure to follow our Instagram to see what we discover.

At the top of our list is the Neuse River, White Oak Creek, and Tobacco Trail. Leave your tips in the comments – including anywhere we can stop along the way for a coffee or something to eat.

A few favorite trails so far on video:

Get inspiration for Bike Month with these trails we captured on video:

Biking trail posts:

May Music Concerts

People watching music
Beach Music Series, North Hills

To make it easy for you to find the cool music events happening each month, I’m creating a separate section to list them out. Leave a comment to tell me what’s missing from the list and what you’re most looking forward to. We’re going to see Taylor Swift in Philadelphia – not in Raleigh, I know, but our best option!

  • Lizzo, May 10, PNC Arena
  • Stevie Nicks, May 12, PNC Arena
  • Pitbull, May 12- 13 at Koka Booth Amphitheater, Cary
  • Sabrina Carpenter, May 16, the Ritz
  • Ryan Adams and the CardinalsMay 28 at Red Hat Amphitheater
  • Summerfest Opening Night: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5, North Carolina Symphony May 28, Koka Booth
  • An American celebration: The music of John Williams, May 30, Koka Booth
  • Midtown Beach Music, Every Thursday, Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park, North Hills (5-9pm)

If you’re looking for accommodation for these concert evenings, check out our downtown Raleigh hotel picks, with our current favorite the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown.

Sporting Events in May

Don’t miss our guide to WakeMed Soccer Park. You can also hit play on the video below to see what a game experience is like. Take it from us, it’s worth it!

WEEK 1: May 1st – 7th, 2023

Lawn Art With Neighbors, April 29 – May 7

L.A.W.N. Raleigh 2023 is a community creativity and connection experience where all Raleighites are invited to create and display or perform art of any kind on a patch of grass that’s viewable to people passing by. Register your project here and look at the map to know where you can see these homegrown works of art!

Raleigh Night Market, Weds May 3, 2023

The Raleigh Night Market is on monthly (first Wednesday) and features over 100 local artisans, bakers, vintage sellers, and more! 10+ food trucks, live entertainment, games, and even a bier garden!

But wait! It’s not just Raleigh that gets the night market, other areas in Wake County do as well.

  • Cary is every third Friday (May 19)
  • Apex every 2nd Thursday (May 12th
  • Garner every 3rd Thurs (May 18)

“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” In Concert, Thurs May 4- Sat May 6, 2023

  • Where: Meymandi Concert Hall
  • Time: Thurs 7:30pm; Fri & Sat: 8pm
  • Cost:
  • Tickets

May the fourth be with you! Don’t miss one of the most popular films of all time, shown on the big screen as your North Carolina Symphony performs John Williams’ legendary score live

Respectfully celebrate Cinco De Mayo, May 5, 2023

Man standing with a glass of Margharita.
Gringo a Go Go

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The battle was an important symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination.

While Cinco de Mayo is not an official Mexican holiday, it is still celebrated in parts of Mexico as a way to remember the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Puebla. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a popular celebration of Mexican culture, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

It’s important to choose respectful, culturally sensitive, and festive ideas you can use for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Make the holiday about the history and avoid anything that reinforces racial or cultural stereotypes, including:

  • Wearing any type of “Mexican” costume (sombreros, ponchos, etc.)
  • Wearing a fake mustache
  • Speaking in a fake Mexican accent
  • Using this as an excuse to drink margaritas and do tequila shots

Instead:

  • Learn the history of Cinco De Mayo and share it with your kids
  • Wear the colors of the Mexican flag (red, green and white) and put up colorful decorations
  • Read literature by Mexican authors. I’m currently reading River Woman, River Demon by Jennifer Givhan is a Mexican American, Indigenous poet and novelist from the Southwestern desert.
  • Support Mexican owned businesses and enjoy delicious food from their restaurants. We love Gringo a Go Go, Gonza Tacos y Tequila, Totopos in Cary, and 13 Tacos and Taps in North Raleigh.

Holly Springs International Food Festival, May 5, 2023

  • Where: Holly Springs Cultural Center
  • Time: 5-9pm
  • Cost: Free

Head down to Holly Springs Food Festival for cultural performances, food, and beverages from more than 12 countries. Pick up an event passport as you Wine and Dine, collect stamps along the way from your travels while you encounter seven scenic photo opportunities.

