Free Guided Tour of the North Carolina State Capitol

Bob Dylan will perform a live concert featuring special guests Lucinda Williams and Jimmie Vaughn and The Tilt-A-Whirl Band. This event brings together three iconic musical acts for an evening of legendary songwriting and blues inspired rock performances. Attendees can expect a comprehensive showcase of Dylan's classic catalog alongside fresh arrangements. Lucinda Williams brings her signature alternative country style to the stage while Jimmie Vaughn and his band provide a high energy performance rooted in classic blues traditions. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to witness influential artists performing together in one venue. The show is designed for fans of folk, rock, and blues music who appreciate deep lyrical content and skilled musicianship. The atmosphere will be centered on the music and the history of these performers. Tickets are available for purchase now and early booking is encouraged to secure your place. Join us for a memorable night of American music history that highlights the enduring impact of these celebrated performers. Secure your seats today to experience this rare musical lineup live.

Legendary rock band Deep Purple will perform live at the Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh. This concert offers fans an opportunity to experience iconic rock music in a premier open-air venue designed for live entertainment. Attendees can expect a full concert experience featuring classic hits and instrumental precision. The set will highlight the band signature sound, including soaring vocal performances, powerful percussion, and the famous interplay between organ and electric guitar. The production focuses on delivering a high-energy, authentic rock show rather than a standard stage performance. This event is ideal for classic rock enthusiasts and music lovers who appreciate seasoned musicianship. The Red Hat Amphitheater provides excellent sightlines and a convenient location within walking distance of downtown dining and transit options. Parking is available nearby to ensure easy access for all concertgoers. Secure your tickets now to witness one of the most influential bands in rock history. Join us for a memorable night of music under the open sky in the heart of Raleigh.

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!

Triangle Cinemas is thrilled to announce their highly anticipated summer movie series, designed specifically to provide families with affordable and engaging entertainment in Raleigh. Located at 9500 Forum Drive, the theater is opening its doors for a special screening of The Secret Life of Pets, offering a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy the magic of the big screen at no cost. This series runs from June 16 through August 20, 2026, with screenings scheduled from Tuesday through Thursday and select Fridays to accommodate your busy summer vacation schedules. Doors open promptly at 9:30 a.m., with features beginning at 10 a.m. sharp. While outside food and beverages are not permitted, a full range of tasty concessions will be available for purchase to enhance your viewing experience. This program is part of a larger initiative to provide free and budget-friendly activities for local families throughout the season. We encourage you to visit our website today to view the complete schedule of upcoming films and plan your next fun family outing with us at Triangle Cinemas.

The Parktown Food Hub serves as a vital community resource dedicated to alleviating hunger and combating food insecurity throughout South Durham. By fostering strong partnerships and utilizing local resources, the organization provides essential support to neighbors in need through regular, accessible food distribution events. These gatherings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of every month, offering a reliable safety net for those facing difficult circumstances. No appointments or documentation are required to participate, ensuring that every member of the community can access the assistance they need with dignity and ease. We invite you to join us at 5124 Revere Road in Durham to take advantage of this support or to learn about various volunteer opportunities. Whether you are looking to receive items or contribute to the mission through donations, your involvement helps strengthen our local network. Please remember to verify the schedule on the official Facebook page or website before your arrival to account for any potential updates. We look forward to welcoming you and working together to build a healthier, more nourished community for everyone involved.

Unleash your creativity at the North Carolina Museum of Art during our monthly after-hours craft nights. Hosted in the serene atmosphere of the NCMA Cafe in the West Building, this recurring series invites artists and hobbyists of all skill levels to gather, socialize, and create. Whether you are seeking a space to focus on a personal project or prefer to dive into a new artistic endeavor using our provided supplies, there is a place for you here. Each session features a unique, rotating theme designed to spark inspiration through connections to the museum galleries and the current season. These gatherings are entirely free, require no advance registration, and provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow crafters in the local community. Enjoy light refreshments as you work on your masterpiece in a relaxing, artistic environment. We invite you to join us on the final Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Mark your calendars for our upcoming sessions focused on collage, chance operations, and miniatures. Visit the museum website to view the full schedule and plan your visit today.

