American Craft Council Open Studios at Liberty Arts

FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12! Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM 📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610 🎟️ FREE admission Enjoy a day filled with: 🔥 Fire show 🎨 Art activities 🥋 Martial arts class 🫧 Bubbles 🧘 Yoga and sound bath 🌲 Forest bathing 🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping 🍴 Food trucks and vendors 💛 Sensory yurt 🎤 Guest speakers 🏆 Tug of war …and so much more!

Experience the magic of the cosmos with the Raleigh Astronomy Club during our recurring Friday Under the Stars events. Held at a beautiful private nature preserve managed by the Triangle Land Conservancy, these exclusive gatherings offer a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of all ages to observe the night sky away from urban light pollution. Whether you are an experienced amateur astronomer or simply curious about the celestial wonders above, our experts are on hand to guide you through the constellations and planets visible throughout the changing seasons. Please join us for an evening of peaceful exploration and discovery in the great outdoors. To ensure a comfortable experience, we recommend bringing a picnic blanket or folding chair, insect repellent, and a red flashlight to preserve night vision. Dressing in warm layers is also advised as evening temperatures can drop. While this event is free to the public, advanced registration is required to manage group sizes at this protected site. Visit our website to secure your spot today and prepare for an unforgettable night of stargazing under the vast North Carolina sky.

Experience the ultimate weekend adventure at The Raleigh Market, located at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this expansive destination transforms into a vibrant treasure hunt featuring hundreds of indoor and outdoor vendors. Whether you are searching for high-end antiques, unique jewelry, artisan crafts, or everyday essentials, you will find an incredible variety of goods that have attracted regional shoppers for nearly fifty years. Admission and parking are both completely free, making it the perfect destination for a fun day out. Beyond the shopping, come prepared to satisfy your cravings. The market hosts a rotating selection of local food trucks, classic fair favorites, and fresh farm stands to keep you energized while you browse. It is a fantastic way to support small businesses and discover hidden gems in the heart of the Triangle area. Make sure to visit their website for the latest vendor lists and follow their social media pages for event updates. Gather your friends or family and join us this weekend for an unforgettable shopping experience.

Get ready for a fantastic day at the Car Showcase, hosted by the Triangle Chapter AACA at the scenic Dix Park on Saturday, July 11, 2026. This exciting community event takes place at Adams Field from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a perfect outing for car enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you are a dedicated gearhead or simply looking for an engaging weekend activity, this showcase provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate automotive history. You will find an impressive collection of vehicles spanning from the 1920s to the 2000s, all displayed in a beautiful outdoor setting. This event is entirely free to attend, making it a budget friendly choice for families and local residents alike. We encourage all visitors to take advantage of this unique chance to walk among these classic machines, chat with the passionate owners about their restoration journeys, and share your own cherished car stories. Do not miss this chance to celebrate automotive culture in the heart of Raleigh. We look forward to seeing you at Adams Field for a memorable morning of discovery and conversation. Make your plans today and join us for this spectacular local event.

Experience the vibrant creative spirit of Chatham County at The Plant in Pittsboro. Nestled within the unique setting of Fair Game Beverage Company, Poetry at The Plant invites poets, writers, and literary enthusiasts to join a monthly gathering dedicated to the spoken word. This event series offers a welcoming stage for performers to share their original compositions or favorite pieces in an intimate and encouraging atmosphere. Whether you are a seasoned poet looking to showcase your work or an appreciative listener wanting to experience local talent, this recurring event is the perfect mid-week cultural escape. Beyond the poetry sessions, Fair Game Beverage Company stands as a premier destination for those who appreciate locally sourced wine and spirits. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the relaxing environment while engaging with our creative community. This is a free event designed to foster connection and artistic expression in a professional yet relaxed venue. We invite you to join us on the second Wednesday of every month to celebrate the power of language. Visit our website today to learn more about our upcoming schedule and join our growing community of artists.

