The Best Events in Raleigh for May 2026: Your Fun Guide!

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. In this post we’re sharing what we think are some of the of the best events in Raleigh for May! And tell us in the comments at the bottom 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 other content including our annual list of festival and events in Raleigh guide, also our Spring events guide, and our guide to what’s happening this weekend in Raleigh.

National Bike Month

May is national bike month. And with 100+ miles of paved and unpaved trails and over 270 miles of protected stream corridors, the Triangle area 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 Trail, White Oak Creek Greenway, and American Tobacco Trail. Leave your suggestions in the comments section at the bottom of this article including anywhere we can stop along the way for a coffee or something to eat?

We recently joined a brews and burger bike tour on the Neuse River Trail with Triangle Adventures. We also have a curated guide on bike clubs in Raleigh, plus Bike Month Events, and the best trails in Raleigh for biking.

Biking trail posts:

• Biking the Art to Heart Trail
• Lynn Lake Trail
• 12 Kid friendly trails to bike or hike

Watch our video of the Walnut Creek trail:

WEEK 1: May 1 – 3, 2026

Juniper Level Botanic Gardens Open Days, May 1 -3, 2026

• Where: Juniper Level Botanic Garden: 9241 Sauls Road Raleigh.
• Time: Fri/Sat 8am – 5pm; Sun 1-5pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

It’s spring blossom time at the Juniper Level Botanic Gardens, a 28-acre campus in south Raleigh. The private gardens showcase more than 27,000 different kinds of native perennials, exotic plants, rare delights and unusual specimens of trees and shrubs not found many (or any) other places on earth. This gorgeous garden in Raleigh is only open to the public 9 weekends a year.

We highly recommend you make use of this opportunity to visit this hidden gem in Raleigh. There are even hidden waterfalls. Read our full guide to Juniper Level Botanic Gardens with more photos. Spring is a lucky time as the gardens open for an extra weekend. Its opened for the next two weekends!

First Friday, May 1 2026

• Where: Downtown Raleigh (various locations)

First Friday is a great way to get to know the culture of downtown Raleigh. You may see a bike theme to this week’s events! We have a complete guide to First Friday in Raleigh including the new events for the month. Includes th special ArtPutt presented by UNC Health Championship tee-off party where every hole doubles as a work of art. The playable mini-golf course features installations by local artists that highlight the color, creativity, and character of North Carolina. 5pm – 8pm at 321 Coffee

Bands, Bites, & Boats, May 1, 2026

• Where: Bond Park, Cary
• Time: 5:30pm – 7pm
• Cost: Free

On the first Friday of every month, the Bond Park Boathouse in Cary hosts musicians, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals. What a great sunset experience to kick off the weekend.

• Band: Phil & Tim Duo 
• Bites: Bare Baked Pizza |Virgil’s Jamaica
• Brews: Bond Brothers Beer Company

Holly Springs International Food Festival, May 1, 2026

• Where: Holly Springs Cultural Center
• Time: 5-8pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Head to the 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.

Youth Leadership Summit, May 2, 2026

• Where: Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Cary
• Time: 11:30am – 3pm
• Cost: Free
• Website
• For Grades 8 – 11 and their parents

A day of workshops and sessions to help empower the next generation for college, leadership, and community impact. Learn about entrepreneurship, practical college admission insights, ad how students can turn interests into meaningful extracurriculars and service. Parents will also have separate workshops to learn the best ways to confidently step into their future. Hosted by Empowerly, HumSub, and TiE Young Entrepreneurs 

Midtown Music Fest (May 2nd, 2026)

• Where: Midtown Commons North Hills
• Time: 4pm – 9pm
• Cost: $5+
• Website

The event features live music from local and regional bands, delicious food from food trucks (Beefy Buns, Hot Chix Hotcakes and Chicken, Shawerma Bowl. Dusty Donuts, and Nautical Bowls), festival vendors, beverage tents, and more. This year, there will be performances from Outrun The Weekend, Van Meter, Loud Music Company and DJ Matthew Vorzimer (eCUSSIONIST). There will also be stilt walkers and roaming magicians, as well as fire breathers and character artists. See our full guide to North Hills.

