NC Jerk Fest: Celebrate Jamaican Culture

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!

Ignite your child's creativity this summer at the Music and Arts Camp held at Highland United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Designed for children who have completed kindergarten and older, this immersive five-day experience runs from August 3 to August 7, 2026. Participants will engage in a vibrant schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring daily singing sessions, hands-on art projects, worship activities, and plenty of time for games and outdoor play. We are thrilled to welcome back acclaimed choral clinician and composer Tom Shelton, who brings his extensive expertise from Westminster Choir College to guide our young singers throughout the week. This enriching program is priced at $225 for the full week, with sibling discounts available at $200 per child. This is an incredible opportunity for students to develop their musical talents and artistic expression in a supportive and fun environment. Spaces are limited for this popular community event, so early registration is highly encouraged to ensure your childs spot. Visit our website today to secure your registration and give your child a summer memory they will cherish forever.

Triangle Cinemas, located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, invites local families to enjoy a season of cinematic fun with our complimentary summer movie series. We are excited to present the hit film Penguins of Madagascar as part of our commitment to providing affordable entertainment for the community. These screenings are scheduled from Tuesday through Thursday, with select Fridays available from June 16 through August 20, 2026. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. with the main feature starting promptly at 10 a.m. each morning. To ensure a pleasant experience for all guests, we kindly request that no outside food or beverages be brought into the theater. Our concession stand will be fully stocked with a variety of snacks and refreshments for purchase. This program is a wonderful way for children to stay entertained and engaged throughout the summer break. We encourage you to visit our website to view the full schedule of upcoming films and discover more free or low-cost activities happening in the Triangle area. Join us at Triangle Cinemas for a memorable cinematic outing with your family today.

Join us at the Nasher Museum of Art for an enriching Bilingual Storytime, specifically designed for children ages 1 to 5 and their adult caregivers. This delightful program takes place on the first Thursday of every month and offers a unique opportunity for little ones to explore art in an accessible and engaging environment. Families will settle into our beautiful galleries to enjoy a captivating story read in both Spanish and English, fostering early language development and cultural appreciation. Following the reading, participants will engage in a short, interactive discussion about a selected artwork, followed by a fun, hands-on artmaking activity. This event is completely free and provides a wonderful way to introduce your child to the world of creativity and expression. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the Triangle area, we invite you to be part of this vibrant community experience. No registration is required, so please join us for an morning of storytelling and artistic exploration. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones at the museum soon.

Prepare for an exhilarating display of creativity and engineering at the annual Smithfield River Rat Regatta on the Neuse. This unique event invites participants to test their boat-making skills by constructing vessels using only cardboard, duct tape, and glue. Whether you are a master builder or a first-time competitor, this race promises a day of high-energy fun on the water. The competition officially kicks off at the Town Commons Boat Ramp and journeys toward the Highway 70 Bridge, offering a fantastic spectacle for all spectators. Space is limited, so we encourage all aspiring captains to secure their spot early. Visit the Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department to complete your pre-registration and review the official rulebook to ensure your craft is ready for the river. In the event of inclement weather, the race will be relocated to the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatic Center to keep the excitement going. Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable day in Smithfield. Do not miss your chance to be part of this adventurous community tradition and prove your design is built to last.

Experience the vibrant energy of the Apex Underground Market, a premier monthly gathering presented by The MAKRS Society. Running from March through December 2026, this dynamic event transforms the Sweetwater Town Center into a bustling hub of creativity and community spirit. Join us on the second Saturday of each month, with the exception of May when we host our celebration on the first Saturday, to explore a diverse array of offerings from more than thirty talented local vendors. Whether you are hunting for unique handmade crafts, searching for the perfect local gift, or simply looking to enjoy a lively atmosphere, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Guests can browse a variety of artisanal goods while soaking in the sounds of talented local live bands and sampling delicious selections from popular food vendors. This family friendly occasion is free to attend, making it the perfect way to spend your Saturday morning and afternoon. We invite you to bring your friends and family to support our local business community. Mark your calendars and come discover what makes the Triangle region so special at your next favorite local outing.

The Triangle Native American Film Festival is a showcase of cinema created by Native actors and directors. Hosted by the Triangle Native American Society for its second year, this event celebrates authentic storytelling and indigenous perspectives through film. Attendees can expect a diverse selection of programming throughout the day. The schedule includes fun animated shorts, compelling documentaries presented by PBS, and full length feature films ranging from romantic dramas to thrillers. The day begins at 11am with the screening of Pow and continues with A Sacred Thread, Borders, Seeds, and Sweet Summer Pow Wow, with additional slots scheduled for the afternoon. This festival is open to all members of the public who wish to experience rich cultural narratives on screen. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, providing a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary indigenous film in a community setting. Whether you are a film enthusiast or simply interested in discovering new stories, this event offers a valuable window into the artistic achievements of Native creators. Please join us for this day of screening and cultural exchange.

The Flash Tattoo Pop-Up is a recurring Thursday night event located at a local bar on Blount Street in downtown Raleigh. It serves as a unique opportunity to receive professional tattoos directly within a relaxed social setting. This event brings together the craft of mixology and tattoo artistry in one accessible location. Attendees can select a design from a curated flash sheet provided by our resident bartender and tattoo artist, Katie. Each tattoo is performed on-site using standard equipment, ensuring a clean and efficient process. This event allows guests to secure a distinctive piece of permanent art while enjoying the authentic atmosphere of a local neighborhood establishment. This event is designed for locals and visitors who appreciate spontaneous experiences and quality body art. The setting is informal, welcoming, and community-focused. Attendance is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Please plan to arrive early to secure your spot. We kindly ask that you bring cash for payment, as it is the preferred method for all tattoo services. Join us this Thursday for a memorable Raleigh experience.

Triangle Cinemas, located at 9500 Forum Drive in Raleigh, North Carolina, invites local families to enjoy a season of cinematic fun with our complimentary summer movie series. We are excited to present the hit film Penguins of Madagascar as part of our commitment to providing affordable entertainment for the community. These screenings are scheduled from Tuesday through Thursday, with select Fridays available from June 16 through August 20, 2026. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. with the main feature starting promptly at 10 a.m. each morning. To ensure a pleasant experience for all guests, we kindly request that no outside food or beverages be brought into the theater. Our concession stand will be fully stocked with a variety of snacks and refreshments for purchase. This program is a wonderful way for children to stay entertained and engaged throughout the summer break. We encourage you to visit our website to view the full schedule of upcoming films and discover more free or low-cost activities happening in the Triangle area. Join us at Triangle Cinemas for a memorable cinematic outing with your family today.

Join us at the Nasher Museum of Art for an enriching Bilingual Storytime, specifically designed for children ages 1 to 5 and their adult caregivers. This delightful program takes place on the first Thursday of every month and offers a unique opportunity for little ones to explore art in an accessible and engaging environment. Families will settle into our beautiful galleries to enjoy a captivating story read in both Spanish and English, fostering early language development and cultural appreciation. Following the reading, participants will engage in a short, interactive discussion about a selected artwork, followed by a fun, hands-on artmaking activity. This event is completely free and provides a wonderful way to introduce your child to the world of creativity and expression. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the Triangle area, we invite you to be part of this vibrant community experience. No registration is required, so please join us for an morning of storytelling and artistic exploration. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones at the museum soon.