This class teaches the fundamental techniques required to create pattern welded steel, commonly known as Damascus. You will learn to prepare, stack, and forge weld alternating layers of 1084 and 15N20 steel to produce a custom eight layer billet. Throughout the session, you will use a high temperature gas forge to fuse your metal layers. You will also practice manipulating the steel by twisting it to develop unique patterns. Each participant will complete the course with a finished billet suitable for crafting items like bottle openers, bracelets, or small knives. The process provides hands on experience with advanced blacksmithing techniques. This workshop is designed for those who have already completed the Forging Intro class. Please be prepared for strenuous physical activity, as you will be swinging a heavy hammer to forge high carbon steel by hand. We recommend that attendees possess basic MIG welding skills to assist with metal preparation. If you meet these prerequisites and are ready to advance your blacksmithing capabilities, please register to secure your spot in this intensive forge session.

This orientation provides comprehensive training on the basic operation and safety procedures for the CNC router. Participants will gain the technical skills required to independently operate the machine for various creative projects. The session is designed to transform complex digital designs into physical reality through precision automated cutting and carving techniques. During this hands-on workshop, you will learn to power the machine, secure your material, and navigate the Easel software interface. You will walk through the entire workflow, from drafting initial design concepts to programming specific cut parameters. Every attendee will practice these skills by creating a personalized wooden coaster featuring their own initials, ensuring direct experience with the machine setup and execution process. This class is ideal for makers, artists, and hobbyists who want to expand their fabrication capabilities. The atmosphere is collaborative and focused, providing a supportive environment for beginners to master new equipment. Space is limited to ensure personalized instruction for every participant. Register today to secure your spot and start bringing your intricate design concepts to life using professional industrial tools.

If you're looking for a cultural outing this summer, the 31st Annual Juried Exhibition hosted by the Fine Arts League of Cary is one of the most anticipated art events in the Triangle. Held at the historic Page-Walker Arts & History Center in Cary, this highly competitive exhibition showcases some of the best artistic talent from across North Carolina and beyond - and it's completely free to attend. A wide range of two-dimensional art, from abstract to realism Paintings, drawings, and mixed media pieces Artwork created by both emerging and established regional artists All pieces are available for purchase, making this a great opportunity to introduce kids to art collecting or find a unique piece for your home. Key Dates & Details Submission Period (for artists): April 15 – June 15, 2026 Exhibition Dates: June 30 – September 14, 2026 Location: Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Cary Admission: Free Gallery Hours: Monday–Thursday: Noon – 9:00 PM Friday: Noon – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday: Closed The exhibition continues to grow each year. In 2025 alone: Over 650 entries were submitted More than 230 artists participated Only around 70 works were selected

Looking for the perfect way to keep the family entertained this summer without breaking the bank? Marquee Cinemas Wakefield 12 in Raleigh is thrilled to host their annual summer movie series, offering free screenings for children and families. Running from June 16 through August 5, 2026, this program features screenings every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. With start times at 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., families have the flexibility to choose the film that best fits their morning schedule. To enhance your cinematic experience, the theater is providing affordable concession specials, including discounted popcorn and drink bundles. This initiative is designed to offer a fun, budget-friendly atmosphere for local families seeking relief from the summer heat. Whether you are looking for a routine outing or a simple way to enjoy classic cinema, these screenings are a wonderful community resource. Be sure to check the full schedule to plan your visits, grab your friends, and head over to Marquee Cinemas Wakefield 12 for an unforgettable summer of free entertainment. We look forward to seeing you at the movies throughout the season.

Puzzles in the Park is a community event hosted by the Morrisville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month. This program encourages residents to enjoy our public spaces through organized puzzle challenges and outdoor mental engagement activities. The event serves as the official kick off for a full month of celebratory programming scheduled throughout July. Participants can expect a variety of puzzle stations set up throughout the park grounds. Activities include large scale jigsaw challenges, riddle solving stations, and logic games designed for individuals and teams. The environment is structured to promote creative thinking and collaborative problem solving in an open air setting. All materials are provided on site, and participants can move between stations at their own pace during the scheduled event hours. This family friendly program is open to residents of all ages and skill levels. It offers a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a morning outdoors. We invite you to join your neighbors for this engaging start to our summer festivities. Please register in advance through our department website to ensure your participation.