Discover North Carolina’s vibrant cultural scene at Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival and Artsplosure this May, where music, art, and family fun await.

As North Carolina blooms into spring, arts enthusiasts and families alike have much to anticipate in May 2025. The Tar Heel State will host two remarkable festivals that showcase the vibrant creative spirit of our region: the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival and Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival. These events offer perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in music, visual arts, and community celebration as the weather warms.

Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival: A musical haven in Chatham County

Mark your calendars for May 1-4, 2025, when the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival returns to its picturesque farm setting in Chatham County. This four-day celebration brings together an eclectic mix of musical performances with 50-plus bands featuring music from around the world, spanning genres from folk and bluegrass to indie rock.

What sets Shakori Hills apart is its commitment to creating a genuine community experience. Festival-goers can camp onsite, with a dedicated Family/Quiet Camping area that makes this an ideal event for those with young children. Beyond the music, attendees can participate in educational workshops, dance sessions, and sustainable living demonstrations throughout the weekend.

The festival creates a temporary community atmosphere where attendees often forge new friendships while enjoying music under the Carolina sky. Many festival-goers return season after season for this unique experience that extends beyond typical concert events. And the festival grounds’ four stages ensure that performances continue rain or shine. Local food vendors, craft artisans, and community organizations line the pathways, creating a vibrant marketplace throughout the weekend.

Artsplosure: Downtown Raleigh’s creative explosion

Just two weeks later, downtown Raleigh will transform into an artistic playground during Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival on May 17-18, 2025. As one of the Southeast’s premier arts events, Artsplosure attracts over 85,000 visitors annually, showcasing the works of approximately 175 juried visual artists from across the nation.

Fayetteville Street and Moore Square burst with activity during this free weekend festival, where attendees can browse through juried art exhibitions, enjoy live performances, and engage with interactive installations. What truly distinguishes Artsplosure is its accessibility—the festival strives to make art approachable for everyone, from seasoned collectors to curious newcomers. There are even specific operating hours for those with accessibility needs before the Art Market opens to the public on Sunday.

The festival’s Kidsplosure area deserves special mention for families planning to attend. This dedicated children’s arts space offers hands-on creative activities, performances geared toward young audiences, and opportunities for kids to create their own masterpieces under the guidance of professional teaching artists. Artsplosure embodies the belief that art should be part of everyday life, bringing this vision to life in the heart of the city for one weekend each May.

Planning your festival experience

Both festivals offer distinctive experiences that highlight different aspects of North Carolina’s arts scene. For those who can attend both, consider beginning the month with the immersive, rural experience of Shakori Hills, then concluding with the urban energy of Artsplosure.

Some tips for maximizing your festival enjoyment:

• Stay hydrated and sun-protected: May in North Carolina can bring unexpected heat. Bring refillable water bottles (both festivals offer filling stations) and don’t forget sunscreen.
• Come hungry: Both events feature outstanding local food vendors. Skip the chain restaurants and sample regional specialties!
• Bring cash: While many vendors now accept cards, cash transactions are often quicker, especially in rural Shakori Hills where connectivity can be spotty.
• Plan for parking: Consider carpooling or using public transportation, particularly for Artsplosure. Downtown Raleigh parking fills quickly during the festival.

A renaissance of regional arts

These May festivals represent more than just weekend entertainment—they’re a testament to North Carolina’s thriving creative community. By attending, you’re not only treating yourself to remarkable experiences but also supporting the artists, musicians, and cultural organizations that make our state culturally rich.

Whether you’re dancing under the stars at Shakori Hills or admiring fine art along Fayetteville Street during Artsplosure, these festivals offer a perfect way to welcome the season and connect with fellow art lovers. As North Carolina continues to establish itself as a national arts destination, these two events stand as cornerstones of our cultural calendar.

This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.