Spring in Raleigh is in full swing by May, with summer just a few weeks away – can’t wait! This month boasts a bounty of holidays including Star Wars Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day, which marks the unofficial start to summer. And May is bike month!
This month, Raleigh positively bursts with activity. A plethora of outdoor events and festivals beckon, promising unforgettable adventures and untold delights. Here are the best things to do in Raleigh in May!
Weather in Raleigh in May
In May, Raleigh typically boasts sunshine aplenty but can also be prone to drenching downpours. Expect daytime high temperatures around 80° F and refreshing overnight lows of 58° F. May in Raleigh can also be rainy though, with the sky opening up on an average of 12 days of the month, so be sure to pack a trusty raincoat and a sturdy umbrella when you venture out.
Top Things to Do in Raleigh in May
1. Celebrate Bike Month on two wheels
When: Throughout the month of May
Where: Various locations
May is Bike Month! Should you find yourself with an inclination to propel a two-wheeled contraption alongside others, the opportunity, it seems, has presented itself. This is a month filled with events, group rides, and ways to explore Downtown Raleigh on two wheels.
- Oaks and Spokes Bike Month Social + Kick-off – May 1 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- First Friday Slow Roll + Bike Parade – May 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Historic Bike Ride with RHDC & BPAC – May 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Bike to Work Day – May 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Produce Peddler – May 20 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Whether you engage in the practice of cycling on a daily basis, a habit that some find rather commendable, or are merely a novice in maintaining balance on two wheels, there is something awaiting you during Bike Month! Full details and even more events found here.
2. Shop til you drop at the Ma & Pa Festival
When: May 3, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
A delightful diversion awaits in the form of the Ma & Pa Festival, a celebration orchestrated by the marvelous MAKRS Society! It is a festival to celebrate both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Expect 100+ local vendors, food trucks galore, libations of all sorts to quench your thirst, and toe-tapping live music.
While you shop local for the parents in your life, take time to enjoy some of the fun activities for families. Or take a break in the interactive mom and dad lounge section to enjoy a bar and plenty of awesome activities!
3. Celebrate Star Wars Day
When: May 4, 2025
Where: Various locations
For the devoted followers of a galaxy far, far, away, there is Star Wars Day, a day to honor the legendary Jedi and … wookies. Check out some of the various events around town.
Star Wars Day Party at Boxcar – May 4 from noon to midnight at Boxcar Bar + Arcade (330 W Davie St)
For those with a peculiar fondness for individuals in flowing robes wielding illuminated swords, consider gracing Boxcar Cantina with your presence on Star Wars Day.
- Dress in theme to acquire 4 game tokens.
- Themed cocktails will be available for consumption.
- Star Wars movies will be shown.
- Obtain free themed trifles, while they last. A common, and often disappointing, limitation.
- Sunday’s usual liquid enticements – $2 mimosas, $12 champagne, and $8 bloody marys – will be offered. For even rebels, it is said, require sustenance.
Star Wars Trivia at Clouds Brewing Taproom – May 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Clouds Brewing Taproom (1233 Front St)
At Clouds Brewing, one may put their knowledge of the Star Wars narratives to the test, an endeavor which, like many such examinations, may reveal either a commendable grasp of the subject or a rather lamentable ignorance.
Star Wars Trivia Night at PourWorks – May 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at PourWorks (900 E Six Forks Rd #120)
You are invited, should you find yourself with no more pressing engagements – and one often does – to participate in Star Wars trivia. There will be fun and prizes. And, as an additional enticement, a complimentary slice of pizza may be obtained with the purchase of a beverage.
4. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
When: May 5, 2025
Where: Various locations
Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity to experience the true spirit of Mexican culture and history. Check out Triangle on the Cheap for a great list of restaurants with Cinco de Mayo specials that range from free queso to cheap margaritas.
Some say that the margarita is cursed. They say that if you drink too many, you will be doomed to wander the desert forever. But I do not believe in curses. I believe that the margarita is a gift, a delicious and refreshing gift that we should all enjoy.
For more spots to grab some Mexican food and drinks, here is where to find the best tacos in Raleigh and here’s where to find the best tequila selection in Raleigh.
5. Attend Spring in the City
When: May 10, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Moore Square, 201 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Raleigh is holding a Spring Festival, an occasion suitable for families, friends, and anyone wishing to observe the spring season. Expect live music, various food vendors, and arts and crafts. A special Mother’s Day celebration is planned too, including a Best Mom Dance and further surprises of a presumably agreeable nature.
It’s an opportunity for families to spend time together, to support local businesses in downtown Raleigh, and to partake in the offerings of food trucks, ice cream trucks, and other forms of fun.
