Local Things To Do This Weekend | August 13-16, 2026

Thursday, August 13

🖼️ NCMA After Hours

🗓️ 8/13 | ⏰ 5:30pm–9pm
Explore the North Carolina Museum of Art after dark with live music or a DJ, hands-on art activities and evening access to the People’s Collection. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, with additional dining experiences available through NCMA Café.
📍 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh
ℹ️ @ncartmuseum | More info.

😂 Chris Monds at Goodnights Comedy

🗓️ 8/13 | ⏰ 8pm
North Carolina comedian Chris Monds takes the stage in Room 861 at Goodnights Comedy Club.
📍401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.

🍷 Wine Blending Seminar with Taylor’s Wine Shop

🗓️ 8/13 | ⏰ 5:30pm–6:30pm
Become a winemaker for the evening during this interactive seminar featuring Blackbird Vineyards. Taste current releases, then blend Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to create your own custom Bordeaux-style red blend.
📍Encore Ristorante
ℹ️ @taylorswineshop | More info.

😂 Caitlin Peluffo at Goodnights Comedy

🗓️ 8/13–16
Comedian Caitlin Peluffo brings four nights of stand-up to Goodnights Comedy Club. Peluffo has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and was a finalist on Kevin Hart’s Funny AF.
📍 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.

🐴 Pony Run at Ponysaurus Brewing

🗓️ 8/13 | ⏰ 6pm–8pm
Choose a 3- or 5-mile route with the Ponysaurus Run Club, then reward yourself with a well-earned pint. The weekly run is free and open to all paces.
📍 2221 Iron Works Dr., Suite 100
ℹ️ @ponysaurusbrewingral @raleighironworks | More info.

💪 The Revolutionists at Theatre In The Park

🗓️ 8/13–16
Four fierce women — including an assassin, a playwright, a Haitian rebel and Marie Antoinette — collide during the French Revolution in this hilarious and provocative production about art, resistance and leaving a legacy.
📍 107 Pullen Rd., Raleigh
ℹ️ @theatreinthepark | More info.

🎭 Once at Burning Coal Theatre Company

🗓️ 8/13–30
Burning Coal Theatre Company presents Once, following a heartbroken Dublin musician whose chance encounter with a woman reignites his passion for music and changes both of their lives. Opening weekend includes College Night on Friday with $5 student tickets and Pay What You Can on Sunday.
📍 224 Polk St.
ℹ️ @burningcoaltheatre | More info.

Friday, August 14

🌟 Friday Night On White

🗓️ 8/14 | ⏰ 6pm–9pm
Head to Downtown Wake Forest for an evening of food trucks, drinks and live music from The Amazing Lounge Lizards during the popular free concert series.
📍 South White Street, Downtown Wake Forest
ℹ️ More info.

🪴 WIPEOUT Sale at Logan’s Garden Shop

🗓️ 8/14–15
Plant people, this is the weekend to stock up. Logan’s two-day WIPEOUT Sale features 20% off storewide, special deals up to 80% off, and an additional 50% off clearance merchandise. Shop plants, trees, shrubs, houseplants, pottery, garden supplies, outdoor décor and more.
📍 1208 Farmers Market Dr.
ℹ️ @logantrd | More info.

😂 Nicole Byer at Goodnights Comedy

🗓️ 8/14–16
Actress, comedian, writer and podcaster Nicole Byer takes over Goodnights Comedy Club for a special weekend of new material. Byer is best known as the host of Netflix’s Nailed It! and for her Netflix stand-up special Big Beautiful Weirdo, along with appearances across television, film and podcasts.
📍 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
ℹ️ @goodnightscomedy | More info.

🥳 Pigfish Lane Birthday Celebration

🗓️ 8/14–16
Pigfish Lane is celebrating its 8th birthday with a weekend sale. Save 20% on items priced $200 and up while shopping antique furniture, vintage rugs, décor and one-of-a-kind finds.
📍 5425 Hillsborough St.
ℹ️ @pigfishlaneantiques | More info.

🎨 Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda at Compass Rose Brewery

🗓️ 8/14 | ⏰ 6pm–7:30pm
Get creative during a pottery painting workshop with Cozy Panda Event Co. at Compass Rose Brewery. Enjoy delicious brews and live music!
📍 Compass Rose Brewery 3201 Northside Dr. #101
ℹ️ @cozypandaeventco | More info.

