1. For more than 40 years, Wake Forest’s Meet in the Street festival has celebrated local culture, food, and entertainment with a variety of artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music. In a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends, attendees can experience activities, crafts, and performances while exploring charming streets and enjoying community time. With something for everyone, Meet in the Street strengthens neighborly spirit and showcases the best of North Raleigh. Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Wake Forest. wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events/meet-street-0
2. The Got to Be NC Festival is a vibrant celebration of our state’s rich agricultural heritage over a family-friendly weekend event that highlights food vendors, craft artisans, and live music. Attractions include carnival rides and games, interactive entertainment and educational exhibits, and farm-themed activities — all of which showcase the best of North Carolina’s farms, food, and culture. Friday, May 16, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free admission. North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. ncagr.gov/divisions/ncstatefair/got-be-nc-festival
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
3. Artsplosure — the Raleigh Arts Festival — is the city’s premier event celebrating creativity and community. With a diverse lineup of local and regional artists presenting their work through visual arts, performances, and interactive installations, attendees can enjoy live music performances, food vendors, an art market, and engaging activities for all ages (with Kidsplosure offering a dedicated space for the youngest artists). Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18. Free admission. Downtown Raleigh. artsplosure.org/artsplosuretheraleighartsfestival
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
4. Animazement is an animated celebration of anime, manga, and Japanese culture. The popular convention brings together fans for an immersive experience featuring panels, workshops, and screenings, and allows attendees to engage with industry professionals, participate in cosplay contests, and explore a bustling vendor hall filled with unique merchandise and event swag. Including special guests, live performances, and interactive activities, this year’s Animazement promises to be an enthusiastic celebration of creativity and fandom.Friday, May 23, 9–2 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 9–2 a.m. Sunday, May 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $65–$110. Raleigh Convention Center. animazement.com
5. It’s simply the sweetest day of the year! NC Sugar Rush returns to Raleigh and brings with it a whole lot of calories. The dessert-only event will satisfy the sweetest tooth with every treat conceivable — and pets are not excluded! Vendors, a dessert truck rodeo, and live music will see to it that every taste bud is satiated when this foodie fest takes over two city blocks and spreads the sweetness. Sunday, May 25. Free admission. City Plaza, Raleigh. ncsugarrush.com
6. Come out and celebrate a decade of Raleigh’s International Food Festival. This popular showcase of global cuisine highlights diverse flavors from cultures around the world, with over 50 countries represented. Attendees can savor everything from traditional street foods to gourmet delicacies — plus wine and dessert — while enjoying nonstop cultural performances and music. With activities for all ages, this is a must-visit event for foodies. Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Raleigh. theinternationalfestival.org
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
7. The Capital City Juneteenth Celebration honors equality and fosters empowerment by commemorating the abolition of slavery in the US. Live music, cultural performances, and educational workshops highlight history and heritage, and the event features delicious foods from local vendors, family-friendly activities, and engaging community discussions. Unity and empowerment meet a joyous expression of pride, reflection, and community at this Juneteenth gathering. Saturday, June 14, 2–6:30 p.m. Free admission. Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh. dorotheadixpark.org/event/capital-city-juneteenth-celebration-2025
8. Out! Raleigh Pride promotes inclusivity and acceptance while celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The annual event is back for its 13th year and once again offers a colorful parade, live performances, local vendors, food trucks, information booths, and engaging activities for all ages. With a focus on honoring diversity and equality and raising awareness, Out! Raleigh Pride promises to be a day of joy, love, and unity for all. Friday, June 20, 6–10 p.m. Saturday, June 21, noon to 7 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Raleigh. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com/out-raleigh-pride
WORTH THE DRIVE: The North Carolina Plein Air Art Festival returns for a fifth year to honor the form of outdoor painting. Artists from across the state gather to create stunning artworks en plein air — meaning “in open air” — and capture the state’s natural beauty and vibrant scenery. The festival features live demonstrations, workshops, and an exhibition of the finished paintings — all intended to encourage creative expression and foster an appreciation of art, while highlighting the talent of North Carolina artists. May 11–18. Free admission for all activities except workshops. New Bern. ncpleinair.org
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