Out and About

60+ things to do in April

There is so much to do and see in April, like Dreamville, Cary's Pimento Cheese Festival, the Harlem Globetrotters, Brewgaloo and much more.
Posted 2024-03-19T20:37:23+00:00 - Updated 2024-03-29T13:00:00+00:00
Dreamville Festival takes over Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, N.C. on Sunday, April 3rd. (Photo By: Baird Photography / WRAL Contributor)

There is so much to do and see in April, like Dreamville, Cary's Pimento Cheese Festival, the Harlem Globetrotters, Brewgaloo and much more. Plus, it's opening month for the Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit at the Museum of Life and Sciences in Raleigh!

April 1-7

April 1-30: NC Science Festival - With both virtual events and events across the state, this festival features more than 600 events, including an engineering competition and Gravity Games.

April 3: Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue - Miami's sassiest seniors have returned for one more hurrah -- live on stage at DPAC!

April 4: Busta Rhymes - The Blockbusta Tour comes to Ritz Raleigh.

April 4: Movies in the Garden: The Sandlot - Play ball! Join RLT to watch a classic tale of neighborhood kids and their love of baseball.

April 5: Bella White - See the Nashville-based singer/songwriter in Raleigh at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

April 6: Raleigh Foodie Fare - This event at Raleigh Iron Works showcases Raleigh’s diverse food and art scene.

April 6: Theresa Caputo - The beloved television personality and best-selling author delivers healing messages to audience members, comforting them with the revelation that their deceased loved ones are still with them -- just in a different way.

April 6: A Tribute to Dean Martin - This show is highly entertaining and a “must see” with plenty of laughs and a world class live band. See it in Raleigh.

April 6: NC Symphony: Peter and the Wolf - Gather the kids to meet Peter and his friends- the duck (played by the oboe), the bird (flute), the cat (clarinet), and more, as they try to catch the wolf!

April 6: Relay for Life of the Triangle - Come together to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This event will be held at Fenton in Cary.

April 6-7: Dreamville Festival- Hip hop artist J. Cole, raised in Fayetteville, presents this festival at Dix Park. This year's lineup will be announced soon!

Festivals in NC: Thousands of hip-hop fans flocked to Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, N.C. for the inaugural Dreamville Festival on Saturday, April 7, 2019. (Photo By: Baird Photography / WRAL.com)
Festivals in NC: Thousands of hip-hop fans flocked to Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, N.C. for the inaugural Dreamville Festival on Saturday, April 7, 2019. (Photo By: Baird Photography / WRAL.com)

April 3-7: NC Azalea Festival - This annual festival is held in Wilmington. There is a street fair, community events and performances.

April 7: Bull City Food and Beer Experience - This year the event features 30 Triangle restaurants paired with breweries spread throughout all three DPAC floors featuring unlimited samplings.

April 7: Geek and Grub Market: Fantasy Edition - This festival will be held at Fred Fletcher Park.

April 7: Tina and The Stones - A tribute to Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones in Raleigh.

April 8-14

April 8: David Sedaris - The comedian performs in Raleigh at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

April 9: AJR: The Maybe Man Tour - The indie pop band comes to PNC Arena.

April 11: Clint Black - Country icon Clint Black, one of the truest traditionalist in music over the last three decades, will celebrate the 35th anniversary of his debut album Killin’ Time, on tour in 2024.

April 11: Rodney Carrington - See the multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer in Raleigh.

April 12: Adam Ant - Adam Ant is bringing his classic, chart-topping hits and personal favorites to DPAC.

April 12: NC Symphony: Ravel & Rodrigo - Experience guitar alongside the symphony.

April 12: Tell Me Lies: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac - Tell Me Lies meticulously recreates the beloved sounds and visuals of one of the world's most adored best-selling bands. This show is at The Pour House.

April 13: Pimento Cheese Festival - Enjoy live music and other activities at Downtown Cary Park, grab a drink from local breweries, and taste some of the best pimento cheese samples from local restaurants.

April 13: PrideLife Expo - The expo at the Raleigh Convention Center features additional ways for the LGBT+ and allied community to meaningfully connect with one another.

April 13: Flying Saucer's 24th Anniversary - Fly in to celebrate 24 years of being open in downtown Raleigh with drinks specials and custom shirts available!

April 13: Dale Elliott Jr. - The Jamaican-born comedian comes to Raleigh for his 2024 "No Hard Feelings" Tour!

April 13: Wags & Whiskers Gala - Gather your pet-loving pals for a dinner and trivia night to benefit animals in need! The gala will feature dinner and dessert catered by The Root Cellar, drinks, pet-themed trivia, a silent auction and puppies at Ardenwood Farm in Chapel Hill.

April 13: Women's Empowerment 2024 - This women's conference at PNC Arena features workshops, shopping, inspiring speakers, entertainment and more.

April 13: Gilberto Santa Rosa - The Puerto Rican bandleader and singer comes to DPAC.

