1. The annual Apex PeakFest promises to be the peak of early summer fun! This community event, which started in a school parking lot, has come a long way — with more than 22,000 people last year taking to the streets of historic Downtown Apex. Now in its 43rd year, the free arts and crafts festival promises live music all day, an array of artists, and an assortment of festival foods and activities. Saturday, May 4. Salem Street, Apex. apexpeakfest.com
2. You don’t have to be canine to come out for the Cary Dog Daze and Pet Expo. Expect lots of fun — and fur — at this animal (and animal lovers’) event. Rescue organizations, an agility course, pet vendor village, food trucks — for you and your furry friend — and doggie demonstrations will all lend a paw to ensure a tail-wagging good time is had by all. Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cary Town Hall. carync.gov/dogdaze
3. Start your engines: It’s Wheels on Academy time! Whether you’re seeking some nostalgia or looking for what’s new and notable, Cary’s 11th annual car show has something for every enthusiast. With entertainment and eats, as well as family-friendly experiences like Touch-a-Truck and Take-Apart-T (which sees a Model T taken apart and put back together before attendees’ eyes), get revved up to admire some fine automobiles. Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. N. Academy Street, Downtown Cary. carync.gov/wheels
4. Experience the excitement — and emotion — of the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championships live at WakeMed Soccer Park. In the thrilling arena of college sports, the championships offer student athletes the chance to win a national championship: the pinnacle of college athletic competition. Show your support for this year’s spring sports championship season and witness the thrills for yourself! Friday, May 24 and Sunday, May 26. $33 and up. WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary. ncaatickets.com/championship/womens-lacrosse/champinfo
5. Support the North Carolina Symphony on opening night of Summerfest 2024, which runs from May 25 to July 13. In its Tchaikovsky Spectacular, experience the breadth of the celebrated Russian composer’s repertoire with his Piano Concerto No. 1, Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture, and 1812 Overture. With Michelle Di Russo conducting and Rodolfo Leone on piano, this performance promises to indeed be spectacular. Saturday, May 25, 8 p.m. $23 lawn tickets, with children under 12 free. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. ncsymphony.org/events/608/
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