Packapalooza is a huge, free, family-friendly block party and street festival welcoming the Wolfpack back to campus. It takes place on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, from Brooks Avenue to the roundabout near the Memorial Belltower, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The whole community is invited to this free street festival. The festival includes music, games, vendors and much … [Read more...] about Packapalooza: Free festival at NC State August 22
Entertainment
Saturdays in Saxapahaw Outdoor Concert Series
Saturdays in Saxapahaw is a free outdoor concert series that takes place outside of Haw River Ballroom, 1711 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd., Saxapahaw, North Carolina. The series is every Saturday from May 2 to August 29, 2026. At each event there will be a farmers' market and food trucks from 5 to 8 p.m. The music starts at 6 p.m. The only exception to the time listed above is the first date. … [Read more...] about Saturdays in Saxapahaw Outdoor Concert Series
Durham Parks and Recreation Summer Concerts in the Park — Wilson Springs Hotel on Aug. 22
Durham Parks and Recreation is presenting a Summer Concert Series. It takes place twice a month from June through August, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. These concerts are free, family-friendly and full of local flavor, including a rotating lineup of food trucks. Pack a blanket or chair and enjoy live music and summer nights. The concerts alternate between these locations: Summer Concerts in the … [Read more...] about Durham Parks and Recreation Summer Concerts in the Park — Wilson Springs Hotel on Aug. 22
Doggie pool party at Ment Beverage Co. on Aug. 22, and more
Ment Beverage Co., at American Tobacco Campus, 312 Blackwell Street, Suite 103, Durham, North Carolina, is a diverse tasting room and home of Honeygirl Meadery. The tasting room has both indoor and outdoor seating, 24 unique taps, award-winning mead, cider, seltzers, local draft beer, non-alcoholic beverages and more. Free parking is available. Ment Beverage hosts frequent events, which you … [Read more...] about Doggie pool party at Ment Beverage Co. on Aug. 22, and more
Scrap Exchange celebrates 35rd birthday at Third Friday at CCB Plaza Aug. 21
The Scrap Exchange is celebrating its 35th anniversary at Third Friday Durham on August 21, 2026. There will be lots of festivities at CCB Plaza, 201 N Corcoran Street, Durham, North Carolina, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Scrap Exchange’s beloved blue mascot, brought to life by Jeghetto’s Entertainment (Tarish Pipkins) will be there, with live music from Emma Jane and also DJ MARRS spinning … [Read more...] about Scrap Exchange celebrates 35rd birthday at Third Friday at CCB Plaza Aug. 21
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)
Magnetic Sound Studios Third Friday Concert Aug. 21: Possum Monorail
Magnetic Sound Studios, at Lakewood, 2020 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, North Carolina, is hosting FREE Third Friday concerts to coincide with Third Friday Artwalk in Durham. The next one one features Possum Monorail on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. Possum Monorail will bring a high-energy oldtime string-band sound with hot fiddle tunes, classic country songs, early blues and swing tunes … [Read more...] about Magnetic Sound Studios Third Friday Concert Aug. 21: Possum Monorail
Crafting at the Cinema: Watch Night at the Museum while crafting on Aug. 20 at Garner Performing Arts Center
In partnership with the Garner Performing Arts Center, the NC Museum of History invites you to bring your favorite craft supplies to a free showing of the movie, Night at the Museum. Crafting at the Cinema takes place Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Road, Garner, North Carolina. Admission is free, but tickets are … [Read more...] about Crafting at the Cinema: Watch Night at the Museum while crafting on Aug. 20 at Garner Performing Arts Center
5 Points Gallery in Durham: Opening reception for The Long Exhale on Aug. 21
5 Points Gallery, at 109 E Chapel Hill Street, Durham, North Carolina, features work from contemporary artists who live and work locally. Works include paintings, drawings, fused glass, sculptures and mixed media artworks. On Friday, August 21, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m., 5 Points is hosting an opening reception for The Long Exhale: A Group Exhibition. As the pace of summer begins to soften, The … [Read more...] about 5 Points Gallery in Durham: Opening reception for The Long Exhale on Aug. 21
Summer Vibes Music Series in Cary: Night Shift Band on Aug. 19
The Town of Cary is presenting Summer Vibes Music Series in June, July and August, 2026. These free events features live music, food and drink. The events are appropriate for all ages. There will be crafts and activities at the park for kids. Adam Decker BandJune 17, 20266 to 8 p.m.Carpenter Fire Station Neighborhood Park7119 Carpenter Fire Station Road, Cary, NC Island Time BandJuly 15, … [Read more...] about Summer Vibes Music Series in Cary: Night Shift Band on Aug. 19
