Out & About in Wake County: March/April 2026

Art in Bloom

March 18–22
North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh
ncartmuseum.org/artinbloom

Floral designers create show-stopping displays interpreting works in the museum’s collection. This year’s theme, Written in the Stars, adds inspiration from the signs of the zodiac. Make a reservation at the NCMA Café to make a feast for all the senses.

Runway to Resilience

March 19, 6–8 p.m.
Raleigh Founded
eventbrite.com, search “Runway to Resilience”

Fashion, community, and purpose combine for an evening centered on empowerment and healing. A runway show will feature looks from local designers and boutiques. A silent auction and pop-up shop offer opportunities to browse. All proceeds benefit The Bridge International’s programs supporting women and girls recovering from human trafficking.

KoreaFest 2026

March 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Agri Supply Expo Center at NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
inwavemovement.com/koreafest-2026

Learn about modern and traditional Korean culture through games, classes, performances, and activities. Try on Hanbok (traditional Korean clothes), learn how to read Korean characters, sample Korean cuisine from vendors, and shop K-pop merch. Idol, Singing, Solo Dance, and Group Dance competitions will be judged by internationally recognized judges.

Peak City Pig Fest

April 10, 5–10 p.m.
April 11, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Apex Town Hall Campus
peakcitypigfest.com
Bring on the smoke! Taste masterfully crafted barbecue, enjoy live music, visit the beer garden, and watch the police-versus-fire-department rib eating contest.

Pimento Cheese Festival

April 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
carync.gov/pimentocheese

The only festival in the US dedicated to pimento cheese! Try everything from ice cream to egg rolls made with the Southern specialty, plus live music, activities, and even a cheese sculpting contest.

Wake on Stage!

April 17, 6–9 p.m.
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
unitedarts.org/events/wake-on-stage

A new event from United Arts Wake County brings local celebrities, business leaders, and elected officials to the stage to showcase their artistic talents. The lineup includes WRAL meteorologist Chris Michaels, NC House Representative Mike Schietzelt, and television personality Valonda Calloway, as well as local and professional musicians and performance groups. The evening benefits Artists in Schools, United Arts’ flagship program that places teaching artists in Wake County schools for curriculum-based performances, workshops, and residencies.

’Cuegrass Festival

April 18, noon
Downtown Raleigh
cuegrass.com

Celebrate two North Carolina loves: bluegrass and barbecue. Tap your toes while you fill your belly, then shop the vendor village and silent auction. Proceeds benefit SAFEchild and the Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Raulston Blooms

April 25, 10 a.m.
JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh
jcra.ncsu.edu

Shop spectacular and hard-to-find plants from local nurseries and peruse the springtime blooms in the Arboretum’s gardens. Impressive creations made for the annual birdhouse competition will be on display. Pick up tips and tricks from talks and educational displays. And visit the makers market, food trucks, and family activities to make a day of it.

Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival

April 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bond Park, Cary
carync.gov/springdaze

Shop art from 170+ North Carolina artists in the scenic setting of Bond Park. Kids can choose their own works for just $5 at the Kid Collectors Market. Visit educational booths on Earth Day Lane to learn about sustainability. And as always, catch live performances and enjoy lots of tasty food from vendors.

Apex PeakFest

May 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Apex Town Hall Campus
peakfest.org

A full day of entertainment awaits with vendor booths, local artists, live music, shopping, and outreach from area nonprofits at this 45th annual event. The festival draws thousands of visitors each year.

More From Our Mar-Apr 2026 Issue
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