Apex Peakfest, May 6, 2023

A view of a city street
Downtown Apex

Time to celebrate the Peak of Good Living at the annual Apex Peak-fest festival. It started 42 years ago as a small community day in a school parking lot and has since grown into an event that draws hundreds of vendors and over 22,000 people to Salem St in downtown Apex.

There is live music all day, artisan stores, entertainment for the kids, food and much more!

READ MORE: A Guide to Downtown Apex (eat, play, shop)

Meet in the Street, May 6, 2023

This premier arts & crafts, music and food festival will include more than 100 artisan booths featuring handmade items for sale, dozens of food trucks, live music throughout the day, a children’s village filled with activities for kids, and more.

I love how they have a Young Entrepreneurs Fair supporting local young entrepreneurs ages 9-14 as they sell their handmade items alongside the professional artisans.

WEEK 2: May 8 – 14, 2023

Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms and caregivers. We hope you have a special day with a well-deserved break and much love and attention. (I’m dedicating my special day to my first-born child and her Taylor Swift obsession). Click for ideas on what to do for Mother’s Day in Raleigh

Longleaf Film Festival, May 12 & 13, 2023

  • Where: North Carolina Museum of History
  • Time: Various
  • Cost: Free (and free popcorn!)
  • Website

Support local filmmakers at the free Longleaf Film Festival at the North Carolina Museum of History. See dozens of films that have a Tar Heel State connection either through the people involved in making them, their filming location, or through their subject.

There’ll be multiple screens and filming locations as well as workshops, socials, and the presentation of awards.

Moore Square Market, Sun May 14, 2023

Moore Square, downtown Raleigh
Moore Square

Moore Square Market is back every Sunday now until October 22, 2023. Pick up your local produce and treats, meet up with friends, and enjoy live music at Moore Square Market!​.

 The market features vendors selling fresh, seasonal goods as well as original, high-quality crafts. Fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, eggs, dairy, artisanal goods, pastries and much more can all be found at the market. All vendors operate within 90 miles of Raleigh.

WEEK 3: May 15 – 21, 2023

Live After Five, May 17, 2023

  • Where: Fayetteville St
  • Time: 5-8pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

Live After 5 is a popular concert series that started over 20 years ago in Downtown and is now back every month! It’s family-friendly and full of local vendors, food trucks and drinks. This month’s performer is 120 Minutes with Autumn Nicholas.

Raleigh Fashion Fest Spring ’23, Weds May 17, 2023

raleigh fashion fest
Photo courtesy of Raleigh Fashion Fest
  • Where: Smoky Hollow
  • Time: 5-9pm
  • Cost: $0-$75
  • Tickets

Raleigh Fashion Fest is an annual local fashion show with food and shipping! This year will feature a pet fashion show, interactive experiences including VIP exclusives, and live music.

Sleeping Beauty, Carolina Ballet, May 18-21, 2023

  • Where: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts (fka Duke Energy)
  • Time: various
  • Cost: $27+
  • Tickets

See one a favorite story ballet featuring live music by the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle.

Got to Be NC, May 19 – 21, 2023

  • Where: NC State Fairgrounds
  • Time:
    • Fri: 12-10pm
    • Sat: 9am-10pm
    • Sun: 9am-8pm
  • Cost: Gate admission and parking is free
  • Website: GotToBeNCfestival.com

Three great days of down-home celebration North Carolina-style with Carnival rides, tractor pulls, animal exhibits food and drinks. Some activities have a cost associated with them.

Venus and Mars Sky Watching, May 20, 2023

  • Where: Dorothea Dix
  • Time: 9 – 11pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Register

Look through telescopes, facilitated by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center staff and dedicated volunteers. This event will focus on viewing Venus, Mars, and other celestial delights! The Triangle Sax Ensemble will be playing some star-gazing tunes. All ages welcome. Free, but register in advance.

Darkness Rising, Live! May 20, 2023

  • Where: Moore Square
  • Time: 2- 6pm
  • Website

Darkness RISING: Live is an annual FREE music and mental health event features the Black Broadway community and RDU local singers. Plus, there are food trucks, vendors, mental health resources, interactive art and yoga!

Blues and Brews Festival, Durham, May 20 2023

  • Where: Durham Central Park
  • When: 5pm – 10pm
  • Website: $20 – 60

If you missed Brewgaloo in Raleigh in April, you have a chance to get in on the UNLIMITED 12 oz. pours from North Carolina’s finest breweries. Be careful now! Also includes beer and wine and awesome blues bands: Annika Chambers & Paul Deslauriers are headlining.

