We’ve got your weekend lineup, Raleigh! Check out these local things to do to keep you busy this weekend!
Every week, we curate a list of local things to do in and around Raleigh. Our goal is to uplift local businesses and connect you with fun, community-driven experiences.
We prioritize events from our Shop Local Raleigh members, offering you the best local experiences. Want to add your event to our list? Consider becoming a Shop Local Raleigh member or contact us for collaboration opportunities.
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First Friday at Marian Cocktails and Kitchen 5/2
A night of fun, drinks, and music celebrating Cinco De Mayo at Marian Cocktails and Kitchen. 10pm More info.
First Friday Art & Maker Market at Morgan Street Food Hall 5/2
Head to Morgan Street Food Hall for a night of local artists and makers on May 2nd! I’m hosting a First Friday market The Morgan Street Food Hall from 5pm-10pm. There will be live music, live painting and of course over 20 food vendors for you to grab dinner from! This is the perfect market to shop for a Mothers Day gift so bring your friends and family along to enjoy all the unique creations you’re sure to find. More info.
KidsEveryWear EverythingELSE Sale 5/2-4
Kids EveryWEAR’s EverythingELSE Sale features ladies’ and men’s adult and junior clothing, adult shoes, adult clothing accessories, purses, children’s toys, baby equipment, bikes, indoor and outdoor equipment, furniture, appliances, housewares. But we won’t be selling children’s clothing or children’s shoes! Having no kids’ clothing or shoes at this fabulous event gives us the room for furniture, appliances, and everythingELSE you can imagine. Think Craigslist gone wild! The most epic indoor yard sale EVER! South Hills Mall 1213 Buck Jones Rd. More info.
Ma and Pa Festival 5/3
100+ local vendors, live music, food trucks, and more from The MAKRS Society. Fayetteville St. 11am-6pm More info.
Kids Food Fest at Marbles 5/3-4
The Creative Kitchen Kids Food Fest at Marbles is a weekend of activities dedicated to teaching families about how to make balanced food choices through fun and engaging activities. The festival will serve up flavorful fun with free hands-on experiences, community partner engagement and live entertainment. Kids can roll up their sleeves for hands-on cooking workshops and reserve their spot in the James Beard Foundation Future Foodies Classes. Families will learn through play with the Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt, featuring goody bag prizes. More info.
A Lil’ R & R Grand Opening at Makers Alley 5/3
Grab your leash and best furry friend and celebrate the grand opening of A Lil’ R & R in Makers Alley at North Hills! They’ll have treats for humans & pups, Sips & Snacks, DIY keychains & dog tags, photo sessions, and more! Powered by Emily Petrilla Illustrations, this new spot is your cozy haven for curated gifts, fun workshops, and community! 540 Saint Albans Drive #110 12pm-4pm More info.
North Hills Wine Walk 5/3
Get your “passport” and a cup for sampling wines (or brews!) as you sip and shop at North Hills! Benefitting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. 3pm-6pm More info.
Kentucky Derby Party at The Bunny Hive 5/3
Head to The Bunny Hive for a Kentucky Derby party designed for little ones and their grownups! Activities include:
Pony rides: Let your little ones experience the joy of riding a pony, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Derby theme crafts
“Best dressed of the Kentucky Derby” honor: Dress to impress and you could be crowned the best dressed little boy or girl of the Kentucky Derby! Awards will be given out every hour, so make sure to strut your stuff in your finest Derby attire.
Light bites for all ages
Mimosa Bar
So dress to impress and don your finest Derby hat for a day of unforgettable fun at The Bunny Hive’s Kentucky Derby party! Sign-up and info.
Regener8 Pop Up at Lafayette Village 5/3
Join regener8 for a special pop-up outside Ella Collective in Lafayette Village on May 3rd from 12–3 PM. Meet Chastity Sullivan, the founder of regener8, and learn how this powerful formula is supporting women through hair loss and shedding caused by postpartum, menopause, and life transitions. Enjoy a relaxing scalp moment with the on-site head masseuse, ask questions, and receive a free head massager (while supplies last) with your purchase. More info.
Schoolhouse Rock Live! at Raleigh Little Theatre 5/3-11
Raleigh Little Theatre (RLT) invites audiences of all ages to head back to class – musical style – with its upcoming production of Schoolhouse Rock Live! Running weekends May 3-11
in RLT’s picturesque outdoor amphitheatre. This high-energy musical brings the classic Saturday morning cartoon series to life with imagination, heart, and unforgettable tunes.
Dates: May 3-11, 2025
Times: Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Venue: RLT’s Louise “Scottie” Stephenson Amphitheatre, 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh, NC
Tickets: $20 for adults, $16 for children under 12
Each performance runs approximately 1 hour with no intermission. A sensory-friendly performance will take place on Saturday, May 10, at 1:00 p.m., and audio description for those with visual disabilities will be provided during the Sunday, May 11, performance at 3:00 p.m.
