Every month, we curate a list of local markets and events going on in and around Raleigh. Our goal is to uplift local businesses and connect you with fun, community-driven experiences.
We prioritize events from our Shop Local Raleigh members, offering you the best local experiences. Want to add your event to our list? Consider becoming a Shop Local Raleigh member or contact us for collaboration opportunities.
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Summer isn’t over yet, and August is packed with reasons to get out and explore Raleigh and the Triangle. From major festivals and vintage markets to live music, food trucks, outdoor movies and some uniquely local events, there’s plenty happening before we say goodbye to summer.
Make some plans, try somewhere new and show some local love while you’re out. Here are some of the Can’t-Miss Local Events happening this August!
The Revolutionists at Theatre In The Park
August 6–16 | Theatre In The Park
Four fierce women meet in the middle of the French Revolution in this funny, provocative production about art, resistance and leaving a legacy. The Revolutionists brings together an assassin, a playwright, a Haitian rebel and Marie Antoinette for a story that puts a sharp, theatrical spin on history.
Sir Walter Miler
August 7 | Meredith College | Festivities begin at 6pm
Some of the country’s fastest runners are coming to Raleigh for one of the most exciting nights in American track. The free Sir Walter Miler gives spectators the chance to crowd the track at Meredith College and cheer on elite runners as they chase incredibly fast mile times. The women’s elite mile starts at 9:15pm, followed by the men’s elite mile at 9:30pm.
BoutiqueBASH
August 7–9 | South Hills Mall
Love high-end brands without the high-end prices? BoutiqueBASH brings together boutique, sustainable and designer clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, infant gear and more, including merchandise for kids, women and men. Expect brands like Lululemon, Free People, Patagonia, Janie & Jack, Little Sleepies and more at a fraction of retail prices. Multiple ticketed and free shopping windows are available throughout the weekend.
Logan’s WIPEOUT Sale
August 14–15 | Logan’s Garden Shop
Plant people, this is the weekend to stock up. Logan’s Garden Shop is bringing back its two-day WIPEOUT Sale with 20% off storewide, special deals up to 80% off and additional savings on clearance merchandise. Shop plants, trees, shrubs, houseplants, pottery, garden supplies, outdoor décor and more.
Mud Day
August 15 | Walnut Creek Wetland Park | 10am–1pm
Sometimes the messier the event, the better. Raleigh’s 8th Annual Mud Day celebrates wetlands and all things muddy with environmental organizations, activities, food trucks and the event’s main attraction: a giant mud pit and slide. The event is free and open to all ages.
CaribMask Caribbean Carnival
August 15 | Downtown Raleigh | 11am–8pm
Downtown Raleigh comes alive with Caribbean culture during CaribMask. The annual carnival celebrates Afro-Caribbean culture with music, performances, food, vendors, costumes and a colorful parade through downtown Raleigh.
Cary Vintage NIGHT Market
August 15 | West End Biergarten | 4pm–9pm
Cary Vintage Market is staying out late for its final night market of the year. Browse women’s and men’s vintage clothing, jewelry, records, cassettes, housewares and other retro finds while enjoying live music, food, drinks and more in downtown Cary.
All Things Groovy Hippie Fest
August 16 | Moore Square | 11am–4pm
Peace, love and good vibes take over Moore Square for the third annual All Things Groovy Hippie Fest. This free, all-ages festival features local makers and artists, vintage-inspired vendors, a vintage car show, food trucks, bubbles and a full day of live music.
NCMA Movies at Moore Square: Wicked: For Good
August 21 | Moore Square | 6pm
Grab a blanket and head downtown for a free movie night under the stars. The North Carolina Museum of Art and Moore Square will show Wicked: For Good, with themed activities and food trucks beginning at 6pm and the movie starting at 7:15pm.
Packapalooza
August 22 | Hillsborough Street | 2pm–10pm
NC State’s biggest back-to-school celebration takes over Hillsborough Street for an all-day block party featuring live music, food, family-friendly activities, hundreds of vendor booths and plenty of Wolfpack spirit.
50th Annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
August 22–23 | Downtown Cary | 9am–5pm
Lazy Daze is celebrating a major milestone this year: its 50th festival. More than 250 artists from across the country will fill downtown Cary alongside live entertainment on four stages, 25+ food and beverage vendors, interactive art, demonstrations, a beer garden and kids’ activities.
Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo
August 23 | Fayetteville Street | 12pm–6pm
Come hungry. The Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo returns to downtown Raleigh with an afternoon dedicated to local food trucks and the entrepreneurs behind them. Walk Fayetteville Street, find a new favorite and support local businesses one bite at a time.
Book Fair for Grown Ups
August 29 | The Studio in Downtown Apex | 10:30am–3:30pm
Remember the excitement of the Scholastic Book Fair? This one is for the grown-ups. Expect curated used books, bookish gifts, stationery and fancy pens, local makers, vintage vendors, a ’90s-themed photo booth, treats and book-themed drinks in downtown Apex.
NC Vintage Bazaar X
August 29–30 | Jim Graham Building at the NC State Fairgrounds | 12pm–6pm
North Carolina’s largest vintage clothing event returns for its tenth—and biggest—event yet. The Jim Graham Building will be packed with 100 vintage vendors each day, bringing thousands of vintage shirts, jackets, dresses, accessories, records, jewelry and more, along with food trucks, music and games.
The International Festival
August 29–30 | Theatre Raleigh
Travel around the world without leaving Raleigh. The International Festival celebrates cultures from across the globe through international performances, music, dance, food and cultural experiences. The festival runs Saturday from 11am–9pm and Sunday from 11am–4pm.
Also Happening This August
On Stage
The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Theatre Raleigh — August 12–15
The production is currently sold out, but Theatre Raleigh has a waitlist available.
More info →
Once — Burning Coal Theatre Company — August 13–30
More info →
The Revolutionists — Theatre In The Park — August 6–16
More info →
🎶 Live Music
Tim McGraw — August 7
Tickets →
Stephen Wilson Jr. — August 8
Tickets →
5 Seconds of Summer — August 14
Tickets →
Simple Plan — August 15
Tickets →
Jordan Davis — August 21
Tickets →
Jack Johnson — August 22
Tickets →
Billy Idol — August 23
Tickets →
Chance the Rapper — August 29
More info →
âš½ NC Courage Home Games
Catch the NC Courage at First Horizon Stadium this month:
August 16 — NC Courage vs. Houston Dash
Tickets & info →
August 22 — NC Courage vs. Boston Legacy | Nickelodeon Night
Tickets & info →
August 26 — NC Courage vs. Angel City | Pride Night
Tickets & info →
