United Arts Wake County

Artspace Open Studio
2025-05-24 11:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Artspace, 201 East Davie Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Let your imagination soar in Artspace’s Open Studio and enjoy a free self-guided art making activity for ages 5 and up

KidsWrite! Festival 2025
2025-05-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Burning Coal Theatre, 224 Polk St, Raleigh, 27604
Since 2008, Burning Coal Theatre Company’s KidsWrite! Festival has been a celebration of one-act plays written by 6th-12th graders residing in North Carolina. Students submit their plays, and with a team of professional theatre makers, Burning Coal produces selected scripts. Seven plays have been selected to be presented at this year’s festival, all directed by Durham resident, actor and playwright, Susan Gross.

Triangle Wind Ensemble presents Heroes & Villains
2025-05-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, 27518
An epic battle is coming to the stage! heroes and villains play the starring roles in much of our entertainment, and these roles often inspire great music by some of today’s most talented composers. Come and celebrate the kickoff of Memorial Day weekend with the Triangle Wind Ensemble as we celebrate some of their best-known and best-loved music, along with a musical salute to our armed forces.
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Program to include selections from James Bond, Star Wars, Wicked, Robin Hood, Indiana Jones, plus the great Marvel and D.C. superheroes and villains.

PineCone Open Bluegrass Jam
2025-05-26 19:00 - 21:00 | TransferCo Food Hall, 500 E Davie St, Raleigh, 27601
The monthly PineCone Bluegrass Jam is a “circle jam,” where musicians gather in a circle and play together. Tunes are played up to speed and everyone interested in playing bluegrass instruments is welcome.
This jam will be held outdoors when weather permits. TransferCo has a beautiful patio, with lots of room for pickers and spectators alike. There’s also a spacious ballroom just off the Food Hall that’s got room for a nice sized circle.
Jam leader Ron Raxter is pictured far left playing the upright bass. (photo by Tom Beck)
Facilitated Ron Raxter, the repertoire includes both instrumentals and vocal songs. Ron is one of PineCone’s founding members and is active in a number of local jams. He’s a retired attorney, bass player and was part of the local organizing committee that helped recruit IBMA’s World of Bluegrass to Raleigh.
In the colder months the jam is held in the TransferCo Ballroom. (photo by Maurice Melvin)
Whether you’re a first-time jammer or a veteran, you’re welcome to learn the tunes and play along, or just listen and observe! However, please note that this is not a “learning” or “slow” jam. If you want to play at a slower tempo you might want to check out our monthly “Beginners’ Jam” at Harry’s Guitar Shop. Regardless, this is a great place to meet other musicians who share your enthusiasm for bluegrass.
Please remember – every jam is different! This jam tends to draw a big crowd, and it is open to musicians of all skill levels. Please help us make sure that newer players feel welcome! Also, big, mixed level jams can be challenging. Patience and kindness are appreciated!
The PineCone Bluegrass Jam meets on the fourth Monday of each month at Transfer Co. Food Hall in downtown Raleigh.

WTF Town Hall
2025-05-26 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual
A series of weekly Town Hall forums curated by The National Women’s Theatre Festival about, for, and with theatremakers. Town Hall events take place every Monday night in April & May from 7:30-9pm ET on Zoom. Register for free through Eventbrite.

Dial M for Murder by Jeffrey Hatcher
2025-05-29 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-05-30 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-05-31 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-06-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre at Frank Thompson Hall, 2241 Dunn Avenue, Raleigh, 27695
Jeffrey Hatcher’s new adaptation of the celebrated murder mystery that inspired Hitchcock’s masterpiece!
Tony is convinced that his wife Margot has been cheating on him. While the affair may be over, his jealousy is not. Tony spins a web of deception that will tighten around them and ensnare them both in danger, recrimination and murder.
Frederick Knott’s Dial M for Murder premiered in London in 1952 before opening on Broadway later that year. The 1954 film adaptation, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starred Ray Milland and Grace Kelly.
Directed by Mia Self.
Cast —
TONY………………………………….Gus Allen
MARGOT…………………………….Alex Bailey Hodson
MAXINE………………………………Jean Jamison
LESGATE…………………………….Kevin Aponte
INSPECTOR HUBBARD…………Michael Parker
SWING………………………………..Katie Barrett
SWING………………………………..Brayden S. Hearn
Community Nights are Friday, May 30 and June 6. All general public seats only $20.
Supertitles projected May 30, June 1, 5, 13 and 15.
TheatreFEST is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission.

