Commencement ceremonies

• NC State University | Saturday, May 6 | 9 a.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | Military Commander and alumnus Anthony J. Cotton will address the more than 6,300 graduates.
• Saint Augustine’s University | Saturday, May 6 | 9 a.m. | Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh | This year’s speaker is an alumna of ’98 and WakeMed Senior Executive Dr. Jeronica Goodwin.
• Wake Technical Community College | Saturday, May 6 | 8 a.m., 11 a.m. + 2 p.m. | Scott Northern Wake Campus, 6600 Louisburg Rd., Raleigh | Graduates will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls.
• William Peace University | Saturday, May 6 | 9:30 a.m. | William Peace University, 15 E. Peace St., Raleigh | CEO, speaker, investor, advisor, entrepreneur, and executive coach Donald Thompson will be the commencement speaker.
• Meredith College | Saturday, May 13 | 8:30 a.m. + 11 a.m. | Courtyard outside of Johnson Hall, 3800 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | University President Jo Allen will deliver the commencement address to the approx. 350 members of this year’s class.
• Shaw University | Saturday, May 13 | 10 a.m. | Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh | Entrepreneur and philanthropist Natalie Madeira Cofield will address the class of 2023.

• Hell Yes Mamacita Beer Release | Friday, May 5 | 3-11 p.m. | Raleigh Brewing Company, 3709 Neil St., Raleigh | Free | Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the release of this Belgian golden ale aged in tequila-soaked oak and lime peels.
• First Friday Market & Movie Night | Friday, May 5 | 5-9 p.m. | Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh | Free | Shop from local vendors, grab a snack from a food truck, and enjoy “Shang-Chi: The Legend of the Ten Rings” on the lawn.
• Sip N’ Stroll Public Art Tour | Friday, May 5 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Whiskey Kitchen, 201 W. Martin St., Raleigh | Free | Enjoy this downtown tour, led by Tricia Sabol of Raleigh Walking Tours, routed along the sip and stroll district.
• Frills Grand Opening Party | Friday, May 5 | 6 p.m. | Frills Atelier, 17 E. Martin St., Raleigh | Free | Celebrate the opening of this downtown vintage accessory shop.

• Marbles Bike Rodeo | Saturday, May 6 | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | Free | Grab your bike (or trike) and helmet for this family-friendly day filled with obstacle courses, bike safety, and art activities.
• The MAKRS Society Ma & Pa Market | Saturday, May 6 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Free | Shop from more than 100 local vendors, listen to live music, and grab a snack from food trucks at this Mother’s and Father’s Day market.
• Gizmo Brew Works 10 Year Anniversary | Saturday, May 6 | 12-10 p.m. | Gizmo Brew Works - Raleigh Taproom, 5907 Triangle Dr., Raleigh | Free | Celebrate this brewery’s 10-year anniversary with local bands, food trucks, and vendors.
• Kentucky Derby Big Hat and Bowtie Fundraiser | Saturday, May 6 | 3-7:30 p.m. | Nickelpoint Brewing Company, 506 Pershing Rd., Raleigh | Free | Wear your best bow ties + big hats to listen to live music and watch the pre-race and Kentucky Derby; a portion of proceeds will benefit homeless pets and rescue horses.
• 80s Dance Party | Saturday, May 6 | The Big Easy Oven + Tap, 231 Grande Heights Dr., Cary | $5-$8 | Get ready to boogie while dressed in your 80s best.

• Punk Rock Flea Market | Sunday, May 7 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Rebus Works, 301-2 Kinsey St., Raleigh | Free | Shop local art, oddities, and records, and enjoy music, food, beer, and coffee at this pup- and family-friendly market.
• Longleaf Lo-Fi: DJ Big Lyd | Sunday, May 7 | 4-7 p.m. | The Longleaf Hotel, 300 N. Dawson St., Raleigh | Free | DJ Big Lyd will provide vinyl tunes of disco, jazz, and chill pop on the patio.

• Real Estate Forum | Thursday, May 25 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | First Citizens Center, 4300 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh | $0-$25 | Enjoy breakfast while learning about updates on residential real estate trends + development projects — The forum is free for Midtown Raleigh Alliance members and $25 for nonmembers.*

• The Raleigh City Council approved a zoning request to build up to 20 stories near Dix Park during Tuesday’s meeting. The request of the commercial mixed-use development allows for a maximum of 3,000 residential units, 500 hotel rooms, 200,000 sqft of retail space, and 1.5 million sqft of office space. (Triangle Business Journal)

• Indy Week is celebrating 40 years, 2,000+ issues, and a new partnership. The weekly publication announced that they are partnering with The Assembly, a digital news source reporting on NC. Make sure to pick up the 40th anniversary issue available at local newsstands now until Tuesday, May 9.

• On Wednesday, May 3, the Canes beat the New Jersey Devils (5-1) in the first game of the second round. The Carolina Hurricanes play in Game 2 tonight at 8 p.m. — snag tickets. Other than PNC Arena, where is your favorite local spot to support the Canes? Let us know.

• Due to the recent spread of canine influenza in the Triangle, Second Chance Pet Adoptions’ Racing for Rescues 5K will not be allowing pets or adoptable dogs at the race on Sunday, May 7. The timed 5K will begin at 9:30 a.m. at C.M. Herndon Park in Durham. Register for the race.

• Who’s up for a sweet treat? Cocktail and dessert lounge Bittersweet will be celebrating nine years on Tuesday, May 9. From 6-10 p.m., the downtown spot will feature $9 Bittersweet classic cocktails, special guest bartenders, and a DJ spinning tracks.

• Feliz Cinco de Mayo. Today honors Mexico’s victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862 — a major symbol of the country’s fight for independence. Celebrate with Dos Taquitos at its annual block party. Starting at 12 p.m., there will be live music, street performers, face painting, drink specials, and prizes.

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• Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Enter: Floom’s limited edition Mother’s Day arrangements. Browse one-of-a-kind bouquets featuring tulips, roses, peonies, orchids, and more. Plus, peruse the selection of indoor plants. Shop now.