Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival

Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.

Taste Of Chaos live at The Ritz in Raleigh on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM. All ages.

James and Joel Great American Songwriters is a musical tribute concert dedicated to the legendary catalogues of James Taylor and Billy Joel. This event showcases the enduring impact of these iconic American artists through live performances of their most celebrated hits. Award winning songwriter and multi instrumentalist Clay Mottley performs a selection of timeless classics including Fire and Rain Carolina in My Mind Piano Man and She is Always a Woman. Mottley delivers these songs with fresh arrangements that highlight his musical proficiency and deep personal appreciation for both songwriters. Attendees can expect an intimate evening focused on storytelling through melody and lyrical mastery. This show is designed for fans of classic soft rock and singer songwriter traditions who appreciate skilled musicianship. The atmosphere is professional and engaging making it an ideal outing for music lovers looking to enjoy a high quality performance in a comfortable setting. Secure your tickets now to experience this heartfelt tribute to two of the most influential figures in music history. Join us for an evening of familiar favorites and masterful live artistry.

This concert features a high energy lineup of hardcore punk bands performing live at the venue. Fans of aggressive music and the underground scene should attend to see a collection of prominent touring acts and regional favorites in one setting. The event serves as a showcase for established bands and emerging talent within the hardcore community. The performance features Seattle legends Iron Lung headlining the night. They are joined by Washington DC hardcore group Hologram, Charlotte based band Cause of Death, and the Raleigh punk outfit Plastique Pigs. Attendees can expect a fast paced show with back to back sets from each act. This lineup offers a diverse range of sounds from within the hardcore genre. This show is intended for music fans who appreciate loud and intense live performances. The atmosphere will be energetic and focused on the music. Please arrive early to ensure you catch every band on the schedule. Tickets are available for purchase online and at the door while supplies last. Join us for a night of live music and support these touring artists.

Experience the rich agricultural heritage of Johnston County at the 77th annual Benson Mule Days, running from Thursday, September 24, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Located just a short drive south of Raleigh in the charming town of Benson, this historic festival celebrates the significant role the mule has played in our rural farming history. This multi-day celebration offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with entertainment for all ages. Visitors can look forward to a packed schedule featuring exciting rodeos, lively musical performances, a traditional parade, carnival rides, and a diverse array of local art and vendors. The event spans across downtown Benson and the Chamber Park Arena, offering a mix of ticketed attractions and complimentary activities. Guests are invited to enjoy the parade, live music, trolley rides, and stable tours at no additional cost, making it an accessible outing for the entire community. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, this festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in southern culture. Plan your trip to Benson today and join us for this beloved tradition. Visit our website for a complete schedule of events and ticket information.

Experience the charm and tradition of the 77th annual Benson Mule Days, held in the heart of Johnston County, North Carolina, from September 24 through September 27, 2026. This long-standing festival honors the historical significance of the mule in rural farming culture, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern entertainment that appeals to visitors of all ages. Guests can immerse themselves in an energetic weekend featuring traditional rodeos, a spectacular parade, thrilling carnival rides, and a vibrant local art showcase. The event provides an inviting atmosphere where attendees can explore local vendor stalls, enjoy live music performances, and participate in a variety of family-friendly activities. While some specific events require admission fees, many of the festival highlights, including the grand parade, trolley rides, and stable tours, are completely free to the public. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from the greater Raleigh area, Benson Mule Days promises an unforgettable community celebration. Plan your visit to downtown Benson and the Chamber Park Arena today to celebrate this enduring Southern tradition.

Experience the vibrant spirit of Hillsborough during the Last Fridays Art Walk, a monthly celebration of local creativity held on the last Friday of every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rain or shine, this community event invites you to wander through downtown, where art galleries, artist studios, and fine jewelers open their doors to showcase incredible talent. Whether you are browsing unique boutique shops or enjoying award winning dining, the atmosphere is electric and welcoming to all. The event comes alive with diverse entertainment, including live music, circus performances, and spoken word poetry. From May through October, visitors can also explore the Makers Market on the Old Courthouse lawn, featuring over twenty local vendors. Additionally, the Live on the Lawn series provides a fantastic soundtrack to your evening stroll. It is the perfect opportunity to engage with the local art scene and support Hillsborough businesses. We encourage you to visit the Hillsborough Arts Council website today to view the full list of participating venues and plan your visit for the next scheduled date. Join us for an unforgettable evening in the heart of our community.

Total Tot Time offers an engaging and inclusive environment for children ages five and under along with their parents or caregivers. Held at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center in Durham, this recurring program provides a perfect space for little ones to socialize, explore, and stay active in a safe, indoor setting. The gymnasium is transformed into a playground where children can enjoy fun activities like tunnels, parachutes, and active games designed to foster development and joy. This community-focused initiative is entirely free and requires no advance registration, making it a convenient option for local families looking to spend quality time together. Whether your child is learning to crawl or ready to jump and bowl, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Join us every Monday and Wednesday morning to build connections and create lasting memories in an energetic setting. We encourage all parents and guardians to stop by and participate in this wonderful opportunity for early childhood interaction. We look forward to seeing your family there for a morning of active play and community building.

The City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services team is hosting a giveaway event at Millbrook Exchange Park to provide residents with free biodegradable paper yard waste bags. This initiative supports the city goal of efficient waste management by supplying tools for proper yard debris disposal this fall. Each attendee will receive five free bags while supplies last. During the event, staff members will be available to answer questions regarding the new Enhanced Weekly Yard Waste Pickup service. You can learn how this program impacts your routine and how to participate correctly. The primary goal is to provide useful resources directly to the community while ensuring residents feel informed and prepared for the upcoming season of yard maintenance. This event is perfect for Raleigh residents looking to maintain their property efficiently and sustainably. It offers a quick, convenient opportunity to gather supplies and gain clarity on city service updates. Please join us at the park to pick up your bags and speak with our team. We look forward to assisting you with your waste management needs and providing helpful information for your home and local environment.

Migrating Monarchs is an educational program exploring the annual journey of Monarch butterflies as they travel south. Participants will discover the critical role of protected habitats in sustaining this migration while learning about local conservation efforts at Prairie Ridge. The event provides a hands-on look at the environments that support these pollinators during their long trek. The experience begins in the Nature Neighborhood Garden to examine habitat stewardship. We will then transition into the prairie to observe and count butterflies in the wild. Attendees may have the chance to assist in catching and releasing live Monarchs for data collection. Throughout the session, we will introduce collaborative science initiatives like the Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project and Monarch Watch. These activities demonstrate how public participation contributes to meaningful environmental research and data gathering. This family friendly program is designed for nature enthusiasts of all ages interested in wildlife conservation. You will gain a deeper understanding of butterfly ecology and the importance of native plant spaces. Join us to support these essential pollinators and contribute to ongoing scientific research. Please prepare for time spent outdoors in the prairie.