The Retirement AtlasThe RetirementAtlas

Events in Raleigh, NC

60 upcoming events near Raleigh — concerts, theater, markets, library programs and more. Free to browse; each links to the source.

Outdoors & nature

June 5 to 6, 2026

All day

JC Raulston Arboretum · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & nature

Southeastern Plant Symposium and Rare Plant Auction

JC Raulston Arboretum

You can hear plant experts and bid on rare plants at this symposium hosted with Juniper Level Botanic Garden.

GardeningOutdoors

Outdoors & nature

June 6, 2026

Crowder County Park · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

OUT Hiking at Crowder (Pride Program)

Crowder County Park

Join us in our park while we learn about the wide diversity of wildlife in our area. Trails are paved, with an option to go off-trail if the group is comfortable. Bring comfortable hiking shoes and a full water bottle. For ages 10 and up (with an accompanying adult); FREE. Registration required. Meet at the park office, the first left after you enter the park. Everyone is welcome!

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoors

Music & concerts

June 6, 2026

Cypress Shelter at Harris Lake County Park · Raleigh, NC

Music & concertsFree

Theater in the Park - Performance

Cypress Shelter at Harris Lake County Park

Is your child a budding actor who enjoys the outdoors? We've got just the right opportunity for them: our Theater in the Park drop-off program! Over the course of three days, we'll practice skits and work together to create performances with a "Wild About Nature" theme. We'll have a final production of our work on the last day for your family to enjoy! No experience necessary - just bring your energy and enthusiasm! For ages 7-13. Be sure your child eats lunch before coming to the program! Dr...

MusicFreeOutdoorsIndoorsBring the grandkids

Outdoors & nature

June 6, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Birding with Vernon

Lake Crabtree County Park

Join our bird enthusiast, Vernon, for an easy walk while looking and listening for our feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats. Bring your own binoculars and field guides apps if you have them. Beginners and experienced birdwatchers are welcome! This program involves navigating on both paved and natural surface trails. Participants should be comfortable moving at a slow pace for up to 1 mile and may birdwatch either by ear or by sight using binoculars. If neede...

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoors

Community & civic

June 6, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park- Canopy Room · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Berry Bonanza

Beech Bluff County Park- Canopy Room

Have you ever wanted to grow your own berries? Did you know that we are growing blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and elderberries among other things at Beech Bluff County Park? Come learn all about it, and if there are some ripe berries, you will be able to sample them and learn some recipes for how to use them. All children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Outdoors & nature

June 6, 2026

Meet at the Farm History Center at Historic Oak View County Park · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Out in Nature (Pride hike)

Meet at the Farm History Center at Historic Oak View County Park

Celebrate Pride and be Out in Nature at Oak View! Join us on June 6 at 10 a.m. for a staff-led, all-ages, relaxed, informal walk around the park to socialize and enjoy the surrounding nature and history of the site. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and be sure to bring water. Free! Registration required for all participants. Everyone's welcome! The program will take place outdoors on paved brick paths and unpaved, wooded trails featuring gravel and exposed roots.

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoors

Classes & arts

June 6, 2026

Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Leader Orientation Workshop June 2026

Blue Jay Point County Park

Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...

Classes and talksFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Theater & film

June 6, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Theater & filmFree

2026 Lake Crabtree Pollinator Festival

Lake Crabtree County Park

The 2026 Lake Crabtree Pollinator Festival on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a free, family-friendly event celebrating all pollinators. Attendees can enjoy games, crafts, and learn from local environmental experts about the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem. Plus, there will be tasty food trucks and fun activities for all ages at beautiful Lake Crabtree County Park. Fun for all ages! Registration is appreciated but not required. By registering you will receive a reminder email an...

Arts and craftsFreeOutdoorsIndoorsBring the grandkids

Outdoors & nature

June 7, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Park Center · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Pride Outside

Beech Bluff County Park - Park Center

Come join us for a leisurely 1-mile nature hike along the trails of Beech Bluff County Park as we build community and connection! Along the way, we will learn about the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature, common access barriers for the LGBTQ+ community, and ways to get involved beyond today’s program. All are welcome!