6. Pet some baby farm animals at the Got to Be NC Festival
When: May 16 to 18, 2025
- Friday: noon to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Got to Be NC Festival is like a less busy state fair and is one of my favorite events every year. It’s a full weekend of activities to celebrate the bounty provided by North Carolina agriculture!
Sample and savor the most exquisite flavors North Carolina has to offer in the Food Lion Local Goodness Marketplace. Expect hot sauces, sausages, chips, jams, and more from NC food companies. And sample the outstanding offerings from breweries, distilleries, and wineries too!
From lifted trucks to lumberjacks, animal encounters to antique farm equipment, there is something for everyone. Enjoy a full day of family fun without spending a dime at the Got to Be NC Festival. Or shell out a little dough for:
- Wild carnival rides and games to test your skills and win fabulous treasures
- Food from independent vendors on the fair grounds
- Admission and purchases from the Food Lion Local Goodness Marketplace
- A ride on the State Fair Flyer
- The annual Masonic Carolina Pig Jig where you’re guaranteed to enjoy some mighty fine BBQ.
For an even wilder time, visit the NC State Fair in October. Here’s a complete guide.
7. Experience Artsplosure
When: May 17 and 18, 2025
- Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Artsplosure is a two-day event featuring an eclectic art market of approximately 175 juried visual artists and craftspeople from across the United States. These talented souls will be showcasing a breathtaking array of creations from ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood, and more! And every single piece is available for purchase, should you decide it would be happy in your home.
If you’ve got little ones in tow, bring them to Kidsplosure where they can unleash their inner artist and enjoy free arts and crafts. The main stage will provide a soundtrack for the event through live music performances by emerging national and regional performing artists. And as you explore the festival, keep your eyes open for one-of-a-kind art installations on display throughout the Fayetteville Street area.
- Check the website for directions and parking info.
8. See some local music at Live After 5
When: The second last Wednesday of the month throughout the summer
- May 21, 2025
- June 18, 2025
- July 23, 2025
- August 20, 2025
Where: City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Live After 5 is a free downtown Raleigh block party and open-air concert series. Here’s the 2025 lineup:
- May 21: Weekend Excursion and Tre. Charles
- June 18: Rissi Palmer and Duck
- July 23: Kooley High and Charly Lowry
- August 20: Chatham Rabbits and Jack The Radio
Lose yourself in the melody with fellow music fans on Raleigh’s Main Street during electrifying evenings showcasing the diverse voices shaping the music industry today.
- Alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase and enjoy on-site. In addition, attendees can enter and exit the event with Sip N’ Stroll Downtown beverages marked with the proper sticker. Other outside drinks are prohibited.
- Every Live After 5 concert is free and open to all ages.
- Some public seating will be available in City Plaza but you are encouraged to bring your own chairs.
9. Eat and Dance at Beats and Eats
When: May 23, 2025 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27601
This new series of events is said to be of particular interest to individuals with a keen, and often rather insistent, appreciation for matters of the palate. Beats and Eats promises to unite various forms of musical expression with corresponding culinary offerings.
The inaugural event will feature a combination that some consider a rather predictable, though not entirely unappealing, pairing: the sounds of country music, alongside the smoky, and often rather messy, delights from barbecue food trucks.
10. Be amazed at Animazement
When: May 23 to 25, 2025
Where: Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Animazement is Raleigh’s premier convention dedicated to animation and all things exquisitely Japanese. Expect to encounter captivating concerts, panels brimming with nerdy knowledge, and a treasure trove of limited-edition merchandise, unique artwork, and other collectors items.
Come in costume, rub elbows with anime voice actors and other industry veterans, participate in dance competitions, karaoke, and games, visit the maid cafe, and have fun with like-minded anime enthusiasts.
- Animazement offers both single day and multi-day ticket options starting as low as $30 for adults and $25 for children 6 to 12. Full pricing details and multi-day tickets can be found online. Single day badges must be purchased at the door.
11. Have a sweet day at NC Sugar Rush
When: May 25, 2025 from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
NC Sugar Rush promises a six hour odyssey of pure, unadulterated saccharine bliss!
Imagine an event with over 20 vendors, each offering sugary delights catering to your sweet tooth. With options ranging from Italian ice, pineapple smoothies, funnel cakes, ice cream, popsicles, cookies, cupcakes, cookie dough, vegan treats, beignets, mini donuts, Belgian waffles, and much more, your every craving is sure to be satisfied. They will even have decadent doggy desserts!
A DJ and live performances will help you dance off the initial sugar high to make room for more sweet treats.
- Look for parking on the street and in the various parking decks around the area.
What are you most excited for in Raleigh in May?
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