The last Friday of every month, rain or shine, Downtown Hillsborough showcases its art scene with the Last Fridays Art Walk from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Explore art galleries, artist studios, fine jewelers, boutique shops and award winning restaurants. There will also be entertainment, which might be live music, circus performers, spoken word poetry and more. Art receptions and events take place … [Read more...] about Hillsborough Last Fridays Art Walk Aug. 28, including Makers Market, live music and more…
Dance
Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 12
Carolina Circus Festival is a FREE event that will take place in Cary on September 12, 2026, from 3 to 10 p.m. The festival is a full day of circus related workshops and shows. There will also be a full market of vendors and food. It takes place in Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy Street, Cary, North Carolina. Festival Features Arts Market Booths Food Trucks Hosted by the … [Read more...] about Carolina Circus Festival — free event in Cary with performances, workshops and more Sept 12
Dance Gumbo: Free outdoor dance fitness at NCMA Museum Park
North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting Dance Gumbo, dance fitness classes led by instructor Jordan Farrell. These are FREE (or pay what you wish) classes that take place at the Ellipse in the Museum Park. You'll find a link for each class here. Be sure to register. Each class blends pop, Zumba, Latin, hip-hop, and more into an energetic, … [Read more...] about Dance Gumbo: Free outdoor dance fitness at NCMA Museum Park
Weekly dance with Raleigh International Folk Dancers every Friday
The Raleigh International Folk Dancing Dancers are a group of people who are dedicated to learning and promoting dances from different cultures around the world. They've been a group since 1968. They meet every Friday, from 6:30 to 10 p.m., at Glen Eden Pilot Park, 1500 Glen Eden Drive, Raleigh, to dance together. There is no charge to attend, courtesy of Raleigh Park and Recreation! All are … [Read more...] about Weekly dance with Raleigh International Folk Dancers every Friday
Dancing at Dix — free square dancing Aug. 21 (registration required)
Dance the night away at Dix! Learn fun, easy dances, meet new people, and enjoy music, movement, and light refreshments. All are welcome! This FREE event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m., at Gipson Play Plaza at Dorothea Dix Park, 715 Biggs Drive, Raleigh, NC, on these dates: Space is limited and registration is required, at the above links. Grab your dancing shoes and join us for a lively … [Read more...] about Dancing at Dix — free square dancing Aug. 21 (registration required)
North Carolina Whirligig Festival Nov 7-8 in Wilson
The North Carolina Whirligig Festival takes place in downtown Wilson, a little less than an hour east of Raleigh, on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 2026. It's free to attend. Times The Whirligig Festival is a two-day arts festival that showcases the arts of the region, including whirligigs, North Carolina folk art created by local artist Vollis Simpson. Whirligigs … [Read more...] about North Carolina Whirligig Festival Nov 7-8 in Wilson
31st Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration Nov. 21 (held at NC Museum of Art)
North Carolina Museum of History's popular American Indian Heritage Celebration returns on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Due to the renovations at the NC Museum of History, it will take place at North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a free event. This festival is an annual celebration of the rich diversity and contributions of … [Read more...] about 31st Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration Nov. 21 (held at NC Museum of Art)
Ballroom Dancing at Pullen Park Community Center on Wednesdays
Pullen Dance hosts low-cost ballroom dancing socials on most Wednesday nights at Pullen Park Community Center, 408 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina. Read on to learn about this weekly event. Pullen Dance's Weekly Dance This long-standing event takes place from 7 to 9 p.m., and costs $5 per person. Adults of all dance skills and abilities are welcome to attend. Attendees dance to a … [Read more...] about Ballroom Dancing at Pullen Park Community Center on Wednesdays
Raleigh Drum Circle at Pullen Park on Wednesdays (outdoors)
Each week everyone is invited to participate in the Raleigh Drum Circle and Raleigh Hoop Jam. This is an all ages event and no experience is required. Free to participate. If you have drums, shakers, etc., please bring them, but there might be a few available to borrow. The event is held every Wednesday, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Pullen Park, 520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina. Learn … [Read more...] about Raleigh Drum Circle at Pullen Park on Wednesdays (outdoors)
Taste of Lebanon Festival in Raleigh Sept. 19-20
Saint Sharbel Church, at 600 Mt. Vernon Church Road, Raleigh, NC, is hosting Taste of Lebanon Festival on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Times: Admission and parking are free, and authentic Lebanese food will be available for purchase. Taste of Lebanon, Raleigh NC is a yearly vibrant cultural and food festival celebrating the richness of Lebanese cuisine and … [Read more...] about Taste of Lebanon Festival in Raleigh Sept. 19-20
