Last Fridays Makers Market

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!

This two-session workshop teaches woodworking fundamentals through the creation of a custom cutting board. Students will apply essential milling and cutting techniques to build a unique, functional piece for their kitchen while gaining hands-on experience with core shop machinery. During the first session, you will mill lumber, cut your pieces to size, and complete the initial glue-up. In the second session, you will refine your design using various shaping and profiling tools to achieve a finished, professional look. This project serves as an excellent intermediate step for those interested in advancing toward furniture projects like box-making. This class is designed for individuals who have already completed a woodshop introduction or possess a strong familiarity with the jointer, planer, and table saw. The environment is focused and collaborative, making it ideal for makers looking to sharpen their precision and confidence. If you meet the safety prerequisites and want to take your woodworking skills to the next level, sign up now to secure your spot in this intensive, two-day training course.

Mindful Museum is a guided wellness program that connects art observation with mindfulness practices. This seasonal event invites participants to explore themes found within our permanent collection to encourage deeper self reflection and mental clarity during the busy summer months. Each session begins with a focused look at a selected piece of art. Facilitators will lead attendees through a structured observation process designed to sharpen awareness and aesthetic appreciation. Following this exploration, you will participate in a guided meditation session tailored to the mood and narrative of the featured artwork. These activities help foster a sense of calm and provide practical tools for integrating mindfulness into your daily life. This event is open to everyone regardless of prior experience with meditation or art history. Whether you are seeking a quiet break from your routine or a unique way to engage with our gallery, you will find a supportive and tranquil atmosphere here. We encourage you to join us to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. Please reserve your spot online to ensure your place in this restorative experience.

Fiber Art: Through the Ages is a curated exhibition and reception celebrating the evolution of textile crafts. This event showcases a diverse collection of vintage items spanning from the 1860s to the present day, highlighting the history and artistry behind various needlework traditions. Attendees will view a rare assortment of historical pieces including an 1860s Penny rug, 1890s Crazy Quilts, and a 1936 feed sack quilt. The collection also features crochet, needlepoint, rag rugs, and handmade clothing sourced from estate sales and thrift shops. A special feature of the display includes handmade contributions from On The Mend, a group based at the local senior center that supports hospital patients through craft. This reception is designed for history enthusiasts, textile artists, and anyone interested in the preservation of traditional crafts. The atmosphere is educational and welcoming, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the stories behind these vintage treasures. Join us to appreciate the dedication of collectors like Joy Masepoli and support the community efforts of the On The Mend project. We look forward to seeing you at this celebration of fiber arts heritage.

Get ready to experience the vibrant sounds of summer at the Live After 5 concert series. This highly anticipated community event returns to downtown Raleigh, offering a spectacular lineup of live music designed to bring neighbors and visitors together. Featuring the talented band River Shook, this performance promises an evening of high energy and great entertainment. The event series takes place at various iconic locations throughout the city, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable night out with friends and family. Beyond the incredible music, attendees can enjoy a variety of delicious offerings from local food trucks parked on site. Whether you are looking to unwind after a long week or simply want to soak in the summer atmosphere, this concert series is the place to be. Please note that dates have been adjusted to accommodate local festivities, so be sure to check the schedule carefully. We invite you to grab your lawn chairs, invite your friends, and join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars. Visit our website today to view the full performance schedule and plan your visit to downtown Raleigh.

Experience the ultimate culinary celebration at the Durham Foodie Fare, a monthly pop-up market brought to you by The MAKRS Society. Held at the iconic Durham Central Park, this vibrant event showcases the best of North Carolina through a carefully curated selection of local makers, artists, and small businesses. Whether you are searching for one-of-a-kind handmade goods or looking to discover talented local artisans, this recurring market offers something special for every visitor. Attendees can enjoy an energetic atmosphere filled with live music and a bustling community spirit that highlights the creative talent found throughout the region. A major highlight of the evening is the impressive gathering of over twenty diverse food trucks, serving up delicious culinary creations that satisfy every palate. This free, family-friendly event takes place on select Fridays from March through December, providing the perfect setting for an evening out with friends or family. We invite you to join us at 501 Foster Street to support local vendors and experience the unique charm of Durham. Mark your calendars and come be a part of our thriving local marketplace.

Celebrate the vibrant season of stone fruits at the Plum Perfect Party, taking place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Plant in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This community gathering invites everyone to honor the harvest in a lively, outdoor setting that captures the essence of summer. Attendees can enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with seasonal inspiration, live music, and the opportunity to engage with local artisans and producers who share a passion for sustainable agriculture and fresh ingredients. While admission to this delightful event is entirely free, guests are encouraged to explore a variety of delicious offerings available for purchase. You can sample unique plum-inspired culinary creations and refreshing beverages while soaking in the energy of the local food scene. Whether you are a dedicated food enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable way to spend a Saturday evening with friends and family, this celebration offers something for everyone. Make plans to join us at The Plant and experience this flavorful tradition firsthand. We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of community, music, and seasonal joy.

Once Upon a Child in Cary, North Carolina, is excited to host a special community event titled Take What You Need on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. This unique opportunity invites every customer to select up to ten marked clearance items completely free of charge. No purchase is required to participate in this generous giveaway, though the offer is available only while supplies last. Whether you are preparing your child for the upcoming school season or simply looking to update their wardrobe, this event provides the perfect chance to save on quality children clothing. The store operates from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and we encourage guests to arrive early to ensure the best selection of available inventory. To ensure as many families as possible can benefit from this initiative, we kindly ask that all participants limit themselves to one visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our Maynard Road location for this fantastic shopping opportunity. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of incredible savings and community support.

The 2026 KX Kids Consignment Sale is a massive retail event featuring thousands of items for families at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. It serves as a centralized marketplace where over sixteen hundred families sell their children's goods, offering shoppers a chance to purchase high-quality items at discounted prices. Attendees can browse over a mile of clothing racks and hundreds of tables stocked with toys, books, games, and essential baby supplies. Available inventory includes strollers, car seats, nursery furniture, and various sports equipment. This event offers a convenient, one-stop shopping experience for everything a growing child needs. This sale is ideal for parents and guardians seeking affordable, gently used items in a high-volume retail setting. Admission is free, though all attendees must register online or upon arrival to enter. Please save your email confirmation or a screenshot to show at the door for entry. For the most accurate shopping schedule, early bird access opportunities, and information on how to become a seller or volunteer, please visit the official event website.

Experience the creative heartbeat of the community at the Durham Craft Market, held weekly at Durham Central Park. This vibrant outdoor gathering celebrates local artistry by showcasing a diverse selection of handmade goods created by talented artisans residing within thirty miles of the city. Whether you are searching for one of a kind jewelry, unique home decor, or thoughtful gifts, you will find exceptional quality and craftsmanship at every booth. Since its inception in 2006, this artist run collective has blossomed into a premier destination for those who value supporting local talent and authentic connections. The market operates on Saturday mornings, providing the perfect setting to enjoy a stroll through the park while discovering the best regional talent. It is a wonderful opportunity for neighbors and visitors alike to engage directly with makers and learn about their creative processes. Admission is completely free, making it an accessible way to spend your morning. We invite you to join us at 501 Foster Street to explore the treasures our local creators have to offer and support the thriving arts scene in Durham.