This weekend is packed with events. Everything from urban chickens, to BBQ contests and art festivals . See below for my top picks for things to do this weekend. Enjoy!
Friday May 17th
Got to Be NC Festival (Fri/Sat/Sun)
Free family friendly event at the NC State Fairgrounds with an agricultural twist. Enjoy carnival games and rides, live music, food, animal and agricultural displays, antique tractors, and more.
When: Friday / Saturday / Sunday 6-9:00
Where: NC State Fairgounds
More Info: website
Hillsborough Hogg Day (Fri/Sat)
Now celebrating its 31st Anniversary, Hillsborough Hogg Day offers family fun, good food, live music, crafters, merchandise vendors, games and rides, and a classic auto show – all in downtown Hillsborough!
When: Friday / Saturday
Where: Downtown Hillsborough – Behind Courthouse
More Info: website
Saturday May 18th
Tour D’ Coop
Raleigh’s city chicken owners invite you into their backyards for a first-hand look at keeping chickens in an urban environment. This self-guided tour provides the opportunity to see over 20 coops, from tiny urban gardens to sprawling suburban lots. This is your chance to glean creative ideas from neighbors who are incorporating chickens and permaculture garden designs into their home landscapes to create an inspiring urban adventure.
When: Saturday 10am-4pm
Where: Various Locations in Raleigh (see map)
Tickets: See website for ticket information
More Info: website
Artsplosure (Fri/Sat/Sun)
Artsplosure’s mission is to produce high quality annual festivals that celebrate excellence in the performing and visual arts; to promote and bring recognition to national, regional, and local artists; and to bring artists and the larger community together to improve the quality of life and cultural environment.
Since its first festival in April 1980, Artsplosure has presented thousands of established and emerging artists whose works span across many disciplines and art forms in both traditional and non-traditional indoor venues and outdoor settings.
When: Friday / Saturday / Sunday
Where: Moore Square – Downtown Raleigh
More Info: website
Sunday May 19th
Pop-Up Sunday at Ornamentea
POP-UP Sunday is a monthly event that gives local businesses, artists and the community a chance to mingle. It’s not just art or antiques or food trucks, it’s a handpicked mix of all that and more! May 19th is going to be one big block party on West Street. POP-UP Sundaywill start up at noon for a food-truck-tailgate and shop-a-pallooza leading up to the Battle of the House Bands across the street at Southland Ballroom til 7:30pm. All the money raised from both events will benefit Haven House Services, a non-profit agency that changes outcomes for struggling youth and their families.
When: Sunday 12-5pm
Where: Ornamentea Parking Lot – Downtown Raleigh
More Info: website
Seeds Pie Social
Do you like pie? Then come to the Seeds Pie Social for an afternoon of sweet and savory pie. A $10 donation includes 4 tasting slices of pie or 5 if you bring your own fork and plate. All proceeds go to Inner-City Gardeners. Enter the best pie contest and you could win $500!!
When: Sunday 1-5pm
Where: Durham Central Park Pavillion
More Info: website
The Triangle Explorer 
Artsplosure is so much fun and the chicken coup tour fun and helpful!