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoors

Theater & film

June 7, 2026

New Hill parking area - American Tobacco Trail · Raleigh, NC

Theater & filmFree

All About Otters

New Hill parking area - American Tobacco Trail

Otters are very playful creatures and have lots of cool adaptations that allow them to thrive in their aquatic world. Come learn all about otters and see what they look like up close with a real otter mount! We'll read a beautiful story by Jim Arnosky, Otters Under Water , learn some fun facts, and play a game. For all ages. All participants (children and adults) must be registered. Meet at the New Hill parking area at the lower picnic table.

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoorsIndoorsBring the grandkids

Community & civic

June 9, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Paddle Program: Sunset Canoe Tour

Lake Crabtree County Park

Join park staff for a peaceful evening paddle on Lake Crabtree! As the sun sets, we’ll explore Bird Island, Briar Creek, and other scenic corners of the lake while keeping an eye out for herons, beavers, turtles, and more. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up, but an adult will need to register. Register in advance to reserve a canoe for two or three people on this guided tour. Lake Crabtree County Park will provide the canoe, paddles, and life jackets for each registered group. Just...

Boating and waterFreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Community & civic

June 10, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Virtual via Zoom · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Artifact Exploration (Virtual)

Beech Bluff County Park - Virtual via Zoom

Have you ever found a cool object from the past? In this interactive program, we will discuss what makes an object an artifact before going on a choose-your-own-adventure scavenger hunt to learn more about some of the artifacts we have found at Beech Bluff County Park! This program is welcome to people of all ages.

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Community & civic

June 12, 2026

Crowder County Park, Robin Shelter · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Turtle Talk

Crowder County Park, Robin Shelter

Did you know that more than 5 species of turtle call Crowder Park home? Join park staff as we talk turtles! Together, we will discuss identification, behavior, and the fascinating phenomenon of scutes. Best for ages 5 and up. Registration is required for all attendees (adults and children), and children must have an accompanying adult. Meet at the Robin Shelter, the first shelter on your right as you enter the lower parking lot. FREE .

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Pickleball & rec

June 12, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Pickleball & recFree

Lawn Games and Leisure Sports: Bocce

Lake Crabtree County Park

Lawn games and leisure sports are a wonderful way to appreciate the longer days and warm weather. They are approachable for many age ranges and skill levels and are a fun addition to any picnic or family game night! Expand your repertoire of outdoor activities as we explore, strategize, and play leisure sports together. Join us each session to learn the rules, history, and etiquette of a new lawn game. This session we will be learning the game of Bocce. Originating in Italy, this game is adap...

PickleballFreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Community & civic

June 12, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Rainbow Agriculture: Taking Pride in Farming

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room

Our agricultural landscape is diverse and beautiful and so are we! This program explores the rise and contributions of LGBTQ+ community into agriculture, while delving into the unique challenges and triumphs faced by queer farmers. Plus, we discuss how the LGBTQ+ farming movement has adopted sustainable and regenerative approaches to agriculture that is oriented around community-building and a connection to the land. All are welcome to join us to celebrate the intersections between community...

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Community & civic

June 13, 2026

Meet at the Farm History Center at Historic Oak View County Park · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Seeds of Freedom: Juneteenth at Oak View

Meet at the Farm History Center at Historic Oak View County Park

Join us on Saturday, June 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Historic Oak View for a walking tour focused on the history of Juneteenth and how the transition from slavery to freedom was experienced by Oak View's enslaved community. Discover stories of how African American families celebrated their liberation and the steps they took to plant seeds of freedom for themselves and their descendants. After the tour, participants will be invited to fold their own wildflower seed packet and reflect on what freedom...

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Music & concerts

June 14, 2026

Loblolly Shelter at Harris Lake County Park · Raleigh, NC

Music & concertsFree

Harris Lake ecoEXPLORERS

Loblolly Shelter at Harris Lake County Park

Interested in becoming a citizen scientist and improving your nature identification skills with park staff? We've got the opportunity for you! Harris Lake County Park is an ecoEXPLORE HotSpot which means it's a place where you can make observations of plants and animals and share them with scientists! Our focus for today's program will be on reptiles and amphibians! Come learn about the reptiles and amphibians you can find in the park and help us search for these cool critters! If you are new...

