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
outdoor concerts
Bynum Front Porch’s Friday Night Music Series
Bynum Front Porch, at 950 Bynum Road in Pittsboro, North Carolina), is a relaxed setting to enjoy music, and worth the drive from other parts of the Triangle. They host several regularly scheduled events, including storytelling, a music series, and a bluegrass jam session, open to all. Bynum Front Porch is a nonprofit that rents the old Bynum General Store, turning it into a community gathering … [Read more...] about Bynum Front Porch’s Friday Night Music Series
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
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
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
Summer at the Springs Outdoor Concert Series in Holly Springs: All Y’all Country All-Stars Aug 21
The Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs, is hosting a free outdoor concert series, Summer at the Springs, once a month, from May to August, 2026. The concerts take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. They're free and family friendly. Bring a chair and a picnic blanket. Grab dinner from a food truck and enjoy a beer from a local brewery. Summer At The Springs 2026 … [Read more...] about Summer at the Springs Outdoor Concert Series in Holly Springs: All Y’all Country All-Stars Aug 21
Jazz in the Square: Free concerts at Moore Square, starting Aug. 20
Jazz in the Square is a free concert series presented by Downtown Raleigh Alliance. It takes place in Moore Square, 200 S Blount Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, on select Thursdays from August 20 to October 8, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. At each installment, there will be beverage vendors with wine and beer for purchase, as well as food trucks. Jazz in the Square Schedule Dates in 2026: … [Read more...] about Jazz in the Square: Free concerts at Moore Square, starting Aug. 20
Come Out and Play sculpture show in Pittsboro — enjoy art and live music on the farm
The Come Out and Play sculpture show will take place at JimGin Farm, 150 Wild Horse Run, Pittsboro, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 2026, and then every Saturday through September 26, 2026. Each day it takes place from 12 p.m. until dark. This is a chance to see a wide variety of work from artists from around the Triangle, including sculpture, painting, glass fusing … [Read more...] about Come Out and Play sculpture show in Pittsboro — enjoy art and live music on the farm
98th Wendell Harvest Festival Oct. 3
The 98th Wendell Harvest Festival takes place Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Downtown Wendell, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This event is brought to you by the Wendell Chamber of Commerce. Over 100 vendors and eighteen food trucks fill the streets of Wendell, along with 10,000 visitors. Booths and food trucks open at 9 a.m. The Harvest Festival Parade starts at 10 a.m. and circles the festival … [Read more...] about 98th Wendell Harvest Festival Oct. 3
Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival Oct. 3
Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival takes place Saturday, October 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Historic Downtown Fuquay-Varina. It features live music, carnival rides, a beer garden, artist village, kid zone, food trucks and more. Also King BMX Bike Show and The Big Dino Show! It's free to attend and draws a great crowd. Read on for details! Main Stage Beer Garden Stage Local … [Read more...] about Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival Oct. 3
