Many things to do in North Carolina this weekend. While most events listed are in the Five County Stadium area and surrounding towns. a few are elsewhere in the state.
What’s missing? Let the editor know.
Note that multi-day events are listed under the first date.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival
Scheduled for May 20-22, 2016, the Artsplosure event is scheduled for Moore Square, 200 S. Blount Street, Raleigh NC. This spring festival has entertained and inspired hundreds of thousands of people, introducing them to underrepresented artists and performances. Events take place along Fayetteville Street and at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh. Every aspect of the festival is curated with an eye toward presenting quality art – and a healthy dose of the unexpected. The free festival features dozens of events, such as: The Art Market (with more than 180 visual arts and crafts exhibitors), Kidsplosure, specially commissioned, large-scale, interactive visual art installations, aerialists and other variety performers, The Student Art Exhibition and live music! More information may be available on www.visitraleigh.com
Barks and Brews 2016
On Friday, May 20, 2016 from 5-11pm, stop by Natty Greene’s Pub Downtown Greensboro, 345 S. Elm Street, Greensboro NC and bring along the family dog. Bring a pup and support the Humane Society of the Piedmont. Everyone who brings a donation of cat/dog food will receive a free Barks and Brew t-shirt. Order a hot dog, side, and beer for $10, proceeds benefit the Humane Society. More info and additional dates at nattygreenes.com.
28th Annual Beaufort Music Festival
This two day festival runs May 20-21, 2016. Hours on Friday are 4:30-10:30pm, and on Saturday 11am-10pm. This draws artists from all around the county, providing music from various genres like R&B, folk, blues, punk, bluegrass and more. Also, you’ll enjoy great food, beer garden and children’s activities! The festival returns with a special North Carolina spotlight stage on the east end of Middle Lane, which will feature North Carolina bands and beers. At the Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner Street, Beaufort NC. More online at www.beaufortmusicfestival.com.
Clayton Town Square Concert Series
Listen to “The Central Park Band” on May 20, 2016, 5:30-9:30pm. At 110 W Main Street, Clayton NC. See www.downtownclayton.org for details and additional dates. Food trucks on-site too.
Raleigh Got To Be NC Festival — May 20-22, 2016
The annual Got To Be NC Festival returns to the NC Fair Grounds in Raleigh NC. More information at www.gottobencfestival.com.
Actress Betty Lynn Signs Autographs
On May 20, 2016, 12:30-3:30pm, stop by the museum to get her autograph. At the Andy Griffith Museum, 218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy NC. See www.andygriffithmuseum.com
Mayberry Tractor Parade
On May 20, 2016, come to Mayberry for the Tractor Parade, which is held 6-7pm on the night before Farm Fest, in Downtown Mount Airy. The kids ride-on parade is after the tractor parade and all children and parents should meet at the Carlos Jones Blue Ridge Park (where brick gazebo is) on the corner of Oak and N. Main, Mount Airy NC, for the ride-on parade.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Falls Lake Youth Fishing Tournament and Centennial Celebration
Have you ever wanted to try fishing with your kids but don’t know where to start, or do you have some experience but would like to learn some new techniques? Then come May 21, 2016, 8:30am-2pm, for a day of fun at the Falls Lake Youth Fishing Tournament. The location is the Falls Lake State Recreation Area, 13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest NC. Admission is free. Youth ages 5 to 13 are invited to pre-register for this exciting event. All fishing gear and bait will be provided, or you can bring your own gear. There will be prizes and educational booths for all ages. Be sure to pre-register and get more information by calling the park office at 919.676.1027. See www.ncparks.gov.
Franklinton Tea with the Artist — May 21, 2016
Alma Burke will be the featured artist at Franklin County Arts Council (FCAC) Back Galley for an afternoon tea May 21, 2016, 3-5pm. Burke’s art will be on display, and she will give a short presentation during this free event. Tea and cookies will be served. The Back Gallery is in the FCAC headquarters at 22 S Main Street, in Franklinton NC.