MusicFreeOutdoors

Classes & arts

June 18, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Community Night: Bring Your Own Craft

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room

Join us for a night of community and fun! Tonight’s theme is BYOC (bring your own craft). We will have assorted teas and snacks for you to enjoy as you work on your project, as well as a donate-and-swap station for craft supplies. All are welcome, so come alone or bring friends and family to craft in the comfort of community! Participants are encouraged to stay for the entire program but may arrive or leave at any time. This program is open to ages 8+. Any children must be registered and acco...

Arts and craftsFreeOutdoorsIndoorsBring the grandkids

Classes & arts

June 18, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Rain Barrel Workshop

Lake Crabtree County Park

Build your own rain barrel! Participants in this workshop will take home a fully functional 55-gallon rain barrel with installation kit. These are the same rain barrels that retail for $99 and up! Workshops are limited to ten barrels, so reserve your spot now. One registration per barrel. Cost is $25 per barrel and participation is limited to two people per barrel (the person who signed up and one extra person to help). This event is being presented by "We Plant It Forward".

Classes and talksFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Outdoors & nature

June 18, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Families in Nature: Stories Celebrating Diversity

Lake Crabtree County Park

Join us for a captivating nature storytime celebrating diversity in the great outdoors! Our storytime features a book that highlights the beauty of nature and the richness of different cultures and backgrounds. Our story time will support an appreciation for nature and embrace the beauty of our diverse world. Through engaging stories and interactive activities, we'll discover how nature connects us all and learn about the importance of unity and respect for one another. Come explore many wond...

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoors

Outdoors & nature

June 19, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Nature Nerds: Fish Fun

Lake Crabtree County Park

Expand your knowledge of our local flora and fauna by exploring a different area of the park each month. Join park staff as they "nerd out" over a different group of animals, plants, fungi or other living things each month. Help collect data for our Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist while increasing your own identification skills. This month we will be focusing on fish! We will use seine nets and see what we catch near the shore. Feel free to bring waders, rubber boots, or other shoes and c...

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoors

Classes & arts

June 20, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Community in Nature (PRIDE Program)

Lake Crabtree County Park

Come join us on a short hike and craft while we discuss how nature can help foster a sense of community for people in marginalized groups. We’ll also discover how the environment is more about cooperation than “survival of the fittest” and how we can learn about generosity from nature. Anyone and everyone is welcome! This program will include a 1-mile hike on pavement, natural trails, and boardwalk.

Arts and craftsHiking and natureFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Outdoors & nature

June 2026

Daytime

NC Museum of Natural Sciences program · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureHappens regularly

Lifelong Hike: Picture Creek

NC Museum of Natural Sciences program

You can join the museum's Lifelong Hike series for a guided naturalist walk at Picture Creek.

Hiking and natureOutdoorsIndoors

Outdoors & nature

June 20, 2026

Harris Lake County Park - Peninsula Trail access · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

True Colors Summer Hike (Pride program)

Harris Lake County Park - Peninsula Trail access

Join park staff for an easy summer morning stroll along our Peninsula Trail. We'll provide paint chips in all the colors of the rainbow for you to match to natural objects on the hike and make some nature art as we go! Together we will observe the beauty of the season and the natural occurrences around us. We will be walking about one mile on a natural trail surface. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. For all ages. Meet at the new Peninsula Trail access.

Arts and craftsHiking and natureFreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Theater & film

June 2026

Evening

NC Museum of Natural Sciences · Raleigh, NC

Theater & film

Museum Movie Night: The Goonies

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

You can watch the classic adventure film The Goonies at a museum movie night downtown.

Arts and craftsIndoors

Community & civic

June 20, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Great Lawn · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Pond Critters

Beech Bluff County Park - Great Lawn

Have you ever wondered what lives beneath the surface of the water? Join us as we explore Beech Bluff County Park’s pond by dipping for all sorts of creatures. See what you can find and learn about ponds in the process. Prepare to get wet! Open to participants ages 5+. Children must be registered with and accompanied by an adult.

