FESTIVAL FUN. Artsplosure returns to downtown Raleigh on Saturday, May 20 (11 a.m.–7 p.m.) and Sunday, May 22 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.). Explore the eclectic art market that features more than 175 juried fine artists and crafters exhibiting original works of art in 10 categories. All will be available for purchase, including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodwork and more. The event will feature live music from emerging national and regional artists, along with free arts and crafts at Kidsplosure.
The Got To Be NC Festival takes place at the State Fairgrounds from this Friday, May 19–Sunday, May 21. North Carolina food companies, breweries, distilleries and wineries will be sampling and selling some of North Carolina finest flavors in the Food Lion Local Goodness Marketplace. The free event also features carnival rides and games.
PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE. Shield NC and the Town of Apex will recognize the month of May as Foster Care Awareness Month at Apex Town Hall on Tuesday, May 23 at 6 p.m. Motivated by alarming human trafficking reports statewide, Shield NC is calling attention to care for foster children, who are at an increased risk of exploitation.
NEVER TOO EARLY. Thinking ahead to the holidays? Tickets are on sale for “In the Christmas Mood with The Glenn Miller Orchestra” at the Carolina Theatre of Durham on Saturday, December 18 at 8 p.m. The big band will play “Home for the Holidays,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “White Christmas” and other holiday classics. More than 18 singers and musicians will also play timeless classics such as “In the Mood” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”
GET CERTIFIED. Cary Chamber of Commerce is offering a Notary Public class at 307 North Academy Street on Wednesday, May 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The class will give participants a full understanding of the requirements and expectations to practice as a notary public in North Carolina. After completion of an exam and application, participants will be certified as a Notary Public.
PUBLIC SCHOOL ARTS. Public school districts in the Triangle are making efforts to offer a variety of courses and extracurricular opportunities in music, visual arts, theater arts and dance. Read “State of the Arts in Public Schools” to find out how local school districts implement arts teaching, partner with community organizations and showcase student works.
Photo by Mike Krogh of OneFinePhoto
STRESS BUSTER. HeadsUp! and media personality Brian Dawson will visit 15 schools in Durham, Vance and Wake Counties from May 17–June 1 to host in-school pep rallies designed to boost morale and decrease stress as students prepare for end-of-grade (EOG) tests. Each stop on the tour will feature motivational speakers, music and entertainment, as well as nutrition and fitness tips to promote wellness and success. For more information, email .
PICNIC IN THE PARK. Hope NC will celebrate spring with a picnic at the North Forest Hills Park picnic shelter (121 Collums Road, Chapel Hill) on Saturday, May 20, 1–3 p.m. The nonprofit’s mission is to create inclusive communities where people of all abilities and ages experience a sense of belonging. Guests are asked to RSVP online.
MUSEUM FUNDRAISER. Made4Me’s SuperHero Blast takes place at Marbles Kids Museum on Friday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for adaptations for guests with special needs. The goal is to raise $50,000. The event includes music, a raffle, a silent auction and a costume contest for kids. Reservations are available online.
GET AN EARLY START. Mimosa Fest Cary takes place at Sports & Social Cary on Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m–3 p.m. The event features live music, DJs and custom mimosas, plus brunch and prize giveaways. General admission and VIP tickets are available.
Photo by Arturo Peña Medina/GettyImages
TREASURE HUNT. Treasure Quest Mining in Apex is offering guests a chance to enter a drawing for prizes and free treasure as part of its five-year anniversary celebration from June 2–4. No purchase is necessary. The venue offers an indoor gem mining experience and a gift shop featuring crystals, gems, minerals, fossils, gemstone jewelry and prehistoric-themed toys.
EXOTIC PLANTS. The Southeastern Plant Symposium and Rare Plant Auction takes place at North Carolina State University’s JC Raulston Arboretum and Juniper Level Botanic Garden on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17. The event features 13 speakers and allows plant lovers to acquire more than 300 plants that are rarely available commercially.
NC SPORTS. If your family enjoys taking in live sporting events, you live in the right state. North Carolina offers plenty of variety. Name the sport, and you can buy a ticket to watch. And it’s not just major league sports. Across the state, there are sports of all sorts, played at all levels.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY FILMS. The Carolina Theatre of Durham will host a sensory-friendly film series with free monthly screenings between July and September. The family-friendly movies are suited to children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum, and those who are sensory sensitive. This season’s films include “Inside Out,” “Spirited Away,” “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” “Casper,” “Coco” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
