Gettin' Piggy With It
2026-05-17 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Maywood Hall & Garden, 622 Maywood Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27603, United States
The fourth annual Gettin’ Piggy With It returns to downtown Raleigh on May 17, bringing award-winning chefs and pitmasters from across the country together for a day of barbecue, community and philanthropy benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School.
Tickets go on sale at noon Friday, March 20, at frankielemmonfoundation.org/gettinpiggywithit/.
The family-friendly event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at Maywood Hall and Gardens (622 Maywood Ave., Raleigh) and will feature barbecue and other chef-driven bites, along with local beer and spirits, live music, games and more. The event is hosted by the Frankie Lemmon Foundation in partnership with Jake Wood of Lawrence Barbecue and Chris Powers of Trophy Brewing Co.
VIP tickets are $200 per adult and includes early entry at noon. General admission tickets are $150 per adult with entry beginning at 1 p.m. Children ages 11 and under can be admitted free.
Proceeds benefit Raleigh’s Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center, which provides accessible education and therapies to children with and without disabilities, often at little to no cost to families.
“Gettin’ Piggy With It highlights the power of community,” said Marsha Hargette, executive director of Frankie Lemmon School and Foundation. “Lawrence BBQ and Trophy Brewing are outstanding partners and community leaders who make this event possible through their hard work and generosity. Because of them, Frankie Lemmon’s students and families are the real winners.”
This year’s lineup includes nationally renowned guest chefs and pitmasters such as Mason Hereford of Turkey & the Wolf in New Orleans); Logan Sandoval of ZEF BBQ in Simi Valley, Ca.; Sean Wen of Curry Boys BBQ in San Antonio; and Leonard Botello IV of Truth BBQ in Houston.
Additional participating restaurants and culinary partners include:
Andia’s Ice Cream of Raleigh, N.C.
CUYA Cocina Latina of Raleigh, N.C.
Elliott’s of Florence, S.C.
Fork Grove Barbecue of Anderson, S.C.
Good Hot Fish of Asheville, N.C.
Heff’s Burger Club of Winston-Salem, N.C.
Hoodoo Brown BBQ of Ridgefield, Conn.
Jon G’s Barbecue of Peachland, N.C.
Lawrence Barbecue of Raleigh, N.C.
Lewis Barbecue of Charleston, S.C. and opening soon in Raleigh, N.C.
Little Blue Bakehouse of Raleigh, N.C.
Locals Seafood of Raleigh, N.C.
Longleaf Swine of Raleigh, N.C.
Mera Brothers Oysters of Davis, N.C.
Native Fine Diner of Greenville, N.C.
N. Sea Oyster Co. of Hampstead, N.C.
Old Colony Smokehouse of Edenton, N.C.
Prime Barbecue of Knightdale, N.C.
Sam Jones BBQ of Winterville and Raleigh, N.C.
Shepard Barbecue of Emerald Isle, N.C.
Southern Smoke BBQ of Garland, N.C.
Sweet Lew’s BBQ of Charlotte, N.C.
The Pig in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The Smitty Experience of Raleigh, N.C.
Under the Oak Catering of Clayton, N.C.
Union Special of Raleigh, N.C.
Beverage partners include Tito’s, Trophy Brewing Co. and Cook’s Mill Whiskey.
CData is the presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors include Pulte Group, Tito’s and YETI. Sponsorships remain available; more information at https://frankielemmonfoundation.org/gettinpiggywithit/sponsor/.
The Frankie Lemmon Foundation plays an integral part in supporting the Frankie Lemmon School. The Foundation organizes a variety of community events throughout the year that help raise 80% of the School’s operating budget. By offering diverse events throughout the year, the Foundation ensures there are opportunities for individuals to contribute to narrowing the support gap.
Frankie Lemmon School is an accredited, five-star child development center that welcomes children, ages 2-7, with and without disabilities. The school provides inclusive classrooms and experiences, offering all children a sense of belonging, friendships and an opportunity to reach their full potential. For more information, go to https://frankielemmonschool.org/. For more information about Gettin’ Piggy With It, follow on Instagram at @gettinpiggy_nc or visit: https://frankielemmonfoundation.org/gettinpiggywithit/.