Painting en Plein Air at Latta University Historic Park
2025-05-31 10:00 - 12:00
Come paint in the great outdoors at Latta University Historic Park! Let your creativity flow while enjoying the beauty of Spring with this instructor-led outdoor watercolor class taught by Rick Bennett. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or looking to try something new, this beginner-friendly class is ideal for artists aged 12 and up.
Be inspired by Latta’s blooming flowers and practice your painting in a fun and relaxing outdoor environment. This program will last two hours, and art supplies will be provided. Come for the art, stay for the nature and leave with your original masterpiece! Registration is required.
Location: Latta University Historic Park
Date: Saturday, May 31
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Ages: 12 and older
Cost: $30

One Day Workshop: Visible Mending
2025-05-31 10:00 - 13:00 | The Joel Fund, 822 S White Street, Wake Forest, 27587
Instructor: Grace McFetters Caldwell
Location: The Joel Fund
When: Saturday, May 31
When: 10 am – 1 pm
Learn to prolong your wardrobe or make changes to vintage clothing for resale! This class is all about mending clothes (mostly denim) to give the mending character and appeal. Visible mending has been growing in popularity and is reshaping how we view our own wardrobes to make what we already have into slow fashion. During this class, students will make samples they can use to learn the techniques to apply to their own clothing to endure the test of wear and time. If students would like to bring in a pair of jeans or a jacket for the instructor to offer advice, that would make the class that much more interesting!
PLEASE NOTE: Typically, TJF fiber arts classes and workshops are for women only, but this workshop is open to any military-connected individual.
We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. Email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org to receive the scholarship promo code with your name and email address.

United Strings of Color at International Children's Day
2025-05-31 10:00 - 15:30 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh, 27601
Artists Studio Project, in collaboration with The Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum and United Strings of Color, is excited to announce the 3rd Annual International Children’s Day event. This event forms part of the 10th Annual El Quixote Festival.
There is an exciting line up in our program that includes lots of Local Children’s Authors. United Strings of Color will perform about 2:00 pm.
This year’s presentations include the participation of:
– Local Children’s Authors – Bilingual Book Fair
– Bilingual Storytime with Wake County Public Libraries
– Paperhand Puppet Intervention
– Luke Vandergriff – Pepito & The Trash Cans
– Master Puppeteer Jeghetto – Tarish Jeghetto Pipkins
– Ballet Folklorico Orgullo y Alma Latina – Fabian Vargas
– United Strings of Color – Ijapa and Mr. Igbin
– Craft Table, Balloons and much more!

Kevin Kao - Artist Talk
2025-06-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Artspace, 201 East Davie Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Join Kevin for a discussion of his solo exhibition, “Shape, Shape, Serve” on view at Artspace April 4-June 1.

Join ceramic artist Kevin Kao for a casual conversation on art, form, creation, and identity as he discusses his solo exhibition Shape, Shape, Serve on view at Artspace from April 4-June 1.
More about Artspace
Artspace is a non-profit visual arts center located in Downtown Raleigh. Visit Artspace to explore exhibitions featuring national and community artists, engage with more than 35 artists working in their studios, and enjoy art classes and community events for all ages and abilities. To learn more about Artspace, visit artspacenc.org
Artist Statement
Shape, Shape, Serve consists of two works by artist, Kevin Kao, who assembles groups of ceramic sculptures into large installations that explore systems of comprehension, theatre, and the collection. These themes act as metaphors for the Asian American experience, particularly the process of assimilation, drawing from the artists’ experience growing up as a third-culture kid – caught between multiple cultural influences and identities.
Both artworks in the exhibition – Serving Coasters and Buns – incorporate over 50 individual ceramic objects, each crafted to reference bodily forms of hair, limb, flesh, crevice, and bone. These fragments are shaped, assembled, and recombined to reveal playful suggestions that reconsider utility, an inherent quality associated with ceramics.
At the core of the exhibition are the multiple interpretations of serving. This concept is explored through many iterations: functionally as a drink coaster, generosity in providing a look, portion for consumption, fulfillment of a purpose, or an act of submission. These “serving” objects, ask viewers to consider the roles of the body-object in presenting and navigating large social and cultural systems.
Parking and Accessibility
Free street parking is available on Davie Street. Metered parking is available on adjacent streets. There are also several pay lots/decks nearby: City Market parking lot, Blount Street parking deck, and several Secure P lots for night + weekend parking (314 E Davie St, 415 S Person St, 417 S Person St).
Explore accessibility information with our Know Before You Go Guide.

