Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival

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!

The Amplify Health 6th Annual End of Summer Bash is a community celebration held in honor of National Health Center Week. This public event serves as a festive gathering to mark the end of the season while supporting local health outreach efforts. Attendees can look forward to a full day of entertainment designed for guests of all ages. The lineup features live performances from Cirque de Vol, Magic by David, Apex Skip-Its, and the Alternative Dance Group. Guests will also have access to various food options, interactive inflatables, and raffle prizes throughout the day. This event is open to the entire community and offers a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere suitable for residents of all backgrounds. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with neighbors while enjoying high-quality local talent and activities. To ensure you receive the latest event updates and participate in the activities, please complete the required RSVP form found below. We look forward to welcoming you and your family for this memorable day of community connection and celebration.

Notes on View is a pop-up concert series at the NC Museum of Art that connects live musical performances to specific works on display. This initiative invites visitors to experience the museum galleries through an integrated blend of sound and visual art, fostering a unique environment for creativity and shared exploration. Attendees will enjoy a 40-minute performance featuring guitarist Eduardo de Rosamaria. As an internationally recognized classical and flamenco musician with extensive experience performing across North America and Spain, Stephenson brings a diverse range of musical traditions to this gallery setting. The performance is specifically curated to respond to the art, providing a fresh perspective on the pieces currently on view in the museum. This event is ideal for art enthusiasts, music lovers, and anyone seeking a contemplative yet engaging cultural experience. The atmosphere is designed to be accessible and thought-provoking, offering a departure from the traditional gallery walk. If you are interested in witnessing how music can illuminate visual art, join us for this special performance at the NC Museum of Art. We look forward to welcoming you to this creative gallery session.

Dom Flemons presents the Bronze Buckaroo Film and Songster Show, a multimedia performance exploring the legacy of Black cowboys and American roots music. This production combines live musical performance with historic film to examine the contributions of Black artists throughout history. The show provides a unique educational and artistic experience centered on cultural preservation and storytelling. The program features two distinct acts. The first act pairs tracks from the Grammy nominated album Black Cowboys with segments from the 1939 film The Bronze Buckaroo. The second act highlights a century of Black American roots traditions, including folk, blues, country, and bluegrass. Flemons integrates his own original work from the album Traveling Wildfire with deep historical scholarship to provide context to these musical forms. This event is designed for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the evolving narrative of American roots music. The atmosphere is engaging and informative, offering a comprehensive look at the influence of Black musicians on national identity. Attendees are invited to join this insightful journey into the past. Please secure your tickets early to ensure participation in this professional performance series.

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.

Lump is hosting a surprise pop up group exhibition this weekend to celebrate our final First Friday event. This show serves as a celebratory transition period before our official move to plum, offering a unique opportunity to experience our space one last time in its current form. Attendees can expect a diverse showcase of artistic works featuring various contributors from our local community. The exhibition highlights the creative spirit that has defined Lump throughout its tenure. Visitors will have the chance to engage with the art, explore the gallery space, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts during this casual open house. This event is open to all members of the public who enjoy contemporary art and community gatherings. The atmosphere will be lively and welcoming, making it an ideal destination for your weekend plans. Whether you are a longtime supporter or a first time visitor, this is a significant moment to join us for a final farewell. We encourage everyone to drop by during our operating hours to share in this experience. We look forward to seeing you there for this special milestone.

Discover the vibrant spirit of Durham at the Durham Craft Market, a premier outdoor destination held at Durham Central Park. This juried, artist-run collective celebrates local creativity by showcasing exceptional handmade goods from talented artisans who live and work within thirty miles of the city. Whether you are searching for unique jewelry, original artwork, or handcrafted home decor, you will find high-quality pieces that reflect the heart of our community. The market serves as a wonderful space for neighbors and visitors to connect while supporting the local economy. Experience a lively atmosphere as you browse booths featuring over fifty diverse artists each weekend. It is an ideal way to spend a Saturday morning outdoors while enjoying the ingenuity of our region. Admission is completely free, making it the perfect activity for everyone to enjoy together. Join us this weekend to shop small and discover your next favorite treasure. Please visit our website or social media channels for the most current schedule updates and to see which artists will be featured. We look forward to welcoming you to the Durham Craft Market soon.

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.