Farm to Fork Kids Fest

Raleigh's All-American Summer Festival is an upcoming community event held in downtown Raleigh to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. This high-energy celebration brings people together for a full day of culture and festivities commemorating this historic milestone. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of activities suitable for all ages. The festival features an extensive lineup of local food trucks and dessert vendors offering diverse culinary options. Guests will find various carnival games and prizes, including a duck race, alongside a dedicated kids zone for younger participants. Live music performances will provide entertainment throughout the day on the main stage. The event also hosts interactive contests, such as a cutest dog competition and a summer outfit showcase, inviting guests to participate directly in the fun. This festival is designed for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere in the heart of the city. Whether you are interested in local music, delicious food, or friendly competitions, there is something for everyone. Plan to join us in downtown Raleigh for this memorable summer experience and celebrate this significant national anniversary with your neighbors.

Get ready to celebrate the season at the Blueberry Bonanza, hosted at The Plant in beautiful Pittsboro, North Carolina. This exciting event takes place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering a fantastic opportunity for the community to gather and enjoy the peak of blueberry season. As a vibrant, family-friendly celebration, this gathering highlights local culture and the simple joys of summer harvest in a relaxed outdoor setting. Attendees can look forward to a lively atmosphere filled with music, seasonal refreshments, and a true sense of togetherness. This event is entirely free to the public, making it the perfect way to spend a summer evening with friends and family. Whether you are a local enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend activity, there is something here for everyone to appreciate. We invite you to join us at 192 Lorax Lane to experience the best of what our area has to offer. Make sure to mark your calendar today and prepare for a memorable evening of food, fun, and community spirit. We cannot wait to see you there for this delightful summer celebration.

This event features a live musical performance by legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon. Attendees will experience an evening of classic hits and celebrated compositions from one of the most influential figures in modern rock music history. The program highlights Simon's extensive career, spanning his early folk-rock roots with Simon and Garfunkel to his groundbreaking solo work. Fans can expect a curated setlist featuring iconic tracks like Mother and Child Reunion, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, and selections from the acclaimed Graceland album. The performance showcases his unique ability to blend pop, gospel, R and B, and international rhythms into a cohesive live experience. This concert is designed for music enthusiasts who appreciate masterful songwriting and storytelling. Whether you are a long-time follower of his diverse discography or new to his sound, the atmosphere offers a sophisticated yet energetic environment. Secure your tickets now to witness a living legend on stage as he delivers a career-spanning performance that celebrates decades of musical innovation. Do not miss this rare opportunity to see an iconic artist perform in an intimate setting.

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!

Books and Blooms Embroidery is a creative workshop where participants learn to stitch a miniature reading corner scene. The project features a detailed wooden shelf filled with colorful books and fresh tulips to celebrate spring. This session offers a hands-on introduction to fiber art in a calm and supportive environment. Attendees will receive all necessary embroidery materials including fabric, thread, and needles. You will learn foundational stitching techniques to add texture and depth to your design. The instructor provides step by step guidance to help you develop your skills and complete your piece throughout the session. The class focuses on practical tips to enhance your needlework abilities while creating a charming decorative item. This event is perfect for both complete beginners and experienced stitchers looking to enjoy a relaxing craft session. The atmosphere is designed to be low pressure and highly creative. We encourage you to bring your curiosity and prepare for a rewarding afternoon of art. Spaces are limited, so please register early to secure your spot for this engaging and productive embroidery experience.

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University proudly presents the Monthly Reflections Tour, a specialized program crafted for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. This inclusive initiative provides a welcoming space to engage with art through a guided ninety-minute experience held on the second Tuesday of each month. Each session features a rotating theme designed specifically to support those with memory loss while ensuring full physical accessibility within our beautiful gallery setting. Participants are invited to explore the collection through meaningful conversation and creative activities that prioritize connection and discovery in a comfortable environment. Whether you are a regular visitor or joining us for the first time, this program offers a supportive community atmosphere where art becomes a bridge for shared experiences. We strive to make cultural enrichment accessible to everyone regardless of their health journey. Please note that while these tours are free, registration is required to ensure an optimal experience for all guests. To secure your spot or learn more about our upcoming monthly themes, please reach out to our team at reflections at duke dot edu. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nasher.

This seminar provides essential strategies for maintaining personal safety while enjoying Raleigh entertainment districts. The session equips participants with actionable knowledge to navigate downtown nightlife responsibly and confidently. Attendees will explore practical safety measures including protecting beverages against tampering, effective bystander intervention techniques, and safe rideshare practices. The curriculum also covers secure parking habits, late night transportation options, and the use of personal safety applications. You will learn to recognize potential risks early and identify clear steps to take during emergencies, such as utilizing safe word signals for quick assistance. This class is designed for anyone who frequents social districts and wants to prioritize their well-being. Whether you are out with friends or exploring the city, this session offers a supportive atmosphere focused on awareness and preparedness. Register today to gain the tools necessary for a safer nightlife experience. By participating, you contribute to a culture of collective safety and responsible fun. Join us to ensure you are fully prepared for your next night out in Raleigh.

