Dog Days of Summer Brunch: Raleigh, NC

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!

The Flash Tattoo Pop-Up is a recurring Thursday night event located at a local bar on Blount Street in downtown Raleigh. It serves as a unique opportunity to receive professional tattoos directly within a relaxed social setting. This event brings together the craft of mixology and tattoo artistry in one accessible location. Attendees can select a design from a curated flash sheet provided by our resident bartender and tattoo artist, Katie. Each tattoo is performed on-site using standard equipment, ensuring a clean and efficient process. This event allows guests to secure a distinctive piece of permanent art while enjoying the authentic atmosphere of a local neighborhood establishment. This event is designed for locals and visitors who appreciate spontaneous experiences and quality body art. The setting is informal, welcoming, and community-focused. Attendance is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Please plan to arrive early to secure your spot. We kindly ask that you bring cash for payment, as it is the preferred method for all tattoo services. Join us this Thursday for a memorable Raleigh experience.

Join us at Durham Beer Garden for an unforgettable evening featuring great savings and live entertainment. We are excited to offer five dollar select draft pints alongside a generous twenty five percent discount on all four and six packs to go. Whether you are looking to stock up on your favorite brews or simply want to enjoy a cold glass in our welcoming atmosphere, this is the perfect opportunity to visit our space at 812 North Mangum Street. Our venue provides both comfortable indoor and spacious outdoor seating, making it the ideal spot to relax with friends or family. As part of our Saturday festivities, we are proud to host a live performance by The Backroads from six to nine in the evening. This performance is free to attend, allowing you to enjoy high quality local talent while exploring our curated selection of craft beers and wines. Our on site food truck is ready to serve up delicious bites throughout the night. Experience the best of Durham hospitality and culture with us. We encourage you to drop by and discover why we are a favorite local destination. Follow us on social media for updates on our latest taps and upcoming events, and we look forward to welcoming you soon for a night of music and refreshments.

Experience an unforgettable evening at Boxyard RTP as Taking Back Thursday returns with a special residency featuring The Forryst Bruthers. This unique performance showcases the talented multi-instrumentalist and producer Mark Simonsen, known for his work with The Old Ceremony and The Dead Tongues. Attendees can enjoy an authentic Americana sound set against the backdrop of the innovative BeatBox stage, a covered pavilion perfectly suited for live music within this remarkable cargotecture development. Boxyard RTP offers an immersive atmosphere constructed from upcycled shipping containers, creating a vibrant hub for the community to gather. Guests are encouraged to explore the diverse range of food and beverage vendors onsite while enjoying the performance. Whether you are looking for a relaxing night out or an opportunity to support local musicians, this residency provides the perfect environment for music lovers in the Triangle area. Please visit the official Boxyard RTP website calendar to confirm event details and check for any schedule updates. We invite you to join us for this series running every Thursday in August from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a memorable musical experience.

Ignite your child's creativity this summer at the Music and Arts Camp held at Highland United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Designed for children who have completed kindergarten and older, this immersive five-day experience runs from August 3 to August 7, 2026. Participants will engage in a vibrant schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring daily singing sessions, hands-on art projects, worship activities, and plenty of time for games and outdoor play. We are thrilled to welcome back acclaimed choral clinician and composer Tom Shelton, who brings his extensive expertise from Westminster Choir College to guide our young singers throughout the week. This enriching program is priced at $225 for the full week, with sibling discounts available at $200 per child. This is an incredible opportunity for students to develop their musical talents and artistic expression in a supportive and fun environment. Spaces are limited for this popular community event, so early registration is highly encouraged to ensure your childs spot. Visit our website today to secure your registration and give your child a summer memory they will cherish forever.

Triangle Cinemas, located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, invites local families to enjoy a season of cinematic fun with our complimentary summer movie series. We are excited to present the hit film Penguins of Madagascar as part of our commitment to providing affordable entertainment for the community. These screenings are scheduled from Tuesday through Thursday, with select Fridays available from June 16 through August 20, 2026. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. with the main feature starting promptly at 10 a.m. each morning. To ensure a pleasant experience for all guests, we kindly request that no outside food or beverages be brought into the theater. Our concession stand will be fully stocked with a variety of snacks and refreshments for purchase. This program is a wonderful way for children to stay entertained and engaged throughout the summer break. We encourage you to visit our website to view the full schedule of upcoming films and discover more free or low-cost activities happening in the Triangle area. Join us at Triangle Cinemas for a memorable cinematic outing with your family today.

Join us at the Nasher Museum of Art for an enriching Bilingual Storytime, specifically designed for children ages 1 to 5 and their adult caregivers. This delightful program takes place on the first Thursday of every month and offers a unique opportunity for little ones to explore art in an accessible and engaging environment. Families will settle into our beautiful galleries to enjoy a captivating story read in both Spanish and English, fostering early language development and cultural appreciation. Following the reading, participants will engage in a short, interactive discussion about a selected artwork, followed by a fun, hands-on artmaking activity. This event is completely free and provides a wonderful way to introduce your child to the world of creativity and expression. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the Triangle area, we invite you to be part of this vibrant community experience. No registration is required, so please join us for an morning of storytelling and artistic exploration. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones at the museum soon.

