Dr. M.T. Pope House Presents: Black Joy in the Springtime
2026-05-09 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Pope House Museum, 511 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Music played a central role in American family life during the 19th and early 20th centuries, long before the advent of television and cellphones.
African American households embraced music as a powerful means of self-expression. Through gospel, jazz, blues, and classical music, African Americans found a way to share their stories, joys, and sorrows. ‘Black Joy in the Springtime’ beautifully highlights this rich musical heritage at one of Raleigh’s historic African American homes. Enjoy a delightful musical performance by Shenette Swann.
Details
Location: Pope House Museum
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free

REFUGE Film Screening and Panel
2026-05-09 18:30 - 20:30 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Join us for a screening of the 2023 documentary REFUGE.
The film follows a former white nationalist leader as he begins to confront his beliefs after connecting with a Muslim refugee doctor and the community in Clarkston, Georgia. Through their experiences, REFUGE looks at the roots of hate and what it can take to move past it.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with local and national experts on how people and communities work through division, build trust, and find common ground.
Learn more about the REFUGE Film Screening and Panel

Details
Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free
Register for Tickets via Eventbrite

Top Greene’s “Adornment of Grace” Hat Show Contest
2026-05-17 15:00 - 18:00 | John P. (Top) Greene, 401 MLK Jr Blvd, Raleigh
Come out and show off your best hat at Top Greene. This special Hat Show honors and celebrates Black culture and the rich tradition of hat-wearing through style, creativity, and self-expression.
Please join us for The Hat Show Contest, a celebratory event honoring creativity, style, and cultural expression on Sunday, May 17, from 3 – 6 p.m.
We will feature a special guest, Dr. Donna Corbett, and The Mary Corbett Hat Collection will showcase a timeless collection of her mother’s vintage hats, highlighting the enduring elegance and cultural influence of classic millinery.
From refined silhouettes to bold statements, this presentation honors the legacy of style passed from one generation to the next, and Erica Kendrick, a ceramic artist, sculptor, and educator
Best Hat Contest
Everyone who attends will be entered into the contest and have the opportunity to showcase their hat for a chance to win a FREE 3-hour rental at Top Greene.
Bring your confidence, your culture, and your crown — because the hat makes the statement. Come out, show love, and help us make this a night to remember!

Details
Location: John P. Top Greene African American Cultural Center
Ages: All
Cost: $15 (All attendees are automatically entered into the contest)
Buy tickets on RecLink

Plant Swap
2026-05-23 11:00 - 13:00 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Calling all plant lovers! Join us for an exciting plant swap event.
Bring your favorite house and garden plants or homegrown vegetables to trade with fellow plant enthusiasts. We ask that you bring only healthy, pest-free plants to ensure everyone’s enjoyment. This event is free and open to the public!
Details
Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free

Annual International Children's Day
2026-05-30 10:00 - 15:30 | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, 27601
oin us for the 4th Annual International Children’s Day! Enjoy books, crafts, and performances!
Learn more about the Annual International Children’s Day!
Location: City of Raleigh Museum
Ages: All
Cost: Free

Summer Concert Series
2026-05-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay St, Raleigh, NC, 27605
Join us for this installment of the Pullen and Fletcher Park free summer concert series!
Each summer, local artists donate their talent and time to put on a great free show for the community. On select Sundays from now until Aug. 16, we will host groups performing a variety of different genres that will help set the tone for an awesome evening at these two beautiful facilities.
Fred Fletcher Park
805 Washington Street, Raleigh, NC
May 31 – SWAG
June 7 – Blue Notes Jazz Band
July 12 – Invitation
July 19 – Thelonius
July 26 – Capital
Aug. 2 – The Holly Springs Community Band
Aug. 9 – Triangle Sax Ensemble
Aug. 23 – Carpe Diem Saxophone Quartet
Pullen Park
520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC
June 21 – Eat a Peach
June 28 – Triangle Taiko
Aug. 16 – Bull City Trio
Details
Sunday Evenings
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free
Know Before You Go

Please bring your own blanket or chair
Performers may change without notice
Concerts are free, but tips are encouraged
At Pullen Park, food will be available for purchase at the cafe
At Fletcher Park, please bring your own food and beverages
Pullen Park Amusements are open until 8 p.m.
It may be canceled for inclement weather. For updates, contact 919-996-6468
