Take out your calendar — we’re looking ahead to Raleigh’s biggest events happening in April and May. Keep this list handy and see if you can check off everything on our spring 2024 bucket list.
Looking for live music? Don’t miss heavy hitters like Hozier, Foo Fighters, and Hank Williams Jr., all coming to Raleigh soon, and there’s plenty more concerts to attend.
April
Tacos ‘N Taps, Koka Booth Amphitheatre | April 6 | Taste 60+ craft beers, tequilas, mezcals, and margaritas, included with your ticket, and try tacos from local food trucks with taco tickets.
Dreamville, Dorothea Dix Park | April 6-7 | Don’t miss this hip-hop + rap-focused festival featuring a star-studded headlining crew of J. Cole, SZA, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown.
2024 Pimento Cheese Festival, downtown Cary | April 13 | Get cheesy samples from local restaurants while drinking craft brews — plus, try your hand at pimento cheese sculpting.
14th Annual North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival, downtown Raleigh | April 20 | Head to the intersection of Fayetteville and Hargett streets for bluegrass, boogies, brews, and NC ‘cue, east and west style.
Village District 75th Anniversary Party, Woodburn Road | April 20 | This neighborhood shopping center is celebrating its diamond jubilee with live music, a special edition beer, and hot weiners from The Roast Grill.
Earth Day Extravaganza, Moore Square | April 21 | Join us and The Great Raleigh Cleanup for a day of fun runs, yoga, downtown cleanups, a local, eco-friendly market, and more.
Brewgaloo, downtown Raleigh | April 26-27 | Cheers to NC’s largest craft beer festival with 110+ brewers — plus, get $10 off at this link with code RALToday.
Raulston Blooms, JC Raulston Arboretum | April 27 | The arboretum grounds will be packed with activities, a maker’s market, Howling Cow ice cream, and a plant sale including unusual varieties.
Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Bond Park, Cary | April 27 | This event promotes creativity and imagination with 170 NC artists and three stages of entertainment.
May
Ma & Pa Festival, between Hargett and Davie streets | May 4 | The second edition of this MAKRS Society festival honors moms and dads with 100+ vendors, self-care activities, cigar rolling, and more.
Cinco de Mayo, Moore Square | May 5 | Shop a local bazaar and enjoy Mexican cuisine from a variety of vendors.
10th Annual Longleaf Film Festival, North Carolina Museum of History | May 10-11 | In addition to film screenings, meet filmmakers via panels and connect with other movie lovers.
Got to Be NC Festival, NC State Fairgrounds | May 17-19 | This festival celebrates NC agriculture like none other with farm-themed activities and all the good food you can imagine.
Artsplosure, downtown Raleigh | May 18-19 | We love this artsy festival for its unique vendors and creative experiences in the heart of our city.
Animazement, Raleigh Convention Center | May 24-26 | This three-day family-friendly convention celebrates all things anime.
NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship, WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary | May 24-26 | Watch the top women’s lacrosse teams face off for the champion trophy.