May Festivals & Events in the Triad (2026 Guide for Families)
Looking for the best May festivals in the Triad? From family-friendly events in Winston-Salem to spring festivals in Greensboro and community events in High Point, May is one of the most exciting months to get out and explore.
Whether you’re searching for things to do with kids in the Triad, free local events, or weekend top festivals near Winston-Salem, this guide highlights the top happenings across the region. Expect everything from food truck festivals and live music to kids’ activities, outdoor markets, cultural celebrations, and seasonal fairs.
If you’re planning your weekends, this is your go-to list for Triad NC events in May 2026.
Downtown Greensboro First Friday
Date: May 1, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Description: Local galleries, shops, and restaurants stay open late with live music and community events.
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.downtowngreensboro.org
11th Annual Wheels on the Greenway
Date: May 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00PM
Location: Woven Works Park, Greensboro, NC
Description: Outdoor programming highlighting local trails, walking paths, and nature experiences for families.
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/130016/23
Greensboro Food Truck Festival
Date: May 3, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00PM
Location: Downtown Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Description: They are hoping to be back on Greene, Market and Elm.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food trucks
Website: (9) Greensboro Food Truck Festival | Facebook
27th Annual Pickin’ in the park
Date: May 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00PM
Location: Hagan-Stone Park, Pleasant Garden, NC
Description: The festival features great national, regional and local bands, instrument workshops, as well as food and craft vendors on the grounds.
Cost: Free
Website: (11) 27th Annual Pickin’ In The Park 2026 | Facebook
Family Room Fun Festival
Date: May 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00PM
Location: LeBauer Park, Greensboro, NC
Description: Enjoy free activities including bounce houses, blow-up basketball, photos with princesses, make-your-own slime, popcorn, a balloon artist, and more. The stage will feature exciting entertainment, including a magician, reptile display, and other family fun throughout the day. There will also be vendors on site offering items and services for purchase, including favorites like Sunset Slush, face painting, and fairy hair. Most importantly, this special day helps raise awareness that children in foster care need the support of an entire community.
Cost: Free
Website: (11) Facebook
Unite Festival
Date: May 17, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: LeBauer Park, Greensboro, NC
Description: A multicultural festival celebrating community, diversity, and unity with food, performances, and vendors.
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.fsncc.org/unite-festival
STEM Fest 2026 (Presented by Honda Aircraft Company)
Date: May 23, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Novant Health Fieldhouse, Greensboro, NC
Description: A hands-on STEM festival featuring interactive exhibits, science demonstrations, and activities for kids of all ages.
Cost: Free (registration required)
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stem-fest-2026-presented-by-honda-aircraft-company-tickets-1987323457960
Carousel Festival
Date: May 2-3, 2026
Time: Saturday beginning at 10:00 AM and Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Burlington City Park, Burlington, NC
Description: The Carousel Festival features live music & performances, an artisan alley with 70+ local crafters, food trucks, an action-packed Kids Zone and a fully-restored historic Dentzel Carousel and other amusement rides that call City Park home.
Cost: Free
Website: Carousel Festival | Burlington, NC – Official Website
Balloon Festival
Date: May 8-10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Caedarock Park, Burlington, NC
Description: Enjoy tethered and untethered balloon flights, live music, great food, and family-friendly fun including a KidsZone, 5K race, car and Jeep shows, RC aircraft demonstrations, and amazing police K-9 and parachute demos.
Cost: Ticketed
Website: Balloon Festival 2026 | ALCOVETS
Mebane Food Truck Rodeo
Date: May 23, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Tanger Outlets, Mebane, NC
Description: Enjoy food trucks from all over.
Cost: Free to attend, Bring money for food trucks
Website: (11) Facebook
Summerfield Founders’ Day
Date: May 15 – 16, 2026
Time: Friday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: 7501 Summerfield Rd, Summerfield, NC
Description: A hometown celebration with live music, vendors, kids’ activities, and community fun.
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.summerfieldnc.gov/foundersday
Free Family Day at the Farm
Date: May 3, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Coop & Creek Farm, High Point, NC
Description: This family event is designed for all ages, with plenty to do for both kids and parents. Food trucks, vendors. crafts & activities, farm fun and more.
Cost: Free admission
Website: FREE Family Day at the Farm, Coop & Creek, LLC, High Point, 3 May 2026 | AllEvents
Multicultural Festival
Date: May 2, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Davidson County Fairgrounds, Lexington, NC
Description: The festival highlights five major cultural areas—African American, European, Asian, Latino, and Native American—with many nationalities represented! Experience the beauty of diverse traditions through sights, sounds, and tastes from around the globe!
Cost: Free admission
Website: (9) Multicultural Festival | Facebook
Mega Munch Music Festival
Date: May 23, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Breeden Insurance Amphitheater, Lexington, NC
Description: They will be featuring musicians that were affected by Hurricane Helene and still face the battles the destruction left behind and the battles they have faced in the industry!
