The town of Benson, NC, is holding its annual festival, Benson Mule Days from Thursday, September 24, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Schedule: Benson is in Johnston County, about a 35 mile drive to the south from Raleigh. It's convenient to Willow Springs, NC. This is the 77th year for this festival, which celebrates the mule and its role in rural farming. The festival also include live … [Read more...] about Benson Mule Days Sep 24-27
Entertainment
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
Third Space Open Mic at Lanza’s Cafe Aug. 21, and more…
Lanza's Cafe, at 601 W Main Street, Carrboro, NC, offers coffee and other hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, beer and more. The cafe also hosts a wide array of events, include game nights, live music, trivia and more. You can find the events on their Facebook page. Recurring Events Third Space Music Open Mic NightThe third Friday of every month (scheduled through September 18, 2026)7 … [Read more...] about Third Space Open Mic at Lanza’s Cafe Aug. 21, and more…
Fridays on the Front Porch at Carolina Inn
Carolina Inn, at 211 Pittsboro Street, on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill, hosts Fridays on the Front Porch, a free outdoor concert series. The concert series runs from May to to October 30, 2026, with no concerts in July. 5 to 8 p.m. See the schedule below. It's free to attend. Food trucks will be on site. Band Schedule for Fridays on the Front Porch in 2026 … [Read more...] about Fridays on the Front Porch at Carolina Inn
Durham Foodie Fare: Food trucks, art, vendors, music Aug. 21
The MAKRS Society brings local makers, artists, small businesses and unique sellers to the public, through pop-up markets in Raleigh and Durham, and elsewhere in North Carolina. MAKRS Society is presenting Durham Foodie Fare one Friday each month, from March to December, 2026, except April, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. Each event … [Read more...] about Durham Foodie Fare: Food trucks, art, vendors, music Aug. 21
Live @ ATC: Summer Music Series at American Tobacco Campus: Lounge Doctors Sept. 11
UPDATE: The August 21, 2026, show with Velvet Beat has been postponed due to the weather. American Tobacco Campus and Live at Bay 7 are hosting a series of live outdoor concerts during the summer of 2026, featuring local acts and a range of styles, from jazz to bluegrass to rock. The concerts will take place on select Fridays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at American Tobacco Campus, 318 Blackwell Street, … [Read more...] about Live @ ATC: Summer Music Series at American Tobacco Campus: Lounge Doctors Sept. 11
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)
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
Groovin’ in Garner — EnVision on Aug. 21
Downtown Garner is kicking off its outdoor concert series, Groovin' in Garner, on Friday, May 15, 2026, with Rockzilla. Groovin' in Garner takes place on the Garner Recreation Center lawn, 215 W Main Street, Garner, North Carolina, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It's free to attend. Food trucks will be on site, or you can purchase dinner from one of the Downtown Garner restaurants. Beer and wine will … [Read more...] about Groovin’ in Garner — EnVision on Aug. 21
Third Friday Durham Art Walk Aug. 21
Third Friday Durham is a recurring event during which the Durham art venues host free receptions. It takes place the 3rd Friday of the month. This is a great time to check out the new and continuing exhibits. It's also a good time to check out shops and to try out a new restaurant. Most gallery receptions take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. but visit the 3rd Friday Durham Facebook page, where … [Read more...] about Third Friday Durham Art Walk Aug. 21
