Top Things to do in the Triangle in May — big list of events
Date: Sat, May 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Venue: Various Locations in Raleigh, Raleigh
Price: Free
Category: Community
In the Triangle, May is the beginning of the summer season. That means that free outdoor concerts are in full swing, festivals are kicking in, and there's tons of kid-friendly fun as well. Plan May, 2026, with this list of the top things to do in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. We're highlighting more than 25 events this month. But then, scroll down for our huge calendar of things to do in the Triangle in May. This calendar will be updated all the time. Every day! You can also jump right to the calendar. Of course, we focus on the "free and cheap" here, so most of these events are absolutely free. May Highlights in the Triangle Spring Open Nursery and Garden Days at Plant Delights Nursery and Juniper Level Botanic Garden Photo by Mace Publishing, LLC Spring Open Nursery and Garden Days at Plant Delights Nursery and Juniper Level Botanic GardenDates: May 1 to 3, 8 to 10, and 15 to 17, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Place: 9241 Sauls Rd, Raleigh, NCCost: FreeFeatures: A chance to visit the 28 acres of more than 30,000 kinds of plants, including native perennials, exotic plants, rare delights, and an array of unusual trees and shrubs that you won't see anywhere else in the world. Raleigh's First Friday First Friday Raleigh First Friday RaleighDate: Friday, May 1, 2026Time: 6 to 9 p.m. (although hours vary)Place: Various locations in Downtown RaleighCost: Admission is free to most eventsFeatures: Many art galleries and other venues are open late and have special events the first Friday of the month. Free Comic Book Day Free Comic Book DayDate: Saturday, May 2, 2026Time: All dayPlace: Various locationsCost: FreeFeatures: On this day, comic book stores are giving away free comic books. Some venues have special activities as well, including artists making sketches, or costume contests. Apex PeakFest PeakFestDate: Saturday, May 2, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Place: Apex Town Hall Campus, 73 Hunter Street, Apex, NC (new location)Cost: FreeFeatures: Arts and c
