Welcome the first full month of spring with plant sales, outdoor music and plenty of sports to watch.
by Addie Ladner

Capture April Showers!

Within the City of Oaks, 36 watersheds connect to lakes and streams that feed into North Carolina’s largest river, the Neuse, and then on to the Atlantic Ocean. Crabtree and Walnut Creeks are the two biggest creeks in our area, offering spots to search for salamanders, cast a line or walk the greenways along their banks. You can help keep these creeks flowing by capturing rainwater on your own property using incentives from our city’s Raleigh Rainwater Rewards Program (raleighnc.gov/rainwaterrewards). Businesses and homeowners that install a rain garden, cistern or man-made wetland, along with other projects, may be reimbursed for up to 90% of the costs. According to Justin Harcum, the program’s project manager, more than 1 million gallons of rainwater have been captured since February of last year and the city has completed more than 260 of these projects since it launched. Harcum has also noticed increased awareness about the need to keep our creeks clean. “People are more proactive and protective now and that’s an important first step,” he says. Beyond helping our patch of earth here in Raleigh for Earth Day this month, check out the many ways to relish this first full month of spring below.

Experience Theatre Raleigh’s The Trip To Bountiful

In this award-winning play at Theatre Raleigh, an elderly Carrie Watts, who lives in Houston with her family, longs for the slower-paced life of her childhood in rural Texas. She sets out to return to her hometown, causing her family to panic and go searching for her. Meanwhile, Carrie’s experiencing a journey of her lifetime. Eric Woodall, Theatre Raleigh’s artistic director, is looking forward to hosting Emmy-winning actress Kim Zimmer as the lead. “Kim’s ability to bring emotional resonance to her work has captivated daytime audiences for many years,” Woodall says. “We can’t wait for our guests to experience her power in this unforgettable performance.”
Now – April 6 | Various times; From $33; 6638 Old Wake Forest Road; theatreraleigh.com

Eat Your Way Through the New Daijobu

A new restaurant by the folks behind City Market Sushi delivers exquisite hand rolls and ramen on S. Davie Street. We got the scoop here for you to read before trying it out for yourself.

Plan for a Music Festival

Whether you’re looking for chart-topping headliners, rising local talent, or a mix of folk, hip-hop and indie sounds, there’s a festival in the great state of North Carolina for every taste. From Dreamville’s starstudded lineup at Dix Park to the charm of Western NC’s MerleFest and the spirit of Sakori Hills, these upcoming festivals both near and far are worth making plans for.

Watch NC State take on UNC Greensboro in Baseball

Hey, batter batter! At North Carolina State University’s Doak Field, cheer on the men’s baseball team as they take on the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Spartans. For a complete Wolfpack experience, head to Talley Market afterwards for some Howling Cow ice cream inside the student union building.
April 1 | 6 p.m.; From $10; 1081 Varsity Drive; gopack.com

Hear the NC Opera Perform The Marriage of Figaro

Premiered in Vienna in the 1700s, The Marriage of Figaro is a comical drama following a series of love entanglements and miscommunications between a count, countess, doctor and servant, all of which unfold in a single day. This three-hour production is performed in Italian with English subtitles. With Mozart’s music and a libretto written by Lorenzo Da Ponte, don’t miss the chance to see this global masterpiece.
April 4 & 6 | Various times; From $50; 2 E. South Street; ncopera.org

Support Western NC at the Potters Market

Help artists in Western North Carolina get back on their feet after the devastation of Helene right here in town at Raleigh Iron Works. At the Western NC Hurricane Relief Potters Market, shop gorgeous one-of-a-kind pottery from North Carolina artists, enjoy live music and sample the scrumptious food options at Raleigh Iron Works. “The WNC Hurricane Relief Potter’s Market is more than just a showcase of incredible craftsmanship — it’s a testament to the resilience and strength of the Western North Carolina pottery community,” says Nick Joerling, the event organizer and an artist himself. “These artists have faced unimaginable challenges in the wake of Hurricane Helene, and this event is an opportunity for us to rally behind them, celebrate their work and provide meaningful support.”
April 5 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Free to attend; 2200 Atlantic Avenue; facebook.com/events

Start Working on Your Spring and Summer Garden

This month in your Raleigh backyard: start summer veggies, practice patience and plant impatiens for months of color writes garden expert in her monthy garden column.

