Ma & Pa Festival Returns to Fayetteville Street in Raleigh With 100+ Vendors
Free downtown market with food trucks, music, and family fun.
Shannon
May 03, 2026
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Fayetteville Street is turning into one big open-air market for the Ma & Pa Festival, with 100+ vendors, food trucks, live music, drinks, and activities throughout the day. It’s free to attend and easy to drop in anytime between 11am and 6pm. Expect a strong mix of local makers, a live DJ, and a few extras like mini golf and hands-on activities sprinkled in—plus plenty of food options to keep you going.
This isn’t sponsored. We just love a good market moment. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Bunco @ Rolesville Community Center | May 6 | 10AM
A fun, social Bunco event for seniors offers an easy-to-learn dice game in a relaxed, community setting that encourages connection and friendly competition. Get details here →
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Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Architects | Rock
Architects is a British metalcore band known for their heavy sound, atmospheric elements, and socially conscious lyrics on albums like All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us. | The Ritz | May 8, 7PM | Get tickets here →
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Sam Barber is an American singer-songwriter known for his raw, emotive vocals and folk-influenced country sound that gained attention through viral online performances. | Red Hat Amphitheater | June 4, 7PM | Get tickets here →
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Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Jamie Lissow at Raleigh Improv | May 8-9 | Jamie Lissow is an American comedian, actor, and writer known for his dry humor, appearances on Gutfeld!, and co-creating the sitcom Real Rob. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Gary Owen at DPAC | September 18, 8PM | Gary Owen is an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his energetic storytelling style and his crossover appeal with diverse audiences. Get tickets here →
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Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Filmmaker's Happy Hour @ Parts & Labor | May 6 | 6PM
A monthly filmmaker happy hour at Parts & Labor brings creatives together to network, collaborate, and build community in the RDU area. Get details here →
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