From wine milestones to high-octane exotic cars, this weekend is all about celebrating local legends and leaning into your favorite hobbies. Whether you’re painting wild horses with the family or shouting “Bingo!” over a craft pint over in Knightdale, we’ve rounded up five ways to make the most of the mid-May sunshine. Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay shaded! 😎
For Friday Night Vibes, Head to Acoustic Evenings at North Hills
Trade the office hum for some melodic vibes and at no better price point than “free.”
The Pop-Up Music series is currently transforming the common areas of North Hills into an open-air concert hall. This Friday, May 15, grab a spot in The Commons to catch Savanna Bassett performing an acoustic set. It’s a low-key, high-reward way to decompress while you figure out where you’re headed for dinner or finish up some late-week shopping.
These sets are specifically designed to “surprise and delight,” providing a polished backdrop to the usual Midtown bustle. If you can’t make the Friday session, you can always double back on Sunday to catch Josh Rhyne & SilverTones in Midtown Park for a lazy afternoon hang.
📍 4191 Main St., Raleigh, NC 27609 (The Commons)
📅 Friday, May 15 | 6–9 p.m.
💰 Free
📎 RSVP and share with friends on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1772661670074947/1772661690074945
It’s the ultimate Raleigh “choose your own adventure”—grab a drink, find a bench, and let the live music do the heavy lifting for your Friday night mood.
Enjoy a High Octane Saturday in the Village
If your idea of a perfect morning involves sleek lines and roaring engines, you’ll want to steer toward the Village District.
The Village District Concours Auto Show rolls onto Daniels Street this Saturday, May 16. This isn’t just a gathering of daily drivers; the Carolina Exotic Car Club is bringing out the heavy hitters for a display of truly iconic machinery. You can stroll the block with a to-go beverage from a “Sip n’ Shop” partner, catch live tunes from Kerry Long, and snap a few shots at the selfie booth.
The best part? This morning of chrome and carbon fiber benefits Ride of Your Life, a local nonprofit dedicated to creating incredible automotive experiences for blind, deaf, and underserved youth. It’s a great way to support a meaningful cause while getting an up-close look at some of the most impressive cars in the Triangle.
📍 427 Daniels St., Raleigh, NC 27605
📅 Saturday, May 16 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
💰 Free
📎 Village District Spring Car Show: https://www.shopvillagedistrict.com/events/spring-car-show/
This is the only time “staring at traffic” on Daniels Street is actually a fun weekend activity. 🚘
Paint Like the Wind on SaturYAY
Get ready to corral the kids for a morning of creativity and cover that fridge with more “masterpieces”… 🖼🐴
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is hosting a guided family painting session on Saturday, May 16. Forget the generic fruit bowls; this class focuses on the iconic Corolla wild horses that roam our Outer Banks. It’s designed for anyone aged five and up, making it a low-stress way to channel your inner Bob Ross without having to clean up the paint spills in your own kitchen.
Since you’ll already be at the museum, you might as well make a day of it and check out the Dueling Dinosaurs or grab a post-painting snack at the Daily Planet Cafe. It’s the perfect way to squeeze in some education under the guise of weekend fun.
📍 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601
📅 Saturday, May 16 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
💰 Registration Required: $40 for Non-Members; $35 for Members
📎 NC Museum of Natural Sciences Tickets: https://www.naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/family-painting-class-horse/
No equestrian experience required—just show up and try not to make your horse look like a very tall dog. We’ve all been there.
Saturday Sipping: 15 Years of Cheers
Wine rack is looking a little thirsty? Get ready to fill ‘er up! 🍷
Raleigh Wine Shop is hitting a massive milestone, and they’re throwing a bash that spans from your morning caffeine fix to your evening pour. This Saturday, May 16, the downtown staple celebrates its 15th anniversary with a full-day block party vibe, featuring heavy hitters from the local food scene and deep discounts on bottles to stock your cellar.
The celebration doubles as a “who’s who” of Raleigh favorites: grab Benchwarmers Bagels and Viscous Coffee early, then pivot to Alimentari and Locals Seafood for the afternoon stretch. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds benefits the Women’s Center of Wake County, so you can feel productive while you sample those holiday spritzes.
📍 317 S. Bloodworth St., Raleigh, NC 27601
📅 Saturday, May 16 | 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
💰 Free to attend (tastings included)
📎 RSVP and invite friends: https://www.facebook.com/events/1343977260919190
Fifteen years in the wine biz is a lot of corks popped. Come help them add a few more to the collection—just maybe Uber there if you plan on “properly” vetting the sale rack. Congrats, Seth and team!
Try Your Leafy Luck in Knightdale on Sunday
Is your home is slowly turning into a literal jungle? I’ve found your people… 🪴
Oak City Brewing Company is hosting a botanical twist on a classic with Plant Bingo this Sunday, May 17. Hosted by Nicole Childs of Mostly Managing, this isn’t your grandma’s bingo hall experience. You’ll be spotting greens and shouting for prizes that are way better than a dusty fruit basket—we’re talking actual leafy additions for your collection.
It’s the perfect excuse to head over to Knightdale, grab a craft pint, and lean into that “plant parent” lifestyle. The vibe is strictly casual and chill, making it a great spot to meet fellow local enthusiasts who also have more terracotta pots than dinner plates.
📍 616 N. First Ave., Knightdale, NC 27545
📅 Sunday, May 17 | 2–3 p.m.
💰 Free to attend
📎 Plant Bingo at Oak City Brewing: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plant-bingo-tickets-1987742722993
Win a new plant, grab a beer, and try to convince yourself you have “just enough” room on the windowsill for one more. Your secret is safe with me!
Friday Five: Pink Pours, Vintage Scores, and Cocoa Tours
Whether you’re looking to sip world-class rosés, hunt for vintage treasures, or keep the kiddos entertained without breaking the bank, this latest lineup proves Raleigh really does have it all. From bean-to-bar chocolate tours to world-premiere ballets, we’ve curated a diverse mix of Oak City magic to fit every vibe and budget.
The Vintage Market is Giving Sunday Funday All Weekend at the Fairgrounds
The NC State Fairgrounds is transforming into a picker’s paradise for the Vintage Market Days of NC Triangle. On Friday, May 8, over 130 indoor vendors will kick off a three-day weekend of “Lovely Day” vibes, showcasing everything from high-end antiques to boutique clothing. It is the ultimate local treasure hunt without having to worry about the unpredictable North Carolina spring rain.
Housed in the Jim Graham Building, this massive curated market offers more than just shopping; it’s a full-blown experience with handmade jewelry, home décor, and unique gifts from regional makers. Since your ticket is good for re-entry all weekend, you can grab that mid-century lamp on Friday and come back for the farmhouse table on Sunday once you’ve measured the dining room.
📍 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
📅 Friday, May 8–Sunday, May 10 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
💰 From $20 (Kids 12 and under are free)
📎 bit.ly/RDUSpring
Wear your most comfortable sneakers and maybe clear out the trunk before you head over. Between the vintage finds and the handmade treats, you’re going to need the cargo space!