Stroll Through History: Free Cemetery Tours at Historic Oakwood Cemetery

The KidsWrite! Festival 2026 is an annual showcase where Burning Coal Theatre presents professional productions of one-act plays written by young playwrights from across North Carolina. This initiative aims to foster creative expression in youth by bringing their original stories to the professional stage. Directed by Zoe Matney and Christina Polge, this year features a diverse lineup of nine new works. The program includes performances of Focus by Eliza Basch, And I Feel Fine by Jonathan Noah Howard, Today I Feel Like Death by Taite Capes, Hope in Faith by Mia Hayes, and A Love Letter by Talia Tran. Additionally, the festival showcases Split Screen by Simon Payen, Roulette by Neile Joshi, Apollo’s Great Adventure by Del Traylor, and Karmic Sickness by Samantha Allard. This event is designed for theater enthusiasts, families, and supporters of youth arts education. Attendees can expect a high-energy environment celebrating fresh perspectives and emerging talent. We invite you to witness these unique creative visions firsthand. Please join us at Burning Coal Theatre to support these budding playwrights as they debut their work in a professional setting.

Bridge Fellowship Church is hosting a FREE Vacation Bible School for kids this summer in Southeast Raleigh! Dates: June 22–26, 2026 Times: 6:00–8:00 PM each evening Location: 3060 Hammond Business Place, Suite 121, Raleigh, NC 27610 Cost: Completely FREE and open to all families in the community Ages: Kindergarten through 6th Grade Five nights of Bible stories, worship, crafts, games, and fun built around one big idea — God is bigger than your kids can imagine, and He sees and loves every one of them. Register free (takes 2 minutes): https://bridgefellowshipraleigh.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/223010145 Questions? Call 919-679-1222 or visit bridgefellowshipchurch.com

Join us for an official Carolina Hurricanes playoff watch party as we broadcast the live game on our large screens. This event brings fans together to support the team during the high stakes postseason atmosphere. The evening is dedicated to communal viewing and celebrating every goal in a shared space designed for supporters. You can expect high definition video coverage and premium audio throughout the venue. We will offer game day specials on food and drinks for all guests in attendance. Our setup ensures an immersive experience where you can enjoy the action alongside fellow fans without missing a single play. Whether you are a season ticket holder or a casual viewer, this watch party is the ideal place to experience the intensity of playoff hockey. We provide a central location for the local community to gather and rally behind the Hurricanes. Secure your spot early to ensure the best view of the screens and join the crowd for this exciting matchup. Come be a part of the energy and help us cheer the team toward a victory.

Wrestle With Jimmy is a live entertainment showcase featuring high energy wrestling performances paired with a curated selection of upbeat musical tracks. This event provides a unique experience that blends athletic choreography with live sound to create a dynamic atmosphere for all guests. Attendees can expect a series of fast paced wrestling matches featuring professional performers dedicated to precision and physical storytelling. Each segment is carefully timed to music ensuring a consistent level of intensity throughout the evening. The production focuses on delivering clear visual action and maintaining a high level of engagement for the entire crowd. This event is designed for fans of live performance arts and those looking for an interactive night out. The environment is upbeat and fast moving making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a lively evening. We welcome individuals and groups to join us for this presentation of talent and athleticism. Secure your tickets now to be part of this experience and enjoy a memorable show that keeps the energy high from the start to the final bell.

Experience the charm of Chapel Hill at The Carolina Inn with the return of the beloved Fridays on the Front Porch series. This recurring event invites guests to enjoy an exceptional outdoor concert series situated on the historic University of North Carolina campus. Spanning from May through October, this series offers the perfect way to kick off your weekend with live performances in a relaxed and picturesque setting. Whether you are looking for a casual outing or a rhythmic escape, this gathering captures the essence of community and seasonal joy. Beyond the melodies, attendees can indulge in a variety of delicious offerings from rotating local food trucks parked on site. This event is entirely free to attend, making it an accessible destination for music lovers of all ages. We encourage you to visit the historic Carolina Inn to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy top tier local entertainment under the open sky. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable series of summer evenings. We look forward to welcoming you to the front porch.

Discover the charm of Historic Yates Mill County Park, a breathtaking 174-acre wildlife refuge located in the heart of Raleigh. As the home of the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County, this site offers a unique glimpse into centuries of local history and agricultural ingenuity. During the Mill Open House, visitors are invited to step inside this National Register of Historic Places landmark to explore its intricate inner workings and learn from expert historic interpreters about the traditional milling process that served the community for over two hundred years. Beyond the mill itself, the park provides an expansive landscape for discovery, featuring scenic walking trails, serene gardens, and the Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center. Whether you are interested in guided tours, handcrafting workshops, or simply enjoying a peaceful day in nature, there is something here for every visitor to enjoy. We encourage you to visit our website to view the full calendar of upcoming programs and secure your spot for guided activities. Come explore this extraordinary destination today and connect with the rich heritage that defines our community.