Apex Peakfest, May 2, 2026

• Where: Salem St, Downtown Apex
• Time: 9am – 4pm
• Cost: Free
• Website: ApexPeakFest.com

Time to celebrate the Peak of Good Living at the annual Apex Peak-fest festival. It started 45 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 our full guide to downtown Apex.

Meet in the Street, Wake Forest, May 2, 2026

• Where: Downtown Wake Forest
• Time: 10 – 4pm
• Website: WakeForestChamber.org

This premier arts & crafts, music and food festival in Wake Forest 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. Here’s our guide to Downtown Wake Forest if you want to do some exploring while there!SPCA of Wake County new Facility Open House, May 2, 2026

Racing for Rescues, May 3, 2026

• Where: WakeMed Soccer Park
• Time: 8am – 12pm
• Cost: $30+
• Website

Run for a good cause! Racing for Rescues is an annual 5K (14t year) and walk event hosted by Second Chance Pet Adoptions to build community, boost awareness, and fundraise to serve homeless cats and dogs who are waiting for their second chance at a forever home. Not a runner? You can register to walk the race or just purchase a shirt or raffle tickets to support! Come to our Vendor Village, cheer on other runners, and enjoy the fun.

Sporting Events + Concerts this Week

• DPAC
  • May 1: Ali Siddiq: The Custom Fit Tour
  • May 2: CHELSEA HANDLER: THE HIGH AND MIGHTY TOUR
• MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER
  • May 1: PineCone presents: Woody Platt & The Bluegrass Gentlemen
  • May 1: An Evening with October London & Lalah Hathaway
  • May 1-3: North Carolina Symphony – Jurassic Park In Concert
  • May 2: KATHY GRIFFIN: New Face, New Tour
  • May 3: Shankar Ehsaan Loy : Dil Chahta hai
• THE RITZ
  • May 3: Nettspend
• May 1 – 3 : Durham Bulls vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Durham Bulls Athletic Park
• May 2: North Carolina Courage vs. Kansas City Current (<- This is Raleigh reader discount tickets), WakeMed Soccer Park

WEEK 2: May 4 – 10, 2026

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. Click for ideas on what to do for Mother’s Day in Raleigh.

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo, May 5, 2026

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’ve previously enjoyed 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, Bartaco, Gonza Tacos y Tequila, Cuya on Glenwood Ave, Campo Taco in the South End, and 13 Tacos and Taps in North Raleigh.
• Check out these Mexican restaurants on Hillsborough St (some with specials for today, these favorite Mexican restaurants in Raleigh, and where to get the best tacos in Raleigh)

Ma & Pa Festival, May 9, 2026

• Where: Fayetteville St
• Time: 11am – 6pm
• Free
• Website: makrs.com/ma-pa-festival

The MAKRS Society’s will host their annual Ma & Pa Festival on Fayetteville St. This is a combined celebration for Mother’s and Fathers (great idea) shopping, delicious food, live music, and family fun. With 100+ local vendors for a perfect mom and dad gift!

Kids Food Fest, May 9 & 10, 2026

• Where: Downtown Cary Park
• Time: 10am – 4pm
• Free
• Website:

The Creative Kitchen Kids Food Fest at Downtown Cary Park is a weekend of hands-on activities that teach families how to make balanced food choices. Enjoy cooking workshops, James Beard Foundation Future Foodies classes, live entertainment, and community partner activities.

Juniper Level Botanic Gardens Open Days, May 8 – 10, 2026

• Where: Juniper Level Botanic Garden: 9241 Sauls Road Raleigh.
• Time: Fri/Sat 8am – 5pm; Sun 1-5pm
• Cost: Free.
• Website

It’s spring blossom time at the Juniper Level Botanic Gardens, a 28-acre campus in south Raleigh. The private gardens showcase more than 27,000 different kinds of native perennials, exotic plants, rare delights and unusual specimens of trees and shrubs not found many (or any) other places on earth. This gorgeous garden in Raleigh is only open to the public 8 weekends a year. We highly recommend you make use of this opportunity to visit this hidden gem in Raleigh. There are even hidden waterfalls. Read our full guide to Juniper Level Botanic Gardens with more photos.