Darkness RISING: Live Arts & Mental Health Block Party
2026-05-23 13:00 - 17:00 | moore square, 201 Blount Street, raleigh, 27601, United States
​​Join us for Darkness RISING: LIVE 9, Raleigh’s high-energy block party celebrating wellness, the arts, and community!
Each year, thousands gather for this unforgettable outdoor celebration filled with powerful performances, free resources, and JOY. The 2026 event is made possible by HealthLit4Wake.
Hosted by Darkness RISING, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing direct mental health resources and arts programming for justice-involved individuals and marginalized communities of color, Darkness RISING: Live is more than an event, it’s a movement rooted in collective care and celebration.
Come experience:
☀️ Live performances
☀️ DJ + music all day
☀️ Vendors
☀️ Food trucks
☀️ Community Health Fair
☀️ Wellness workshops
☀️ Line dancing / yoga / movement
☀️ Interactive art
☀️ Kid’s activities
☀️ Giveaways
Attendees: Expect big crowds, connection, community, and a good time!
Vendors: Engage with a large, community-centered audience and grow your visibility while supporting a powerful cause.
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 1pm – 5pm
Location: 201 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, Moore Square, Downtown Raleigh
FREE Event
Hashtags:
#DRBlockParty
#DRLive9
#DarknessRISING
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nc-darkness-rising-live-9-arts-mental-health-block-party-tickets-1983647084829?aff=oddtdtcreator
Website: darknessrisingproject.org
Video excerpt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmcQrPgqo4g

Live at The Ridge: Tray Wellington Band
2026-05-29 18:00 - 20:00 | The Ridge, 2011 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC, 27607, United States
Come out to The Ridge for our third annual bluegrass event, this year featuring music by the Tray Wellington Band. Tray is an acclaimed banjo innovator whose genre-defying approach bridges folk, bluegrass, jazz, and contemporary roots music. Recognized for his fearless exploration of the banjo’s possibilities, Tray has been honored with some of the most prestigious accolades in acoustic music.
This contribute-what-you-can outdoor show is open to the public and sure to be a hit. We’ll kick off summer in style with BBQ for purchase from ‘And Also With ‘Cue (the give-back food truck) and free popcorn and flavored snow cones. Tickets are all donation-based with a suggested contribution of $25. All attendees must register for a ticket regardless of donation amount.

"Burning Coal Theatre Presents KidsWrite! Festival 2026"
2026-05-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Burning Coal Theatre, 224 Polk St., Raleigh, NC, 27604, United States
Every spring Burning Coal Theatre accepts original one-act play submissions for our KidsWrite! series to encourage the young writers of North Carolina! This is a terrific opportunity for budding playwrights to challenge their imagination and bring their stories to life on stage. Finalists have their work professionally produced and performed in front of an audience at Burning Coal Theatre.
The 2026 KidsWrite! Festival, directed by Zoe Matney and Christina Polge, includes:
Focus, by Eliza Basch
And I Feel Fine, by Jonathan Noah Howard
Today I Feel Like Death, by Taite Capes
Hope in Faith, by Mia Hayes
A Love Letter, by Talia Tran
Split Screen, by Simon Payen
Roulette, by Neile Joshi
Apollo’s Great Adventure, by Del Traylor
Karmic Sickness, by Samantha Allard

