Historic Yates Mill County Park, at 6420 Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, is a 174-acre wildlife refuge and an environmental research center. The centerpiece is the Historic Yates Mill, which is the last operable water-powered gristmill in Wake County. The mill is on the National Register of Historic Places and was restored to working order in 2005. Admission to the park is free. Tours of … [Read more...] about Hike with a Naturalist at Historic Yates Mill County Park, and more
Kids
Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
The popular food festival Taste of Soul holds several food and merchant events throughout the year in Durham and Raleigh, NC. Taste of Soul NC is the ultimate cookout experience, with food, merchants, DJ, live performances, and bounce houses Admission is free. You just pay for your food and drink. The next Taste of Soul NC event takes place on May 23, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Durham … [Read more...] about Taste of Soul in Durham May 23
Tet Vietnamese New Year Festival Jan 18
Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year at the Tet Vietnamese Year Festival on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Dorton Arena, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Daytime festivities are from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $20. Those under age 7 or over 75 are admitted for free. The festival typically features: Follow The Vietnamese American Association of Raleigh on Facebook for … [Read more...] about Tet Vietnamese New Year Festival Jan 18
10th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival is returning to Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, in 2025, for the 10th time! The popular holiday event features dazzling displays made from thousands of handcrafted, illuminated lanterns showcasing various themes. There are many interactive elements. In addition, enjoy stage performances several times each night. The … [Read more...] about 10th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
40th Kwanzaa Fest in Durham Jan 1
The African American Dance Ensemble is hosting the 40th Kwanzaa Fest on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 12 to 5:30 p.m., at Durham Armory, 212 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina. The doors open at 12 p.m. and performances will start at 2 p.m. This is a free event. Enjoy performances, a marketplace, art, a drum circle, dance, music, poetry, food and more. In memory of Baba Chuck Davis, … [Read more...] about 40th Kwanzaa Fest in Durham Jan 1
WRAL’s First Night Raleigh — all the details!
WRAL's First Night Raleigh returns for New Year's Eve 2025, offering a fun, jam-packed way to welcome 2026. Head to Downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, for an exciting, low-cost New Year's Eve celebration. The festivities include the Children's Celebration, which starts at 2 p.m., outdoor musical performances at City Plaza in the afternoon, an early New Year's Eve countdown and … [Read more...] about WRAL’s First Night Raleigh — all the details!
Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Fest in the West is a free festival in Western Cary on Saturday, April 18, 2026. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mills Park, 501 Mills Park Drive, Cary, North Carolina. Get ready for an active day of learning and fun! Fest in the West is a family-friendly festival designed for parents who seek engaging activities for their children. This event aims to unite the community in the … [Read more...] about Fest in the West — Western Cary’s Signature Festival — April 18
Two New Year’s Eve Parties at Tap Yard, including one for families
Tap Yard Raleigh, at 1610 Automative Way, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting two New Year's Eve events to welcome in 2026. There's an early event for families, and then one for ages 18+. Mini Midnight Madness Mini Midnight Madness is a family event, to welcome 2026 a little early. It takes place Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. It's free to attend. Enjoy arts and crafts, face … [Read more...] about Two New Year’s Eve Parties at Tap Yard, including one for families
Braswell Family Farms New Year’s Eve Egg Drop in Nashville, NC
Looking for an early, low-cost New Year's Eve celebration with the family? If you're willing to drive just a bit east, here's one for you! The 3rd Annual Braswell Family Farms New Year's Eve Egg Drop takes place Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Nashville Junction, 723 S Barnes Street, Nashville, North Carolina. This is 45 miles to the northeast of Raleigh, and 23 miles from … [Read more...] about Braswell Family Farms New Year’s Eve Egg Drop in Nashville, NC
A District New Year’s Eve Spectacular in Fayetteville
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Downtown Fayetteville, NC, at A District New Year's Eve Spectacular. It takes place at Festival Park, 335 Ray Avenue, Fayetteville, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Admission is free, although VIP tickets are typically available. The event features: Look for updates in the Facebook event. … [Read more...] about A District New Year’s Eve Spectacular in Fayetteville