Raleigh’s Spring Mother’s Day Festival, May 9, 2026

• Where: Moore Square
• Time:  11am – 7pm
• Cost: Free
• Website:

New this year is the Raleigh’s Spring Time Mother’s Day Festival at Moore Square. This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy the spring season and a day of live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and more.

Sporting Events + Concerts this week

• DPAC
  • May 5- 10: The Great Gatsby (Touring)
• MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER
  • May 8 -9: North Carolina Symphony – Appalachian Spring
  • May 9: Cary Ballet Company – Peter Pan
• RED HAT AMPHITHETER
  • May 8: Bilmuri – Kinda Hard Tour
• THE RITZ
  • May 6: Monster Outbreak Tour Presents: CHE: ENCORE
  • May 8: Architects
  • May 9: Caifanes
  • May 10: AVATAR: DONT GO IN THE FOREST 2026
• May 5- 10: Durham Bulls vs. Round Rock Express, Durham Bulls Athletic Park
• May 8: Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at Historic Wakefield Barn 6:30pm
• May 8 Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift at Historic Wakefield Barn 9pm

WEEK 3: May 11 – 17, 2026

Serial Killer Speakeasy May 14-16, 2026

• Where: Wake County Shrine Club
• Time: Various
• Cost: $55
• Tickets

Step inside the shadows and immerse yourself in the dark, twisted histories of America’s most notorious serial killers. As you sip on 4 expertly crafted spirits or bespoke mocktails (to suit the tale), mixologists and theatrical storytellers will plunge you deep into the minds and motives of Bundy, Dahmer, Gacy, and Gein.

Juniper Level Botanic Gardens Open Days, May 15 – 17, 2026

• Where: Juniper Level Botanic Garden: 9241 Sauls Road Raleigh.
• Time: Fri/Sat 8am – 5pm; Sun 1-5pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

If you missed it the past two May weekends, this one is your last chance to see the spring themed Juniper Level Botanic Gardens, a 28-acre campus in south Raleigh. This gorgeous garden in Raleigh won’t be opened again until the summer. We highly recommend you make use of this opportunity to visit this hidden gem in Raleigh. There are even hidden waterfalls. Read our full guide to Juniper Level Botanic Gardens with more photos.

Got to Be NC, May 15 – 17, 2026

• Where: NC State Fairgrounds
• Time:
  • Fri: 12-10pm
  • Sat: 10am-10pm
  • Sun:109am-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. The following activities have a cost associated with them:

• Carnival Rides and Games
• Independent Vendors & Exhibitors (Food & Merch)
• Got to Be NC Pavilion (NC food, wine & beer vendors)
• State Fair Flyer
• Annual Masonic Carolina Pig Jig

Artsplosure (Raleigh Arts Festival), May 15 – 16, 2026

• Where: Downtown Raleigh
  • Sat: 11am – 7pm
  • Sun: 10am – 6pm
• Website: RaleighArtsFestival.com

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 are 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. Buy some art and dance the jig a little. Read our guide to Artsplosure.

North Hills Wine Walk, May 16, 2026

• Where: The Commons
• Time: 3pm – 6pm
• Cost: $25 donation to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund
• Website

We love this fun way to roam around North Hills, either shopping or window shopping. The North Hills Wine Walk benefitting Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a great way to support and important cause as well as local shopping. You will be given a “passport” listing the participating stores and a cup for sampling wines (or brews!) as you sip and shop. The sips will be complimentary at each store you visit. Bring your friends and make it a date! We like to have dinner at one of the many great North Hills restaurants after.

