Memorial Day Weekend 2018! Things To Do & See Around the Raleigh-Durham Area!
May 28 is Memorial Day and that means the start of Summer! We love any excuse for a celebration but this traditional, Federal Holiday is filled with appreciation for the countless soldiers who have died, serving our county, and is among one of the very best to celebrate. We are truly honored to live in such a great county, where we live free, because of all the scarifies of the brave men and women, who have fought for and protected us throughout the decades.
In addition to this American-pride holiday, the term ‘Memorial Day’ has been associated with the beginning of Summer since we can remember! The long school year always has an end in sight in this holiday in May, falling on the last Monday of the month. The pools re-open, the beaches begin to fill-up, and cookouts are a must.
We’ve had a LONG winter this year and are all SO READY to let the sweet, sweet weather of Summertime, barrel into our lives. With time spent outdoors in the sun, at the pool or beach, and grilling out with loved ones, this is a season of joy! There's nothing like a cold drink in one hand and a delicious plate of food in the other... so without further adieu, here are some of the great things to do this Holiday Weekend, around The Triangle!
Enjoy!
**Freedom Balloon Fest**
- Bring the family for a truly-unique event this Memorial Day weekend, Fri.-Mon. The Freedom Balloon Fest in the town of Fuquay-Varina (just a short drive from Raleigh) is an admission-free event that invites the public to enjoy dozens of hot air balloons as they fill the sky in celebration and remembrance. Events include: live music on the RE/MAX stage; a craft beer and wine garden; tethered hot air balloon rides benefiting charities; the Merchant, Arts and Crafts Vendor Village; the Disc-Connected K-9 Frisbee Dogs; and plenty of food options
*FAQ’s: https://www....com/faqs.html
*Schedule of events: https://www....schedule.html
**Show your patriotism**
- On Sun. evening starting at 7pm, the Town of Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre will host Triangle Wind Ensemble's American Celebration: Salute to the Cinema, featuring a musical salute to veterans, plus music by James Horner (The Perfect Storm), Bill Conti (Rocky), John Williams (E.T., Star Wars) and some favorites from Disney films. Gates open at 6pm, and picnics are encouraged! Food and beverages will also be available for purchase on-site.
*INFO: https://www....cinema/57666/
- Join Veterans Freedom Park, also in Cary, on Mon. for a Memorial Day Remembrance to honor those who have served our country. The ceremony is 2:30-3:30pm and will feature speakers from the Town of Cary and local armed forces community support groups.
*MORE INFO: https://www....brance/58266/
**Spend Time Outdoors**
- Ready to enjoy some fun in the sun? Take advantage of the warmer weather this Memorial Day weekend by enjoying activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing—check out our detailed guide to getting on the water at 11 different lakes and rivers!
*Guide to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and more:
https://www....n-raleigh-nc/
- Another way to take in the great outdoors is to hit the area's scenic trails. With more than 180 miles of hiking and greenway trails, exploration always awaits in the City of Oaks.
*Check out some great trails: https://www....n-raleigh-nc/
- Add some exhilaration to your Memorial Day weekend at Bond Park Adventure Day on May 26! By purchasing a $39 one-day pass, you'll have access to the Bond Park Challenge Course featuring a high-ropes course and a zip-line, as well as unlimited boat rentals for the day. All equipment is provided during your day of fun and adventure! Visiting family over the long weekend? This is a perfect group outing!
*Info for Bond Adventure Day: https://www....re-day/57667/
**Concerts**
-For a great way to kick off your Memorial Day weekend, head to the Midtown Beach Music Series in North Hills, Thurs. evening, May 24, 6-9pm to sing along with Jim Quick and Coastline and shag dance the night away. Or bring a blanket and settle in for some foot-tapping, finger-snapping good times on Sun., May 27, with Melissa Reaves during the Six Sundays in Spring music series in Wake Forest, 5-7pm.
-Another great way to kick off the weekend a little early is with Ledisi at The Ritz on Thurs., 8pm! This 12-time Grammy Award-nominated vocal powerhouse has wowed fans ever since she came onto the scene.
- Over the weekend, check out a variety of concerts, including smooth tunes from Brian McKnight at Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh (Fri., 7:30pm), the Outlaw Music Festival featuring Willie Nelson, Sturgill Simpson, Alison Krauss and more at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek (Fri., 5:30pm), Kendrick Lamar, SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, SiR and Lance Skiiiwalker at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek (Sat., 7:30pm) and Sugarland at PNC Arena (Sat., 7pm).
*See a full list of concerts: https://www....r=2018&day=16
**Animazement**
- A Raleigh event staple celebrating popular Japanese visual culture, Animazement takes over the Raleigh Convention Center all weekend. The convention attracts thousands of attendees and features a huge range of events, such as videos, cultural demos, fan and guest panels, J-pop/rock concerts, martial arts demos, craft classes, artists, vendors and more.