The Flash Tattoo Pop-Up is a recurring Thursday night event located at a local bar on Blount Street in downtown Raleigh. It serves as a unique opportunity to receive professional tattoos directly within a relaxed social setting. This event brings together the craft of mixology and tattoo artistry in one accessible location. Attendees can select a design from a curated flash sheet provided by our resident bartender and tattoo artist, Katie. Each tattoo is performed on-site using standard equipment, ensuring a clean and efficient process. This event allows guests to secure a distinctive piece of permanent art while enjoying the authentic atmosphere of a local neighborhood establishment. This event is designed for locals and visitors who appreciate spontaneous experiences and quality body art. The setting is informal, welcoming, and community-focused. Attendance is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Please plan to arrive early to secure your spot. We kindly ask that you bring cash for payment, as it is the preferred method for all tattoo services. Join us this Thursday for a memorable Raleigh experience.

Triangle Cinemas, located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, invites local families to enjoy a season of cinematic fun with our complimentary summer movie series. We are excited to present the hit film Penguins of Madagascar as part of our commitment to providing affordable entertainment for the community. These screenings are scheduled from Tuesday through Thursday, with select Fridays available from June 16 through August 20, 2026. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. with the main feature starting promptly at 10 a.m. each morning. To ensure a pleasant experience for all guests, we kindly request that no outside food or beverages be brought into the theater. Our concession stand will be fully stocked with a variety of snacks and refreshments for purchase. This program is a wonderful way for children to stay entertained and engaged throughout the summer break. We encourage you to visit our website to view the full schedule of upcoming films and discover more free or low-cost activities happening in the Triangle area. Join us at Triangle Cinemas for a memorable cinematic outing with your family today.

Join us at the Nasher Museum of Art for an enriching Bilingual Storytime, specifically designed for children ages 1 to 5 and their adult caregivers. This delightful program takes place on the first Thursday of every month and offers a unique opportunity for little ones to explore art in an accessible and engaging environment. Families will settle into our beautiful galleries to enjoy a captivating story read in both Spanish and English, fostering early language development and cultural appreciation. Following the reading, participants will engage in a short, interactive discussion about a selected artwork, followed by a fun, hands-on artmaking activity. This event is completely free and provides a wonderful way to introduce your child to the world of creativity and expression. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the Triangle area, we invite you to be part of this vibrant community experience. No registration is required, so please join us for an morning of storytelling and artistic exploration. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones at the museum soon.

SAFE Haven for Cats is hosting a special adoption event as part of the Clear the Shelters campaign. The goal of this initiative is to help dozens of cats and kittens find permanent, loving homes by reducing the adoption fee to just ten dollars for every animal currently available at the facility. This event serves as an opportunity for the community to connect with adoptable pets in an accessible and welcoming environment. Attendees can expect to meet a wide variety of feline friends, including playful kittens, curious adolescent cats, and affectionate adults. Staff and volunteers will be on-site to facilitate introductions and answer questions about each cat. The process is designed to be straightforward to ensure that participants can focus on meeting their potential new companions. This event is perfect for families, individuals, and anyone considering adding a pet to their household. The atmosphere is intended to be positive and productive. If you are looking to adopt, please bring your family to visit the shelter. Come ready to interact with the cats and prepare to welcome a new member into your home during this limited time promotion.

First Responders Day at New Hope Valley Railway invites the community to honor local emergency services on Saturday August 8. This event brings together the Town of Apex Fire Department, Apex Police Department, and Wake County EMS to foster connection and appreciation for those who keep the community safe. Attendees can participate in a hands-on touch a truck experience featuring emergency vehicles. Guests are encouraged to climb inside the trucks and interact directly with the first responders. You will hear personal stories, learn practical safety tips, and explore the specialized equipment used by these professionals. Scenic train rides are also scheduled for departure at 10:30am and 12:00pm, providing a relaxing way to enjoy the railway grounds during the event. This family friendly day is designed for residents of all ages who want to engage with local heroes in a fun environment. The atmosphere is educational and welcoming, making it an excellent opportunity to learn about public safety firsthand. Tickets are available for purchase through the official TriangleTrain website. Ensure you secure your spots early for this engaging community experience.

Join us for the inaugural CosPaws for a Cause, a heartwarming community pet costume parade and fundraiser taking place on August 8, 2026, at the beautiful Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh. This exciting event invites pet owners to dress up their furry friends and participate in a festive parade, all while supporting a meaningful mission. The proceeds from this event go directly toward assisting Tati, a dedicated pet owner facing significant medical challenges and expenses. Whether you choose to register your pet for the costume contest or simply attend to cheer on the participants, your presence makes a difference in supporting a neighbor in need. Enjoy an evening filled with creative costumes, community camaraderie, and fantastic raffle prizes in the scenic setting of the Magnolia Room outdoor gazebo. This event is a wonderful way to connect with fellow pet lovers while contributing to a vital cause. Contestant registration is strictly limited, so be sure to secure your spot early to guarantee your participation. We look forward to seeing you and your pets for an unforgettable evening of joy and generosity.