Front Porch Friday at Haven Farm

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!

Dive into an unforgettable weekend of excitement at the Shark Party Brunch hosted by Crooked Hammock Brewery. This family-friendly event brings a wave of fun to your Sunday morning, offering a unique atmosphere filled with bold culinary flavors and creative activities. Children are invited to participate in our interactive craft station where they can design shark-themed plates, assemble sun catchers, and enjoy a variety of engaging stickers. It is the perfect opportunity to relax in our spacious backyard while the kids explore their artistic side in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the Raleigh area, our brewery provides a casual and vibrant setting to enjoy delicious food and limited-release craft beers. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an morning of themed entertainment that celebrates summer in style. Walk-ins are always welcome, but we encourage guests to book their tables in advance to ensure the best experience. Visit our website today to secure your reservation and join us for a splashing good time at the Shark Party Brunch.

Experience the vibrant spirit of Carrboro at the Sunday Brunch Music series hosted at the beautiful Weaver Street Market. This community-focused event invites you to enjoy live outdoor performances every Sunday throughout the summer and fall seasons. Set against the relaxing backdrop of the market lawn, it is the perfect destination for families, friends, and music lovers to gather while enjoying fresh local food and a lively atmosphere. Whether you are looking to kick off your Sunday with a relaxing morning melody or searching for the best free local entertainment in the Triangle area, this concert series offers something for everyone to enjoy. The performances run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing an ideal midday escape in a charming outdoor setting. We encourage you to bring your blankets or chairs, grab a delicious meal from the market, and settle in for a fantastic afternoon of community connection. Visit the Weaver Street Market in Carrboro to participate in this recurring celebration of local talent. Mark your calendars for these upcoming weekend performances and join your neighbors for a memorable musical experience.

Unleash your creativity at the Nasher Museum of Art during our Second Saturdays Open Studio session. This vibrant, hands-on event invites families and friends to explore their artistic side in our welcoming Community Classroom. Whether you are a seasoned creator or a curious beginner, our space is fully stocked with a diverse array of high-quality art supplies and materials designed to help you experiment and bring your unique visions to life. This monthly program is completely free and open to the public, offering a relaxed environment perfect for personal discovery and collaborative fun. We provide all the tools necessary for you to express yourself through art in a supportive setting surrounded by inspiration. No registration is required to participate, making it an easy and accessible way to spend your afternoon. Come join us at the Nasher Museum of Art on July 12, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. to experience the joy of making something new. We look forward to seeing the incredible works of art you will create with us.

Experience the ultimate outdoor family adventure at Phillips Farms Market and Fun Park. This season, our farm is brimming with excitement as we open our doors every weekend to provide unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. Whether you are racing on our pedal cart track, exploring our expansive sports zone, or visiting the charming petting zoo, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. Our park features a variety of attractions including bounce pillows, slides, and unique train rides, ensuring a full day of energetic fun. Beyond our daily attractions, we host an array of special seasonal festivals and themed weekends, such as our beloved Strawberryfest and Peachfest, designed to celebrate the bounty of the harvest. Whether you are looking for a weekend outing or planning to attend one of our special community events, Phillips Farms offers the perfect backdrop for quality family time. We invite you to visit us on-site to purchase your tickets and start your farm adventure today. Join us this season for fresh air, local charm, and endless entertainment in the heart of our vibrant farm community.

Experience the ultimate weekend destination at the Oak City Brewing Company Farmers Market. We invite you to join our vibrant community gathering where the spirit of local commerce meets the relaxation of a neighborhood brewery. This monthly event showcases the very best of our region by featuring a curated selection of local farmers, artisanal food producers, and talented craftspeople. Whether you are searching for seasonal produce, unique handmade goods, or simply want to connect with your neighbors, our market offers an unparalleled atmosphere. Enhance your afternoon by enjoying live musical performances while you browse the stalls. Pair your market finds with a refreshing selection of craft beers available on tap, creating the perfect Sunday outing. Our goal is to foster a sustainable local economy while providing a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars for every second Sunday from April through October 2026. Gather your friends and family for an afternoon of discovery and community support. We look forward to welcoming you to the brewery for a day of fresh finds and good company.

Discover the vibrant Black Farmers Market, an essential community gathering space that celebrates and supports local Black farmers and business owners. This unique marketplace offers a fantastic selection of high-quality products while fostering economic growth and empowerment within the Triangle area. By shopping here, you are directly contributing to the sustainability of family farms that have historically faced significant systemic challenges. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with talented local producers, enjoy fresh goods, and participate in a movement dedicated to community solidarity and shared success. The market operates on a rotating schedule between Raleigh and Durham, ensuring that residents across the region can engage with these incredible local entrepreneurs. Whether you are searching for fresh seasonal ingredients or unique artisanal items, you will find something special to take home. We encourage you to join us this Sunday to experience the energy and community spirit that defines this market. Please visit our official Facebook page to confirm the latest location details and upcoming event schedules. Come out to support your neighbors and celebrate the rich contributions of Black farmers to our local food landscape.

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.

Discover the horticultural wonders of Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery during their highly anticipated open days. Located in Raleigh, this sprawling twenty-eight-acre destination serves as an educational research facility and a display garden featuring over thirty thousand unique plant species. Visitors can explore an incredible diversity of rare perennials, exotic plants, and unusual trees sourced from global expeditions by founder Tony Avent. This rare opportunity allows guests to wander through meticulously curated landscapes and gain inspiration for their own home gardens while shopping in the extensive greenhouses. Whether you are a dedicated botanist or an amateur gardener, the sheer variety of flora found here is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Admission to these garden days is entirely free, and no prior visit requests are required for entry. The grounds are open to the public from nine in the morning until five in the evening, rain or shine. We invite you to join us for this unique educational experience and explore one of the most diverse plant collections on the planet. Mark your calendars and prepare for a day of discovery at this premier botanical landmark.

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.