A Front Porch Conversation: Southern Voice in Narrative Poetry with Dasan Ahanu
2026-04-01 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Oberlin Regional Library, 1930 Clark Ave, Raleigh, 27605
There is an undeniable uniqueness to how the Southern voice approaches narrative poetry—intertwining stories, rhythm, and lived experiences.
Dasan Ahanu will explore this uniqueness while sharing poems from his three latest collections: Shackled Freedom, Month of Sundays, and Concrete Jungle Allegories.
He will discuss how his writing seeks to carry on the legacy of Southern storytelling by honoring memory, community, and place, drawing on Southern oral traditions that make narrative poetry both intimate and universal.
Registration is requested.

The Road Through “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
2026-04-02 09:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-04 09:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-05 09:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-06 09:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-07 09:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-08 09:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-09 09:00 - 22:00 | Pullen Arts Center
The Road Through Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell by photographer, oral historian, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Theresa Scott. This deeply personal documentary exhibition explores the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ veterans who served under restrictive military policies.
Through intimate portrait photography paired with first-person oral histories, Scott brings forward stories long silenced by institutional policy and cultural pressure. Drawing on her own service, she offers viewers an unflinching look at the realities faced by service members who were expected to serve with honor while hiding essential parts of who they were.
Exhibition Dates: February 1 – April 26, 2026
Artist Talk & Reception: March 26, 5:30–7:00 p.m.

1776
2026-04-02 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-04-03 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-04-04 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-04-05 15:00 - 17:30 | Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St, Raleigh, 27607
It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence… if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence.
The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits. Celebrate the semiquincentennial of the United States at 1776!
Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards
Book by Peter Stone
Based on a concept by Sherman Edwards
Original Production Directed by Peter Hunt
Originally Produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow
1776 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Women's Only Handbuilding with Clay
2026-04-03 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-10 11:00 - 13:00 | The Joel Fund, 822 S White Street, Wake Forest, 27587
When: Fridays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Dates: Friday: 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24 MAKE UP: 5/1 (skip Good Friday, 4/3)
Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older. This particular class is for military-connected women over 18 years or older.
Create a one-of-a-kind collection of handbuilt ceramic art pieces! Projects include sculptural and functional items–examples of items we’ll make include a mug with a handle, a textured wall pocket hanging decoration, origami-inspired trinket dishes, and an owl-shaped votive luminary (see photos). These projects incorporate all the fundamental skills of handbuilding with clay: roll slabs, securely join clay components, add textures, pinching, coil building, and painting colorful underglazes onto your own pieces!Works will be fired off-site after the class is finished and will be available for pickup from the Joel Fund offices after class is over. No experience is necessary; your instructor will meet you where you are and provide the support you need to enjoy the creative process–the studio is fully accessible, participants will be able to stand or sit as desired, and accommodations are always available for any specific needs. Working with this medium provides a unique opportunity for sensory engagement and creative development–come connect to yourself and other makers as you find your way with clay!
Please note, this class is for Women Only.
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.

Artspace First Fridays
2026-04-03 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

Artist Talk with Rowena Federico Finn
2026-04-04 14:00 - 15:30 | Artspace, 201 East Davie Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601, United States
Join Virginia-based artist Rowena Federico Finn for a discussion of her solo exhibition on view at Artspace.

Join artist Rowena Federico Finn for a discussion on migration, memory, identity, colonization, and more related to her solo exhibition Inventing a Homeland on view at Artspace until April 4.

About Rowena Federico Finn
ROWENA FEDERICO FINN’s work combines Philippine Indigenous materials with American crafting traditions to create what she calls Filipina-Futurism: intricate, tactile pieces that form a new visual and cultural language—one that speaks to the experience of being neither fully from one place nor the other, while imagining futures in which those in-between spaces are sources of power. Her practice is rooted in her lived experiences as an artist, mother, educator, and community activist shaped by colonialism, patriarchy, and other forces that define belonging. Through these lenses, Rowena creates work that holds space for viewers to reflect on their own identities, inheritances, and the environments that have shaped them; the personal becomes a point of connection, inviting others to see their own stories mirrored in the tension and resilience embedded in each piece. She has won numerous awards and exhibited throughout the country, and her work was recently acquired by the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA. Rowena lives in Virginia with her husband and three children.

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

Parking and Accessibility
Free street parking is available on Davie Street. Free parking is available at the following parking decks:

City Center Deck, 429 S. Wilmington St.
Moore Square Deck, 233 S. Wilmington St.
Municipal Complex Deck, 201 W. Morgan St.
Wilmington Street Station Deck, 117 S. Wilmington St.