April 13: Murder Mystery Party - An exciting evening of mystery and intrigue in the Voodoo Room at The Big Easy! Get ready to put on your detective hat and solve a thrilling murder case.

April 13: Away With The Fairies - Enter a market full of fairies, dragons, mischief and more at this themed event especially for families at Mordecai Historic Park.

April 14: Puppies in the Plaza - Learn about the work of Chapel Hill-area animal shelters while playing with puppies searching for their forever homes. Plus, grab some light refreshments and get homemade dog treats for your own furry friend.

April 14: Disney Princess: The Concert - A magical night of music of Disney's princesses performed by Broadway stars.

April 14: Tom Segura - The comedian brings his Come Together tour to PNC Arena.

April 15-21

April 17: Harlem Globetrotters - The exhibition basketball team comes to PNC Arena.

April 18: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight - An epic, new 90-minute concert, breathing beautifully dark energy into legendary rock and metal.

April 19: Dustin Lynch with special guest Skeez - See the show at Red Hat Amphitheater.

April 19: Dueling Dinosaurs Gala - Before the exhibit opens on April 27, enjoy a roaring good time with dinosaur-themed cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres from carnivore and herbivore stations, live music and dancing, captivating performances, behind-the-scenes tours and interactive activities.

April 19: Zach Williams: A Hundred Highways Tour - A night of unforgettable music and soul-stirring performances in Raleigh.

April 19: Cary Night Market - Discover a vibrant showcase of locally-crafted treasures while immersing yourself in an evening of music and entertainment at the Cary Night Market.

April 20: Pop-Up Raleigh Art and Vintage Market - This monthly event at Trophy on Maywood Avenue features 40+ artisans, live music and food trucks.

April 20: Shops at Village District's 75 Year Anniversary - Enjoy live music, a beer garden, food, pop-ups, giveaways, a kid-friendly area and more!

April 20: Hozier - The Unreal Unearth Tour comes to Coastal Credit Union Music Park.

April 20: The Price is Right: Live - Randomly-selected contestants play everyone’s favorite games.

April 20: Grifton Shad Festival- This is one of the oldest festivals in the state. There are parades, carnival rides, an art show and more.

April 20: PirateFest- Swashbucklers of all ages will converge on the banks of the Tar River in Greenville for this annual festival. There will be live music, arts and crafts for sale, mermaids, sword fights and a beer and wine garden.

April 20: NC 'Cuegrass Festival - Enjoy a day of bluegrass, local brews and great barbecue in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District during this annual festival.

April 20-21: 24th Annual Lebanese Festival - Experience Lebanese cuisine and desserts, enjoy live music and traditional dance performances, watch a belly dancer and more in Raleigh.

April 21: Raleigh Charity Crawl - A fun afternoon, with food, drinks, music, and prizes, in support of charity at The Avenue Raleigh on Glenwood Avenue.

April 22-30

April 26: NEEDTOBREATHE - The band comes to Coastal Credit Union Music Park.

April 26-28: Fayetteville Dogwood Festival - This annual festival includes carnival rides, a cornhole tournament and live music.

April 26-27: Brewgaloo Craft Beer Festival - Sample and enjoy dozens of beers and food trucks in downtown Raleigh.

Festivals in NC: Brewgaloo was held in downtown Raleigh on April 26, 2014.
Festivals in NC: Brewgaloo was held in downtown Raleigh on April 26, 2014.

April 26-28: Bluey's Big Play - Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series.

April 27: Dueling Dinosaurs: Grand Opening - Celebrate the NC Museum of Natural Sciences' opening of an exciting new exhibit that will forever change how we view the world’s two favorite dinosaurs. No ticket required.

April 27: The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie - The bands come to Coastal Credit Union Music Park.

April 27: Touch a Truck - Receive a free, hands-on experience with vehicles of all kinds at Sanderford Road Community Center's annual Touch-A-Truck event in Raleigh. The event runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

April 27: NC Pickle Festival- Mount Olive hosts this annual festival, which includes a pickle eating contest and more fun.

April 26-27: Mebane Dogwood Festival- A tradition since 1988, this festival includes a golf tournament, a 5K and live music.

April 26-27: NC Symphony: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto - See the NC Symphony in Raleigh.

April 27: Spring Daze- This arts and crafts festival at Bond Park in Cary features over 170 local artists, live music, food and more.

April 27-28: Oakwood Garden Tour - Guests will enjoy a self-guided walking tour featuring Historic Oakwood’s fabulous gardens. Be prepared to walk approximately 1.5 miles and wear appropriate footwear.

April 25-28: MerleFest- Since its founding in 1988, MerleFest has operated as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and so much more. This year's headliners include Old Crow Medicine Show, The Teskey Brothers, Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway and Steep Canyon Rangers.

April 28: Spring Fling 2024 - That Girl Lay Lay and Friends Live - Back by popular demand, the music and TV superstar sensation That Girl Lay Lay will return to Raleigh.

April 30-May 4: NC Strawberry Festival - Chadbourn celebrates this tasty fruit each year. There will be seed spitting contests, a parade and more.

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