Luisito’s Bilingual Children’s Book Fair & Author Marketplace
2026-05-30 10:00 - 15:30 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Join ASP Books, the Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum, and Wake County Public Libraries in downtown Raleigh for Luisito’s Bilingual Children’s Book Fair & Author Marketplace, a free family event presented as part of the 4th Annual International Children’s Day Festival. Meet featured children’s authors Luke Vandergriff, Marie Tang, Micki Bare, Alexis M. Jackson, Ann Harrell, Karen D. Phillips, Caroline McAlister, Sandra Rathbone, Kimberly M. Pitts, Wayne J. Pitts, and Rafael A. Osuba. Throughout the day, authors will read from, share, or talk about their books, which will also be available for purchase and signing. Families can also enjoy crafts, balloons, and a special 1:00 p.m. puppet show by Master Puppeteer Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins. Free Admission | Open to the Public Saturday, May 30, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. City of Raleigh Museum 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Rooted Wellness Festival: Back to the Body
2026-05-30 12:00 - 16:00 | 2525 Noble Rd Raleigh, NC 27608, 2525 Noble Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27608, United States
Rooted Wellness: Back to the Body Festival
Presented by: Earthly Naturals
Rooted Wellness: Back to the Body Festival is an immersive, hands-on holistic wellness experience designed for individuals, families, and communities to reconnect with their bodies, the earth, and one another.
This interactive outdoor festival invites participants to learn by doing. Guests will rotate through thoughtfully curated wellness stations where they will create their own herbal remedies, tea blends, body-care rituals, and wellness tools to take home, guided by live demonstrations and facilitators throughout the day.
The festival features a Tea Garden & Tea Meditation Experience, the heart of the gathering, where participants slow down, engage their senses, and reconnect through intentional tea rituals rooted in ancestral and plant wisdom.
Additional experiences include:
• Live yoga, laughter yoga, and sound meditation sessions
• A plant-based chef demonstration focused on simple, nourishing vegan meals
• DIY wellness workshops including herbal steams, foot and hand soaks, and journaling
• A Kid Zone with gardening activities, storytelling, coloring, and sensory play
• Teen-only wellness spaces focused on mindfulness, creativity, and self-expression
• A curated marketplace featuring Black-owned holistic and wellness vendors
Rooted Wellness is intentionally designed to be inclusive, educational, and embodied, creating space for rest, play, learning, and healing for all ages.
✨ Come rooted in the earth. Leave back in your body.
Ticket options:
Adult ticket (18+)
Kid tickets (ages 10-12)
Teen ticket (age 13-17)

Cars and Carnivores Wake Forest
2026-06-06 08:00 - 15:00 | Downtown Wake Forest, 339 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC, 27587, United States
Cars and Carnivores, a free street festival presented by the Rotary Club of Wake Forest, returns Saturday, June 6, 2026, to downtown Wake Forest. The event features a 100+ vehicle car show, steak cookoff competition, food trucks, gift basket raffle, vendors and music. Free admission and parking. All proceeds go towards relieving medical debt of Wake Forest cancer patients. Visit www.wakeforestrotary.org/cc for more information.
Individuals needing specific accessibility accommodations are encouraged to contact the Rotary Club of Wake Forest in advance through the event website.

Mimosa Fest
2026-06-06 12:00 - 15:00 | Sports & Social Cary, 301 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary, NC, 27511, United States
It’s time to get bubbly 🍾
We know you’ve been waiting for this one 😏 The biggest day party in the Triangle is BACK! Get ready for Mimosa Fest 2026, presented by Surfside Vodka & Blue Moon Brewing Company, happening on Saturday, June 6 from 12pm-3pm!
Here’s what’s pouring this year:
☀️ Specialty mimosas in every venue
☀️ Live entertainment
☀️ Various vendors
☀️ Mimosa Passports (complete it, and cash it in for a prize!)
☀️ Delicious brunch options to cure your hangover
☀️ Major prize giveaways & more
🎟️ GA & VIP tickets ON SALE 3/13 @ 10AM
🔗 Link to purchase: https://bit.ly/3P4sz1w

Juneteenth at Hub RTP
2026-06-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Horseshoe at Hub RTP, 3151 Elion Drive, Durham, North Carolina, 27713
Hub RTP’s Juneteenth celebration returns June 19, 2026, for an evening that honors history, celebrates culture and brings the community together through music, art and education.
Rooted in the significance of Juneteenth, the event creates space for learning, reflection and joy while fostering meaningful connections across the Park and the region. Guests can expect live performances, interactive art, educational experiences and a family-friendly block party atmosphere designed for all ages.
Additional details will be announced as the event approaches, including the full lineup of performers, vendors and activities. For the latest updates, visit https://hub.rtp.org/juneteenth/
Restrooms will be available on-site. Indoor restrooms will be available in the Horseshoe building.
If there is inclement weather, the event will be postponed to June 26, 2025. Registered participants will be notified through TicketTailor.
Visitors are encouraged to use the free parking available at 3150 Elion Dr.