Jam out at J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival

Celebrating its fifth and final year, our state’s largest R&B and hip-hop festival returns to the City of Oaks! The two-day festival, founded by rap artist and North Carolina native J. Cole, has increased in size and community impact each year — in 2024 alone, more than 100,000 guests attended from all over the world. Festivalgoers can expect dozens of performers on two different stages, on-site art installations by local creators, VIP experience options, a ferris wheel and a broad range of food vendors.
April 5 & 6 | Various times; From $300; 1030 Richardson Drive; dreamvillefest.com

Take Advantage of Brunch Season

We love sleeping in on the weekend — especially because it means we get to have our favorite meal, brunch! Somewhere between late breakfast and early lunch, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a decadent meal and linger over coffee or mimosas with friends. Plus, Raleigh has more brunch spots than ever. We gathered up the restaurants that are open on Saturdays and Sundays with special brunch menus, from classic eggs benedict or cheesy grits to dishes infused with Southern, Mexican and French flavors. Here are 11 places to have brunch in Raleigh.

Head to LIVE@Lake Raleigh for Music and Family Fun

One of Raleigh’s best-kept spring secrets is this family-friendly concert series on the banks of Lake Raleigh at NC State’s Centennial Campus. On select Thursdays in April and May, enjoy food trucks and musicians of various genres performing outside. The shows kick off on April 10 with the band Ricardo Diquez & The Tropic Orchestra, which is known for its danceable, Caribbean-influenced music. Then on April 24, bluegrass group The Tray Wellington Band, helmed by award-winning banjo player Tray Wellington, will take the stage. Food trucks are open for business at 5 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. and parking is free!
April 10 & 24 | 5 p.m.; Free; corner of Main Campus Drive & Campus Shore Drive; live.arts.ncsu.edu

See Justice Theater Project’s Stop Kiss

Originally written in the late 1990s by playwright Diana Son, this touching play explores love, hatred and self-fulfillment. Two women turn from friends to lovers in New York City — then become the target of a brutal hate crime. Stop Kiss follows their story, toggling between the sweet beginnings of their relationship, the investigation and the media response to the attack. The Justice Theater Project will bring this show to life at the Umstead Park United Christ Church.
April 10 – 19 | Various times; $25; 8208 Brownleigh Drive; thejusticetheaterproject.org

Relish Spring at the Oakwood Garden Club Tour and Tea

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Historic Oakwood for its annual garden tour, hosted by the Oakwood Garden Club. This self-guided tour visits six landscapes on about a 1.5-mile route, where you can expect to see whimsical water features, native plants and outdoor sculptures, in addition to your favorite April flowers, plus enjoy assorted iced tea and treats. For an extra $20, enjoy the hourlong Fascinator/Boutonniere workshop beforehand, which includes a mocktail and all the necessary supplies to enjoy the tour in DIY style.
April 12 & 13 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; From $25; 418 N. Person Street; historic-oakwood.org 

Take the Kids to Watch Sirocco and The Kingdom of Winds

Take the kids to the North Carolina Museum of Art for the April edition of its Family Movie Night series. In the animated fantasy film Sirocco and the Kingdom of Winds (in French with subtitles), two sisters find themselves turned into cats and transported into the plot of an enchanting book — but then are separated. The sisters must find their way back to one another and to their reality. The film starts at 7 p.m. in the SECU Auditorium in the East Building, but get there early to make film-inspired crafts and enjoy treats from Captain Cookie & the Milkman.
April 12 | 6 – 8:30 p.m.; From $10, free for children under 6; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

Watch the Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs at Fan Appreciation Night

Cheer on our very own Carolina Hurricanes as they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. This last game of the regular season is themed Fan Appreciation Night, so you can expect to get in the spirit of the night with plenty of chances to score team merchandise, play games, be seen on the jumbotron and capture unique photos during the game.
April 13 | 5 p.m.; From $43; 1400 Edwards Mill Road; nhl.com/hurricanes

Enjoy BBQ and Roots Music at ‘Cuegrass Festival

‘Cuegrass, hosted by The Pit BBQ, is a fun family festival that brings together two of North Carolina’s favorite things: roots music and whole-hog barbecue. Enjoy the food, sip on local craft beer and enjoy live performances from the likes of Duck, a high-energy band that mixes blues, soul and rock; Holler Choir, known for its Appalachian harmonies; and folk musician Alexa Rose. Funds raised from the festival go toward a number of worthy initiatives, including Western North Carolina hurricane relief, Freedom Ride Rescue and SAFEchild.
April 19 | 12 – 6 p.m.; Free admission; Fayetteville Street; cuegrass.com

