The Raleigh Market

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 an unforgettable evening at Boxyard RTP as Taking Back Thursday returns with a special residency featuring The Forryst Bruthers. This unique performance showcases the talented multi-instrumentalist and producer Mark Simonsen, known for his work with The Old Ceremony and The Dead Tongues. Attendees can enjoy an authentic Americana sound set against the backdrop of the innovative BeatBox stage, a covered pavilion perfectly suited for live music within this remarkable cargotecture development. Boxyard RTP offers an immersive atmosphere constructed from upcycled shipping containers, creating a vibrant hub for the community to gather. Guests are encouraged to explore the diverse range of food and beverage vendors onsite while enjoying the performance. Whether you are looking for a relaxing night out or an opportunity to support local musicians, this residency provides the perfect environment for music lovers in the Triangle area. Please visit the official Boxyard RTP website calendar to confirm event details and check for any schedule updates. We invite you to join us for this series running every Thursday in August from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a memorable musical experience.

Join the Orange County Arts Commission for the highly anticipated grand reopening of the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough. After a year of dedicated recovery following storm damage, this vibrant creative hub is thrilled to welcome the community back to its studios and gallery space. The festivities kick off on August 7, 2026, marking the return of the popular First Friday event series which showcases new exhibits, poetry readings, and live performances. This special event also features the Chrysalis exhibit, highlighting the resilience of local artists who were impacted during the closure. Beyond the grand opening, the Eno Arts Mill serves as a vital center for community creativity, offering a diverse range of classes including fiber arts, drama, and figure drawing. Whether you are an art enthusiast or looking for a family-friendly cultural experience, this event provides the perfect opportunity to explore the renovated space and engage with talented regional creators. We invite you to visit us from 6 to 9 p.m. to celebrate renewal and the enduring power of the arts. Visit our website for full details and updates on upcoming programming.

Join the Town of Garner for an engaging outdoor experience with our monthly First Friday Bird Walks. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned birdwatcher, these guided excursions offer a fantastic opportunity to explore local nature while learning to identify various bird species. Participants will discover fascinating details about bird behaviors, their preferred habitats, and the importance of our local ecosystem, all while enjoying a relaxing morning walk through scenic park settings. Sessions take place on the first Friday of every month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., alternating between the serene landscapes of Lake Benson Park and the White Deer Park Classroom. Please note that the July session is scheduled for the second Friday to accommodate the holiday. While these walks are entirely free to attend, registration is required to participate in each session. We invite you to connect with nature, sharpen your observational skills, and meet fellow wildlife enthusiasts in the community. Secure your spot today by visiting the registration links provided and prepare to explore the beauty of North Carolina wildlife with us.

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.

SLUTFEST 2026 is a two-day festival dedicated to live entertainment, music, and alternative performance art. The event focuses on celebrating self-expression and body positivity through a curated underground experience for the local creative community. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup featuring live musical acts and experimental performance artists. The program kicks off with a pre-party including DJ sets and interactive themed contests. Throughout the main event, visitors will have access to unique vendor stalls and various immersive installations scattered across the festival grounds. This festival is specifically designed for adults looking to engage with an energetic and unconventional atmosphere. It is the perfect opportunity for those who value artistic expression, creative spectacles, and a supportive, inclusive community environment. Please note that this event is strictly for individuals aged 18 and older. All guests must provide valid identification for entry upon arrival. We invite you to join us for a weekend of discovery and celebration in a space built for bold, authentic individuals. Secure your tickets now to participate in this unique gathering and experience a standout showcase of underground talent and modern performance art.

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.

Experience the ultimate treasure hunt at The Raleigh Market, located at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Every weekend, this vibrant destination brings together hundreds of indoor and outdoor vendors offering an eclectic mix of high-end antiques, jewelry, power tools, and unique artwork. With over 50 years of history, it remains a premier destination for shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind finds in the heart of the region. Beyond the shopping, guests are invited to indulge in a rotating selection of local food trucks, classic fair favorites, and fresh farm stands. Whether you are searching for rare collectibles or simply looking for a fun day out with family and friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this sprawling market. Admission and parking are completely free, making it an accessible and exciting way to spend your Saturday or Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Make sure to follow The Raleigh Market on Facebook for the latest updates on participating vendors and special event happenings. Plan your visit today and come hungry to discover your next great find at the fairgrounds.