This annual festival has activities for all ages. | Photos via NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
If you didn’t have plans this weekend already, now you do. The Got to Be NC Festival is back at the NC Fairgrounds starting Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18, and you can expect activities fit for the whole family.
Expect a variety of entertainment at this free down-home celebration, including a variety of carnival rides + games, local food vendors, live entertainment and music, and its annual Masonic Carolina Pig Jig event. The barbecue event showcases Carolina pitmasters and offerings from pork ribs to turkey barbecue. Plus, proceeds from Pig Jig’s sales will support the Masonic Home for Children and the Central Carolina Children’s Home.
Additionally, pick an experience from the educational exhibits and learning sessions hosted by the NC Department of Agriculture, Southland Dairy Farmers, North Carolina Forest Service, and more. We’re eyeing the chick hatchery at the Graham Building AgriPlaza. Check out the daily schedule to maximize your visit.
Events
Events
Wednesday, May 14
“Crying in H-Mart” by Michelle Zauner | 10-11 a.m. | Northeast Regional Library | Free | Participate in a discussion about a memoir covering grief and the power of love.
The Midweek Market | 4 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | Shop seasonal produce, unique finds from local vendors, fresh cut flowers, and more.
Thursday, May 15
NCMA After-Hours: Bourbon Tasting | 5-8:15 p.m. | NC Museum of Art | $25 | Taste a variety of bourbons from Black-owned distilleries in this private tasting.
Brazilian Zumba Dance Class | 6-7 p.m. | Theatre Raleigh Arts Center | $18 | Dance off calories with Brazilian and Latin beats.
Karaoke 3rd Thursdays | 8-11:30 p.m. | Killjoy | Price of purchase | Sing off-key and for the Pathway to Pearls cause while enjoying food from Waffle Up — registration is required for free entry.
Concerts & Cocktails: “Swan Lake” | Through Sunday, May 18 | Times vary | 10th & Terrace | Price of purchase | Enjoy crafted cocktails inspired by a classic ballet like the Odette featuring Svedka, Aperol, and lemon.
“Swan Lake” — Carolina Ballet | Thursday, May 15-Sunday, May 18 | Times vary | Memorial Auditorium | This ballet features live music by the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, bringing the Tchaikovsky classic to new light.*
Friday, May 16
Adult Nights: Game On | 6:30-10 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | $25 | Interact with science through science stations, games, and themed cocktails + mocktails.
PineCone: Celebrating 100 years of Hazel Dickens | 7:30 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $18+ | Celebrate a bluegrass pioneer with music performances from Grammy-nominated band Della Mae.
Saturday, May 17
Rootle Roadster Tour Block Party at Marbles | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Marbles Kids Museum | Free | Play, explore, and share free hands-on activities, PBS KIDS educational resources, and more — all free (museum admission purchased separately).*
Perimeter Park is more than just offices and meeting rooms, with loads of green space + other amenities. | Photos provided by Trinity Partners
Perimeter Park truly puts the “park” in office park, optimizing work-life balance for all tenants. See for yourself on our Instagram Reel.
The Trinity Partners Raleigh property management and leasing teams gave us the full tour, from sleek new prebuilt suites and tenant lounges, to all the wellness features and other perks. Businesses can expect amenities like:
More than seven miles of scenic walking trails
Dynamic meeting spaces, including a 60-person training room
The Patio, an expansive Wi-Fi equipped outdoor lounge
The Perk Café serving Larry’s Coffee, breakfast, and lunch
A “pocket park” with a putting green + bocce court
Two state-of-the-art fitness centers
Perimeter Park also hosts events year-round curated by the Bloom by Trinity Partners tenant engagement program. We attended their fabulous Earth Day celebration with hands-on tie-dying and planting stations, and a creative obstacle course.
Plus, Perimeter Park is just a short drive from downtown Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
Campo Taco Co., a family-owned Mexican restaurant, will open at The Row in the Rockway development near Gipson Play Plaza later this year. Campo will serve bold tacos, handcrafted cocktails, and signature margaritas. The restaurant aims to connect with the community, celebrating fresh flavors and togetherness.
Weather
NC is in for a hot summer with temperatures expected to be above average. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a scorcher, with June, July, and August each running 1-3 degrees higher than usual. There’s also a 40-50% chance of above-average rainfall, particularly in southeastern areas. (The News & Observer)
Eat
A Place At The Table Cafe announced it is now accepting online orders for pick-up inside the cafe. That’s right. You can take your bites on the go and enjoy staples like the spot’s house barbecue chips and fried green tomato sammie.
Try This
Head on out to Moore Square on Sunday, May 18, for the Raleigh Foodie Fare from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expect local food vendors ranging from savory bites to sweet treats, and live music performances.
Raleighite
It’s official. The Millie Dunn Veasey Post Office, formerly the Brentwood Post Office, has been renamed. Veasey was a WWII veteran who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Read more on Veasey’s legacy.
Community
Wake County has launched an interactive Housing Data Dashboard, offering real-time insights into population growth, affordability, and housing supply. The tool aims to help residents and leaders make informed decisions to address the county’s housing challenges, including the rising costs of rent.
Put your business in front of thousands when you secure your spot in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide ahead of Father’s Day. For a limited time, save 20% with code PGG2025 at checkout.
Learn
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Asked
Asked
What is the estimated chance of a major storm hitting the East Coast during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season?
Stay tuned for you-pick dates at DJ’s Berry Patch. | Photo by @djsberrypatch
If this warm Raleigh weather has you craving shortcake and singing “Strawberry Fields Forever,” then we have great news for you — strawberry season in NC typically begins in mid-to-late April and runs through early June. To celebrate the season, we rounded up some you-pick strawberry farms around Raleigh.
DJ’s Berry Patch | This family-owned farm is officially open for the season with pre-picked strawberries, ice cream, plants, and produce — the you-pick option should be open by mid-April, so check out the farm’s social media for updates.
Page Farms | Follow the family-owned farm on Facebook for info on the next you-pick dates or swing by to pick up pre-picked strawberries while supplies last. Also, save the date for the next Handmade Market At The Farm on Saturday, May 4.
Porter Farms and Nursery | Get ready to fill your basket because berries are ready to be picked — don’t forget to grab fresh produce while you’re there.
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I’m always looking to add to my endless collection of books and local independent sellers. I recently came across a new bookshop on wheels, Finn & Ollie’s Book Trolley, and it looks like the shop will be in Raleigh this Saturday, May 17, for the Greenway Artisan Market.
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