Outdoor events, concerts, festivals, family-friendly entertainment and more usher in the month of May! Don’t miss out--there’s still time to take advantage of 24 incredible deals at Raleigh area restaurants, attractions and hotels as part of Raleigh’s New World (through May 15) in celebration of the opening of the Nature Research Center at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences.

There is no doubt that May is a HUGE month for live music in Greater Raleigh. The PNC Arena welcomes the six original members of New Edition (5/13) for their 30th Anniversary Tour, while the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts sets the stage for a variety of live music performances; Nick Lowe and His Band (5/2) with special guest Tift Merritt, singer/songwriter Fiest (5/3), rapper Diggy Simmons (5/4), alternative rockers Jane’s Addiction (5/22) and the N.C. Symphony with special guest Natalie Merchant (5/29) all make one-night appearances at this downtown Raleigh venue. Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre is the proud host of the Band Together Charity Concert with a special musical performance by the B-52s (5/12), continues its weekly Hob Nob Jazz Series with Stanley Baird featuring Yolanda Rabun (5/2), Kathy and Greg Gelb (5/9), Al Strong Quartet (5/16) and the Scott Sawyer and Rob Brindle Duo (5/23) and opens its Summerfest Series (5/26). Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek welcomes country superstars the Zac Brown Band (5/11) and rapper Drake (5/22). The Midtown Beach Music Series at North Hills is in full swing, and performers in May include: Liquid Pleasure (5/3), The Craig Woolard Band (5/10), Holiday Band (5/17), North Tower (5/24) and Chairmen of the Board (5/31), while the Garner Performing Arts Center presents The Band of Oz (5/10) and legendary Elvis tribute artist Eddie Miles (5/12). Pinecone presents the bluegrass and Americana music of Red June (5/12) at Sertoma Amphitheatre and Sheila Kay Adams (5/13) at the N.C. Museum of History. Christian rock superstars Third Day (5/18) will perform at Dorton Arena at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

WWE presents Over the Limit (5/20) featuring favorite WWE superstars including John Cena, Sheamus and Daniel Bryan, and at Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary, the NASL Carolina RailHawks hit the field against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (5/2) and the Puerto Rico Islanders (5/19) for some high-energy soccer action. Baseball season is in full swing at Zebulon’s Five County Stadium as the Carolina Mudcats go to bat against the Frederick Keys (5/4-6), Potomac Nationals (5/11-13), Salem Red Sox (5/14-17), Winston-Salem Dash (5/25-27) and the Wilmington Blue Rocks (5/28-31).

It’s a busy month for festivals, and two of the area’s most celebrated festivals, the 32nd Annual Meet in the Street Festival (5/5) in downtown Wake Forest and Peakfest (5/5) in Apex, celebrate family and fun with food, entertainment, local artisans, music, children’s activities and much, much more. Head over to the N.C. State Fairgrounds for the Got To Be NC Festival (5/18-20) where carnival rides, food and music mix with some of the best agricultural products made in North Carolina. Downtown Raleigh galleries stay open into the evening with music and refreshments during First Friday (5/4), and Artsplosure (5/19-20) features an Art Market, Kidsplosure, music and more. That same weekend find a new place to call home during the Downtown Raleigh Living Tour (5/19), or find out where urban chickens roost during the Tour d’Coop (5/19). OutRaleigh (5/5) celebrates how “All Families Matter” during this new and popular festival with LGBTQ music, entertainment and family-friendly activities. This is your last chance to see the internationally-acclaimed celebration of Irish music, song and dance, Riverdance (5/25-27), at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Celebrate cultural diversity found throughout the Triangle at the Persian Festival (5/5) at the N.C. State Fairgrounds; at Baisakhi Mela (5/5), a celebration of Bengali New Year, at Koka Booth Amphitheatre; or during the 8th Annual Ritmo Latino Festival (5/19) in downtown Cary. LEGO fans of all ages can see custom creations, meet professional LEGO builders and take part in seminars during the Brick Magic: A LEGO Fan Festival (5/19-20) at the North Raleigh Hilton, and take time to see the next big blockbuster movie--Marvel’s The Avengers: A 3D IMAX Experience (opens 5/4) at the Wells Fargo IMAX Theatre at Marbles.

April 20 has come and gone, and the 24-hour grand opening of the Nature Research Center at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences is now a fun memory, but that doesn’t mean that the excitement for the opening of this new museum wing has died down. Take time to explore interactive exhibits, participate in Citizen Science projects or chat with a scientist--and there’s still time to take advantage of some great discounts and offers at area attractions, restaurants and hotels as part of “Raleigh’s New World.” Head across the street to the N.C. Museum of History as it presents The Story of North Carolina (ongoing), a look into our state’s history from the earliest inhabitants to present day, or take a stroll through the grounds of the N.C. State Capitol during the Capital Statuary Tour (5/19). The Historic Oakwood Garden Tour and Tea (5/5-6) gives visitors a glimpse into some of downtown Raleigh’s most spectacular and historic gardens, and Historic Yates Mill, one of the last remaining grist mills in the state, offers Corn Grinding Demonstrations (5/19-20) with costumed docents.

The stage is set for a month of stellar performances by some of the area’ s most praised performing arts groups. The Carolina Ballet performs Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 and Beauty and the Beast (5/17-20), while the N.C. Symphony plays Friday Favorites: Viva Italia (5/4), Carmina Burana (5/11-12), welcomes special guest Itzhack Perlman (5/15), plays tribute to “Ol’ Blue Eyes” during Simply Sinatra (5/18-19) and performs the popular Pub Concert Series: John’s Book of Dances (5/20). The Triangle Wind Ensemble presents An American Celebration (5/27) in honor of Memorial Day at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. The N.C. Museum of Art presents contemporary African works during the special exhibition, El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote You About Africa (through 7/29), and the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh) showcases Dara Friedman –Dancer (through 5/14).

With mild temperatures, Carolina blue skies and fertile farmland, North Carolina produces a bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables that any Foodie is eager try. On your next day-trip, check out one of the area’s farmers markets in North Hills, Apex, Wake Forest and Holly Springs (Saturdays), City Plaza (Wednesdays) or at the largest market in the state, the State Farmers’ Market (daily). Take a walking tour of downtown Raleigh or Cary restaurants, bakeries or watering holes with a Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tour, Triangle Food Tour or a brewery tour at one of the area’s seven microbreweries.