Knightdale Farmers Market — May 21, 2016
The theme on May 21 is twofold: Hungry Games and Psyched About Bikes. The Hungry Games is a boy scout organized event and includes an archery range. The goal of the day is to draw attention to hunger. Psyched about Bikes will be at the Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater on May 21 from 10am to 12pm. Planned activities are many, including a bicycle rodeo, bike inspection checks, safety officers, and IdentAKid. Bring a bike and join the fun. The Food Truck planned from 11am-2pm is Rolling Bistro. Music on this day by Natalie Pickett. The market is at Knightdale Station, 810 S Main Street, Knightdale NC (Wake County). It is open Saturdays, 10am-2pm. Contact the market manager via email with questions.
Mayberry Farm Fest
May 21, 2016 is the date for Mayberry Farm Fest in Downtown Mount Airy NC, held Saturday from 9am to 6pm. See www.mountairydowntown.org for details.
Raleigh Pop-Up Vintage Market
Pop-Up Raleigh is downtown’s original monthly vintage market with a smattering of local art. Held at Trophy Brewing & Taproom, 656, Maywood Avenue, Raleigh NC — near the NC State Farmer’s Market. Parade of food trucks, arranged by the host. Rain or shine, noon to 5pm.
Rocky Mount Farmers Market
This Saturday Market is held at 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC, 8am-1pm. Call 252.407.7920 or email with questions.
Rolesville Rabies and Microchip Clinic
This clinic is being held May 21, 2016, 9am to noon, at Rolesville Main Street Park, 200 S Main Street, Rolesville NC. Rabies Vaccinations are $5. Microchips are $10 and include lifetime registration. One-year and three-year vaccinations are the same price; however, documentation of previous year rabies shot is required to get a three-year shot. This is a Walk-up Clinic with no appointment required, first come, first served.
Wendell Farmers Market — May 21, 2016
The Wendell Farmers’ Market is open, 8am to noon. The market is located at 3700 Wendell Blvd, Wendell NC (Wake County). The market accepts EBT, debit and credit cards; just stop by the market information tent to swipe your card and receive tokens in exchange. The tokens can then be used like cash throughout the market season. For more information, email the market Director, Cathrine Evans.
Wilson Farmers Market
The Saturday Market is held at the Wilson County Fairgrounds, Hwy 301, Wilson NC, and is open Saturdays, 7:30am-noon. Call 252.237.0111.
Zebulon Farm Fresh Market
Held on the grounds of the Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC (Wake County) — Open Saturdays, 9am-1pm, May-October — Contact Market Manager Maurine Brown at 919.823.0432 or email.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
919 Music Festival
A total street party and large, grassy concert grounds are the perfect way to come out and support a great cause. The location is 8501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh NC. Proceeds to benefit the American Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina. $5 per person includes entry to festival and chance to win cash and prizes at the event. 18 and under are free! Scheduled for May 22, 2016, noon to 6pm. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Taste of Hickory
The May 22, 2016, 4-7pm event will showcase locally owned restaurants, bakeries, caterers, Carolina breweries and wineries, and other local vendors. Stroll through the center tasting and sipping while enjoying familiar tunes by Hickory’s own “America’s Got Talent” star Ulysses Long. There are admission fees — $25 in advance; $35 at the door. The location is the Hickory Metro Convention Center, 1960 13th Avenue Dr SE, Hickory NC. For more information, visit www.hickoryconventions.com.
Baseball Games
It’s that time of year! Check out local baseball games on:
- Carolina Mudcats — www.gomudcats.com
- Durham Bulls — www.durhambulls.com
(Both above baseball links redirect to the team pages on the MiLB.com (Minor League Baseball) website.
- Wilson Tobs — www.wilsontobs.com
Coming Soon
Happening on The Common Arts Festival
Join the fun on Tarboro’s Historic Town Common for a day of music, art, crafts, food, and activities for kids! Scheduled for June 11, 2016, 10am-5pm, performances include a variety of music genres. Held on the Tarboro Town Common, 700 N Main Street, in Tarboro NC
301 Endless Yard Sale
Communities along US 301 again join together with deals, antiques, collectibles, and more along the stretch of highway between Kenly and Benson NC — in Johnston County — and beyond to sites in Halifax, Wilson, Nash, and Harnett counties. The US 301 Endless Yard Sale officially runs June 17-18, 2016, 7am-5pm each day. More online at www.301endlessyardsale.com.
Stay tuned for more from Eastern North Carolina!