🩰 Beyond: 10th Anniversary Gala

🗓️ 8/14 | ⏰ 7pm
Celebrate 10 years of Boys Ballet Summer Intensive during this one-night international ballet gala at Fletcher Opera Theater. The evening brings together stars of ballet for performances featuring classical and contemporary dance in celebration of the performing arts.
📍Fletcher Opera Theater, 2 E. South St.
ℹ️ More info.

Saturday, August 15

👩‍🌾 Honey Bee Day at Midtown Farmers’ Market

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 8am–12pm
Head to the Midtown Raleigh Farmers’ Market to shop 35+ local vendors offering freshly baked breads, desserts, produce, meats, dairy, crafts and more.
📍 4191 Main at North Hills St.
ℹ️ @midtownfarmers @visitnorthhills | More info.

🧑‍🌾 Cary Farmers Market

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 8am–12pm
Shop freshly harvested produce, humanely raised meats and artisan-made goods from local vendors along East Park Street beside Downtown Cary Park.
📍 160 E. Park St., Cary
ℹ️ @caryfarmersmkt | More info.

🎉 Mud Day at Walnut Creek Wetland Park

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 10am–1pm
Sometimes the messier the event, the better. Raleigh’s 8th Annual Mud Day celebrates wetlands with environmental organizations, activities, food trucks and the main attraction — a giant mud pit and slide. The event is free and open to all ages.
📍 950 Peterson St.
ℹ️ More info.

🚒 Touch-A-Truck at Little Rey

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 10am–1pm
Little explorers can get an up-close look at fire trucks, construction vehicles and more during Touch-A-Truck at Raleigh Iron Works. The morning also includes face painting, plus breakfast tacos, coffee and Little Rey favorites available for purchase.
📍 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Rd.
ℹ️ @littlereyalcarbon @raleighironworks | More info.

🔬 Collaborative Science Research Day

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 10am–2pm
Discover how anyone can contribute to scientific research at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Try activities including documenting dragonflies, identifying monkey blood cell types and classifying galaxies.
📍 11 West Jones St.
ℹ️ More info.

🧑‍🌾 Apex Farmers Market

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 8am–12pm
Shop fresh and local at the Apex Farmers Market, where vendors offer homegrown produce, sustainably raised chicken, beef and pork, fresh eggs, baked goods, honey, cheeses, jams, sauces, artisan foods, crafts and more.
📍122 N. Salem St., Apex
ℹ️ @Apex_farmers_market | More info.

🎮 NCMA Games Together

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 10am–10pm
The NCMA hosts its first gaming festival with a full day celebrating video games, tabletop games and gaming culture. The lineup includes local indie game developers, tabletop play, an introduction to Dungeons & Dragons, video game-inspired jazz, a talk with author Jacob Geller and a screening of Street Fighter.
📍 2110 Blue Ridge Rd.
ℹ️ @ncartmuseum | More info.

🎨 Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda at South Line Brewing

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 2pm–3:30pm
Get creative Saturday afternoon during a pottery painting event with Cozy Panda Event Co. at South Line Brewing Co. in Cary.
📍South Line Brewing Co., Cary
ℹ️ @cozypandaeventco | More info.

🌴 CaribMask Carnival 2026

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 11am–8pm
Downtown Raleigh comes alive with Caribbean culture during CaribMask. The annual carnival celebrates Afro-Caribbean heritage with live music, authentic Caribbean food, vendors, colorful costumes and a Parade of Bands through downtown. The parade runs from 11am–2pm, followed by main stage entertainment.
📍 Downtown Raleigh
ℹ️ @caribmask_carnival | More info.

🎉 Family Fun Day at City of Raleigh Museum

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 11am–2pm
Spend Saturday afternoon at the City of Raleigh Museum during its Family Fun Day. Enjoy history-themed crafts, games, and caricatures!
📍 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh
ℹ️ @cormuseumfriends | More info.

