Believe it or not, spring is quickly approaching, and even though it brings seasonal chores + scores of pollen (remember pollenpocalypse?), we can also look forward to the return of many classic Raleigh events. Mark your calendars — there’s a lot to look forward to. (Note: Dates and details are subject to change.)
Spring Solstice Outdoor Market | Sat., March 20 | 12–4 p.m. | The Hop Yard, 1141 Falls River Ave. | Cost of purchase | This event features outdoor shopping from 18+ vendors, food from 13 Tacos Food Truck — and of course, beer. 🛍️
Raleigh Veg Fest | Sun., April 4 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | This 100% vegan event is hosted by the Triangle Vegan group + is currently accepting applications for vendors, speakers + exhibitors. 🥬
Tacos N Taps Festival | Sat., April 17 | 12–5 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary | $21+ | This experience includes a souvenir glass, tequila and mezcal samples + food vendors featuring more than 30 different tacos. 🌮
Clayton Spring Fling Festival | April 21–25 | Cost of purchase | Downtown Clayton, 111 E. Second St. | This annual five-day event features carnival rides, a car show, local food and music, vendor stalls + the Latin American Festival. 🌷
Vintage Market Days | May 7–9 | NC State Fairgrounds, 985 Youth Center Dr. | $5+ | Just in time for Mother’s Day gift-shopping, this “Freshly Picked” event features art, decor + other goods from 100+ NC makers. 🖼️
Hops & Blues Festival | Sat., May 15 | 4–8 p.m. | The Glass Jug Beer Lab, 5410 NC55, Durham | $15+ | Rescheduled from August 2020, this event features live music from local Blues artists, local beer, and food from Cockadoodlemoo. Limited to 300 attendees. 🎺
NC Wine Festival | Sat., May 22 | 12–6 p.m. | The Streets at Southpoint, 6910 Fayetteville Rd., Durham | $35+ | Featuring beverages and products from 50+ makers across the state. Tickets include wine samples, a commemorative glass + live entertainment. 🍷
Carolina Fear Fest | May 28–30 | NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd. | Tickets not yet available | This annual horror convention will feature conversations with celebrity guests, art, a film festival, panel discussions + other entertainment. Vendor applications are now open. 👻
Art in Bloom | June 3–6 and June 10–13 | NCMA, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd.| Tickets available beginning April 7 | This annual festival of flowers, workshops, and interactive art supports museum programming and events throughout the year. 🌺
International Food Festival | Sat. June 5 | Cost of purchase | Enjoy authentic international food, desserts, imported beer and wine + see Latin, Bollywood, Belly Dance, Irish, Bhangra, Polynesian, Hawaiian, and KPop stage performances. 🥟
Out! Raleigh Pride | Sun., June 6 | Downtown Raleigh, 400 Fayetteville St. | Free | This 10th annual Raleigh parade and festival raises funds to support the LGBT Center of Raleigh and all of its 20+ community programs. Vendor applications are currently open. 🌈
Brewgaloo | June 11 + 12 | Downtown Raleigh, 400 Fayetteville St. | $24+ | Did you know the second-biggest beer festival in the country happens every year, right here in our city? This two-day festival features local food, vendors, and music + brews from 110 NC brewing companies. 🍺