Brightleaf Harvest Day

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!

Celebrate the sweetness of the summer season at the North Carolina Peach Day, hosted at the historic State Farmers Market in Raleigh. On Friday, July 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the community is invited to gather and honor the local agricultural heritage that makes our region so special. This vibrant event highlights the incredible harvest of North Carolina peaches, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our local growers. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to indulge in delicious free peach samples, allowing everyone to taste the peak flavor of the season firsthand. Beyond the complimentary treats, guests are encouraged to browse the diverse selection of fresh produce available for purchase, ensuring you take home the very best fruit directly from the source. It is the perfect chance to support local farms while enjoying a festive outdoor atmosphere with friends and family. Do not miss out on this refreshing summer celebration. Make sure to mark your calendars, invite your neighbors, and join us at 1201 Agriculture Street for a delightful midday outing dedicated to the iconic North Carolina peach.

Experience the charm of country life at Haven Farm in Knightdale, where Front Porch Fridays transform your weekly routine into a relaxing retreat. Running every Friday evening from 6 to 10 p.m. through October 2026, this community gathering offers a welcoming atmosphere for neighbors and visitors alike. Whether you are looking to unwind after a long week or simply enjoy the fresh air, these recurring events provide the perfect backdrop for casual socializing and farm-style fun. Adding to the excitement, the first Friday of every month features exclusive free campouts for the entire family. Simply pack your tents and gear to enjoy a night under the stars, complete with morning coffee at the farm shop to start your weekend right. These events are entirely free to attend, making them an accessible option for everyone in the Triangle area. To ensure you have the latest information regarding weather updates or scheduling changes, please follow Haven Farm on Facebook. Plan your visit to this delightful destination today and create lasting memories with your loved ones in a beautiful farm setting.

Experience an unforgettable evening of sophisticated melodies with Dave Prieto Jazz at The Bar(n) at Sonark Farms. Nestled in the heart of Hillsborough, North Carolina, this stunning 63-acre property offers the perfect rustic backdrop for music lovers to unwind and connect. The Bar(n) is widely celebrated for its relaxed, inviting atmosphere, making it the ideal destination to enjoy high-quality performances in a beautiful countryside setting. Dave Prieto Jazz will take the stage on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 8 to 10 p.m., bringing rhythmic depth and soulful improvisation to our charming venue. Whether you are a dedicated jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to spend your Friday night, this event promises a memorable experience for everyone in attendance. Tickets for this performance are affordably priced at 10 dollars, ensuring an accessible night of entertainment for the community. We encourage you to secure your spot early to enjoy this intimate showcase under the stars. Please visit our official website to book your tickets today and discover our full schedule of upcoming live music events.

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

Experience the beauty of nature with the Town of Garner during our recurring First Friday Bird Walks. This engaging outdoor program invites participants to explore the serene landscapes of Lake Benson Park and the White Deer Park Classroom while observing the local avian population. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned birder, this event offers a fantastic opportunity to sharpen your identification skills and learn about the diverse habitats that support our feathered friends. Join our knowledgeable guides as we listen for calls and scan the canopy for unique species in a relaxed and supportive environment. These sessions are designed for nature enthusiasts aged sixteen and older who appreciate an easy, refreshing walk. Participation is completely free, though registration is required to ensure a quality experience for all attendees. We encourage you to sign up for upcoming sessions as they are scheduled monthly through August 2026. Do not miss this chance to connect with your community and discover the hidden wildlife thriving right in your own backyard. Visit the official Town of Garner website today to confirm dates and secure your spot on the trail.

Discover the botanical wonders of Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery during their exclusive summer open days. Located in Raleigh, this unique destination spans twenty-eight acres and features an extraordinary collection of over thirty thousand plant species. From rare exotic specimens gathered on international expeditions to stunning native perennials, the garden serves as a premier research and educational facility that attracts horticulturalists from around the globe. Visitors have a rare opportunity to explore these expansive, professionally curated landscapes and find inspiration for their own home gardens while wandering through diverse display areas. Beyond the beautiful trails, guests are invited to shop at the onsite greenhouses, where they can purchase unique trees, shrubs, and perennials grown directly in the nursery. Admission to these special weekend events is completely free, making it the perfect outing for plant enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or simply seeking a peaceful outdoor escape, we welcome you to join us this season. Experience the beauty of our rare collections firsthand and bring a piece of the garden home with you.

Experience a journey back in time at Historic Yates Mill County Park, home to the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County. This 174-acre wildlife refuge offers a unique opportunity to explore North Carolina history while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Visitors can take guided tours of the historic mill, walk through interpretive trails, or participate in educational programs led by park naturalists. Whether you are interested in the fascinating mechanics of the 200-year-old gristmill or prefer learning about local ecology, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to participate in our upcoming summer events, including interactive history tours, guided nature hikes, and engaging programs for families. Many of these sessions are free to the public, making it the perfect destination for a day of discovery and fun in nature. Space for guided tours and specific workshops is limited, so we encourage you to visit our website today to check the full schedule and secure your registration. Come explore this local treasure and connect with the history and natural environment of the Raleigh community.

Embark on an enlightening journey through time at Crowder County Park with our Life on the Land guided hike. This immersive experience invites participants to explore the beautiful natural landscape while uncovering the rich history of rural Wake County. Led by an expert park historian, you will walk approximately one mile across both paved and natural trails, discovering how local residents have lived, worked, and thrived in this region for over three hundred years. This educational program is designed for ages ten and up, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of human history and the natural environment. As you traverse the scenic forests and open spaces, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the stories that have shaped our community over the centuries. Please dress appropriately for the weather to ensure a comfortable outdoor experience. Space is limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot today by registering through the official park website. Join us for this engaging look into our past and connect with the heritage of your local park.

Experience history in action at Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh. As the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County, this site offers a unique glimpse into the agricultural past that defined our region over two centuries ago. During our recurring Mill Open House events, visitors can explore the historic structure while engaging with knowledgeable interpreters who share the fascinating mechanics and legacy of the gristmill. This educational drop-in experience allows you to witness the power of water-driven machinery firsthand. Beyond the mill, our 174-acre wildlife refuge provides endless opportunities for discovery. Enjoy the beauty of local gardens, hike through our diverse trails, or participate in one of our many seasonal public programs ranging from naturalist-led treks to family-friendly field activities. Whether you are a local history enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to visit our website to view the full schedule of upcoming programs and plan your trip. Admission is free, so gather your friends and family to explore the heritage and natural beauty of Yates Mill today.