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Outdoors & nature

June 2026, recurring

Daytime

NC Museum of Natural Sciences · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFreeHappens regularly

Live Animal Feeding: Ocean Habitat

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

You can watch keepers feed the ocean-habitat animals during a free daily program at the natural sciences museum.

Hiking and natureOutdoorsIndoors

Lifelong learning

Through late June 2026

Varies by course

OLLI at NC State / McKimmon Center · Raleigh, NC

Lifelong learningHappens regularly

OLLI at NC State Spring 2026 Short Courses and Lectures

OLLI at NC State / McKimmon Center

You can take non-credit short courses, lectures, and study trips built specifically for adults 50 and older, with more than 200 programs offered each year.

Classes and talksIndoors

Outdoors & nature

June 24, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Paddle Program: Introduction to Kayaking

Lake Crabtree County Park

Experience the thrill of kayaking – where you can effortlessly glide across the water's surface. Kayaking is an exciting water sport where you sit in a kayak and paddle your way through the water. Join our instructors as they introduce you to kayaking terminology, teach paddle techniques, and give you hands-on practice. Be prepared get wet and have a blast! Participants should wear water shoes and quick drying clothes. Don't forget your sunscreen and water bottle! This program involves a mode...

Boating and waterFreeOutdoors

Classes & arts

June 26, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Harvest Hub · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Rain Barrel Workshop

Beech Bluff County Park - Harvest Hub

Build and take home a 55-gallon rain barrel along with instructions for home installation! This fun and easy workshop does not require prior skills as we will guide you through the entire building process. Participants will be using power tools and must wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for this type of work. Please note that the rain barrels are large and participants must have a means of transporting them home at the programs conclusion. This workshop is limited to ten...

Classes and talksFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Music & concerts

June 27, 2026

Cypress Shelter at Harris Lake County Park · Raleigh, NC

Music & concertsFree

Geocaching 101 at Harris Lake County Park

Cypress Shelter at Harris Lake County Park

Geocaching is a treasure hunt where participants use GPS coordinates to track down hidden "caches." We will learn how to use traditional GPS units and the Geocaching app (by Groundspeak) and then find real geocaches hidden in the park. Wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Space is limited. For ages 6 and up. All participants (children and adults) must be registered. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

MusicFreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Classes & arts

June 27, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Edible Acres: Turning Your Land into a Foodscaping Paradise

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room

Join us for an exciting and informative workshop on foodscaping and discover innovative approaches to integrating edible plants into your landscape design to create beautiful, productive, and sustainable gardens. Participants will have the opportunity to learn hands-on techniques and participate in maintaining our foodscape at the park. Sign up today and take the first step towards creating a beautiful and bountiful garden.

GardeningClasses and talksFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Outdoors & nature

June 27, 2026

Upper Pavilion · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Nature Journaling: Summer

Upper Pavilion

Join this guided nature journaling practice to welcome summer by learning about historical perspectives on nature and the basics of nature journaling. Bring your creativity, a notebook (optional), walking shoes, and an appreciation for the natural world. Recommended for ages 8 and up (adult accompaniment required for all children); registration is required. FREE. Meet at the Upper Pavilion.

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Community & civic

June 29, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Full Moon Paddle

Lake Crabtree County Park

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Classes & arts

June 30, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Camp Craft Night: Friendship Bracelets

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room

Did you miss out on the iconic camp crafts or have fond memories of doing them as a kid? Join us this summer to learn or re-learn how to make a variety of iconic camp crafts. This Camp Craft Night we will be making friendship bracelets for you to wear or trade with a friend. This program requires no previous experience; however, it does require some dexterity of the hands to do the craft. This program is open to participants 14+.

Arts and craftsFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Classes & arts

Through July 1, 2026

Museum hours

NCMA East Building · Raleigh, NC

Classes & arts

Knowing the West exhibition at the NC Museum of Art

NCMA East Building

You can see this touring exhibition that reframes the American West as a shifting narrative, organized by Crystal Bridges Museum.

