Friday, May 17, to Sunday, May 19

Third Friday Durham

Friday, May 17

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Downtown Durham

The third Friday of every month, galleries in downtown Durham host exhibit openings. Besides the receptions, you’ll also find lots of musicians busking outside, and there will be lots of special deals at restaurants too. You can find a map and a list of participating venues on 3rdfridaydurham.com.

Got To Be NC Festival

Friday, May 17, to Sunday, May 19

North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

This home-grown North Carolina festival includes live music, a cowboy circus, pig races, and tons more family entertainment.

Artsplosure

Saturday, May 18

Sunday, May 19

Downtown Raleigh, along Fayetteville Street

Artsplosure features a main stage, kids’ stage, plenty of hands-on art activities, a juried art market and more.

The 50^th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival

Saturday, May 18^th

12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Drive, Durham

This celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts and traditions, features live music, a family fun zone, arts and crafts, a book giveaway, ethnic food and much more.

Bloom Fest

Sunday, May 19

1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

140 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill

Celebrate the community and all things Spring with lots of interactive, hands on activities, performances and a unique collection of “Community In Bloom” miniature gardens exhibits. Highlights include a 20-foot Carolina-themed floral archway, live monarch butterfly garden, performance from Paperhand Puppets, science activities, free samples, free face painting, and more.