Cost: $5 admission, public parking
Website: (11) Mega Munch Music Festival – Lexington, NC | Facebook
Kernersville Spring Folly
Date: May 1–3, 2026
Time: Friday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM , Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM , Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Kernersville, Kernersville, NC
Description: One of the largest street festivals in North Carolina with live music stages, rides, over 200 vendors, kids’ activities, and festival food.
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.kernersvillenc.com/events/kernersville-spring-folly-2026-free-to-all
Serb Fest NC
Date: May 23-24, 2026
Time: Saturday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: 270 Ogden School Rd, Kernersville, NC
Description: Live dancing, traditional music, food and more.
Cost: $2 (12 and under free)
Website: SerbFestNC | Св. Василије Острошки St. Basil of Ostrog
Tarang 2026 – IUCA India Fest
Date: May 9, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Corpening Plaza, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Invite your family and friends to join you for a colorful day filled with cultural performances, delicious cuisine, and engaging activities for all ages.
Cost: Free admission
Website: (9) Tarang 2026 – IUCA India Fest | Facebook
SummerLark
Date: May 9, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Bailey Park, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: SummerLark is an annual benefit concert supporting the Cancer Patient Support Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center. The headliner for 2026 is The Fray.
Cost: Ticketed
Website: SummerLark | Giving Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Winston-Salem Greek Festival
Date: May 15–17, 2026
Time: Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: A beloved annual festival featuring authentic Greek food, pastries, music, and cultural experiences.
Cost: $5 (free for children under 12)
Website: https://www.wsgreekfestival.com
Kaleideum After Dark: Spring Edition
Date: May 22, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Kaleideum, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Interactive evening experience with exhibits, activities, and themed programming.
Cost: Ticket required
Website: https://kaleideum.org
Winston-Salem Food Truck Festival
Date: May 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: E 9th St, Winston-Salem, NC
Description: Enjoy food trucks from all over.
Cost: Free to attend, Bring money for food trucks
Website: (9) Facebook
Cheerwine Festival
Date: May 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Salisbury, Salisbury, NC
Description: Celebrate the iconic North Carolina soda with live music, food vendors, crafts, and family-friendly entertainment.
Cost: Free
Website: https://cheerwinefest.com
Mocksville Food & Brews Fest
Date: May 30, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Mocksville, Mocksville, NC
Description: A fun festival featuring food vendors, craft beer, live music, and local businesses.
Cost: Free admission
Website: https://business.daviechamber.com/events/details/mocksville-food-brews-fest-30613
BOOM Charlotte
Date: May 1-3, 2026
Time: Times vary
Location: The Boardwalk at University City, Charlotte, NC
Description: BOOM is the place where Charlotte’s creative family gathers to unleash their wildest ideas. They celebrate art, performance and the unexpected.
Cost: Ticketed
Website: Home | BOOM Charlotte
Hello Huntersville Music & Arts Festival
Date: May 3, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Veterans Park, Huntersville, NC
Description: Get ready for Hello Huntersville, the Town’s annual music and arts festival, a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and fun for all ages!
Cost: Free
Website: Hello Huntersville Music & Arts Festival | Huntersville, NC
Charlotte Dragon Boat Race & asian festival
Date: May 16, 2026
Time: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Ramsey Creek Park, Huntersville, NC
Description: Throughout this day-long festival, expect dragon boat races that bring teams from the greater Charlotte region and several states together to compete along the banks of Lake Norman.
Cost: Free
Website: Asian Festival & Dragon Boat Race In Lake Norman | Ramsey Creek Park
Strawberry Fest
Date: May 9-10, 2026
Time: Saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Phillips Farms, Cary, NC
Description: Join Phillips Farm at the farmer’s market and fun park for strawberry treats, eating contests, giveaways, and more! The first 50 children to visit the Modern Woodmen popup each day will receive a free cup of strawberries.
Cost: $15
Website: CALENDAR | Phillips Farms
Got to Be NC Festival
Date: May 15 – 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC
Description: Join your friends and family for three great days of down-home celebration North Carolina Style at the Got to Be NC Festival at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Cost: Gate Admission and Parking are FREE!
Website: Got to Be NC Festival – General Info & Daily Schedule | NC Agriculture
Durham Greek Festival
Date: May 16 – 17, 2026
Time: Saturday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Durham, NC
Description: Enjoy delicious Greek food and pastries, a Greek Taverna, traditional music, folk dance performances, shopping, and church tours.
Cost: Free admission
Website: Shout Opa! | Enjoy Greek Festival 2022 in Durham, NC
Around the world, Raleigh
Date: May 30, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Moore Square, Raleigh, NC
Description: Get ready for a festival featuring diverse food trucks/food stall, craft vendors, performances and more from different regions of the world.
