Open Farm at Sunrise Community Farm Center

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!

Experience the bounty of the region at the Durham Farmers Market, a vibrant hub dedicated to local agriculture and community connection. Located at 501 Foster Street, this market features produce and goods sourced from within a seventy-mile radius. It is a fantastic destination for families and food enthusiasts looking to support local growers while enjoying fresh, seasonal ingredients in the heart of Durham. We are excited to announce our upcoming Triple Bucks Days on July 25 and August 8, 2026. This special event allows SNAP, WIC, Senior FMNP, and SUN Bucks participants to triple their benefits, turning ten dollars into thirty dollars worth of market tokens. Whether you use your benefits, cash, or card, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on high-quality local food before the program concludes at the end of August. Please visit our information table upon arrival to receive your tokens and take full advantage of this generous matching program. Join us from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to celebrate our community and enjoy everything our local farmers have to offer. We look forward to seeing you there.

Join the community for the Sharewear event hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1524 Jenkins Road, Wake Forest, on August 8, 2026. This wonderful initiative provides individuals and families with free access to clothing, bedding, and essential school supplies to help prepare for the upcoming academic year. Everyone is welcome to participate in this shopping experience, where all items are provided completely free of charge to those in need. Beyond providing support, the event serves as a platform for neighbors to help neighbors. If you have gently used items you wish to donate, please drop them off on Friday, August 7, 2026, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. or from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Your generous contributions make this event possible and ensure that everyone starts their season with dignity and necessary resources. We encourage you to invite your friends and family to join us for a day of giving and community spirit. Mark your calendars and be part of this impactful gathering designed to strengthen our local neighborhood.

First Responders Day at New Hope Valley Railway invites the community to honor local emergency services on Saturday August 8. This event brings together the Town of Apex Fire Department, Apex Police Department, and Wake County EMS to foster connection and appreciation for those who keep the community safe. Attendees can participate in a hands-on touch a truck experience featuring emergency vehicles. Guests are encouraged to climb inside the trucks and interact directly with the first responders. You will hear personal stories, learn practical safety tips, and explore the specialized equipment used by these professionals. Scenic train rides are also scheduled for departure at 10:30am and 12:00pm, providing a relaxing way to enjoy the railway grounds during the event. This family friendly day is designed for residents of all ages who want to engage with local heroes in a fun environment. The atmosphere is educational and welcoming, making it an excellent opportunity to learn about public safety firsthand. Tickets are available for purchase through the official TriangleTrain website. Ensure you secure your spots early for this engaging community experience.

Experience the bounty of urban agriculture at Raleigh City Farm, a vibrant nonprofit dedicated to sustainable growing and community connection. Located on a beautifully reclaimed lot in Downtown Raleigh, the farm invites you to participate in our weekly Farm Stand every Wednesday from April through October. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., browse our seasonal, freshly harvested produce offered through a unique pay what you can model, ensuring everyone in our community has access to healthy, locally grown food. Extend your visit by joining our weekly Wine and Weeds gathering starting at 6 p.m. This hands-on experience allows you to help steward our 1.2-acre site, learn about the principles of regenerative agriculture, and connect with fellow community members. It is a wonderful way to give back to the land while enjoying a refreshing beverage provided by local partners. We encourage you to sign up online in advance to secure your spot for this enriching experience. Come discover the roots of your food, meet our dedicated team, and grow with us this season in the heart of the city.

Experience the unique intersection of urban agriculture and community connection at Raleigh City Farm during our weekly Wine plus Weeds gatherings. Located on a vibrant one acre site in downtown Raleigh, this event invites farm friends to steward our land while learning about regenerative agriculture and sustainable plant care. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your knowledge of local farming practices while making meaningful new connections within the community. Each session takes place every Wednesday from April through October. We provide a welcoming space where you can get your hands dirty, help maintain our beautiful site, and enjoy a complimentary splash of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage provided by Wine Authorities. This is a recurring invitation to relax, learn, and contribute to the growth of the next generation of farmers. Capacity is limited for these popular sessions, so please visit our website to sign up ahead of time and reserve your spot. We look forward to seeing you at the farm this season.

Experience the charm of country life at Haven Farm located at 8521 Buffaloe Road in Knightdale, North Carolina. We invite you to join us for our recurring Front Porch Fridays, taking place every Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through October 30, 2026. This wonderful community gathering offers a relaxing atmosphere where friends and families can unwind and enjoy the rustic beauty of our farm setting. Best of all, attendance for these events is completely free for everyone. For those looking for an extra touch of adventure, join us on the first Friday of each month for our special free campouts. Simply pack your tent and gear to enjoy an overnight stay under the stars, followed by a refreshing cup of coffee at our farm shop the next morning. It is the perfect opportunity for families to create lasting memories together in a peaceful environment. Be sure to follow our official Facebook page for the latest updates regarding weather adjustments or event news. We look forward to seeing you at the farm soon for an unforgettable evening under the open sky.

First Responders Day at New Hope Valley Railway invites the community to honor local emergency services on Saturday August 8. This event brings together the Town of Apex Fire Department, Apex Police Department, and Wake County EMS to foster connection and appreciation for those who keep the community safe. Attendees can participate in a hands-on touch a truck experience featuring emergency vehicles. Guests are encouraged to climb inside the trucks and interact directly with the first responders. You will hear personal stories, learn practical safety tips, and explore the specialized equipment used by these professionals. Scenic train rides are also scheduled for departure at 10:30am and 12:00pm, providing a relaxing way to enjoy the railway grounds during the event. This family friendly day is designed for residents of all ages who want to engage with local heroes in a fun environment. The atmosphere is educational and welcoming, making it an excellent opportunity to learn about public safety firsthand. Tickets are available for purchase through the official TriangleTrain website. Ensure you secure your spots early for this engaging community experience.

The August Market on the Videri Patio is a recurring local event held at the Videri Chocolate Factory. This monthly gathering provides a dedicated space for community members to browse and purchase unique goods directly from talented area makers and craftspeople. It serves as an opportunity to support the local creative economy while enjoying a morning in an open air setting. Attendees can explore a diverse selection of local goods including jewelry, art, leatherwork, and vinyl records. Featured vendors this month include Riot Ryann, Singe Studios, Righteous Gems, Madeline Designs, Crop Designs, Walamob, Moroso Leatherworks, No Room Records, Lazy Lamb Art, and Raleigh Gal Art. The event layout encourages an easy flow between displays, allowing visitors to engage directly with the creators behind the products. This market is designed for anyone who appreciates handmade quality and wants to spend a relaxed morning connecting with their city. The atmosphere is casual and community focused. We encourage you to bring a friend to explore these collections and enjoy the patio environment. Please join us to discover what local makers are currently crafting.

Experience a journey into the past at the Historic Yates Mill County Park. As the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County, this site offers a rare glimpse into 200 years of agricultural history. Visitors are invited to step inside the mill to witness the intricate inner workings of the historic machinery while learning about the essential role these mills played in shaping early local communities. Our knowledgeable historic interpreters will be on-site to share fascinating stories and answer any questions you may have about the mill operations. Beyond the historic structure, the park provides an expansive 174-acre wildlife refuge for all to enjoy. Whether you choose to walk the scenic trails, explore the beautiful gardens, or simply relax in the picnic area, there is something for everyone. This drop-in event is completely free and perfect for a family outing or a peaceful solo retreat into nature. Please note that space inside the mill is limited to twenty guests at a time. Plan your visit today and discover the rich heritage of this remarkable landmark.