Kevin Kao - Artist Talk
2025-06-01 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-02 14:00 - 15:00 | 201 E Davie St, 201 East Davie Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Join ceramic artist Kevin Kao for a casual conversation on art, form, creation, and identity as he discusses his solo exhibition Shape, Shape, Serve on view at Artspace from April 4-June 1.
More about Artspace
Artspace is a non-profit visual arts center located in Downtown Raleigh. Visit Artspace to explore exhibitions featuring national and community artists, engage with more than 35 artists working in their studios, and enjoy art classes and community events for all ages and abilities. To learn more about Artspace, visit artspacenc.org
Artist Statement
Shape, Shape, Serve consists of two works by artist, Kevin Kao, who assembles groups of ceramic sculptures into large installations that explore systems of comprehension, theatre, and the collection. These themes act as metaphors for the Asian American experience, particularly the process of assimilation, drawing from the artists’ experience growing up as a third-culture kid – caught between multiple cultural influences and identities.
Both artworks in the exhibition – Serving Coasters and Buns – incorporate over 50 individual ceramic objects, each crafted to reference bodily forms of hair, limb, flesh, crevice, and bone. These fragments are shaped, assembled, and recombined to reveal playful suggestions that reconsider utility, an inherent quality associated with ceramics.
At the core of the exhibition are the multiple interpretations of serving. This concept is explored through many iterations: functionally as a drink coaster, generosity in providing a look, portion for consumption, fulfillment of a purpose, or an act of submission. These “serving” objects, ask viewers to consider the roles of the body-object in presenting and navigating large social and cultural systems.
Parking and Accessibility
Free street parking is available on Davie Street. Metered parking is available on adjacent streets. There are also several pay lots/decks nearby: City Market parking lot, Blount Street parking deck, and several Secure P lots for night + weekend parking (314 E Davie St, 415 S Person St, 417 S Person St).
Explore accessibility information with our Know Before You Go Guide.
https://artspacenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/KnowBeforeYouGo_2025.pdf

Awards Ceremony and Picnic
2025-06-01 15:00 - 17:00 | Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC, United States
Presentation of Community Engagement and Director’s Awards

Unspoken: Men's Mental Health Art Exhibition
2025-06-01 21:00 - 2025-06-30 21:00 | Southeast Regional Library, 908 7th Avenue, Garner, 27529
Explore art at the library! Drinking Gourd Gallery is proud to partner with the Southeast Regional Library to present “Unspoken.” This month-long group exhibition aims to raise awareness of mental health challenges faced by men and reduce the stigma related to speaking openly and seeking help. Associated programming includes a staged reading of “Stuff Inside My Head” by poet, playwright, and author Michael Garcia. Image: Myles Brown. “Firepower.” Acrylic on canvas, 16”x20”

Sips & Scripts
2025-06-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Thompson Theatre at NC State University, 2241 Dunn Ave., Raleigh
NC Playwrights, Actors, and Community!
It’s A Night of Scripts, Cold Reading, and Critique!
Sips & Scripts Will Be at NC State University Theatre….Monday, October 7!
Come Hear an Actor Cold Read Your New Play OR Come as an Actor to Read as a Character OR Simply Hear What New Stories Playwrights are Creating and Feel Free to Provide Your Feedback!
Sips & Scripts Readings are Free and Open to All!
Location: 2241 Dunn Ave. in Raleigh
– Playwrights! Arrive Early as Possible, Close to 5:00 pm to Reserve Your Spot!
– Actors! Also Arrive Early as Possible, Close to 5:00 pm – Casting Will Begin! 6:00 pm is when All presentations will begin.
Guidelines!
– Please have your pieces not exceed 10 minutes – All pieces will be timed. Pieces no more than 11 pages – one-sided pages only. Play excerpts, monologues, or short plays are only allowed to present.
– No screenplays or sketches at this time.
– 6 playwrights guaranteed to present.
– Bring enough scripts for your cast and stage directions reader.
Parking: At 5:00 pm, free parking in front of the building or in the parking deck.
Don’t Miss It, Monday, October 7!
See Ya Then!

Beer and Banjos: Laika’s Lost
2025-06-03 18:30 - 21:00 | Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, 1930 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27608, United States
Beer and Banjos is a free, family-friendly weekly gathering of music lovers with a rotating cast of musicians onstage at Raleigh’s Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard. The music starts at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, either on the patio under the stars when weather allows, or tucked cozily inside by the bar.
Tips are gratefully accepted to support the musicians. Parking at Bowstring is free, but there are limited spaces. More free parking is available at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church off Whitaker Mill Road.
This week’s guest band is Laika’s Lost, playing the music of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Pat Metheny, and Herbie Hancock plus a few originals, all loosely tethered in outer space.