Artsplosure (Raleigh Arts Festival), May 20 – 21, 2023

People looking at large colorful balls surrounded by city buildings at an arts festival
Artsplosure

Artsplosure is another of the annual Raleigh events and features over 175 visual artists showcasing their original works in ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood and more. 

There’s also live music performances on the main stage, free arts and crafts for kids in the Kidsplosure section, and art installations throughout Fayetteville St. It’s an easy and fun festival for supporting local art! 

Wander. Wonder. Buy some art and dance the jig a little! Read our guide to Artsplosure.

Video: Artsplosure 2022

Click play on the video to see what the Artsplosure experience is like.

The Victory Ride, May 20, 2023

  • Where: Knightdale Station Park
  • Various start times but check in begins at 6am followed by breakfast
  • Website: thevictoryride.org/

What better way to embrace bike month than a ride to support cancer research. The 2023 Victory Ride will begin and end in Knightdale and will include 10, 30, and 60-mile options, as well as a virtual ride option. See their website for fundraising information.

WEEK 4: May 22 – 31, 2023

Movies in the Garden: Transformers, May 25, 2023

  • Where:  “Scottie” Stephenson Amphitheatre, Raleigh Rose Garden / Little Theater
  • Time: 8:30 PM
  • Cost: Pay what you can, starting at $1

Come ready to watch an action packed 2007 Blockbuster and pair it with some local food and drink vendors. You can BYO picnic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Read our full guide to the Raleigh Rose Garden.

Carolina Fear Fest, May 26- May 28, 2023

  • Where: Jim Graham building, NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC
  • Cost: $35 – $125
  • Website: carolinafearfest.com

Calling all horror fans. Get your thrills and chills at this annual event, which was Raleigh’s first horror convention. The event will feature unique vendors, celebrity guests, panels, entertainment, and photo opps! This year, in 2023, Tara Reid will be a celebrity guest.

Animazement, May 26- 28, 2023

  • Where: Raleigh Convention Center
  • Time: various times each day
  • Cost: $65
  • Website: animazement.com

Raleigh truly has a festival and event to suit all interests and hobbies. This anime convention will celebrate Japanese visual culture with concerts, educational panels, limited merchandise, unique artwork, and more! If you’re looking for a hotel near the convention center, our top pick is the Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh.

NC Sugar Rush, May 28, 2023

  • Where: City Plaza Downtown Raleigh
  • Time: 12pm-5pm  
  • Website

Calling all sweet teeth! This is a Raleigh event dedicated to those sugar highs. You’ve got five hours of dessert treats like Italian ice, donuts, beignets, ice cream, cupcakes and more. There’ll be live music and dancing to help balance it out.

Ongoing Events in Raleigh for May, 2023

  • Live at Lake Raleigh is a free, family-friendly concert series from local NC artists that is held on the picturesque shore of Lake Raleigh. Food trucks will begin serving at 5pm. Bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and non-perishable foods that will be donated to Feed the Pack’s food pantry. Check out how beautiful Lake Raleigh is!!
    • May 4: Laurelyn Dossett
    • May 18: Caique Vidal & Batuque
  • Historic Yates Mill County Park will have corn grinding demonstrations and costumed tours every Sunday and Saturday until November. They also have a lot of wonderful programs in April the kids will love. See our guide on this wonderful Raleigh Park and a pretty trail to do after your tour.
  • Pay what you want farmstand and Wine & Weeds every Wednesday at Raleigh City Farm. This is a great way to connect to Mother Earth and community!
  • The free Live in the District Music Series is on every Thursday evening (6:30 -9pm) at Park West Village in Morrisville. Enjoy live performances from the best beach music artists in the state, along with local food trucks and your favorite craft breweries! Starts April 20, 2023.
  • Tongue & Groove Open Mic is on every second Sunday at the VAE Gallery downtown. Poets, musicians, storytellers jump onto the stage to co-create a night of ephemeral art. FREE!
  • Want to see a two-time Academy Award winner’s costumes? Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” will open to the public at the North Carolina Museum of Art on April 1 – Aug 6, 2023. This exhibit features 60 original costumes from films like “Black Panther,” “Amistad,” “The Butler” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It.

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