Get your tickets online, by phone at 919-821-3111, or in person at the RLT box office. Tickets and info.
Midtown Farmers’ Market 5/3
Come out on May 3rd and shop local, take a yoga class, enter our raffle and get some free goodies at the Midtown Farmers’ Market at North Hills!
Free Yoga Class from Dose Yoga 9am-10am
Free smoothie samples from Dose Yoga
Live music with Lizzie Seamsters
Market Basket Raffle
More info.
Three Seasons Vendor Market 5/3
Shop, snack, and support 30+ small businesses at the Three Seasons Vendor Market! You’ll find talented crafters, artists, and artisans with unique handmade items, sweet treats, and more! In addition to the market, they’re hosting a special fundraiser benefiting Paws For Life NC. 9500 Forum Dr. 10am-3pm. More info.
An Evening with Hiss Golden Messenger at The Rialto 5/3
Join the Me Fine Foundation at The Rialto in Raleigh for an unforgettable night of music with Hiss Golden Messenger, all in support of families facing pediatric medical crises. For 20 years, Me Fine has been a lifeline for families in need. By attending this event, you’re making a meaningful difference. Doors open at 7 PM, so gather your friends and be part of a night where music meets impact. Tickets and info.
Cary Dog Daze and Pet Expo 5/3
Get ready to unleash the fun and celebrate our furry friends at the most exciting event of the year – the Cary Dog Daze! The annual Dog Daze and Pet Expo will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Cary Police Department from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This year’s event will include:
Animal Rescues: Come out and see a multitude of dog, cat and wildlife rescue organizations.
Agility Course: Watch amazing canine athletes tackle obstacles with finesse and skill.
Pet Vendor Village: Explore a variety of pet-related products and services from local vendors.
Food Trucks: Indulge in delicious treats for both you and your furry friend.
Doggy Demonstrations: Learn new tricks and training tips from expert trainers.
Don’t miss out on this bark-tastic event! Whether you have a furry friend of your own or simply love animals, Cary Dog Daze promises a day of fun, laughter, and lots of wagging tails. More info.
Koket Boutique 6th Birthday Bash 5/3-4
Celebrate 6 years of Koket Boutique! Come down to the store at 11 this Saturday, May 3rd & Sunday, May 4th and check out the new arrivals, balloon popping discounts (while balloons last), and of course – rosé! More info.
Cary Underground Market at Bond Brothers 5/4
The MAKRS Society is hosting their monthly market and concert series on Sunday, May 4th. Shop with 40+ local vendors, enjoy live music, food trucks, and more at Bond Brothers Beer. 12pm-4pm. More info.
Bottle Terrarium Workshop with Urban Pothos 5/4
Join Urban Pothos for their most technical workshop ever. You’ll build a beautiful terrarium inside of a stylish bottle. It’ll be a fun challenge and in the end you’ll have an impressive terrarium to add to your home. Each ticket includes:
1 stylish, modern glass bottle
A number of plant cuttings to create a vibrant environment
All materials needed
Fun decorative items including live moss, gemstones, and figurines
Their crafty plant expert will lead you through the terrarium building process while showing you design techniques and giving you advice on the care of your terrarium. 1101 East Whitaker Mill Road #Suite 122. 6pm-7pm. $45/person. Tickets and info.
May the 4th Be With You at Downtown Cary Park 5/4
Celebrate Star Wars at Downtown Cary Park with a galaxy of themed activities for fans of all ages! Join Playwell TEKnologies’ LEGO builds where you’ll help our Ewok friends rebuild their treehouses on Endor and construct speeder bikes to chase down Imperial droids. Test your skills in Jedi Training—free lightsabers will be handed out while supplies last! Enjoy Star Wars trivia with Hammered Trivia, a ChewBARKa dog costume contest with prizes (sign your pup up here to participate), and roaming 501st Legion cosplayers bringing the galaxy to life. 1pm-5pm More info.
Apex Art and Vintage Market 5/4
Apex Art and Vintage is the first and only vintage and art market in Apex, NC. Put on by Hummingbird Collective, this market series focuses on fusing together artist and maker-made items with highly-curated vintage collections. Head to Vicious Fishes Brewery (Apex) and check out:
Vintage women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories
Vintage furniture, houseware, and decor
Vintage tchotchkes, memorabilia, and collectibles
Artist and artisan made items
Speciality baked goods
Plus, craft beer, craft coffee, permanent jewelry, food trucks, and more at Vicious Fishes Brewery (Apex) 2237 Old US 1 HWY, Apex, NC 27502. 11am-4pm. More info.
