Free Guided Tours of the North Carolina State Capitol

Celebrate Independence Day with the Town of Cary through a weekend of vibrant community festivities held from July 3 to July 4, 2026. This extensive celebration offers something for everyone, starting with an energetic festival at Downtown Cary Park featuring arts and crafts, fun games, and a special screening of the classic film Independence Day. Music lovers can enjoy a patriotic performance by the Cary Town Band at the Cary Arts Center, followed by a spectacular concert from the North Carolina Symphony at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Families are encouraged to participate in the annual Independence Day Fishing Tournament at Bond Park, where participants of all ages compete for exciting prizes. The festivities culminate in a grand fireworks display that promises to illuminate the night sky, creating a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike. With free general admission to these events, the Town of Cary invites you to enjoy live entertainment, delicious offerings from local food trucks, and a festive atmosphere. Visit our website today to view the full schedule of events and plan your holiday weekend with us.

Join us for the 52nd Annual Raleigh Money Expo, the largest gathering of its kind in North Carolina. Taking place from June 26 through June 28 at the NC State Fairgrounds Exposition Center, this event offers an unparalleled opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. With over 100 dealers and 200 tables, you will discover a vast selection of coins, bullion, and stamps from across the globe. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or have your collection professionally identified and valued, this expo is the premier destination for all your numismatic needs. We are particularly excited to welcome families to this year show. Young visitors can participate in our dedicated Kids Zone and the Young Numismatist program, where they can engage in hands-on activities and earn free coins to start their own collections. This is a fantastic environment for the next generation to learn about the history and value behind this rewarding lifelong hobby. We also invite you to attend our educational seminars and explore the fascinating displays on site. Plan your visit today and experience the rich history and excitement of coin collecting at the Raleigh Money Expo.

Experience the ultimate celebration of creativity at the BrickUniverse LEGO Fan Expo coming to the Raleigh Convention Center on June 27 and 28, 2026. This immersive event brings together thousands of enthusiasts to witness breathtaking displays constructed by professional artists from across the country. Whether you are a lifelong collector or a family looking for a weekend of inspiration, this expo offers something for everyone to enjoy. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore expansive exhibit halls filled with rare builds, attend artist meet and greets, and participate in interactive building zones to craft their own masterpieces. From browsing an extensive marketplace of accessories to meeting local LEGO user groups, the event serves as a hub for innovation and community connection. This is an all-ages event where children under the age of four enjoy complimentary admission. Secure your tickets now for this premier tour stop to guarantee your spot in our timed entry sessions. Do not miss your chance to be part of the largest gathering of fans in the region. Visit our official website to select your VIP or general admission passes today and prepare for an unforgettable weekend of brick-building excitement.

Join our enthusiastic children booksellers for a magical journey through the world of literature at our recurring Under the Tree Storytime sessions. Every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning, we invite families to gather together as we explore the enchanting pages of both timeless classics and exciting new picture books. Whether we are traveling to distant lands, visiting cozy corners of the imagination, or learning about the wonders of the present day, these sessions are designed to spark curiosity and joy in readers of all ages. Each session lasts approximately thirty minutes and provides a wonderful opportunity for children and parents to connect through the power of storytelling. We prioritize a safe and comfortable environment for everyone, so we kindly ask that parents remain with their children throughout the event. Please remember to park your strollers outside the store entrance to ensure we maintain ample seating space for all attendees. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing the love of reading. Visit our store this weekend to participate in this engaging community experience and help us bring every story to life.

Experience the vibrant energy of The Raleigh Market, a premier destination held every weekend at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Spanning both indoor and outdoor spaces, this expansive marketplace offers an unparalleled treasure hunt for visitors of all ages. With hundreds of unique vendors, you will discover an eclectic mix of high-end antiques, quality power tools, exquisite jewelry, and local art. Whether you are searching for a hidden gem or simply browsing, this longstanding community staple promises a rewarding experience. Beyond the shopping, the market serves as a culinary destination featuring a rotating selection of popular food trucks, traditional fair favorites, and fresh farm stands. It is the perfect place to spend a Saturday or Sunday exploring local goods with friends and family. Admission and parking are entirely free, making it an accessible outing for everyone. Make sure to come hungry and ready to explore one of the most storied markets in the region. Visit the official website or follow their Facebook page for the latest vendor updates and plan your next visit today.

