First Friday Cemetery Tours

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!

Discover a treasure hunter paradise at The Raleigh Market, held every weekend at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Spanning both indoor and outdoor spaces, this long-standing community staple brings together hundreds of unique vendors offering everything from high-end antiques and artisanal jewelry to practical power tools and local art. Whether you are searching for rare collectibles or simply browsing for a hidden gem, this event provides an engaging shopping experience that has delighted visitors for over five decades. Beyond the diverse merchandise, guests are encouraged to come hungry and enjoy a delicious selection of local food trucks and seasonal farm stands. With free admission and complimentary parking, it is the perfect weekend destination for families, antique enthusiasts, and casual shoppers alike. The market operates every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding the annual NC State Fair period. Be sure to check our website for a full list of current vendors and follow our Facebook page for real-time updates. Join us this weekend for an unforgettable shopping adventure in Raleigh.

Join the community at Elizabeth Street United Methodist Church in Durham for our recurring food distribution events. These gatherings are dedicated to supporting our neighbors with essential resources in a welcoming and accessible environment. We host these distributions regularly to ensure families have access to nutritious options, reflecting our commitment to service and care for the local community. Because supplies are limited and demand is high, we encourage participants to arrive by 12:30 p.m. to receive a number, with the distribution process beginning promptly at 2 p.m. Our process is streamlined for your convenience, allowing you to remain in your vehicle as you drive through for assistance. We also host monthly community meals that celebrate unity and inclusion, offering a wonderful space to share a healthy meal with others. These events represent our ongoing mission to foster connection and provide support to everyone in the Triangle area. We invite you to visit our website or follow our Facebook page for the most current schedule updates. Come be a part of these meaningful events and help us strengthen our community spirit together.

Experience the magic of cinema without breaking your budget at The Lumina Theater in Southern Village. Located conveniently at 620 Market Street in Chapel Hill, this premier destination invites you to take advantage of their popular Terrific Tuesdays promotion. Every Tuesday throughout the entire year, you can secure your movie tickets for the incredibly low price of just 6.25 dollars. Even after accounting for all taxes and fees, your total investment remains an affordable 7.75 dollars per ticket, making it the perfect opportunity to catch the latest blockbusters or indie films in a high quality environment. Beyond the savings on admission, guests can also enjoy exclusive concession specials specifically curated for Tuesday moviegoers. Whether you are planning a casual date night, a fun outing with friends, or a solo escape into storytelling, The Lumina Theater offers an inviting atmosphere that cinema lovers will appreciate. Make your next movie night both memorable and economical by visiting us this coming Tuesday. We look forward to welcoming you to the theater and hope you enjoy your cinematic experience with us.

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.

This lecture explores the history of the American Revolutionary era by examining the lives of lesser known figures through an LGBTQ+ perspective. Hosted by Megan L. Cherry, an associate professor of history at North Carolina State University, the event reexamines the conventional narrative of the war for independence. You will discover how gender and sexuality were actively contested during the late eighteenth century in North America. Professor Cherry will present research on individuals whose stories are often missing from traditional textbooks. The session highlights social dynamics that shaped early American identity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how personal experiences of gender and sexuality intersected with the political turmoil of the revolution. The presentation focuses on historical evidence and academic analysis of these overlooked lives. This event is designed for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in a broader look at American history. It offers a professional and engaging environment for intellectual growth and discovery. Join us for this insightful look into the complexities of the past. Please register online to secure your spot for this informative session.

This community arts workshop combines storytelling and movement to explore individual journeys, family histories, and personal connections to the American experience. Participants will examine these themes through creative expression and collaborative artmaking to reflect on memory, identity, and resilience. During the session, attendees will engage in guided movement and collaborative exercises using textile items. Please bring meaningful fabric pieces such as scarves, old T-shirts, blankets, or other cloth materials. These items serve as both movement props and core components for a temporary art installation created during the event. The workshop concludes with an informal sharing session where the collective installation acts as a visual representation of the group experience. This event is open to all individuals interested in community storytelling through physical expression. No prior dance experience is required. The atmosphere is collaborative, welcoming, and focused on shared reflection. Join us to contribute your unique history to this living tapestry of stories. Registration is required to secure your place in this inclusive arts experience.

Discover the vibrant beauty of the Chatham Mills Pollinator Paradise Garden, a stunning horticultural destination located in the heart of Pittsboro, North Carolina. This remarkable landscape serves as a living laboratory, showcasing over 240 species of perennials, shrubs, trees, and grasses. With approximately 85 percent of the flora native to North Carolina, the garden provides a vital sanctuary for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and a diverse array of essential pollinators. It is a must-see site for nature enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone looking to connect with the local ecosystem. Visitors are invited to join an educational guided tour led by experts who offer deep insights into sustainable landscaping and wildlife support. These engaging sessions last approximately ninety minutes and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn how to cultivate your own pollinator-friendly habitat. While the garden is open to the public daily for self-guided exploration, these specialized tours offer a more immersive experience. Admission is entirely free, though advance registration is required to secure your spot. We encourage you to sign up today and experience this flourishing landscape for yourself.

Experience the rich tapestry of North Carolina history with the Historic Raleigh Trolley. This immersive one-hour journey transports guests through the heart of downtown, offering a front-row seat to the landmarks and sites that have defined the community since its founding in 1792. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an engaging look into the evolving culture and architectural legacy of the city. Tours depart every Saturday from March through December, starting at the iconic Mordecai Historic Park. With four convenient departure times available throughout the day, this activity is perfectly suited for residents and visitors alike. Whether you are a local history enthusiast or a family looking for a unique weekend outing, this trolley adventure promises a memorable and educational experience for all ages. Prices are set to be highly accessible, ensuring that everyone can join in on the exploration. Ready to reserve your seat on this journey through time? Secure your tickets today by visiting the Mordecai Historic Park Visitor Center or calling the ticket office directly. Do not miss your chance to discover the hidden stories of Raleigh.

Experience a journey back in time with a free guided tour of the North Carolina State Capitol, a majestic National Historic Landmark located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Completed in 1840, this stunning masterpiece of Greek Revival architecture offers visitors a rare glimpse into the state’s rich political history. During your hour-long tour, you will explore the iconic rotunda, view the historic Governor's office, and walk through the former senate and house chambers where pivotal legislative decisions were once debated. Guided tours are offered every Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. without the need for advance reservations. Simply arrive at the front of the building to join a group and begin your educational adventure. If you prefer a more flexible schedule, the Capitol remains open for self-guided exploration throughout the work week as well. Whether you are a local history enthusiast or a visitor seeking an authentic North Carolina experience, this tour is an essential stop. Plan your visit today and discover the architectural beauty and political heritage that defines our great state.