BY KURT DUSTERBERG
MILL TOUR. Historic Yates Mill (4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh) is offering corn grinding tours on Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Listen to the splash of the waterwheel and see the millstones at work, grinding corn into meal during the 30–minute guided tours. Tickets range from $3–$5 and are available online or at the mill yard. Children ages 6 and under are free. All proceeds benefit Yates Mill Associates, the nonprofit group that maintains and operates the mill.
ANNUAL ART. Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival returns to Fayetteville Street on Saturday, May 18 (11 a.m–7 p.m.) and Sunday, May 19 (10 a.m–6 p.m.). More than 175 juried artists and craftspeople will exhibit original works in 10 categories, including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodwork and more. The event includes live music from emerging artists, a free arts and crafts area for kids and more.
GRAND OPENING. Locals Seafood will celebrate the grand opening of its new East Raleigh market (1408 Corporation Parkway) on Saturday, May 18, 2024 with hourly chef demonstrations and a 10 percent discount on a variety of North Carolina seafood packages, including shrimp boils and soft shell crab kits. Locals Seafood brings fresh North Carolina seafood from the coast to inland communities. The market’s hours are Fridays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
AWARD WINNER. Big Spoon Roasters has won a 2024 Good Food Award for its Lum Lum Thai Curry Peanut and Cashew Butter. The Hillsborough nut butter and snack bar company has won in the annual contest’s pantry category two years in a row. Last year’s winner was Pistachio Crunch Almond Butter. Big Spoon Roasters products are available at more than 800 retailers, including 200 Whole Foods stores.
MUSIC IN THE HILLS. The 20th Annual Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival takes place in Pittsboro from Thursday, May 2–Sunday, May 5. Enjoy more than 50 bands playing on four stages.The festival features food, crafts, camping, yoga, workshops and dance, along with plenty of fun for kids and families. A variety of camp site options are available on the 72–acre site in Pittsboro at 1439 Henderson Tanyard Road. Individual tickets and four–day passes are available online.
GLOBAL GOODIES. Holly Springs International Food Festival takes place at the Holly Springs Cultural Center (300 West Ballentine Street) on Friday, May 3, 5–9 p.m. Celebrate cultures from around the world with food from local restaurants and food trucks representing more than a dozen countries. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating to enjoy family entertainment and cultural performances.
FUN IN THE PEAK. Apex PeakFest takes place downtown on Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Celebrate “The Peak of Good Living” at the street fair, which features more than 100 artists and 20 food trucks, along with a wide variety of arts and crafts, a kids zone and street performers. Two stages will host music, dance and fitness instruction.
SIP AND SHOP. North Hills hosts Wine Walk benefitting Kay Yow Cancer Fund at The Commons (4191 Main at North Hills Street) on Saturday, May 18, 3–6 p.m. Guests can make a $25 donation and receive a “passport” listing participating stores, along with a cup for sampling wines and beers for a sip–and–shop experience. Pre–registration is available online.
CHANGES COMING. The North Carolina Museum of History is getting ready for a renovation that will take two to three years. During the renovations, students and educators will have access to digital resources, including virtual programs and live events. The third–floor exhibits will close on Monday, June 3, followed by the first–floor exhibits closing on Monday, October 7. The Museum Shop will remain open to the public until Sunday, December 29.
CLASSICAL CONCERTS. North Carolina Symphony Summerfest tickets are on sale for 10 summer concerts at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, beginning with Tchaikovsky Spectacular on Saturday, May 25 at 8 p.m. The programs include Salute to John Williams, The Steep Canyon Rangers, The Music of the Rolling Stones, Songs of the ‘70s and more. All shows are on Friday and Saturday evenings, and most tickets run between $17–$51.
YOU AND YOUR PET. Cary Dog Daze and Pet Expo takes place at the Cary Police Department (120 Wilkinson Avenue) on Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit with dog, cat and wildlife rescue organizations, watch dogs take on an agility course and shop from a pet vendor village. Learn tricks and training techniques from experts. Food trucks are on hand for guests as well as pet treats.