There are also several pay lots nearby: City Market parking lot 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.

Artspace Open Studio
2026-04-05 13:30 - 15:30 | 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

Roll, Release and Reset
2026-04-05 17:00 - 18:30 | Arts Together, 114 SAINT MARYS ST, RALEIGH, NC, 27605-1809, United States
Ages 18+
This workshop focuses on enhancing strength and stability in the body and pelvic floor region through a combination of exercises and techniques. This class will also provide a self-care component that empowers participants to take control of their health.
In addition to targeted exercises, participants will also learn myofascial release techniques using therapy balls to promote relaxation and release tension in the muscles. Join us to improve your pelvic floor health and overall well-being.

Moving with Parent & Tot
2026-04-06 10:00 - 23:00 | Arts Together, 114 SAINT MARYS ST, RALEIGH, NC, 27605-1809, United States
Walking – 5 Years Old: Move, stretch, sing, & bond with your tot in this creative movement course designed to introduce our youngest students to basic dance skills.
Young dancers must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian.

Women's Only Needle Felting: Sculpting & Painting with Wool
2026-04-06 13:00 - 16:00 | The Joel Fund, 822 S White Street, Wake Forest, 27587
When: Mondays, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Dates: Mon: 3/9; 3/16; 3/23
Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older. This particular class is for military-connected women over 18 years or older.
Wool can be used as a medium to paint a landscape or a portrait or be sculpted into a 3-dimensional piece of art! This unique art has been used to illustrate children’s books and in stop-motion animation. Artists have begun to truly appreciate the practicality of using this inexpensive natural resource in ornaments, pin cushions, pillows, hanging art, and much, much more!
In this class, students will learn the techniques to make both a flat, 2-dimensional picture and a 3-dimensional sculpture piece. Students will develop self-expression through manipulation of colors and textures of wool.
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.

Beginning Painting Workshop
2026-04-06 17:45 - 18:45 | Arts Together, 114 SAINT MARYS ST, RALEIGH, NC, 27605-1809, United States
Ages 13+ This is a great class for new painters, as well as existing painters who would like to follow along. We will learn about different paint styles and techniques, explore color and work on developing our painting skills. Several themed paint projects will be completed in this session.

Sips & Scripts
2026-04-06 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!

Beginning Jazz Workshop
2026-04-06 18:30 - 19:30 | Arts Together, 114 SAINT MARYS ST, RALEIGH, NC, 27605-1809, United States
Ages 18+
In this engaging beginning Jazz class, participants will delve into a captivating blend of strength-building exercises, precise body alignment techniques, and invigorating conditioning routines.
With a focus on cultivating musicality and honing individual style, students will unlock the secrets of this exhilarating dance form, discovering the joy of movement and self-expression along the way. No prior experience necessary.

Beer and Banjos: The Holland Brothers
2026-04-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, 1930 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27608, United States
From the Piedmont region of North Carolina, the Holland Brothers play a style of music rooted in old-school country and country blues, with close harmonies and blues harmonica. Drawing inspiration from Charlie Poole to Charlie Patton, from Muddy Waters to the Memphis Jug Band, from the country gospel sounds of Flatt and Scruggs and the Louvin Brothers, from the high lonesome sound of Bill Monroe, or from the pairing of Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston, the brothers have appeared in publications and events such as No Depression, Our State, the North Carolina State Fair, Billboard Magazine, and the New York Times and continue to garner praise and gain new fans daily. Learn more about the Holland Brothers here.
Beer and Banjos is a free, family-friendly evening of roots music every Tuesday at Raleigh’s Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard. Hosted by the mighty local musicians known collectively as the Beer and Banjos Allstars, these weekly concerts feature guest musicians and take place on Bowstring’s spacious patio when the weather allows, or inside by the bar when rain, heat, or cold threaten the vibe.
Tips for the musicians are gratefully accepted (look for a helper walking around with a bucket for cash and QR codes for online tips), and don’t forget to check out the merch table. Bowstring serves tasty pizza and other food as well as cold beer and other beverages.
Learn more about Beer and Banjos events statewide here.