Pickin’ in the Park BBQ Festival, May 16, 2026

• Where: Knightdale Station Park
• Time: 4pm – 7pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Christopher Prieto, founder and pitmaster of the nationally acclaimed Prime Barbecue – in partnership with the Town of Knightdale – is will be hosting the inaugural Pickin’ in the Park. There’ll be delicious BBQ from celebrated North Carolina pitmasters including Sam Jones BBQ and Dampf Good BBQ, as well as live music, activities, and family fun. Proceeds will benefit the Raleigh Rescue Mission’s “The Garden,” which offers an immersive, holistic residential community for mothers, their children, and single women focusing on personal growth and job training to achieve self-sufficient, independent living.

Sporting Events + Concerts this week

• DPAC
  • May 11 & 12: An Evening With David Byrne – Who is the Sky Tour
  • May 16: John Crist: Live!
• MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER
  • May 13: The Psychology of Serial Killers
  • May 14 – 17: Carolina Ballet Presents Beauty And The Beast
  • May 16: North Carolina Symphony – ICON: Motown & Beyond
  • May 17: Triangle Youth Music Spring Orchestra 2026
• RED HAT AMPHITHETER
  • May 16: Ole 60: Smokestack Town Tour
• COASTAL CREDIT UNION MUSIC PARK
  • May 12: KID CUDI PRESENTS: THE REBEL RAGERS TOUR 2026
  • May 16: GODSMACK – The Rise of Rock World Tour 2026
• THE RITZ
  • May 11: Lorna Shore
  • May 12: Kreator: Krushers of the USA Tour
  • May 15: House Party ( 18+)
  • May 16: Toadies: The Charmer Tour
• May 14: Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More, The Rialto, 9pm
• May 15: Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at Historic Wakefield Barn 6:30pm
• May 15: Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More, at Historic Wakefield Barn ,9pm
• May 16: North Carolina Courage vs. Chicago Stars FC (<- This is Raleigh reader discount tickets), WakeMed Soccer Park

WEEK 4: May 18 – 24, 2026

Animazement, May 22- 24, 2026

• 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 24, 2026

• Where: City Plaza Downtown Raleigh
• Time: 12pm-6pm  
• 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.

Sporting Events + Concerts this week

• DPAC
  • May 20 – 24: Hamilton (Touring)
• MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER
  • May 22: PineCone presents: The Secret Sisters
  • May 22: Marisela
• RED HAT AMPHITHETER
  • May 19: STING 3.0 Tour
  • May 22: Iration
• COASTAL CREDIT UNION MUSIC PARK
  • May 19: Pitbull – I’m Back with special guest Lil Jon
• THE RITZ
  • May 19 :Santigold
  • May 22: ATLiens
  • May 23: Shrek Rave (18+)
• KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATER
  • May 22: ZZ Top
• May 19 – 24: Durham Bulls vs. Nashville Sounds Durham Bulls Athletic Park
• May 22: Candlelight: 90s Unplugged, Historic Wakefield Barn 6:30pm
• May 22: Candlelight: Tribute to Drake, Historic Wakefield Barn, 9pm
• May 23: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer, The Rialto 6:30pm
• May 23: Candlelight: Tribute to Adele, The Rialto 8:45pm

Week 5: May 25 – May 31, 2025

Hillsborough St Makers & Music, May 29, 2026

• Where: Compiegne Park (106 Chamberlain St, Raleigh, NC 27607)
• When: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Gather your friends and family this summer for a monthly outdoor community gathering event in the Hillsborough St District. Each month will feature live music performances, local markets, and family friendly activities. Plus, you’re right near Hillsborough St restaurants and eateries for food and drink.

