Museums on Us: Free Weekend Admission at Marbles Kids Museum

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.

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.

Experience a day of wonder and exploration at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. This expansive eighty-four-acre campus offers an immersive environment where families can engage with hands-on exhibits covering physics, zoology, and aerospace. Children can discover the excitement of the Farmyard featuring goats and alpacas, marvel at the tropical beauty of the Butterfly House, or visit habitats for rescued bears and red wolves. Designed for curiosity and movement, the museum provides endless opportunities for kids to run, climb, and learn about the natural world. As part of our commitment to the local community, Durham County residents are invited to take advantage of free admission on scheduled Durham Community Days. This initiative ensures that families across the county can enjoy our interactive exhibits and unique scientific displays. Please remember that all adults must present valid proof of residency to participate in this offer. We encourage you to visit our website to view the full calendar of upcoming dates through 2026. Plan your visit today and join us for an inspiring experience that brings science and nature to life.

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University proudly presents the Monthly Reflections Tour, a specialized program crafted for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. This inclusive initiative provides a welcoming space to engage with art through a guided ninety-minute experience held on the second Tuesday of each month. Each session features a rotating theme designed specifically to support those with memory loss while ensuring full physical accessibility within our beautiful gallery setting. Participants are invited to explore the collection through meaningful conversation and creative activities that prioritize connection and discovery in a comfortable environment. Whether you are a regular visitor or joining us for the first time, this program offers a supportive community atmosphere where art becomes a bridge for shared experiences. We strive to make cultural enrichment accessible to everyone regardless of their health journey. Please note that while these tours are free, registration is required to ensure an optimal experience for all guests. To secure your spot or learn more about our upcoming monthly themes, please reach out to our team at reflections at duke dot edu. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nasher.

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.