Aging Gracefully Creative Movement Workshop
2026-04-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Arts Together, 114 SAINT MARYS ST, RALEIGH, NC, 27605-1809, United States
Ages 50+
Aging Gracefully: Meaningful Movement Explorations – As we age it is important to keep the body moving, the brain focused, and the spirit fueled. In this technique/creative dance class, we will do so in a healthy, FUN way. We will warm the body, moving in a way that encourages each dancer to better honor and understand their unique physicality.
Next, dancers will explore different ways to generate movement phrases. Inspired by poetry, visual art, and personal experience, we will create dances; accessing the wisdom of the body to express our relationship to the world, each other, and ourselves.
No prior dance experience needed, just a willing heart <3

PineCone Old Time Jam at Riparian
2026-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Riparian Provision Company, 1408 S. Saunders St., Raleigh, NC, 27603, United States
Held on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 7-9 pm at the Riparian Provision Company (1408 South Saunders Street, Raleigh). This is an up to speed, gather in a circle kind of jam. It’s led by great players who work to make sure there’s space for everyone in the tunes.

The leader picks a key (D, A and G are popular) and calls tunes in that key until it feels right to pick a new key and retune. The fiddlers traditionally call the tunes, but not always the jam leader. If you’re playing fiddle you should expect to be asked, “Hey, you got a good D tune?” While “no” is an acceptable answer, it’s good to have a tune in each key that you’d feel comfortable calling and kicking off.

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. Please remember – every jam is different! This jam tends to draw a good 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!
Recent tunes include:
Fly Around (D)
Soldier’s Joy (D)
Whiskey Before Breakfast (D)
Yellow Rose of Texas (D)
Booth (A)
John Brown’s Dream (A)
Kitchen Girl (A)
June Apple (A)
Nail That Catfish to the Tree (G)
Big Scotia (G)
Elk River Blues (G)
Jenny Run Away in the Mud in the Night (G)

My Fair Lady
2026-04-09 19:30 - 22:30 | Burning Coal Theatre, 224 Polk St, Raleigh, 27604
My Fair Lady is a timeless musical that delves into the transformative power of language, identity, and social class in early 20th-century London. At the heart of the story is Eliza Doolittle, a spirited flower seller with a thick Cockney accent, who encounters the esteemed phonetics professor Henry Higgins. Fascinated by her unrefined speech and bold personality, Higgins makes a bold wager: he will teach Eliza to speak and behave like a proper lady of high society.
As Eliza embarks on this challenging journey, the musical traces their evolving relationship through lessons in speech, manners, and self-discovery. Though they come from vastly different worlds, Higgins and Eliza form an unexpected bond that both challenges and changes them in profound ways.
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Burning Coal Theatre Company is proud to announce its production of My Fair Lady, directed by Jerome Davis. My Fair Lady will run from April 9th to 26th, 2026, at the Murphey School, located at 224 Polk Street, Raleigh, NC 27604. Performances run on Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. All tickets are $30, or $25 for seniors (65+), or $20 for students, teachers, and active military. People 18 and under can get a ticket to any performance for $5. April 10th is ‘College Night’, with $5 tickets for any college student with a valid ID. April 12th is ‘Pay What You Can’ day. Tickets and additional information can be found at www.burningcoal.org or by calling the box office at (919) 834-4001.

Arts Together's Rainbow Dance Company
2026-04-10 14:00 - 2026-04-11 15:30, 2026-04-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Rd, Garner, 27529
Experience the only multi-age modern dance company of its kind in North Carolina! Thoughtful and entertaining, these highly skilled dancers explore complex social issues through a collaborative choreography. The company is produced by Raleigh’s Arts Together, dedicated to cultivating creativity, confidence, and collaboration through a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing community. (Recommended for ages 6+)

2026 Down Home Concert Series: Well, I Declare: America at 250
2026-04-10 19:30 - 22:00 | A.J. Fletcher Theater, 2 E. South Street, Raleigh, 27601
Lobby doors open 6:30 p.m. | Theater doors open 7 p.m. | Showtime 7:30 p.m.
A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | Raleigh
Orchestra: $42.90-$48.26 members; $48.26-$53.62 public
Rear: $24.67
Ticket prices shown here include facility fee and sales tax.
BUY TICKETS ONLINE, OR CALL OUR BOX OFFICE AT 919-664-8333 TO SAVE ON FEES.

Two hundred and fifty years after its birth, does America live up to its founding ideals? “Well, I Declare: America at 250” examines this question through songs that contend with the nation’s history, often as a call for change. North Carolina musicians Dawn Landes, Rissi Palmer, Jacob Sharp (Mipso) and Django Haskins (The Old Ceremony) will present songs new and old that speak to generations of struggle alongside a live reading of the Declaration of Independence by actor Mike Wiley.