Save these future summer series dates: Friday, June 26, 2026 & Friday, July 24, 2026

UNC Health Golf Championship, May 28 – May 31, 2025

• Where: Raleigh Country Club
• Cost: $20+
• Tickets

Watch the PGA Tour’s rising stars as well as seasoned professionals at the state’s only Korn Ferry Tour event is on in Raleigh. It’s the primary pathway for golfers seeking to earn their PGA TOUR card. Featuring 156 pro golfers, and players with local ties, including Ben Kohles, who grew up in Cary and has won two tournaments on the Korn Ferry Tour this year. Other local players expected to play include Ryan Gerard and Carter Jenkins, who both played golf at UNC-Chapel Hill. It’s going to be a fun four days with lots of activities and events on apart from the golf.

Sporting Events + Concerts this week

• DPAC
  • May 26 – 31: Hamilton (Touring)
• MARTIN MARIETTA CENTER
  • May 30: Ben Folds & A Piano Tour
• RED HAT AMPHITHETER
  • May 30: Young the Giant – Victory Garden Tour with Cold War Kids
• THE RITZ
  • May 27: Wage War – It Calls Me By Name Tour
  • May 28: Highly Suspect And The Tour Of Yellow Roses 
  • May 29: French Montana and Max B
• KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATER
  • May 28: Old Crow Medicine Show & Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
• May29: Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift at Historic Wakefield Barn 6:30pm
• May 29 Candlelight: 90s Unplugged, Historic Wakfield Barn 9pm

Ongoing events in Raleigh for May 2026

Now Spring has sprung, there are many events happening throughout the month on a regular schedule.

• Shop & Play Saturdays is on at Phillip Farms in Cary until May 17, 2025. Enjoy the weekly farmer’s market, themed weekends, and delicious local BBQ, ice cream, donuts, and more. And/or play in the family fun park. Your kids will be entertained for hours (you may be too!) 10am – 3pm
• 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 8: New Dawn Starkestra
  • May 22: Boulevards
• Historic Yates Mill County Park will have corn grinding demonstrations and costumed tours every Sunday and Saturday until November. Register here. 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 17 to May 22, 2025
• Wellness Wednesdays at North Hills offers fitness opportunities for local community during the spring. Midtown Park 6-7pm.
• Pop up music in the Commons North Hill will be on every Friday evening p-Up Music is intended to provide background ambiance in common areas across North Hills. he series will offer a total of twenty six acoustic music events, showcasing a variety of genres from artists local to the area. The spring series will run from April 4 to June 1, 2025.
• Live at Lunch Spend every second Thursday enjoying lunch at Downtown Cary Park with live local musical performances as the melodious backdrop for the break in your day. 11:30am – 1:30pm
  • May 8: Story Charlemagne
  • May 22 Jared Place

North Carolina Festivals you May Like

There’s no reason why you shouldn’t take a quick trip from Raleigh to the following North Carolina festivals happening this month.

• Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, Pittsboro on the 2nd – 5th May 2024 four days of captivating performances from folk and bluegrass to world music, across four stages and featuring over 50 bands from various genres. You may wish to stay at the nearby luxurious Fearrington Inn, Pittsboro!
• Bear Shadow Festival, 2024 Head to the Blue Ridge Mountains to celebrate the bears emerging from hibernation, heralding the end of winter with its enchanting mix of Americana folk tunes. You may wish to stay in the popular Skyline Lodge, Highlander Mountain House in Main St, Highlands or a mountain vacation rental.

Visiting Raleigh this weekend for an Event?

If you’re visit Raleigh from out of town for any weekly events, here are our recommendations for accommodation in downtown Raleigh.

• Residence inn Downtown Raleigh – fantastic location and big suites
• StateView Hotel – hidden away in a forest on NC State’s Campus
• Casso Hotel – for its uniquely Raleigh boutique feel and AMAZING restaurant (hidden gem!)
• Check out 10 of our short-term rental favorites

If you are visiting from out of town and have a few extra days, here are some itinerary guides to help you plan out your days exploring Raleigh:

• 24 hour itinerary guide for Raleigh
• 48 hour itinerary guide for Raleigh NC
• 22 of our favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants
• 14 best coffee shops in Raleigh

There you have it, all the cool things to do in Raleigh this month in May Leave us a comment below if you have any events this weekend in Raleigh we should know about?