Step back in time at Historic Yates Mill County Park, a breathtaking 174-acre wildlife refuge and environmental research center located in Raleigh. As the home of the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County, the park offers a unique window into history. This beautifully restored site features a working mill that has been grinding grain for over two centuries, providing visitors with a fascinating look at traditional agricultural technology and rural community life. We invite you to join us for our upcoming Mill Open House events. These drop-in sessions allow you to explore the historic mill, engage with our knowledgeable interpreters, and witness the inner workings of this remarkable landmark. Beyond the mill, the park offers endless opportunities for discovery, including scenic walking trails, peaceful picnic areas, and educational programs centered on local wildlife conservation. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or outdoor recreation, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. Experience the charm of North Carolina heritage firsthand. Visit our website today to view the full schedule of upcoming programs and plan your next adventure at this extraordinary local treasure.

The Wake County Historical Society invites you to its annual meeting featuring a presentation by authors Mary Ruffin Hanbury and Ian Dunn. Following a brief business session, the speakers will discuss their book, Lost Raleigh: Exploring the Oak City's Architecture. This event explores the history of significant Raleigh landmarks that have been demolished over the centuries. Hanbury and Dunn provide a comprehensive look at the city's architectural past by sharing photographs and stories of lost homes, public buildings, and businesses. Attendees will gain insight into how these structures shaped Raleigh identity from the late eighteenth century through the twentieth century. The discussion also highlights the importance of historic preservation in maintaining community character today. This event is ideal for local historians, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolving story of Raleigh. The atmosphere is educational, welcoming, and perfect for those looking to connect with others who share a passion for local heritage. Join us to learn more about the city we call home and the efforts required to preserve its unique history.

Family-Friendly Tours offer an engaging way for children and their guardians to explore art and history together through short interactive sessions. These tours are designed to spark curiosity while providing a comfortable environment for younger visitors to discover new interests. Participants will spend thirty minutes viewing selected highlights and engaging in playful discussions led by our expert staff. This experience is specifically curated to keep younger minds active and focused during a compact window of time. By focusing on storytelling and observation rather than dense lectures, we ensure a meaningful experience that avoids common museum fatigue. These sessions are best suited for children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are accompanied by an adult. The environment is welcoming, social, and specifically organized to encourage active participation from the entire family group. Whether you are a first time visitor or a regular guest, these tours provide a fresh perspective on our collection. Reserve your spot today to ensure a memorable and educational outing for your entire family.

The Holly Springs History and Hops Tour is a guided walking experience that combines local craft beer tasting with a deep dive into the history of this charming Wake County community. Led by expert Natalie Hampton, this tour offers a unique way to discover the heritage and evolving culture of the area while visiting established local breweries. Participants will explore downtown Holly Springs, visit notable historic sites including an antebellum home with Civil War significance, and enjoy local craft beverages at their own pace. The flexible format allows guests to choose their preferred drink options, such as pints or flights, at stops like the women owned Bombshell Beer Company. This event is perfect for craft beer enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking for a relaxed outdoor activity in a vibrant town setting. It provides an engaging, educational, and social atmosphere for small groups. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot in advance to ensure participation. Attendees may also enjoy the local baseball game scheduled for later in the afternoon.

Join the Historic Smithfield Foundation for a significant cultural milestone as we host the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the restored Freedmen's Schoolhouse. This historic landmark, originally constructed in 1868-1869 by the Freedmen's Bureau, stands as the only known surviving schoolhouse of its kind in North Carolina. The event begins at 11 a.m. on June 19, 2026, at the First Missionary Baptist Church. We are honored to welcome keynote speaker Dr. Crystal R. Sanders, an award-winning historian and professor whose expertise in African American history and civil rights provides a powerful perspective on this site's importance. Following the address, guests are invited to participate in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and explore the schoolhouse during guided tours at 308 North Fourth Street. This preservation achievement represents nearly a decade of collaboration and community dedication to honoring our local heritage. We warmly invite students, history enthusiasts, and the entire public to witness this inspiring tribute to education and resilience. Please mark your calendars for this momentous celebration of history, and join us in ensuring the legacy of the Freedmen's Schoolhouse continues to educate future generations.