The Scrap Exchange 35th Anniversary Celebration at Third Friday

Legendary rock band Deep Purple will perform live at the Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh. This concert offers fans an opportunity to experience iconic rock music in a premier open-air venue designed for live entertainment. Attendees can expect a full concert experience featuring classic hits and instrumental precision. The set will highlight the band signature sound, including soaring vocal performances, powerful percussion, and the famous interplay between organ and electric guitar. The production focuses on delivering a high-energy, authentic rock show rather than a standard stage performance. This event is ideal for classic rock enthusiasts and music lovers who appreciate seasoned musicianship. The Red Hat Amphitheater provides excellent sightlines and a convenient location within walking distance of downtown dining and transit options. Parking is available nearby to ensure easy access for all concertgoers. Secure your tickets now to witness one of the most influential bands in rock history. Join us for a memorable night of music under the open sky in the heart of Raleigh.

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 Downtown Raleigh Alliance is thrilled to announce the return of the Live After 5 summer concert series for 2026. This highly anticipated event features six Thursday evening performances starting May 14 and running through August 13. Attendees will enjoy live music at rotating premier locations, including Moore Square, Raleigh Union Station, and Seaboard Station, providing a dynamic way to experience the city center as the sun sets over the horizon. This family-friendly series is designed to bring the community together through the power of live performance. In addition to the music, guests can enjoy a variety of offerings from local food trucks parked on-site, making it the perfect destination for an evening meal or a casual drink with friends. Whether you are a long-time resident or a new visitor to the Triangle area, these outdoor concerts offer an energetic atmosphere that showcases the vibrant spirit of Raleigh. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable season of sound and community connection. Plan your visit to our various event spaces and explore the full lineup of outdoor performances scheduled throughout the region. Mark your calendars and prepare for a summer filled with great music.

Indulge your sweet tooth this year at The Cheesecake Factory as they celebrate National Cheesecake Day on July 30, 2026. This exciting promotion offers guests the chance to enjoy any slice of their legendary cheesecake for half the usual price. This exclusive deal is available for dine-in patrons, with a limit of one discounted slice per guest. Whether you have been craving a classic favorite or are eager to try something new, this is the perfect opportunity to visit your local restaurant. In addition to the celebration, The Cheesecake Factory is launching its newest flavor, the Brownie Crunch Choc-a-Lot Cheesecake. This decadent treat features a creamy blend of milk and white chocolate marbled across a rich toffee brownie base. Beyond the delicious dessert, your purchase supports a noble cause. For every slice of the new flavor sold through July 29, 2027, the company will donate 25 cents to Feeding America to help fight hunger nationwide. Gather your friends and family, head to your nearest location, and support this charitable initiative while satisfying your cravings today.

Join the Johnston County Visitors Bureau for the inaugural JoCo Block Party, an energetic celebration of our local community. This event takes place on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 234 Venture Drive in Smithfield. We invite residents, newcomers, and travelers passing through on I-95 to discover the unique attractions that make Johnston County a vibrant place to live and visit. This family friendly occasion brings the best of our region to life through live music, diverse food trucks, and exciting giveaways. Throughout the afternoon, you will have the chance to engage with representatives from various local attractions and learn how the Visitors Bureau helps showcase the very best of our county. Whether you are seeking your next local adventure or simply looking to enjoy a fun afternoon with the community, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. This event is entirely free and open to the public. Mark your calendar and come experience the heart of Johnston County. We look forward to welcoming you to this special celebration of our local culture and tourism spirit.

Fabrication II is a hands-on technical workshop designed to advance your metalworking abilities. This session provides essential training on three professional-grade tools, serving as a required prerequisite for accessing these machines during future open studio hours. You will receive expert instruction and dedicated practice time on a plasma cutter, TIG welder, and gas torches. The plasma cutter allows for rapid, precise metal cutting up to three-eighths of an inch. The TIG welder provides the techniques necessary for creating clean, high-precision welds on various metals. The gas torch module explores diverse applications including cutting, welding, bending, brazing, and soldering. Each segment features a guided introduction followed by supervised equipment operation to ensure you gain practical confidence. This class is ideal for makers and fabricators looking to expand their shop capabilities. The environment is focused, supportive, and geared toward skill mastery. If you plan to utilize these specific tools for independent projects in the future, enrollment in this course is mandatory. Join us to refine your technique, improve your shop safety, and unlock the full potential of our metal fabrication workspace.