The Uproar: We're Trippin'
2025-06-05 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-06-06 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-06-07 20:00 - 21:30 | TR Studio, 3027 Barrow Drive, Raleigh, 27616
Come take a break with some sketch comedy! In “The Uproar: We’re Trippin'” Triangle Sketch Comedy explores travel, vacation, and a general sense of wanting to get outta here. All framed with our usual cutting commentary, surreal sketches, and punny parodies. Join us and a cast of comedic characters for a sketch show all about taking some much needed R&R.
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“The Uproar” by Triangle Sketch Comedy is our 90 minute flagship sketch comedy show! The Uproar is a high-energy, satirical sketch comedy showcase. The Uproar like laughter. The Uproar like chaos. The Uproar like disrupting the status quo!
With a talented ensemble cast and clever writing, sketches range from quick-fire gags to elaborate parodies that will all leave audiences howling with delight.
Director: Lenore Clark
Head Writer: Mikki Marvel
Writers/Crew: Jon Berahya, Isabella Brezenski, Teddy Durgin, Paul Lao, Roni Nicole, Denise Sepic, Debbie Vu, Antonio Washington.
This show is rated PG-13

Artspace First Fridays
2025-06-06 17:00 - 22:00 | Artspace, 201 East Davie Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Swing by Artspace each month to view new exhibitions, enjoy a hands-on art activity, and shop with our 30+ studio artists

The Color Purple
2025-06-06 20:00 - 22:30, 2025-06-07 20:00 - 22:30, 2025-06-08 15:00 - 17:30 | Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St, Raleigh, 27607
This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life.
Based upon the novel written by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment motion picture
Book by Marsha Norman
Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray
Directed by Tia James
THE COLOR PURPLE was produced on Broadway at the Broadway Theater by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman and Quincy Jones. The world premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE was produced by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia.
The Color Purple Revival is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com

2025 Down Home Concert Series: North Carolina Heritage Awards
2025-06-07 14:30 - 17:00 | A.J. Fletcher Theater, 2 E. South Street, Raleigh, 27601
Come celebrate North Carolina’s rich artistic heritage with a daytime event honoring the latest recipients of the North Carolina Heritage Award, the state’s highest honor for folk arts. This biennial awards show draws a large and enthusiastic crowd to recognize and honor distinguished award recipients, who range from acclaimed musicians to folks who quietly practice their art in family and community settings. The five honorees will share the inspiring stories of their lifelong dedication to craft through live on-stage interviews, documentary film presentations, musical performances, and a display of artwork. Full of music, art, and community, this uplifting afternoon will leave you feeling proud to call North Carolina home.

TIP: For this and all PineCone shows, you can save a bunch of money on fees by buying your tickets through our Box Office. Give us a call at 919-664-8333 and we’ll help you find the best available seat.

The 2025 recipients of the N.C. Heritage Awards are:
Gaurang Doshi, a North Indian classical musician from Winston-Salem
Helen Gibson, a woodcarver from the Brasstown community in western N.C.
The Glorifying Vines Sisters, a gospel quartet from Farmville
Chester McMillian, a Round Peak guitarist from Mount Airy
Herman and Loretta Oxendine, Lumbee traditional artisans from Pembroke (Loretta Oxendine passed away on Oct. 6, 2024, and will be honored posthumously.)
Read more about the honorees and their work here: https://www.ncarts.org/blog/2024/11/07/2025-north-carolina-heritage-awards
Learn more about the N.C. Heritage Awards program here.
Clockwise from top left, The Glorifying Vines Sisters, Chester McMillian, Loretta Oxendine, Helen Gibson, Guarang Doshi, and Herman Oxendine.

This event is part of our 2025 Down Home Concerts series. Purchase tickets online here, or call PineCone’s box office at 919-664-8333 to save on fees.

First Friday – Kaleidoscope Exhibition
2025-06-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Arts Access Gallery, 444 S. Blount Avenue, Suite 115B, Raleigh, 27601
View our current exhibition – Kaleidoscope: Multifaceted Perspectives of Autistic Artists
“Kaleidoscope” explores the diverse and multifaceted expressions of autistic artists, each piece offering a glimpse into their distinct worlds. From vivid paintings and mixed media work to a captivating Origami tessellation, each piece is a testament to the artists’ exceptional ability to perceive and interpret the world around them, transforming everyday experiences into extraordinary visual narratives.
The exhibition not only highlights artwork by autistic individuals but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of their unique perspectives.
Join us at “Kaleidoscope” and immerse yourself in a celebration of creativity and individuality as you witness the world through the perceptions of these artists.

One Day Workshop: Woodcarving
2025-06-08 13:00 - 16:00 | The Joel Fund, 822 S White Street, Wake Forest, 27587
Instructor: Colin O’Boyle
When: Sunday, June 8th, 1:00-4:00 PM
Where: The Joel Fund
​​In this three-hour workshop, students will have a chance to practice the Viking art of wood decoration known as “kolrosing.” Everyone will finish the workshop with some items to take home, as well as the skills needed to make more in the future. Beginners are welcome, as no previous woodworking experience is necessary to enjoy the workshop. All tools and materials provided.
NOTE: Closed-toed shoes are required.
We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. Email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org to receive the scholarship promo code with your name and email address.