Cost: Free
Website: (11) Around the World, Raleigh 2026 | Facebook
Carolina Strawberry Festival
Date: May 1-2, 2026
Time: Times vary
Location: Downtown Wallace, Wallace, NC
Description: The festival has a broad selection of Music & Events in Wallace that will entertain the entire family!
Cost: Ticketed
Website: Carolina Strawberry Festival – Wallace NC
Ocean Fest
Date: May 2, 2026
Time: All day event
Location: Downtown Surf City, Surf City, NC
Description: This beloved coastal event features live music, a vintage surf contest, a 5K beach run, eco education, local vendors, food and drinks, and family-friendly fun—all benefiting Mother Ocean.
Cost: Free
Website: Home – Ocean Fest
Beach Music Festival
Date: May 16, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: The Circle, 115 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, NC
Description: The Beach Music Festival is Atlantic Beach’s largest and most highly anticipated event of the year. With hundreds in attendance throughout Beach Music Week and over 5,000 attending the festival, they are thrilled to offer free entertainment to so many!
Cost: Free
Website: Atlantic Beach | Beach Music Festival
Garden Jubilee
Date: May 23 – 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Hendersonville, Hendersonville, NC
Description: With nearly 200 plant and craft vendors lining Main Street, the Historic downtown will be transformed into a garden wonderland.
Cost: Free
Website: Garden Jubilee | City of Hendersonville, NC | Official Website
Why May Is the Best Month for Festivals in the Triad
May brings warmer weather, longer days, and a packed calendar of outdoor events in the Piedmont Triad. Local communities come alive with:
Spring Festivals & Outdoor Celebrations
Enjoy blooming gardens, artisan vendors, and open-air markets across Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point. Many Triad spring festivals feature local makers, handmade goods, and seasonal treats.
Live Music & Food Truck Festivals
From downtown streets to local parks, May is full of live music events in the Triad and food truck rodeos offering everything from BBQ to global cuisine to cookies.
Family-Friendly Events & Kids Activities
Looking for things to do in Winston-Salem with kids? Many festivals include bounce houses, face painting, crafts, and interactive carnival like entertainment, making them perfect for all ages.
Top Types of May Events in the Triad
If you’re deciding what to add to your calendar, here are some of the most popular Triad NC events in May:
Farmers Markets & Spring Pop-Ups
Support local with Triad farmers markets, fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. These are great for a relaxed weekend outing.
Cultural Festivals & Community Events
Celebrate diversity through cultural festivals in Greensboro and Winston-Salem, featuring music, dance, food, and traditions from around the world.
Memorial Day Weekend Events
Searching for Memorial Day events in the Triad? Expect parades, ceremonies, and family-friendly festivals to close out the month.
Free Events in the Triad
Many of the best free things to do in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point happen in May, making it perfect for budget-friendly family fun.
Planning Your Visit to Triad Festivals
Before heading out to any Triad area events, keep these quick tips in mind:
Arrive Early
Popular Winston-Salem festivals and Greensboro events can get crowded, especially on weekends.
Check Weather & Event Details
Spring weather in North Carolina can be unpredictable, so always double-check event updates.
Bring Cash + Essentials
While many vendors accept cards, having cash on hand is helpful for smaller booths.
Plan for Parking
Large festivals and events may have limited parking, so look for shuttles or nearby lots when possible.
Family-Friendly May Events in the Triad
If you’re a parent searching for kid-friendly events in the Triad, May delivers. Many local festivals are designed with families in mind, offering:
- Interactive kids zones
- Petting zoos and pony rides
- Arts and crafts stations
- Outdoor games and inflatables
These family events in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point make it easy to enjoy a full day out with kids of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions About May Events in the Triad
What are the best festivals in the Triad in May?
The Triad hosts a wide variety of spring festivals, food truck events, and community celebrations throughout May. The best ones depend on your interests. Families often love kid-friendly festivals, while others may prefer live music or cultural events.
Are there free events in the Triad in May?
Yes, many free Triad events take place throughout May, including outdoor concerts, markets, and community festivals.
What are the best things to do in Winston-Salem in May?
Some of the top things to do in Winston-Salem in May include attending local festivals, visiting farmers markets, and enjoying outdoor events with live music and food vendors.
Are Triad festivals family-friendly?
Most Triad NC festivals and events are designed to be family-friendly, with activities for kids, food options, and entertainment suitable for all ages.
When should I plan for Memorial Day weekend events in the Triad?
Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times for Triad events, so plan ahead and arrive early for popular festivals and celebrations.
Don’t Miss the Best May Events in the Triad
With so many things to do in the Triad this May, there’s something happening every weekend. Be sure to bookmark this guide and check back often for updates on the latest Winston-Salem events, Greensboro festivals, and High Point community happenings.
Related Triad Moms on Main Blogs
Looking for even more ways to celebrate May in the Triad? Check out these helpful guides: