The weekend is knocking, and the Triangle is answering with a packed schedule of events that celebrate nature, art, music, food, and community. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Friday, May 16. Here’s a look at what’s happening across the region.

All-Day Highlights

First Responders Save 10% at Old North State Food Hall (Selma) Every Friday, show your ID and enjoy a tasty thank-you with a 10% discount. Free Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnut Look for the glowing Hot Light at locations across the Triangle — it means a free, warm doughnut is waiting for you.

Morning Events

Birdwatching Series (8:00 am – 10:00 am, Spruce Pine Lodge, Bahama) Enjoy peaceful views and feathered friends. Tickets start at $1.50. Spring Open Nursery & Garden Days (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Plant Delights Nursery, Raleigh) Tour lush gardens and browse rare plants — completely free. Garden Story Time (10:00 am – 11:00 am, JC Raulston Arboretum) A sweet spot for young families — nature, stories, and a $5 admission. Tasting at Ten (10:00 am, Counter Culture Coffee, Durham) Get your caffeine fix and explore the world of coffee in a guided tasting session.

Midday Vibes

Friday Co-Working Social (12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, The Glass Jug, Downtown Durham) Need a productivity boost? Work with others, then unwind with craft brews. Got to be NC Festival (12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, NC State Fairgrounds) A daylong celebration of all things North Carolina — food, rides, music, and more. Historic Yates Mill Open House (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Raleigh) Step back in time and tour this fully restored 18th-century water-powered mill. Calvin Jones House Tour (2:00 pm – 2:45 pm, Wake Forest) Explore local history with a guided visit to the home of one of Wake Forest’s founders.

Evening Fun Starts Here

Fridays on the Front Porch (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill) Live music and food trucks beneath the oaks — the perfect start to your weekend. Cary Night Market (5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Downtown Cary Park) Shop handmade goods, enjoy live entertainment, and explore food vendors. Teen Science Cafe: Technology (5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Morehead Planetarium, Chapel Hill) Teens get hands-on with tech topics in this engaging science meetup. LOJO: Log Off, Jam On (5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Boxyard RTP) Unplug with live music, local vendors, and a community vibe. Durham Foodie Fare (5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Durham Central Park) A paradise for foodies: grab bites from local trucks and sip craft drinks. Third Friday Durham (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm) A citywide celebration of arts and culture, with exhibits, performances, and more. Don’t miss: Liberty Arts Spring Showcase Photography Exhibit “Fractured” at Ment Beverage Co. Opening Night at Loose Leaf Gallery Free Wine Tasting (6:00 pm, Local 919, Raleigh) Wind down with a glass in hand and maybe discover a new favorite vintage.

Live Music & Entertainment

Freight Train Blues (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Carrboro Town Commons) Jimbo Mathus & The Creatures of the Southern Wild headline this rootsy concert. Summer Jam Series: Band of Oz (7:00 pm, Pittsboro) Carolina beach music at its best. Smithfield River Jam: The Embers (7:00 pm, Smithfield) Groove riverside with one of NC’s iconic party bands. A Good Time Comedy Showcase (7:00 pm, Vault Craft Beer, Raleigh) Laughter + beer = the perfect combo. South Stream’s King Lear (7:30 pm, The Ridge, Raleigh) A unique mother-daughter performance of Shakespeare’s classic — pay what you want.

Late-Night Fun

Karaoke Fridays (9:00 pm, Flying Bull Beer Co., Durham) Belt out your favorites with a drink in hand. Karaoke Bingo (9:00 pm, KōMANA Brewing, Cary) Sing, shout, and maybe win a prize.

Whether you’re into art walks, food fests, or open-air concerts, Friday in the Triangle promises a full slate of adventure and good vibes. Be sure to follow DoRaleigh on social for updates and insider tips as you explore everything our vibrant region has to offer.

Happy Friday, Triangle!