Weekend best bets: Animazement, Taste of Soul, NC Sugar Rush festival

May is a busy month for festivals and fun. If you're staying in town, this Memorial Day weekend features festivals like Animazement, Taste of Soul, a dessert event and more.

May 22-24: Animazement - Animazement is Raleigh's premier Japanese animation and culture convention! Enjoy concerts, educational panels, limited merchandise, unique artwork and more at the Raleigh Convention Center.

May 23: Clayton adoption event - Meet adoptable pets and enjoy delicious treats, food trucks and family fun at Century 21 New Beginnings in Clayton.

May 23: Knightdale Maker's Market - Over 20 local vendors will be showcasing their wonderful products, including candles, soaps, baked goods, home decor, crochet items, jewelry and more at Grasshopper Farms in Knightdale.

May 23-24: Repticon - This two-day event is at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

May 24: AAPI Heritage Month: Sushi and Sumo - This event at Apex Community Park features sumo demonstrations and shares the history behind the sport. Tombachi Food Truck will be on site serving up hibachi and sushi for purchase.

May 23: Taste of Soul Durham - Savor delicious offerings from some of the best food trucks in the area,  Shop local merchants, enjoy fun kid games, live entertainment and more.

May 24: NC Sugar Rush - This dessert festival takes place in Raleigh City Plaza from noon to 6 p.m.

May 24: Local Spirit cocktail competition - Participating businesses will have to use Kill Devil Rum and Cheerwine to make a cocktail at Longleaf Swine. Five bartenders will compete, and both judges and attendees will choose their favorites. Free for the public to attend.

May 23-24: Raleigh Spring Train Show - This model railroad event for train lovers is at the Graham Building at the fairgrounds. $10 covers both days.  

May 23: Golden: A K-Pop Kids Party - A family-friendly dance party at the Ritz Raleigh featuring remixes inspired by familiar soundtracks, K-Pop songs and iconic pop anthems from the movies.

May 24: Dreamflash Kids Festival - A joyful 5-hour bubble festival for families with kids ages 3–15, with giant stations, creative play, photo moments and a finale worth planning your day around.

May 22: Iration - The "Where It All Began" summer tour comes to Red Hat.

May 22: Movie Night: Wicked (For Good) - See the movie at the Downtown Cary Park.

May 22: The Secret Sisters -  The Americana singing and songwriting duo is in Raleigh.

May 22: Marisela - Marisela, often referred to as the "Mexican Madonna," is renowned for her expressive and emotive vocal style.

May 23: NC Symphony's Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 - The show is at Koka Booth in Cary.

May 24: The Music of John Williams - See the Triangle Wind Ensemble play music from film scores at Koka Booth.