Weekend picks: Two barbecue festivals, Harlem Globetrotters
There is a lot happening this weekend, including two barbecue festivals and the return of the Harlem Globetrotters to Raleigh.
Festival and fundraisers
April 14 and 15: Peak City Pig Fest - Enjoy two days of pig pickin', a beer garden, live music and more in downtown Apex on April 14 and 15. More than 40 teams will face off in a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition. The festival will be open 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
April 15: 2nd Annual Forest Fest - Enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, an artisan market, children's activities and more fun at this event at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
April 15: The North Carolina 'Cuegrass Festival - The Pit's 13th 'Cuegrass Festival returns to downtown Raleigh. The event will be held on Fayetteville Street and include a large covered area with draft beer options, seating and, of course, barbecue.
April 15: Taste of China Festival - The Taste of China Food and Culture Festival is a celebration of the unique and vibrant traditions that make up the rich cultural heritage. You are invited to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of China in downtown Cary.
April 16: All A-Board with Skate Raleigh - Skate Raleigh is hosting this event on Sunday at Raleigh Union Station in downtown. It will include an evening of food, music, and art to help fund The Conlon Family Skatepark. Dozens of unique skate decks by local artists will be auctioned off. Ticket prices range from $40 to $150.
April 16: Carrboro Open Streets: Come play as the town closes Weaver Street to cars. The community is invited to dance, do yoga, ride their bikes, climb a rock wall, make smoothies on a bike blender, and participate in many other activities in a public space that not many ever thought of as a place to partake in recreation.
On Stage
April 11-16: Beetlejuice - He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to DPAC. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
April 14: Friday Night on White - Friday Night on White returns to downtown Wake Forest.
April 14: Holst: The Planets - Experience the ultimate trip through the galaxy as the North Carolina Symphony and Thomas Wilkins perform Gustav Holst’s celestial showpiece at Meymandi Concert Hall on April 14 an 15.
April 14: Mt. Joy - See the band at Red Hat Amphitheater.
Family picks
April 14-23: Little River Community Fair - You don't have to wait until the fall to enjoy class fair food and fun. Durham is hosting a week-long fair with carnival with rides, games, food, hotdogs, fries, ice cream, sandwiches, funnel-cake and fried food. Admission and parking are free. Pay $35 for unlimited rides.
April 15: Music at the Library - Clap your hands and tap your toes while enjoying a ukulele jam with the Raleigh Uke Jam musicians! No registration required. This is at the East Regional Library in Knightdale.
April 15: Touch-A-Truck in Chapel Hill - See more than forty awesome vehicles, from emergency, construction, and landscaping to military, transportation, and Mac trucks – all in one place! You can also recognize and honor essential workers throughout the event. This event will be at the Friday Center. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged for the UNC Children's Hospital and Boy Scout Troop 39.
April 15: Stage Grand Opening - The Partnership for Children Park in Smithfield is celebrating it's brand new stage! Head to the park 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. to enjoy entertainment, food trucks, arts and crafts and more! Fun for the whole family!
April 15: Mother/Son Dance - The Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a special evening for moms and sons at the Aquatic Center. Tickets are $30 per couple. Register online.
April 15: UNC Tar Heels Football Spring Game - The 2023 Spring Game will feature a Fan Fest around the Bell Tower from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. It will include interactive games for the kids, music and more! Admission to the game is free!
April 15: Go to space with rockets and robots: Learn how Rockets and Robots allow us to go to space! View shows in the Planetarium, build and launch stomp rockets, help launch various types of rockets outside, and program robots to perform missions on a simulated lunar surface. This is a free event at the Fayetteville State University Planetarium.
April 16: Harlem Globetrotters - The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour returns to PNC Arena on April 16. There will be high-flying stunts, laughs and family-friendly fun!
April 16: Free Movies at the Library: Wake County is hosting two free movies for families this weekend. Head to the North Regional Library in Raleigh to see Captain America: The First Avenger. Younger children can enjoy WALL-E at the Duraleigh Road Community Library.