Experience the vibrant spirit of downtown Hillsborough during the monthly Last Fridays event. On the final Friday of every month, the town transforms into a bustling hub of creativity, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore a diverse array of art galleries, artist studios, and boutique shops. Whether you are browsing fine jewelry or dining at award winning local restaurants, there is always something spectacular to discover throughout the charming streets of the historic district. From May through October, the festivities expand to include the Makers Market held on the North Lawn of the Old Courthouse, featuring more than twenty talented local vendors showcasing their unique handcrafted goods. You can also enjoy the sounds of the season with live performances on the South Lawn as part of the Live on the Lawn series. This community-driven celebration highlights the incredible talent within our region and provides a wonderful atmosphere for a night out. Please visit the Hillsborough Arts Council website to view the full calendar of events and start planning your visit to this unforgettable monthly showcase.

Experience the beauty of creativity at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts as we celebrate our latest exhibition, Intertwined. This showcase features a stunning collection of botanical oil paintings by Chris Graebner, intricate watermedia collage paintings by Nancy Smith, and expressive figurative needle-felted sculptures by Lynn Wartski. Join us for an inspiring exploration of modern and contemporary fine art crafted by local professionals. The official opening reception takes place during the lively Hillsborough Last Friday Art Walk on July 31, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy the festive atmosphere while Reishi Riot performs live music on the gallery patio. This event serves as a wonderful opportunity to engage with the creative community and discover unique masterpieces in a welcoming environment. For those interested in the stories behind the art, please join us for a special artist talk held in the gallery on Saturday, August 15, at 4 p.m. We invite you to visit our gallery in person to view these exceptional works and support local talent. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing our passion for fine craft and design.

Join the Johnston County Visitors Bureau for the inaugural JoCo Block Party, an energetic celebration of our local community. This event takes place on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 234 Venture Drive in Smithfield. We invite residents, newcomers, and travelers passing through on I-95 to discover the unique attractions that make Johnston County a vibrant place to live and visit. This family friendly occasion brings the best of our region to life through live music, diverse food trucks, and exciting giveaways. Throughout the afternoon, you will have the chance to engage with representatives from various local attractions and learn how the Visitors Bureau helps showcase the very best of our county. Whether you are seeking your next local adventure or simply looking to enjoy a fun afternoon with the community, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. This event is entirely free and open to the public. Mark your calendar and come experience the heart of Johnston County. We look forward to welcoming you to this special celebration of our local culture and tourism spirit.

Experience the vibrant spirit of downtown Hillsborough during the monthly Last Fridays event. On the final Friday of every month, the town transforms into a bustling hub of creativity, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore a diverse array of art galleries, artist studios, and boutique shops. Whether you are browsing fine jewelry or dining at award winning local restaurants, there is always something spectacular to discover throughout the charming streets of the historic district. From May through October, the festivities expand to include the Makers Market held on the North Lawn of the Old Courthouse, featuring more than twenty talented local vendors showcasing their unique handcrafted goods. You can also enjoy the sounds of the season with live performances on the South Lawn as part of the Live on the Lawn series. This community-driven celebration highlights the incredible talent within our region and provides a wonderful atmosphere for a night out. Please visit the Hillsborough Arts Council website to view the full calendar of events and start planning your visit to this unforgettable monthly showcase.

Experience the beauty of creativity at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts as we celebrate our latest exhibition, Intertwined. This showcase features a stunning collection of botanical oil paintings by Chris Graebner, intricate watermedia collage paintings by Nancy Smith, and expressive figurative needle-felted sculptures by Lynn Wartski. Join us for an inspiring exploration of modern and contemporary fine art crafted by local professionals. The official opening reception takes place during the lively Hillsborough Last Friday Art Walk on July 31, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy the festive atmosphere while Reishi Riot performs live music on the gallery patio. This event serves as a wonderful opportunity to engage with the creative community and discover unique masterpieces in a welcoming environment. For those interested in the stories behind the art, please join us for a special artist talk held in the gallery on Saturday, August 15, at 4 p.m. We invite you to visit our gallery in person to view these exceptional works and support local talent. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing our passion for fine craft and design.