Arts and craftsIndoors

Outdoors & nature

July 4, 2026

Fishing Pond at Harris Lake County Park · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Free Fishing Fun on the Fourth

Fishing Pond at Harris Lake County Park

Fishing is a fun and inexpensive way to celebrate Independence Day! The NC Wildlife Resources Commission invites anglers and would-be anglers of all ages to go fishing for free on July 4th. Everyone in NC (residents and non-residents) can fish in any public body of water, including coastal waters, without a fishing license. Although no license is required, all other fishing regulations, such as size, creel limits and lure restrictions still apply. Harris Lake County Park staff will have fishi...

FishingHiking and natureFreeOutdoorsHolidayBring the grandkids

Community & civic

July 7, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Family Fishing

Lake Crabtree County Park

Cast into an evening of outdoor adventure! Families are invited to join us lakeside as we learn the basics of fishing together. We’ll start with a brief introduction to the common fish species in the lake, followed by a hands-on look at the parts of a fishing pole and how each piece works. Staff will guide families through a fun, hands‑on casting game designed to help everyone practice and build confidence in their casting skills. Families can then put all their new knowledge to use by trying...

FishingFreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Community & civic

July 8, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Park Center · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Sustainability Tour

Beech Bluff County Park - Park Center

Sustainability can benefit both the environment and you. Come take a tour around Beech Bluff County Park and learn about the various sustainable features and practices being implemented at the park to support both the environment and our visitors. This tour takes place across approximately .5 miles of paved trails. Open to ages 6+, but most suitable for ages 8+.

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Theater & film

July 10, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Theater & filmFree

Lawn Games and Leisure Sports: Cornhole

Lake Crabtree County Park

Lawn games and leisure sports are a wonderful way to appreciate the longer days and warm weather. They are approachable for many age ranges and skill levels and are a fun addition to any picnic or family game night! Expand your repertoire of outdoor activities as we explore, strategize, and play leisure sports together. Join us each session to learn the rules, history, and etiquette of a new lawn game. Join us in learning the game of Cornhole. This iconic and ubiquitous game of beanbag toss i...

Arts and craftsFreeOutdoorsIndoorsBring the grandkids

Community & civic

July 10, 2026

New Hill parking area - American Tobacco Trail · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Remarkable Reptiles at the ATT

New Hill parking area - American Tobacco Trail

Reptiles are really "cool" critters! Learn more about these fascinating, often misunderstood animals, their importance to the ecosystem, and meet our educational box turtle and corn snake up close. Bring your own chair or blanket to sit on. For all ages. All participants (children and adults) must be registered. Meet at the New Hill parking area (1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd.) at the upper picnic table.

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Community & civic

July 11, 2026

Meet at the Main House at Historic Oak View County Park · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Artifact Adventure at Oak View

Meet at the Main House at Historic Oak View County Park

Join us on Saturday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m. for an adventure… an artifact adventure! This guided program challenges participants to identify artifacts around Historic Oak View with an "I spy"-inspired game. Participants will learn about each artifact and how the artifact fits into Oak View’s history. The Artifact Adventure program is open to all ages, and is best suited for elementary to middle school-aged children. Registration is required for all participants , and walk-up registration is av...

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Lifelong learning

July 11, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park- Canopy Room · Raleigh, NC

Lifelong learningFree

Making Elderberry Elixirs and Growing Medicinal Plants

Beech Bluff County Park- Canopy Room

Have you ever wanted to grow your own plants to support your immune function and well-being? Come learn how to grow native elderberries and how to make your own elderberry syrup. We will also discuss how to grow other beneficial plants including ginger and turmeric that are used medicinally and for cooking with. All participants will have an opportunity to propagate an elderberry to take home at the end of the class.

Classes and talksFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Outdoors & nature

July 11, 2026

Crowder County Park · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Life on the Land: A Guided Hike with a Park Historian

Crowder County Park

Join park staff for a walk around the park and a discussion about local history. Learn about the way that people have lived and worked in rural Wake County for more than 300 years. This program will be completely outdoors, so please dress for the weather, and be prepared to walk about a mile on both paved and naturally surfaced trails. For ages 10 and up. Registration is required. Meet at the park office, the first building on your left as you enter the park. FREE.