Carolina Kitty Con
2026-06-20 10:30 - 17:00 | Expo Center at State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC, 27607, United States
Carolina Kitty Con is the Southeast’s newest celebration of all things feline: a two-day festival blending pop culture, rescue advocacy, education, and entertainment into one unforgettable weekend.
Whether you’re a lifelong cat parent, a shelter volunteer, a creator, or just “cat-curious,” this is the gathering made just for you.

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo
2026-06-20 12:00 - 18:00 | 100 Fayetteville St, 100 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
We can’t wait to see you June 20th, August 23rd, and November 7th in Downtown Raleigh as we host an epic gathering of local food trucks!
From savory flavors to sweet treats, this is your chance to taste Raleigh while directly supporting local entrepreneurs. Every meal you enjoy helps keep dollars in our community, fuels small business growth, and strengthens our local economy. Whether you’re craving gourmet burgers, street-style tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo offers something for every appetite and every bite makes a local impact. 🌮🍔🍰
🗓️ Dates:
Saturday, June 20th, 2026
Sunday, August 23rd, 2026
Saturday, November 7th, 2026
🕰️ Time: 12 pm – 6 pm
📍 Location: Fayetteville St. – Downtown Raleigh

Carolina Kitty Con
2026-06-20 13:00 - 17:00 | Raleigh Fairgrounds, 4825 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, nc 27607, NC, 27504, United States

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo
2026-06-21 12:00 - 18:00 | 100 Fayetteville St, 100 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
We can’t wait to see you June 21st, August 23rd, and November 7th in Downtown Raleigh as we host an epic gathering of local food trucks!
From savory flavors to sweet treats, this is your chance to taste Raleigh while directly supporting local entrepreneurs. Every meal you enjoy helps keep dollars in our community, fuels small business growth, and strengthens our local economy. Whether you’re craving gourmet burgers, street-style tacos, or decadent desserts, our food truck rodeo offers something for every appetite and every bite makes a local impact. 🌮🍔🍰

Bee Jubilee
2026-06-27 09:00 - 15:00 | Granville County Expo Center, 4185 US 15, Oxford, NC, 27565, United States
10th Annual Bee Jubilee – A Sweet Celebration of Pollinators!
Join us for the 10th Annual Bee Jubilee, a buzzing, family-friendly event dedicated to educating, inspiring, and connecting our community through all things bees! Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper, a curious beginner, or just love honey, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Experience a full day of fun and discovery featuring:
100+ Vendors offering hive-based products, handmade goods, and agriculture-related finds
Educational Exhibits to learn about the vital role of pollinators
Honey Show & Honey Tasting – sample the sweetness and see the best of the best
Live Auction at 1:30 PM
Food Trucks Galore – come hungry and enjoy a variety of delicious bites
From beeswax candles to local honey and everything in between, you’ll find plenty to shop—so bring a wagon for your haul!
Last year, over 4,000 attendees joined us to celebrate pollinators and support local businesses. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this milestone 10th anniversary event!
Come learn, shop, and celebrate the incredible world of bees with us!
https://www.eventeny.com/events/bee-jubilee-2026-25337/

