UNC Science Expo

Where: Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

When: April 1, 11 am – 4 pm

Part of the North Carolina Science Festival which has over 400 science events throughout the state during the month of April. Morehead Planetarium will be open to the public with more than 100 hands-on science activities put on by UNC faculty and students. There will also be demonstrations, games and performances.

Dreamville Festival

Where: Dorothea Dix Park

When: Saturday and Sunday, April 1, 2

The brainchild of rapper and NC native J. Cole, Dreamville Fest brings talent from Cole’s record label and beyond to perform in Dorothea Dix Park. The two-day event features a number of rappers and singers for one of Raleigh’s biggest musical events.

Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design Exhibit

Where: North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh

When: April 1 – August 6

Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter has designed pieces for films like Black Panther, Malcolm X, and Do the Right Thing. The exhibit will display 60 of her original designs and showcase her creative process and attention to historical detail.

Bond Brothers’ Mid-Town Square Spring Festival

Where: Downtown Cary, 202 East Cedar St.

When: Saturday, April 8, 12 – 9:30 pm

Cary brewery Bond Brothers Beer Co. will be putting on a Spring festival filled with plenty of beer, food trucks, vendors, live music and a dedicated kids zone. Admission is free and the event aims to celebrate the community. The brewery will have multiple bars setup and will be selling its traditional beers as well as some new releases.

Peak City Pig Fest

Where: Downtown Apex

When: Friday, Saturday, April 14, 15

Food, fun, beer and more. The two-day event will give you the opportunity to try some of the best BBQ out there and you may even be able to become a People’s Choice Judge and sample contest entries. It’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it. Visit the cook team areas, enjoy live music, watch pig races, and take your kids to the Kids’ Area.

‘Cuegrass Festival

Where: Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh

When: Saturday, April 15

Acclaimed barbeque restaurant The Pit is hosting its 13th celebration of bluegrass and BBQ. Their will be live music, kids activities, drinks and plenty of delicious food. The festival itself is free to attend and proceeds from food and drink sales go to the charity SAFEchild and other youth-focused charities.

Brewgaloo

Where: Downtown Raleigh

When: Friday and Saturday, April 21, 22

April is North Carolina Craft Beer Month and Brewgaloo is the largest festival that focuses on beer from our state. The two-day event features food trucks, live music, vendors and of course lots and lots of local beer. The first day is a smaller event and the second is free and spread around Downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street. Both events are free to attend and guests can buy tickets to participate in the beer sampling portion.

Wake Forest Herbfest

Where: 525 S. White Street, Wake Forest

When: April 28, 29, 30 & May 5, 6, 7

The longest running herb festival in the United States, Wake Forest Herbfest focuses on low maintenance perennials, herb plants, organic vegetables, herb crafts, cooking recipes and more. There will also be live entertainment and educational sessions. The festival will have one of the largest varieties of herbs for sale including rare varieties.

Hillsborough Weekend of Art

Where: Downtown Hillsborough

When: Friday and Saturday, April 29, 30

The festival begins with Hillsborough’s Last Friday event, where there will be a local artists market, activities, food trucks and more. On Saturday there will be a handmade market and the Handmade Parade. The parade is a biannual Hillsborough tradition that includes wacky and beautiful homemade costumes, puppets (small and massive), stilt walkers, marching bands and much more. Everyone is invited to join the parade and wear whatever they want as a costume.

Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival

Where: Bond Park, Cary

When: Saturday, April 29, 9 am – 5 pm

Spring Daze brings together 170 local artists, delicious food and live entertainment from around the state and beyond. The event features three performance stages and Cary’s Earth Day celebration.