Local Things To Do In Raleigh This Weekend – May 3, 2024

Kick off May with a jam-packed weekend of local things to do. From May the 4th celebrations to Cinco de Mayo, there’s a lot going on in Raleigh this weekend. 

Star Wars Movie at Moore Square 5/3
Dress as your favorite Star Wars character, bring a blanket or chair to relax on the lawn for the free outdoor movie, grab a bite from the food trucks and explore the market!
Market & Food Trucks: 5:00-9:00 pm
Free Caricature drawings: 5:00-7:00 pm
Free Movie on the Lawn: 7:00 pm, Star Wars -The Force Awakens (2015)

This event is presented by a collaboration of Get2KnowRaleigh, Raleigh Parks team at Moore Square and Downtown Raleigh Alliance. FREE RSVP

NCFC vs. Rhode Island FC – Star Wars Night 5/4
May the force be with you as North Carolina FC hosts Star Wars Night! Join us for an evening filled with intergalactic excitement and soccer action. Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and immerse yourself in a galaxy far, far away. 7pm Tickets

Crêpes! Family Friendly Cooking at Current Wellness 5/4
Join Current Wellness in the kitchen for cooking adventures and crêpes! Whether you are looking to learn a new skill in time for Mother’s Day or just looking to make and eat some tasty treats, this class is for you – and your family! Rooted in the culinary traditions of France, Florence Melin will be your expert guide through the art of crafting delicious and versatile crepes. From perfecting the batter to exploring a diverse range of fillings, Florence brings her French expertise to ensure a tantalizing culinary adventure. Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity and practice their crepe-making skills. Florence will also demonstrate how to make a salted butter caramel! This crêpe cooking class is for all ages – bring your child, your teen, your friend, and your mother! Cost: $60 for an adult or $90 for an adult and a child (17 years and younger) More info.

Ma and Pa Festival in Downtown Raleigh 5/4
The ultimate mother’s and father’s day festival returns! The MAKRS Society is hosting the Ma and Pa Festival this Saturday. Head downtown to check out 100+ local vendors, a DJ, food truck rodeo, and:
Lounge area with tents and seating
DIY Flower Bouquet by Petal Parcel
Balloon Photo-Op from Ginger Pop Balloons
Custom putt putt hole from ParTee Shack
DIY lipstick and body butter from Lip Print Beauty Bar 
Hand rolled cigars by Sir Walter Cigars
Henna Tattoos from Ace Henna
Tarot Card Readings from Quick Tarot Reads
Puppy Adoption from Freedom Ride Rescue
Interactive life size coloring book created by Press Ink, Dain Kim Art and Art By Ashley Reynolds
11am-6pm. More info.

May the 4th Be With You Downtown Cary Park 5/4
Grab your best Star Wars gear and costumes and head to Downtown Cary Park for a celebration of a galaxy far, far away.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Art Cart with Star Wars Crafts – Academy Plaza
4 p.m. – Padawan Pet Pics with Joanne Wetzel of Five Freedoms Photography – The Bark Bar
4 p.m. – Photos with Star Wars Cosplayers – Throughout the Park
5 p.m. – ChewBARKa’s Runway-Dog Costume Contest (Register here) – Park Street Arena. Dress up your pets in their Star Wars cosplay and SkyWALK the runway to compete in this contest. First and second place prizes from Phydeaux-by Feeder’s Pet Supply will be awarded to the winners in the Light Side, BARK Side, and ChewBARKa categories. Judging will happen in less than 12 parsecs by the galaxy’s finest: Nora Tunney of All Dogs Allowed, Tom Vibert an Air Force K9 Combat Veteran and Cary PD Senior Police Officer, and Kylo Ren himself.
5 p.m. – Jedi Training Workshop #1 – Great Lawn Pavilion. APPLAUSE! Cary Youth Theater instructors lead participants in learning some basic stage combat moves ‘in character’ as Jedis receive a free Padawan training light saber. 
5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – Star Wars Trivia with Hammered Trivia – The Bark Bar
6 p.m. – Jedi Training Workshop #2 – Great Lawn Pavilion
7 p.m. – Choreographed Stage Battle with APPLAUSE! Cary Youth Theater Instructors – Great Lawn Pavilion
7:15 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Silent Disco with DJ Rang, DJ Nevy, and Lauren Soveriegn – Great Lawn
This event is free and open to the public and is suitable for all ages. 4pm-10pm More info.

Record Fair at Hartwell 5/4
Local vendors, live DJs, food from Hightop Burger, treats from Bold Batch Creamery at Hartwell. 12pm-4pm. More info.

Live Music at Riparian Provision Co. 5/4
Food from Tacos Mama Chava and live music from Thick As Thieves at Riparian Provision Co. 5pm-8pm. More info.

May the 4th Be With You John Chavis Memorial Park 5/4
In a community center far far away…Celebrate May the 4th by wearing your favorite galaxy-approved costume and joining in on crafts, activities, and themed snacks. 11am-2pm More info.

Raleigh Foodie Fare at Iron Works 5/4
The Raleigh Foodie Fare is this weekend at Iron Works! SLR member The MAKRS Society is hosting their monthly foodie and art market this Saturday from 11am-3pm. The Foodie Fare will feature 30+ local vendors, a mini food truck rodeo, drinks, live music, and more! Raleigh Iron Works – 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd. More info.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Crank Arm 5/5
Gear up for a fun-filled afternoon of:
Mouthwatering tacos: Friendly Tacos will be serving up their delicious creations
Latin beats: DJ Hefa Con Queso will be spinning a playlist with a hot Latin vibe
Margarita madness: Choose from classic on-the-rocks or refreshing frozen margaritas, all made with Partida Tequila.
Tequila tastings: A Partida representative will be on hand to guide you through a sampling of tequilas. Perfect for tequila aficionados or those curious to explore!
Salty Rims goodness: Quench your thirst with this Mexican-style lager on draft, featuring a refreshing combination of sea salt and lime.
The fiesta kicks off on Sunday, May 5th from noon to 5 pm. Don’t miss out! Gather your amigos and head to Crank Arm for a Cinco de Mayo celebration you won’t forget. More info.

Cinco de Mayo Sidewalk Sale at TrunkShow 5/5
Local vendors with vintage home decor and clothing, plus Cinco de Mayo fun at TrunkShow. 11am-4pm. More info.

Live Music
5/3 The Breakfast Club w/ Babylon Dreamer (Steely Dan & Friends) – Lincoln Theatre 7:30pm Tickets

5/3 Runaway Cab w/ Novas Fade, Airlifter – The Pour House 8pm Tickets

5/4 Royel Otis – Lincoln Theatre 7pm Tickets

5/4 Maiden Voyage (Iron Maiden) w/ Voodoo (Dio) – The Pour House 8pm Tickets

5/5 LYLVC with/ Seneca Burns, American Theory, T.C.O.O.O.A – The Pour House 7pm Tickets