Join the Museum of Durham History for an engaging trip down memory lane as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Bicentennial Folklife Festival. Originally held during the July Fourth weekend of 1976 at West Point on the Eno, this beloved gathering showcased the vibrant traditions, music, and crafts of North Carolina. We are proud to honor this milestone by reuniting with original organizers and community members to reflect on the legacy of that unforgettable weekend. This special pop-up exhibition will be held during Third Friday on July 17, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at our downtown museum location. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of live music, explore rare photographs, and listen to captivating stories from those who experienced the festival firsthand. This event is entirely free and open to the public, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with local heritage and celebrate the unique spirit of Durham. Mark your calendars and join us for this insightful community reception as we commemorate a significant moment in our local history.

Experience the charm of local heritage at Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh. As the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County, this site offers a unique window into history. Visitors are invited to join professional interpreters for guided Mill History Tours, where you can explore the inner workings of the historic site and learn about its role in the community for over two centuries. Beyond the mill itself, the 174-acre park features beautiful walking trails, environmental exhibits, and natural areas perfect for exploration. Whether you are interested in a deep dive into the mill’s mechanical history, a guided hike with a park naturalist, or family-friendly educational activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These programs provide an engaging way to connect with the outdoors and discover the fascinating legacy of this historic landmark. Many events are free to the public, though some require advance registration. We encourage you to visit the official park website today to view the full schedule, reserve your spot for upcoming guided tours, and plan your next visit to this vibrant environmental research center.

Steam Shop Saturday is a unique behind the scenes event held at the New Hope Valley Railway on July 25. This program invites the public to interact directly with the volunteer steam crew to learn about the mechanics and operation of historic steam locomotives. Guests will gain insight into the ongoing restoration efforts of locomotive number 17 and witness the expertise required to maintain these vintage machines. Attendees can watch demonstrations of the maintenance process and ask questions about the technical side of railroading. The day features two scheduled train rides at 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. Please note that all train rides will be pulled by diesel engines as locomotive 17 remains under active restoration. This event is ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how steam engines function. It provides a rare opportunity to see the hard work involved in rail preservation while supporting a meaningful cause. Tickets for the event are available for purchase directly on the official Triangle Train website. Join us for an educational morning dedicated to the history and future of steam railroading.

Buju Banton and Stephen Marley are embarking on the Roots And Rhymes U.S. Summer Tour 2026. This landmark event brings two GRAMMY award winning reggae legends together for their first full scale co-headlining tour across major cities. The tour serves as a dedicated celebration of Jamaican culture, soul, and the deep roots of reggae music. Attendees can expect high energy live performances from two iconic artists who have significantly shaped the global music landscape. Each show offers a powerful concert experience that showcases the evolution of reggae through classic hits and contemporary sounds. The production will visit iconic venues across the United States to ensure an immersive auditory environment for all guests. This tour is designed for fans of authentic reggae, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a high quality live music experience. The atmosphere will be vibrant, community focused, and centered on the unifying power of music. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable night of rhythm and soul. Check local venue listings for ticket availability and specific event times to secure your spot at this historic summer tour.

Discover the vibrant beauty of the Chatham Mills Pollinator Paradise Garden located at 480 Hillsboro Street in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This impressive sanctuary features over 240 species of perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses, with approximately 85 percent of the plant life being native to North Carolina. Managed by Agricultural Extension Agent Debbie Roos, the garden serves as a vital habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and a diverse array of pollinators. It is a true testament to the importance of biodiversity and native landscaping in our local environment. We invite you to participate in one of our professional guided tours to learn more about the ecological significance of this stunning green space. These informative sessions last about ninety minutes and offer a deep dive into the plants that nourish our essential pollinators. While admission is completely free, advance registration is required to secure your spot. We encourage nature enthusiasts of all ages to join us for this unique educational opportunity. Please visit our website today to view upcoming dates and complete your registration to join us for an inspiring morning in the garden.

Discover the profound influence of Raleigh's African American community on a guided walking tour through the city's historic downtown core. This engaging one-hour experience invites residents and visitors alike to explore the remnants of the Third Ward neighborhood, the legacy of Black Wall Street, and iconic historic churches that served as cornerstones for the local population. Each step along the 1.4-mile route offers a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped this vibrant capital city over the centuries. Hosted by the City of Raleigh, these tours run every Saturday from July 11 through September 12, 2026. The journey begins promptly at 10 a.m. at the Dr. M. T. Pope House Museum, located at 511 South Wilmington Street. This tour is a fantastic way to engage with local history while enjoying an active morning outdoors. Tickets are available for purchase online for both adults and children. Space is limited, so we encourage all interested participants to secure their spots in advance to ensure a place on this enlightening cultural exploration of Raleigh.