*More info: https://www....zement/56802/
**Catch a movie**
- Pack a blanket and picnic and bring your special someone or the whole family to enjoy a movie under the stars. Kick your weekend off on Fri. with a summer favorite, the Movies by Moonlight series at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, featuring the Disney movie Coco. The gates open at 7pm, and the movie will start at dusk (approximately 8:30pm).
- Another great weekend adventure for movie-loving families starts on Fri. evening with a free showing of Coco at Lake Benson Park in Garner at 8:30pm. Bring your own picnic dinner or purchase light concessions on-site, and if you’re interested in spending the night during this special Friday Family Flick and Camping event, you can pitch a tent! (Pre-registration required for camping).
- Into history? The Cary Theater will be screening special movies this Memorial Day weekend like Platoon on Thurs. at 9:30pm along with No Time for Sergeants on Sat. at 7pm. Or check out Raleigh’s brand-new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a combination movie theater, video rental store and restaurant that boasts 11 theaters playing movies and films from 35mm all the way to 4K laser projection. Read all about this movie lover's dream here! Catch a showing of Solo: A Star Wars Story over the weekend and hang out at the Alamo’s Video Vortex restaurant and bar for beers and board games.
**Classic Raleigh things to do**
- Take in Raleigh must-sees like the North Carolina State Capitol, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Museum of History (don't miss the current exhibit, North Carolina and World War I!), Pullen Park and more.
- We've rounded up a list of 30 can't-miss things to do, here: https://www....raleigh-n-c-/
**Have a picnic**
-Utilize some of the Triangle’s most stunning scenery and eat outdoors in a park or beach with friends and family!
*6 Picnic Spots: http://blog....htaking-views
*Picnic Spots in Raleigh, Carrboro, Durham
http://chill...nic_ideas.htm
**OR, host a Barbeque at your home**
- Did you know that May is ‘National Barbecue Month’?!
https://www....barbecuemonth
**A Painting and Wine Class at Pinot’s Palette!!!**
- Come into our studio for a guided painting class with friends, family, and even the little ones, Memoria Day weekend (or any time of year)!! We’re proudly offering these classes over the holiday weekend:
(May 25)
‘Beach Signs’
Join us for this customizable painting where you can list the names of the beaches (or other bodies of water), closest to your heart!
https://www..../event/236289
(May 26)
1- ‘Elephantasia’
Create this colorful, detailed painting, full of character, charm, and beauty, with a modern feel that will work in any home!
https://www..../event/228432
2- ‘Life’s A Beach’
A fun and colorful beach scene, created on a canvas OR a tote bag! Make your art then hang it up on the wall or use it out in public, where everyone can see!
(*Paint on a canvas OR a tote bag)
https://www..../event/235330
3- ‘Those Summer Nights’
This painting is absolutely stunning with it's hues of blue and orange. Cool and calming colors, mixed with a relaxing beach scene of palm trees and hammock will push you right into Summertime!
https://www..../event/236295
(May 27)
- ‘Willows and Water’
This painting is serene looking and easy to create. It's made up a variety of shades of green, with the long, flowing leaves of a willow tree, cascading down around a lovely lake.
https://www..../event/229055
***See the full list of our classes for the upcoming weeks, on the link at the bottom of the page!
Be sure to check out the full calendar online to see ALL of the amazing paintings we’ll be creating thought out the next few weeks! Sign up and bring all of your friends and family in to celebrate with you: celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, the start of Summer, and just being together! We have classes for Ages 21+ and some for families to enjoy together, incorporating both young and old!
We hope to see you soon for a class at our studio if you’re looking for something fun to do in or around the Raleigh-Durham area! We make the perfect event for everything from a fun and unique date night, an awesome girls’ night out experience, and we even offer private events! When you view our classes on our website, you’ll be viewing our schedule for our public classes, but you can also book a painting party with the guest list of your choice! Come in to celebrate a birthday, bridal shower, reunion, retirement, and more with friends and family, sharing their artistic sides, together. Make memories that will last a lifetime with a souvenir to treasure forever with one our classes.
*Learn more about our private parties, here:
https://www....ivate-parties
We also play host to tons of corporate events, too! Why not book your next work party or team building event with us? We offer several styles of paintings that incorporate team building strategies, encouraging the whole office to work together, creating a stunning world of art!
*Read more about corporate events, here:
https://www....porate-events
Finally, in addition to out studio parties, we offer mobile events, off-site! You choose the location and we’ll come to you with all of the supplies!
*Learn more about out mobile events, here: https://www....ainting-party
From our family, here at Pinot’s Palette, to yours….
We wish you all a very happy Memorial Day and hope you have so much fun spending the holiday with loved ones, making memories that will last a lifetime.
To all of the brave men and women out there, protecting our country, we thank you for your constant hard work and sacrifice, as we thank all of the fallen soldiers who have sacrificed so much for us.