Wake
Art in Bloom
This annual five-day floral fundraiser features the stunning creativity of floral designers from across the state and nation who interpret works of art in the North Carolina Museum of Art’s People’s Collection, all in support of the museum’s programming, special exhibitions and the NCMA Foundation Inc.
Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival
Explore this eclectic, award-winning arts festival and market in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Held on the third weekend in May each year, Artsplosure features approximately 175 fine artists and craftspeople exhibiting original works of art across multiple categories, including paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodwork and more. Kids can enjoy free arts and craft activities at Kidsplosure, and a main stage hosts live performances.
Busk and Bloom
Head to the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, part of Raleigh’s North Carolina Museum of Art, April 4 to celebrate North Carolina’s history of talented street performers with an afternoon of joyous live music.
Midtown Beach Music Series
Dance the night away to classic beach music hits at North Hills’ Midtown Park during this community-building event. Enjoy live tunes, food, drinks and fun with friends, neighbors and colleagues on Thursdays from April 16 through July 23.
Theatre in the Park
Plan your next date night or bring the whole family and experience limited-run live performances at Raleigh’s Theatre in the Park this season, from romantic adventures like Edmond Rostand’s “Cyrano” to campy and macabre musicals like Goerge Reinblatt’s “Evil Dead: The Musical.”
NC State Live
Mark your calendar for a variety of unforgettable live music performances, experimental plays and other unique spectacles all year long – hosted by NC State’s performing arts department – at various theaters throughout Raleigh.
Spring Daze
Celebrate the height of spring and shop for one-of-a-kind art from more than 170 local North Carolina artists, enjoy live music, delicious bites and fun hands-on activities at Cary’s Bond Park Saturday, April 25.
Durham
Durham Craft Market
This outdoor market at Durham Central Park includes more than 50 rotating artists who showcase their work every Saturday morning. Discover curated and handcrafted pottery, fine art, jewelry, woodworking and more.
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies brings this internationally renowned four-day festival to downtown Durham for the 28th year April 16-19. Catch more than 60 nonfiction film screenings; attend parties, panels and exclusive sessions with filmmakers; and meet industry professionals and cinephiles from around the globe.
Preservation Durham Home Tour
Preservation Durham – with its mission to protect Durham’s historic assets – offers the public a glimpse into a different historic neighborhood or thematic group of historic properties each year. This year’s tours are May 16 and 17.
Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival
Durham Parks & Recreation hosts an afternoon honoring African and African American history, culture, arts, food and traditions at Rock Quarry Park. The annual festival, which is free and open to the public, was established in 1969 by a group of local students and community members to honor the West African festival of harvest and celebration. Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
American Dance Festival
One of the largest and most influential modern dance festivals in the world celebrates its 92nd annual season with 22 choreographers and dance companies taking part in 40 performances across Durham in June, as well as additional performances in September and October. Dancers from both emerging and long- standing companies perform at Reynolds Industries Theater, Page Auditorium and in von der Heyden Studio Theater at the Rubenstein Arts Center. Bring the kiddos to its children’s Saturday matinee series, too!
Duke Arts Presents
Duke Arts Presents regularly invites new, exciting and culturally rich performances to the Durham area, showcasing world-class creators and artists you may not see anywhere else! Treat yourself to a variety of its shows this spring, from live music to musicals to experimental puppet wrestling.
The Carolina Theatre of Durham
This downtown Durham institution has been a go-to spot for locals interested in the arts – one committed to promoting “original, innovative stories and works.” Stop by The Carolina Theatre on select nights for the chance to see live musical performances, comedy shows, film screenings and more.
Orange
Graham100: The Centennial Celebration
Experience the power of movement as the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company returns to Carolina Performing Arts at Memorial Hall March 25. The program is part of the company’s three-season 100th anniversary celebration, and pairs one of its most iconic and emotionally charged works, “Appalachian Spring,” with bold new creations by Hope Boykin and Baye & Asa for an evening of fiery modern dance curated around the timely and timeless question: “What is an American?”
Freight Train Blues Concert Series
This concert series celebrates the life of Carrboro native and blues legend Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten. Enjoy free outdoor performances in May and June at Carrboro Town Commons.
Arts on Market
This spring and fall community event in Southern Village features handcrafted art and gifts made by regional artists, artisans, bakers and makers.
PlayMakers Repertory Company
Head to Chapel Hill’s PlayMakers Repertory Company for “theatre that moves.” This season is dedicated to captivating stories sure to garner insightful ideas and thoughtful conversation, featuring shows like “Macbeth” and “Steel Magnolias.”
Chatham
Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival
Set up camp and get groovy at this biannual four-day festival at Shakori Hills Community Arts May 7-10, featuring 70 diverse musical acts.
Chatham Artists Guild Spring Art Festival
Enjoy an outdoor art market at The Plant in Pittsboro featuring works by members of the Chatham Artists Guild. This year marks the first iteration of this springtime festival, which will be held May 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Looking for more events this spring? Follow us on Instagram or explore our Ultimate Triangle Checklist!
