3rd Annual Family Fest | A Free Day of Family Fun, Community & Creativity

Join us for a free day of family fun, outdoor activities, live entertainment, creativity, and connection.

Family Fest 2026 Brings a Full Day of Connection, Creativity, Outdoor Fun, and Community to Local Families

A relaxed, family-focused community event featuring wellness experiences, creative activities, outdoor play, food, entertainment, and a few local surprises still to be announced.

RALEIGH, NC — September 12–13, 2026

Family Fest 2026 is bringing families together for a full day of connection, creativity, movement, outdoor fun, and community-centered experiences designed for all ages.

This year's event will feature a family-friendly format with activities throughout the day, including community yoga, creative arts experiences, field games, lake activities, fishing, food, a community cookout, evening gathering, s'mores, entertainment, and an outdoor movie option for overnight guests.

Family Fest was created to give families a space to slow down, play together, connect with one another, and enjoy a full day outdoors without the pressure of an overpacked schedule.

Our goal is simple: we want families to have a place where they can breathe, laugh, create memories, and feel connected to their community. Family Fest is about bringing people together in a way that feels fun, welcoming, and meaningful.

Guests can expect a relaxed event flow with a mix of wellness, creativity, outdoor exploration, and family fun.

Entertainment details are still being finalized, with local surprises and special guest experiences to be announced soon. Families are encouraged to stay tuned as the event team confirms performers, vendors, sponsors, and community partners.

Updates and announcements will be shared on the official Family Fest Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/lakesidefamilyfest

Family Fest 2026 will include:

• Community yoga and wellness experiences

• Art and creative activities for kids and families

• Field games, tug-of-war, and family connection activities

• Fishing and lake-based outdoor fun

• Food trucks, community lunch, and cookout-style gathering

• S'mores and evening connection time

• Entertainment and local surprises

• Fire show

• Outdoor movie option for overnight guests

• Vendors, sponsors, and community partners

Vendors, Sponsors & Volunteers

Family Fest 2026 is currently accepting interest from vendors, sponsors, volunteers, facilitators, photographers, videographers, and community partners who would like to help create a meaningful, family-centered event.

More details, including vendor announcements, entertainment updates, sponsorship opportunities, and volunteer information, will be released soon.

Photography & Media

Family Fest is a community celebration, and we'd love to capture the memories!

Photography and videography will take place throughout the event and may be used by Lakeside Retreats, Family Fest, sponsors, and community partners for future marketing, social media, promotional materials, and event documentation.

All attendees will be asked to complete a liability and media release waiver during event check-in.

Media Contact

Joss Michael

Event Coordinator – Family Fest

Lakeside Retreats

📧 [email protected]

📞 440-739-0187

Support Family Fest

Family Fest is community-supported and made possible through donations, sponsorships, volunteer support, in-kind services, and local partnerships.

Whether you're interested in sponsoring the event, volunteering your time, becoming a vendor, donating services, or supporting the mission financially, we'd love to connect with you.

For sponsorship opportunities and community partnerships, please contact:

Paula Williamson

Director of Community Outreach

📧 [email protected]

Donate to Family Fest

https://givebutter.com/lakeside-retreats-family-fest

Volunteer for Family Fest

https://forms.gle/PZucvMKt1eea2cpM8