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoors

Outdoors & nature

July 12, 2026

Cypress Shelter at Harris Lake County Park · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Wildlife Behind the Scenes

Cypress Shelter at Harris Lake County Park

Join park staff on a special behind-the-scenes tour of wildlife monitoring at Harris Lake County Park! Learn about the park's bird boxes, frog pipes, and coverboards and join us on a hike to learn how boxes are checked and maintained. We'll look for signs of wildlife along the way. Space is limited! All participants, adults and children, must be registered. For ages 5 and up. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Classes & arts

July 15, 2026

Meet at the Main House at Historic Oak View County Park · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Legends of the Garden: The Three Sisters

Meet at the Main House at Historic Oak View County Park

On July 15 at 10 a.m., come listen to Legends of the Garden: The Three Sisters and learn about oral traditions and why we call some very important garden vegetables, The Three Sisters. Program includes a craft activity and is best for ages 5 and older. This program will take place outdoors at Historic Oak View , feel free to bring a blanket to sit on. In the event of rain, the program will be moved indoors. Legends of the Garden: The Three Sisters will also be offered on July 18 at 10 a.m.

GardeningArts and craftsFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Community & civic

July 16, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room · Raleigh, NC

Community & civicFree

Community Night: Macrame

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room

Join us for a night of community and fun! Tonight’s theme is macrame. While we ask that you bring your own supplies or already started project, we will have a small donate-and-swap supplies station as well as a few basic macrame projects & patterns available to help you get started. We will also have assorted teas for you to enjoy as you work on your project! All are welcome, so come alone or bring friends and family to work in the comfort of community. Participants are encouraged to stay for...

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Tastings

July 18, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room · Raleigh, NC

TastingsFree

The Great Seed Swap

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room

Join us for a night of community and fun at Beech Bluff during our first-ever seed swap! Whether you are a seasoned seed saver or a seed-loving newbie, you are welcome to stop by this program for seed swapping, seed packet decorating, educational resources on seed saving, gardening book donations, seed-related crafts, edible seed tasting, and seed bomb making. This program will ex-seed your expectations, so prep for the growing season and come on by!

Food and wineFreeOutdoors

Music & concerts

July 25, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park, White Oak Shelter · Raleigh, NC

Music & concertsFree

Nature Nerds: Moth Night

Lake Crabtree County Park, White Oak Shelter

Expand your knowledge of our local flora and fauna by exploring a different area of the park each month. Join park staff as they "nerd out" over a different group of animals, plants, fungi or other living things each month. Help collect data for our Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist while increasing your own identification skills. This month we will be in the park after hours to see some moths and other insects! We will be setting up light traps and moth bait to attract some of our nocturna...

MusicFreeOutdoors

Outdoors & nature

July 26, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Virtual via Zoom · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFree

Campfire (Virtual)

Beech Bluff County Park - Virtual via Zoom

Experience all the fun of a summer campfire from home! During this interactive virtual campfire, we will build a fire, share terrific tales, and meet some nighttime wildlife. Perfect for young adventurers looking to explore the outdoors without leaving their living room!

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoors

Classes & arts

July 28, 2026

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Camp Craft Night: Boondoggles & Lanyards

Beech Bluff County Park - Canopy Room

Did you miss out on the iconic camp crafts or have fond memories of doing them as a kid? Join us this summer to learn or re-learn how to make a variety of iconic camp crafts. This Camp Craft Night we will be making boondoggles, sometimes better known as lanyards. This program requires no previous experience, although it does require some dexterity of the hands to do the craft. This program is open to participants 14+.