Cheer On the Carolina Courage against Bay FC

Come cheer on the North Carolina Courage, our women’s pro soccer team, at the newly named First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park as they take on the San Francisco Bay FC. Don’t miss out on the famous Courage fan experience! Get there early to take advantage of entertainment, food trucks and giveaways before the game.
April 19 | 7 p.m.; From $27; 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary; nccourage.com

Enjoy the Shakespeare Festival at Raleigh Little Theatre

Carolina Shakespeare, in partnership with Raleigh Little Theatre has produced a free, all day festival celebrate the legendary, late playwright in the theatre’s Rose Garden and amphitheater. See shortened versions of. some of Shakespeare’s most beloved worked like Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing and of course Romeo and Juliet in addition to other on-theme program. Bring a picnic, chairs and the kids for a lovely afternoon celebrating live theatre.  
April 19 | 12 – 5 p.m.; free; 31 Poque Street; carolinashakespeare.org

Sample Beers Galore at Brewgaloo

Each year, more than 50,000 people from across the United States convene downtown for a celebration of all things craft beer, food and music. At Brewgaloo, which takes place primarily on Fayetteville Street, you can sample pours from more than 100 breweries — from thick, creamy stouts to hoppy IPAs — and enjoy music on two different stages. The fun starts on Friday at an exclusive kick-off party (tickets to this sold separately). The festival is free to enter, but a ticket is required to try the beers.
April 25 & 26 | Various times; Free admission; downtown Raleigh; shoplocalraleigh.org/brewgaloo

Jog in the Socks & Undie 5K Rundie

Since its inception in 2013, nonprofit Note in the Pocket has provided nearly 800,000 articles of clothing to individuals in Wake County. To help raise funds for its mission, the organization is hosting its annual fun run, the Socks & Undie 5K Rundie, which is known for its enthusiastic participation. “The Rundie has a large virtual participation, but it’s especially fun to watch in-person,” says program director Tammy West, “I love the inflatable costume dash and teams like the Fairy Godmothers, who are all decked out.” There are many options to take part in this tradition: gather a team, participate virtually, run or walk (strollers and pets welcome) or simply spectate. The route begins and ends at Note in the Pocket’s Volunteer & Donation Center behind the Crossroads Fellowship Raleigh Campus.
April 26 | 9 a.m.; From $35; 4730 Hargrove Road; noteinthepocket.org

Celebrate Mother Nature at Raulston Blooms!

Raulston Blooms! returns to NC State’s JC Raulston Arboretum. A celebration of all things nature, this family-friendly event is set on the beautiful grounds of the public garden. Enjoy the impressive birdhouse competition, hands-on crafts, gardening talks and plenty of scrumptious food truck options! You can also take advantage of the arboretum’s plant sale, which offers a rare opportunity to score unique native and exotic saplings.
April 26 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; From $5; 4415 Beryl Road; jcra.ncsu.edu

Support Umstead State Park at Native Plant Sale

The Umstead Coalition, the group dedicated to protecting and enhancing our area’s most popular state park, is hosting its annual sale of native flowers, shrubs and herbs with all proceeds going straight back to its mission. Afterwards, consider hiking one of Umstead State Park’s 15 trail options. Registration is encouraged but not required; you can also visit the Umstead Coalition’s website ahead of time to get an idea of the available plant varieties and pricing.
April 26 | 12 – 3 p.m.; Free admission; 2100 N. Harrison Avenue, Cary; umsteadcoalition.org  

Eat Your Way Through the Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic Fundraiser

At the 7th Annual Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic Fundraiser, enjoy creative bites and sips from local chefs and mixologists at Landon Estate, a historic manor on a sprawling property of pecan groves, wildflowers and oaks. Hosted by Under the Oak Catering, the festive meal raises funds for the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition in honor of the late Reece Byrd, a chef and friend of event organizer Blake Gotliffe.
April 27 | 12 – 6 p.m.; From $109; 2035 Indian Camp Road, Clayton; rootsforreece.org 

A version of this article originally appeared in the April 2025 issue of WALTER magazine.