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of French culture at the Bastille Day Market hosted by the Hope Valley Farms YMCA in Durham. This exciting community event invites neighbors and visitors alike to enjoy a morning of shopping and festivities on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Guests can browse a wide array of local offerings from talented artisans, makers, and farmers while supporting small businesses in a welcoming atmosphere. Families are encouraged to join the fun, as the market features special interactive craft and sensory stations perfectly tailored for children ages five and under. These hands-on activities provide a wonderful opportunity for parents and little ones to create lasting memories while embracing a creative French theme. Admission is entirely free for all attendees, ensuring an accessible morning of entertainment and connection for the entire community. Whether you are searching for unique handmade goods or simply looking to enjoy a lively local gathering, this market is the place to be. Visit the YMCA website today to register as a vendor or to learn more about this charming celebration.

Get ready for a summer filled with cinematic magic at the Carolina Theatre in Durham. We are thrilled to host the Retro Family Series, featuring the beloved hit Spy Kids on the big screen. This special event offers families a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a classic film together in a historic venue located right in the heart of the city. These screenings are designed to provide affordable entertainment for children and parents throughout the summer months. We invite you to join us on select Saturdays this July and August for these exciting presentations. The films begin promptly at 11 a.m., providing a perfect morning activity for all ages. Admission is completely free, making this a wonderful way to beat the heat while creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Tickets can be secured at the box office starting thirty minutes before showtime. Do not miss out on this unique chance to introduce your children to retro favorites in a beautiful theater setting. Visit our website or head to the box office to plan your trip to the Carolina Theatre this season.

Raleigh's All-American Summer Festival is an upcoming community event held in downtown Raleigh to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. This high-energy celebration brings people together for a full day of culture and festivities commemorating this historic milestone. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of activities suitable for all ages. The festival features an extensive lineup of local food trucks and dessert vendors offering diverse culinary options. Guests will find various carnival games and prizes, including a duck race, alongside a dedicated kids zone for younger participants. Live music performances will provide entertainment throughout the day on the main stage. The event also hosts interactive contests, such as a cutest dog competition and a summer outfit showcase, inviting guests to participate directly in the fun. This festival is designed for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere in the heart of the city. Whether you are interested in local music, delicious food, or friendly competitions, there is something for everyone. Plan to join us in downtown Raleigh for this memorable summer experience and celebrate this significant national anniversary with your neighbors.

Step back in time and explore the rich heritage of firefighting at the Raleigh Fire Museum. Located at the Keeter Training Center, our facility serves as a vibrant collection of artifacts and images documenting over 150 years of public safety history in the Capitol City. Visitors of all ages are invited to discover the evolution of fire service through our impressive displays of antique fire engines and historical equipment. The experience is designed to be interactive and engaging for the whole family. Guests have the unique opportunity to touch a vintage fire truck and learn the mechanics of firefighting, including a chance to spray a real fire hose. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the area, this is an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the brave men and women who have protected our community for generations. We encourage you to visit us on the second Saturday of each month between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Feel free to browse our museum store for unique souvenirs. For those with specific group needs, tours are also available by special appointment. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

First Kiss is an expressive dance production that explores human connection by transforming real life memories into movement. This project features dancers sharing personal stories of their first romantic encounters through a blend of spoken word and physical performance. The work aims to capture the universal vulnerability and excitement associated with those early milestones. Author Mimi Herman provides the narrative structure, crafting stories that balance humor with genuine tenderness. Choreographer Gerri Houlihan translates these texts into intimate stage movements. The performance focuses on authenticity, using the dancers own histories to ground the choreography in reality. Expect a series of short vignettes that highlight the complexity of early intimacy. This show is designed for anyone who appreciates storytelling through contemporary dance. The atmosphere is thoughtful and engaging, making it a perfect outing for those interested in performance art that feels relatable and human. The production invites the audience to reflect on their own experiences while enjoying a unique fusion of text and motion. Please join us for this presentation to experience how memories are reimagined on stage through professional movement and creative writing.

Experience the vibrant past of North Carolina's capital city with the Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours. This engaging one-hour excursion offers a comprehensive look at Downtown Raleigh, taking passengers past significant historic landmarks and architectural treasures. Since the city's founding in 1792, Raleigh has evolved into a cultural hub, and our knowledgeable guides are eager to share fascinating stories about the community and local history throughout your journey. Tours depart from the beautiful Mordecai Historic Park on Saturdays between March and December, featuring convenient start times at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Whether you are a local resident or a visiting tourist, this trolley experience provides a comfortable and educational way to explore the heart of the city. Tickets are affordably priced at ten dollars for adults, six dollars for youth, and children aged six and under ride for free. We invite you to secure your seat today to ensure you do not miss out on this captivating adventure. Please book your tickets online, call our visitor center, or visit us directly at Mordecai Historic Park to start your journey into Raleigh history.