Arts and craftsFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Theater & film

July 31, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Theater & filmFree

Lawn Games and Leisure Sports: Horseshoes

Lake Crabtree County Park

Lawn games and leisure sports are a wonderful way to appreciate the longer days and warm weather. They are approachable for many age ranges and skill levels and are a fun addition to any picnic or family game night! Expand your repertoire of outdoor activities as we explore, strategize, and play leisure sports together. Join us each session to learn the rules, history, and etiquette of a new lawn game. Join us in learning the game of horseshoes. Horseshoe pitching is a classic lawn sport with...

Arts and craftsFreeOutdoorsIndoorsBring the grandkids

Classes & arts

August 1, 2026

Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Leader Orientation Workshop August 2026

Blue Jay Point County Park

Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...

Classes and talksFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Theater & film

August 14, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Theater & filmFree

Lawn Games and Leisure Sports: Kubb

Lake Crabtree County Park

Lawn games and leisure sports are a wonderful way to appreciate the longer days and warm weather. They are approachable for many age ranges and skill levels and are a fun addition to any picnic or family game night! Expand your repertoire of outdoor activities as we explore, strategize, and play leisure sports together. Join us each session to learn the rules, history, and etiquette of a new lawn game. This session we will be learning the game of Kubb. Originating in Sweden, this lawn game us...

Arts and craftsFreeOutdoorsIndoorsBring the grandkids

Outdoors & nature

August 2026 evenings

Evening

JC Raulston Arboretum · Raleigh, NC

Outdoors & natureFreeHappens regularly

Evening Garden Stroll at JC Raulston Arboretum

JC Raulston Arboretum

You can take a leisurely evening walk through the arboretum gardens when the summer heat eases.

GardeningOutdoors

Theater & film

August 28 to September 20, 2026

Evening and weekend matinee

Raleigh Little Theatre · Raleigh, NC

Theater & filmHappens regularly

Raleigh Little Theatre presents Hairspray

Raleigh Little Theatre

You can see the high-energy musical comedy Hairspray open Raleigh Little Theatre's new season in late summer.

Arts and craftsIndoors

Theater & film

September 4, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Theater & filmFree

Lawn Games and Leisure Sports: Roundnet (Spikeball)

Lake Crabtree County Park

Lawn games and leisure sports are a wonderful way to appreciate the longer days and warm weather. They are approachable for many age ranges and skill levels and are a fun addition to any picnic or family game night! Expand your repertoire of outdoor activities as we explore, strategize, and play leisure sports together. Join us each session to learn the rules, history, and etiquette of a new lawn game. This session we will be learning the game of Roundnet. More commonly known by the brand nam...

Arts and craftsFreeOutdoorsIndoorsBring the grandkids

Classes & arts

September 5, 2026

Blue Jay Point County Park · Raleigh, NC

Classes & artsFree

Leader Orientation Workshop September 2026

Blue Jay Point County Park

Want to know all about staying in the Overnight Lodge at Blue Jay Point County Park ? Complete information will be provided at the Leader Orientation Workshop or LOW, which is conducted by Blue Jay staff once a month for those coming to stay in the Lodge. At least one representative from each group staying in the Lodge MUST attend a LOW at least two months prior to that group's reservation date. LOWs are also appropriate for individuals interested in knowing if a Lodge stay would be beneficia...

Classes and talksFreeOutdoorsIndoors

Theater & film

September 18, 2026

Lake Crabtree County Park · Raleigh, NC

Theater & filmFree

Lawn Games and Leisure Sports: End of Summer Bash

Lake Crabtree County Park

Lawn games and leisure sports are a wonderful way to appreciate the longer days and warm weather. They are approachable for many age ranges and skill levels and are a fun addition to any picnic or family game night! Expand your repertoire of outdoor activities as we explore, strategize, and play leisure sports together. Join us each session to learn the rules, history, and etiquette of a new lawn game. We had a wonderful season of friendly competition learning new lawn games. Join us playing...

Arts and craftsFreeOutdoorsIndoorsBring the grandkids

Music & concerts

October 1 to 3, 2026

Raleigh, NC

Music & concertsFree

Raleigh Wide Open free music festival

This three-day festival returns to Fayetteville Street in October with a kickoff celebration and two days of free music across seven stages. Expect bluegrass, roots, and other live acts all ages can enjoy.

MusicOutdoorsBring the grandkids