May 2025 in Raleigh: Festivals, Concerts, and Fun You Can’t Miss
May is an exciting time in Raleigh, full of festivals, concerts, food, and fun for all ages. Whether you're celebrating Mother's Day, discovering local art, or indulging your sweet tooth, there’s something happening every weekend. Here’s your guide to the best events happening in Raleigh and the surrounding area this May!
FEATURED EVENTS:
NC Community Action Association's Sneaker Ball
Celebrate community, style, and impact at the NC Community Action Association’s Sneaker Ball! This one-of-a-kind event honors the frontline workers, volunteers, and leaders who uplift families across North Carolina through programs like Head Start, Meals on Wheels, and Workforce Development. Put on your finest attire and your freshest kicks for a night of music, networking, and inspiration—all while supporting vital programs that change lives from the mountains to the coast.
When: Thursday, May 15th from 8pm - 11pm
Where: Raleigh Convention Center
Cost: $99.00 - $149.00 per guest
Week of May 1st - May 7th
left image from Thriving in Raleigh | right image from Canva Gallery
Holly Springs International Food Festival
When: Saturday, May 2nd from 5pm - 8pm
Where: 300 West Ballentine StreetHolly Springs, NC, 27540
Cost: FREE
Description: Taste your way around the world without leaving North Carolina! This family-friendly event celebrates cultures from around the globe with authentic food, live entertainment, and a vibrant vendor market in downtown Holly Springs.
When: Saturday, May 3rd
Where: Downtown Apex
Cost: FREE
Description: One of Apex’s largest annual events, PeakFest takes over Salem Street with arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live music, and activities for kids. It's a perfect Saturday outing for the whole fam!
Wake Forest Meet in the Street Festival
When: Saturday, May 3rd from 10am - 4pm
Where: Downtown Wake Forest
Cost: FREE
Description: Join thousands of visitors for this beloved street festival, featuring artisan booths, local performers, delicious food, and a children’s village. It's a great way to support local businesses and enjoy a spring day in downtown Wake Forest.
When: Saturday, May 3rd from 3pm - 6pm
Where: The Commons - North Hills
Cost: $25 per person
Description: Sip and stroll through North Hills while supporting a good cause! The Wine Walk offers wine tastings at participating shops, with proceeds benefiting Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Bring your friends and enjoy an afternoon of shopping and sipping.
Week of May 8th - May 14th
left image from Canva Gallery | right image from Thriving in Raleigh
Raleigh's Spring Time Mother's Day Festival
When: Saturday, May 10th from 11am - 7pm
Where: Moore Square
Cost: FREE
Description: Celebrate the moms & mother figures in your life with a special day of local shopping, handmade goods, family activities, and delicious treats at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh. It's a perfect way to spend Mother's Day weekend!
When: Sunday, May 11th & Tuesday, May 13th
Where: The Lenovo Center
Cost: $187+/person
Description: Rock legends Pearl Jam are bringing their tour to Raleigh! Catch their epic live show at the Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena) for a night of iconic hits and new music.
Week of May 15th - May 21st
left image from NCCAA website | right image from Artsplosure website
NC Community Action Association's Sneaker Ball
When: Thursday, May 15th from 8pm - 11pm
Where: Raleigh Convention Center
Cost: $99.00 - $149.00 per guest
Description: Get ready for a night of style, celebration, and community impact at the Sneaker Ball! This unique event honors the work of community action agencies that support families across North Carolina through programs like Head Start and Meals on Wheels. Dress to impress (just don’t forget your sneakers) for an evening of live music, networking, and recognizing the difference makers across the state.
When: Friday, May 16th - Sunday, May 18th
Where: NC State Fairgrounds
Cost: FREE
Description: Celebrate everything North Carolina! The Got To Be NC Festival at the NC State Fairgrounds features farm animals, carnival rides, live music, local products, and an enormous food and wine expo.
Artsplosure: The Raleigh Arts Festival
When: Saturday, May 17th - Sunday, May 18th
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Cost: FREE
Description: Celebrate everything North Carolina! The Got To Be NC Festival at the NC State Fairgrounds features farm animals, carnival rides, live music, local products, and an enormous food and wine expo.
Week of May 22nd - May 31st
left & right image from Canva Gallery
When: Friday May 23rd - Sunday, May 25th
Where: Jim Graham building - NC State Fairgrounds
Cost: $10.00-125.00 per person
Description: Horror fans, this one’s for you! Carolina Fear Fest at the NC State Fairgrounds brings together horror celebrities, haunted houses, spooky vendors, and panels for a frightfully good time.
When: Friday, May 23rd - Sunday, May 25th
Where: Raleigh Convention Center
Cost: $65 per person
Description: This massive fan convention celebrates Japanese anime and culture with cosplay contests, guest panels, gaming rooms, and a bustling marketplace. A must-visit for anime lovers!
When: Sunday, May 25th from 12pm - 6pm
Where: City Plaza Downtown Raleigh
Cost: FREE
Description: A sweet lovers dream! NC Sugar Rush at City Plaza features dessert vendors from across the state—cupcakes, cookies, donuts, ice cream, and more. Make sure to bring your sweet tooth!
When: Thursday, May 29th - Sunday, June 1st
Where: Raleigh Country Club
Cost: Ticket Prices Vary
Description: Watch professional golfers compete in this official Korn Ferry Tour event at Raleigh Country Club. A great event for golf fans and those looking to enjoy a beautiful spring day outdoors!
When: Saturday, May 31st from 1pm - 4pm
Where: Fenton - Cary
Cost: $20.00 - $125.00 per person
Description: Head to Fenton for an afternoon of mouthwatering BBQ, sparkling wine tastings, craft beers, and live music at BBQ & Bubbly. It's a festive way to cap off the month!
Festivals, food, music, and good vibes—Raleigh is showing off this spring. Whether you’re dancing in your sneakers or soaking up the sunshine at a street fair, there’s no shortage of ways to make May one to remember!
For even more events to explore in Raleigh this May, be sure to check out our full events calendar!
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