First Friday Under the Stars Skywatching Event

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!

Science Trivia at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a monthly social competition held at the Daily Planet Cafe. The event invites science enthusiasts to test their knowledge on a broad range of topics including scientific discoveries, current events, and pop culture. It is designed to foster community engagement and offer a fun, informal environment for learning. Participants can expect a structured trivia experience that challenges their expertise while providing opportunities to win prizes. The evening features a diverse set of questions that appeal to both casual hobbyists and professional researchers. Attendees will enjoy a lively atmosphere that encourages friendly competition and networking with like-minded individuals throughout the venue. This event is ideal for anyone interested in science who wants to enjoy a social evening with friends or colleagues. Whether you are a trivia veteran or a first-time guest, you are welcome to join the competition. While the museum itself closes to the public at five in the afternoon, the Daily Planet Cafe remains open to host this activity. Join us this first Thursday to test your wits and enjoy an engaging scientific experience.

Join the community for the Sharewear event hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1524 Jenkins Road, Wake Forest, on August 8, 2026. This wonderful initiative provides individuals and families with free access to clothing, bedding, and essential school supplies to help prepare for the upcoming academic year. Everyone is welcome to participate in this shopping experience, where all items are provided completely free of charge to those in need. Beyond providing support, the event serves as a platform for neighbors to help neighbors. If you have gently used items you wish to donate, please drop them off on Friday, August 7, 2026, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. or from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Your generous contributions make this event possible and ensure that everyone starts their season with dignity and necessary resources. We encourage you to invite your friends and family to join us for a day of giving and community spirit. Mark your calendars and be part of this impactful gathering designed to strengthen our local neighborhood.

The Triangle Native American Film Festival is a showcase of cinema created by Native actors and directors. Hosted by the Triangle Native American Society for its second year, this event celebrates authentic storytelling and indigenous perspectives through film. Attendees can expect a diverse selection of programming throughout the day. The schedule includes fun animated shorts, compelling documentaries presented by PBS, and full length feature films ranging from romantic dramas to thrillers. The day begins at 11am with the screening of Pow and continues with A Sacred Thread, Borders, Seeds, and Sweet Summer Pow Wow, with additional slots scheduled for the afternoon. This festival is open to all members of the public who wish to experience rich cultural narratives on screen. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, providing a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary indigenous film in a community setting. Whether you are a film enthusiast or simply interested in discovering new stories, this event offers a valuable window into the artistic achievements of Native creators. Please join us for this day of screening and cultural exchange.

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.

Join the Town of Garner for an engaging outdoor experience with our monthly First Friday Bird Walks. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned birdwatcher, these guided excursions offer a fantastic opportunity to explore local nature while learning to identify various bird species. Participants will discover fascinating details about bird behaviors, their preferred habitats, and the importance of our local ecosystem, all while enjoying a relaxing morning walk through scenic park settings. Sessions take place on the first Friday of every month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., alternating between the serene landscapes of Lake Benson Park and the White Deer Park Classroom. Please note that the July session is scheduled for the second Friday to accommodate the holiday. While these walks are entirely free to attend, registration is required to participate in each session. We invite you to connect with nature, sharpen your observational skills, and meet fellow wildlife enthusiasts in the community. Secure your spot today by visiting the registration links provided and prepare to explore the beauty of North Carolina wildlife with us.

Join Oaks and Spokes for Kidical Mass, an exciting series of family-friendly group bike rides designed specifically for children and their guardians. These events foster a love for cycling in a safe, supportive, and social environment. Each session kicks off with a vibrant pre-ride party featuring music, chalk art, helmet decorating, and essential bike safety checks to ensure everyone is ready to hit the trails with confidence. The rides are carefully planned to last approximately one hour, providing a perfect outdoor adventure for all ages. We prioritize community and fun by including a delicious mid-ride dessert stop, featuring refreshing treats like freeze pops and Italian ice cups, with dairy-free options always available for every participant to enjoy. Participation is entirely free, making this an accessible way to stay active and explore local parks across Raleigh. Whether you are a seasoned cycling family or just getting started, these gatherings offer a fantastic way to connect with neighbors. Grab your bikes and helmets, meet us at the starting point, and be part of this wonderful community tradition. We look forward to riding with you this summer.

Experience the perfect summer evening at the Bands, Bites and Boats concert series held at the scenic Bond Park Boathouse in Cary. This recurring community event brings together live performances from local musicians, a variety of delicious food trucks, and refreshing beverage selections from regional breweries. Whether you prefer to relax on the grass with a lawn chair or enjoy the melodies from the water, this series offers a unique atmosphere that celebrates music and the outdoors. Taking place on the first Friday of each month from April through October, these events provide a fantastic opportunity to unwind with friends and family. The series is entirely free to attend, with food, drinks, and boat rentals available for purchase on site. Mark your calendars for the August 7 session featuring Adam Pitts, and discover why this gathering is a staple of the local entertainment scene. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars. For more information on the full schedule and specific vendor details, please visit the event website today.