1. Tails are wagging for Cary Dog Daze and Pet Expo, the annual event that celebrates pets and their people and promotes responsible pet ownership. With plenty of engaging activities for canines and humans alike, the family-friendly festival features pet contests, an agility course, demonstrations, and educational workshops on pet care. Vendor booths offer pet products, services, and adoption opportunities, and live entertainment and food trucks all make for a barking good time. Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to the public. Cary Police Department. carync.gov/dogdaze
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
2. Presented by Diamante Arts and Cultural Center — the longest standing Latino Hispanic arts and culture organization in North Carolina — Ritmo Latino Festival is an annual celebration of Latino culture that brings out thousands of people looking to enjoy great Latino cuisine and be entertained by the best live music. Suitable for the whole family, there’s raffles, games, dance lessons for adults, and a KidZone with plenty of activities to keep youngsters occupied and happy. Saturday, May 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open to the public. Town Hall Campus, Cary. diamanteartsculturalcenter.org
3. Start your engines — Wheels on Academy is once again rolling into Cary! This celebration of everything on wheels returns with an impressive array of vehicles, including classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The family-friendly day offers live music, food vendors, and interactive activities for children. When Wheels on Academy rumbles downtown, auto enthusiasts can enjoy opportunities to explore unique vehicles and connect with fellow automotive lovers. Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to the public. Town Hall Campus, Cary. carync.gov/wheels
Photo by Jonathan Fredin
4. Morrisville is singing with spring when Springfest returns. Food trucks, live entertainment, and artisan vendors will all be on hand to celebrate flowers, plants, pollinators, and more. Enjoy make-and-take native plant crafts and the new-for-this-year Morrisville Chalk Walk with artists of all ages creating “Flowers in Bloom” themed works along the greenway. Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to the public. Indian Creek Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Drive. morrisvillenc.gov/springfest
5. Races support many important community causes and initiatives, but not every nonprofit is able to raise support for their mission in this way. Enter Bloom & Zoom: a shared distance event that will benefit several nonprofits with the same race. Currently participating nonprofits include Cary Rotary Club, HD Reach, Enloe High School Band Boosters, Cary Sister Cities, and Woman’s Missionary Union of North Carolina — and more to come! With virtual and in-person 5K, 8K, and Fun Mile options, plus great prizes up for grabs, lace up those running shoes for some worthy causes. Sunday, May 25, 8 a.m. $25 and up. WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary. bloomandzoom.com
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