Disco Summer: Pride Edition - Wedding Vendor Fair
2026-06-28 13:00 - 16:00 | The Ingress Events, 705 Pershing Road, Raleigh, NC, 27608, United States
Date: Sunday, June 28
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Ingress
705 Pershing Road, Raleigh, NC
Admission: Free with Eventbrite registration
Event Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989410435165?aff=oddtdtcreator
Disco Summer: Pride Edition is a wedding vendor fair created to celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ couples, vendors, creatives, and allies. The event is designed to be a welcoming and affirming space where prospective couples can connect with inclusive wedding professionals, gather with community, and explore wedding inspiration in a safe and celebratory environment.
The afternoon will feature a themed wedding setup throughout the venue, food, beverages, vendor tables, and opportunities to connect with wedding vendors from within the LGBTQIA+ community and allied businesses.
At The Ingress, our name means “the right to enter” or “a place of entry,” and this event is rooted in that same spirit: creating a space where people can enter fully as themselves, feel welcomed, and celebrate openly.
This event is open to LGBTQIA+ couples, friends, family members, wedding vendors, creatives, and allies.

“First in Freedom” July 4th Parade
2026-07-04 09:30 - 12:00 | 100 Fayetteville St, 100 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
North Carolina will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in a bold and patriotic way as the “First in Freedom” July 4th Parade marches through Downtown Raleigh on Saturday, July 4, 2026, beginning at 9:30 AM.
Serving as North Carolina’s signature America 250 celebration, the parade will honor both the rich history of the state and the enduring spirit of the nation. The event will bring together communities from across North Carolina for a once-in-a-generation celebration of freedom, unity, heritage, and civic pride.

Taco & Margarita Fest
2026-08-15 12:00 - 17:00 | Sports & Social Cary, 301 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary, NC, 27511, United States
No time to siesta, we’re throwing a fiesta!💃
Get ready to shake things up with specialty margaritas and tacos at this year’s Taco & Margarita Fest happening on Saturday, August 15 from 12-5pm, presented by Dulce Vida Tequila & Topo Chico USA.
Bar crawl your way through the building and fuel up at one (or all) of the five taco stations throughout all three venues. Enjoy live entertainment, photo-ops, giveaways with the chance to win prizes & more! 🌮
Don’t miss out on the biggest fiesta of the year!
🎟️ TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
🔗 GET TICKETS HERE –> https://bit.ly/4uca5es

Autumn Art & Plant Festival - Presented by The Wake Forest Garden Club
2026-10-17 12:00 - 15:00 | The Wake Forest Historical Museum, 414 N. Main St., Wake Forest, NC, 27587, United States
Wake Forest Garden Club
Annual Autumn Art & Plant
Festival on October 17, 2026
The Wake Forest Garden Club is inviting the community to celebrate the beauty of the fall season at its annual Autumn Art & Plant Festival, taking place on
Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the beautiful gardens of theWake Forest Historical Museum, located at 414 N. Main Street in Wake Forest.
This family-friendly event has become a favorite local tradition, bringing together community members, artists, gardeners, and visitors for a day filled with art, music, plants, shopping, food, and seasonal fun. Admission is free.
Festival attendees can explore more than 40+ vendors, artists, and plant sellers, offering handcrafted items, original artwork, garden décor, gifts, plants, bulbs, and unique finds. Garden enthusiasts will enjoy browsing specialty growers featuring interesting and hard-to-find selections for home landscapes and gardens.
Visitors can also enjoy live music by My Cousin Skinny from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., adding an energetic soundtrack to the day’s festivities.
Food trucks will be on-site serving a variety of local favorites, and car enthusiasts can admire a Vintage Car Show featuring more than 20+ Classic cars on display. Additional festival highlights include raffle prizes donated by participating artists, vendors, and
local businesses, seasonal displays, and a welcoming atmosphere designed for families and friends to gather and enjoy a beautiful autumn day together.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Wake Forest Historical Museum Gardens and support community projects of the Wake Forest Garden Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to beautification, education, conservation, and community outreach.
The Wake Forest Garden Club has proudly served the community for more than a century, encouraging the love of gardening, supporting civic beautification projects, promoting environmental stewardship, and helping preserve the natural beauty of Wake Forest.
Whether you’re looking for unique artwork, seasonal plants, classic cars, live entertainment, or Simply a relaxing day in the gardens, the Autumn Art & Plant Festival offers something for everyone.
For additional information and festival updates, visit www.wfgardenclub.com.