Join our enthusiastic children booksellers for a magical journey through the world of literature at our recurring Under the Tree Storytime sessions. Every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning, we invite families to gather together as we explore the enchanting pages of both timeless classics and exciting new picture books. Whether we are traveling to distant lands, visiting cozy corners of the imagination, or learning about the wonders of the present day, these sessions are designed to spark curiosity and joy in readers of all ages. Each session lasts approximately thirty minutes and provides a wonderful opportunity for children and parents to connect through the power of storytelling. We prioritize a safe and comfortable environment for everyone, so we kindly ask that parents remain with their children throughout the event. Please remember to park your strollers outside the store entrance to ensure we maintain ample seating space for all attendees. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing the love of reading. Visit our store this weekend to participate in this engaging community experience and help us bring every story to life.

Experience the vibrant spirit of Carrboro at the Sunday Brunch Music series hosted on the beautiful lawn of Weaver Street Market. This community-focused grocery store invites you to enjoy live performances in an open-air setting that perfectly captures the charm of the Triangle area. Whether you are looking for a relaxing morning with friends or a lively family outing, this outdoor concert series provides the ideal atmosphere to kick off your Sunday. Each performance showcases local talent, adding a musical backdrop to your brunch experience starting at 11 a.m. This event is free to the public, offering a wonderful way to enjoy the sunny weather while supporting local arts. It is a fantastic opportunity to unwind, listen to talented musicians, and connect with fellow community members in a casual and welcoming environment. We encourage you to bring your blankets or chairs to find a comfortable spot on the lawn. Visit the Weaver Street Market in Carrboro to participate in this recurring celebration of music and local community life throughout the summer and fall seasons.

If you're looking for a cultural outing this summer, the 31st Annual Juried Exhibition hosted by the Fine Arts League of Cary is one of the most anticipated art events in the Triangle. Held at the historic Page-Walker Arts & History Center in Cary, this highly competitive exhibition showcases some of the best artistic talent from across North Carolina and beyond - and it's completely free to attend. A wide range of two-dimensional art, from abstract to realism Paintings, drawings, and mixed media pieces Artwork created by both emerging and established regional artists All pieces are available for purchase, making this a great opportunity to introduce kids to art collecting or find a unique piece for your home. Key Dates & Details Submission Period (for artists): April 15 – June 15, 2026 Exhibition Dates: June 30 – September 14, 2026 Location: Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Cary Admission: Free Gallery Hours: Monday–Thursday: Noon – 9:00 PM Friday: Noon – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday: Closed The exhibition continues to grow each year. In 2025 alone: Over 650 entries were submitted More than 230 artists participated Only around 70 works were selected

The Welcome Summer Nature Discovery Walk is a guided outdoor excursion focused on identifying local flora and fauna within our prairies and woodlands. This event provides participants with the opportunity to explore our natural environment while actively contributing to community science initiatives through the iNaturalist platform. We will spend time observing the ecosystem to document species and increase our collective understanding of local biodiversity. During this walk, participants will learn how to use the iNaturalist application to log their discoveries accurately. You will gain hands-on experience in observation techniques and data collection while walking through varied terrains. Our experts will assist with identification challenges, helping you name the mystery plants and critters you encounter along the trail. All observations made during the session will be uploaded to a collaborative database to support ongoing scientific research. This event is ideal for nature enthusiasts, curious learners, and students interested in biology or environmental science. The atmosphere is educational and interactive, making it a great way to engage with the outdoors. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a mobile device with the iNaturalist app installed. Join us to build your knowledge and contribute to science.

We will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a fun, patriotic train ride on July 1 at 10:30am! Be sure to wear your patriotic red, white and blue and keep your eye out for Uncle Sam. We’ll have miniature flags to wave during the ride!