Gone Virtual

Though the state of North Carolina is under stay at home orders, you can still interact with the community through these virtual events during the month of May.

5/1
NC Symbols Kickoff Party
Visit the North Carolina State Capitol’s social media channels 
(@NCStateCapitol) every day in May for its annual celebration of the state’s official symbols, including the state plants, animals, minerals, arts and more, while highlighting what makes them so important to North Carolina. May 1 marks the kickoff to the virtual event. facebook.com/events/2616017568509020 

5/1-31
CoronaBusters Virtual 19K Run Challenge
If your favorite local race has been cancelled, or you just haven’t gotten up off the couch in a while, consider participating in one of the largest social distancing virtual runs to date. Take the month to complete the 19K challenge—in one day or over multiple days—on your own time, at your own pace, wherever you’d like. Submit your results and earn a glow-in-the-dark CoronaBusters Finisher Medal. thevirtualrunchallenge.com/virtual-race-event/2020-corona-busters-virtual-run-19k-run-walk/

5/4
May the 4th Virtual Run/Walk Challenge
May the force be with you as you complete this 4-mile and/or 10-mile virtual running challenge. Runners are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Star Wars character while they compete—those who share their pictures with the race organizer will be entered to win a prize. All competitors will also receive a medal and race bib. thevirtualrunchallenge.com/virtual-race-event/2020-may-the-4th-virtual-run-walk

5/12
Home Canning Basics
During this live webinar, Linda Minges, a registered dietician from the NC Cooperative Extension, will teach viewers how to safely preserve foods with a water bath and pressure canning. Gather some spring produce and jars before tuning in! eventbrite.com/e/webinar-home-canning-basics-registration-102261994378

5/15-6/30
Ope-RUN-ation Virtual Half Marathon Run/Walk
This virtual half marathon is a great excuse to get off your couch and dedicate yourself to something other than a Netflix series. Complete the half marathon all at once or in increments—those that complete the 13.1 mile distance in one try get an Ope-RUN-ation Finisher’s Medal. All proceeds for the race will go to Direct Relief, a nonprofit that communicates with public health officials and other nonprofit organizations across the globe to provide personal protective equipment and other essential medical equipment to frontline health workers responding to coronavirus. thevirtualrunchallenge.com/virtual-race-event/2020-ope-run-ation-virtual-half-marathon-run-walk/

5/17
Spilling the Quarantea
Raleigh native Marshal Sandman is partnering with Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin and other local celebrities such as NBA and former Duke basketball player Shavlik Randolph and Garland owner Cheetie Kumar to raise money for the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund during “Raleigh Week” on the Spilling the Quarantea Instagram Live series. The chefs, actors, influencers, comedians and more will divulge how they’re optimizing their quarantine with cooking, working out and other activities.

The interview schedule is as follows:
Sunday, May 17: Shavlik Randolph
Monday, May 18: Mayor Baldwin
Tuesday, May 19: Cheetie Kumar
Wednesday, May 20: Emily Procter (actress, of “West Wing” and “CSI Miami”)
Friday, May 22: Cindy Eckert

Watch the series at instagram.com/spillingthequarantea/channel.

5/19
You’re a Miracle In-Home Tour
Bestselling author Mike McHargue is bringing his international tour to your living room this spring. Purchasing a ticket gets you gets you a link to access the first three chapters of his book, “You’re a Miracle (and A Pain in the Ass),” as well as access to a Facebook group for people in your area. You’ll also get a hard copy of the book and a postcard from McHargue. mikemchargue.com/events

5/20
NC Tech Virtual Job Fair
Looking to get into the tech world? North Carolina Technology Associations’ Virtual Tech Job Fair is a great way to start your search. Job seekers must register and upload their resumes to participate. Virtual hiring room “booths” will take place during the live event for employers and job seekers to communicate. Employers include First Citizens, Attain, Inmar Intelligence, Spreedly and more. nctech.org/events/event/2020/jobfair-virtual-spring.html

5/20-22
Raleigh-Durham Job Fair
Meet with top employers at any time, from anywhere, on any device at this virtual Raleigh-Durham career fair. Industries hiring include sales, customer service, advertising, insurance, health, food and beverage, accounting, real estate and many more. eventbrite.com/e/virtual-raleigh-durham-job-fair-may-20-22-tickets-82113119551

5/25
Converging Stories: What If?
Raleigh Convergence’s live storytelling series continues virtually with the theme “What If?” Those interested in being a part of the evening had to pitch their personal, first-person story to Raleigh Convergence founder Sarah Day Owen Wiskirchen, who will then coach the selected storytellers to share their story live in front of a virtual audience. raleighconvergence.com

5/25
Memorial Day Virtual Run
Spend the holiday weekend taking part in a 5K, 10K or 13.1-mile half marathon on a professionally designed course through Raleigh, or on a course you designed yourself. Complete the run on your own time and at your own pace and receive a swag bag with a T-shirt, medal and other goodies. active.com/raleigh-nc/running/distance-running-virtual-events/memorial-day-virtual-run-raleigh-2020