🏀 Devonte’ Graham Day

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 12pm–4pm
The Beli4ve Foundation brings its annual back-to-school celebration to Moore Square for an afternoon of free family fun. The fifth annual Devonte’ Graham Day features a live DJ, food trucks, local vendors, performances, face painting, free haircuts, healthcare resources, raffles and special guests. Families can also take advantage of a school supply and backpack giveaway.
📍 Moore Square, Raleigh
ℹ️ More info.

🍷 Wine & Welds at St. Pierre

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 1pm–5pm
Sip, shop and sparkle at St. Pierre during an afternoon of wine and permanent jewelry. Pick out a clasp-free bracelet, anklet or necklace and have it welded for a custom fit while enjoying a glass of wine with friends.
📍 St. Pierre Wine Bar, 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Raleigh
ℹ️ @raleighironworks | More info.

🐶 Rewrite Their Ending

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 2pm–4pm
Meet adoptable dogs from Freedom Ride Rescue at Edit Beer in honor of International Homeless Animals Day. Learn about adoption, fostering and volunteering while supporting a local rescue.
📍Edit Beer Co. 1911 Sego Ct. Suite 101
ℹ️ @freedomride.rescue More info.

🛍️ Cary Vintage NIGHT Market

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 4pm–9pm
Shop vintage clothing, jewelry, records, housewares and more during the final Cary Vintage NIGHT Market of the year. The family- and dog-friendly event also features live music, drinks, coffee, sweets and a food truck.
📍 518 Old Apex Rd., Cary
ℹ️ @caryvintagemarket | More info.

🍿 How to Train Your Dragon at Downtown Cary Park

🗓️ 8/15 | ⏰ 6pm–10pm
Bring blankets and chairs to Downtown Cary Park for a free outdoor screening of How to Train Your Dragon. Arrive early for pre-movie activities and food trucks.
📍 327 S. Academy St.
ℹ️ @downtowncarypark | More info.

🧘 Body Mind Spirit Celebration

🗓️ 8/15–16 | ⏰ Sat. 10am–7pm | Sun. 10am–6pm
Explore nearly 200 exhibitors, psychics, readers and healers plus dozens of presentations and performances during Raleigh’s festival of all things holistic at the NC State Fairgrounds. $15 at the door | $14 advance | Children 9 & under free
📍 NC State Fairgrounds, Exposition Center 4285 Trinity Rd.
ℹ️ More info.

Sunday, August 16

☮️ All Things Groovy Hippie Fest

🗓️ 8/16 | ⏰ 11am–4pm
Peace, love and good vibes take over Moore Square for the third annual All Things Groovy Hippie Fest. The free, family-friendly festival features local makers and artists, vintage-inspired vendors, a vintage car show, food trucks, bubbles and a full day of live music.
📍 201 S Blount St. Moore Square, Raleigh
ℹ️ @groovyhippiefest | More info.

🍹 Morgan Street Sessions

🗓️ 8/16 | ⏰ 12pm–4pm
Spend Sunday afternoon on the patio at Morgan Street Food Hall with local and regional DJs, feel-good house music, brunch cocktails, food and local vendors.
📍 411 W. Morgan St., Raleigh
ℹ️ @morganstreetfoodhall | More info.

🎨 Pet Paint & Sip at Unleashed

🗓️ 8/16 | ⏰ 1pm–4pm
Let your dog or cat discover their inner artist during Unleashed’s monthly Pet Paint & Sip. Pets create their own one-of-a-kind artwork while donations benefit local rescues. This month’s theme is Back to School. Suggested $10 donation
📍 Multiple locations
ℹ️ @unleashed_community | More info.

⚽ NC Courage vs. Houston Dash

🗓️ 8/16 | ⏰ 7pm
The NC Courage take on the Houston Dash during Black Excellence Night.
📍 First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park 101 Soccer Park Dr, Cary
ℹ️ @thenccourage | Tickets

🎨 Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda at Oak City Brewing Co.

🗓️ 8/16 | ⏰ 2pm–3:30pm
Pick a hand-poured ceramic piece and turn it into a one-of-a-kind creation during this self-guided pottery painting workshop for all ages and skill levels. Paint and brushes are provided.
📍616 N. First Ave., Knightdale
ℹ️ @cozypandaeventco | More info.

🎶 Live Music

🗓️ 8/14 – 5 Seconds of Summer
📍Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | Tickets

🎷 8/14 – The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans
📍Lincoln Theatre | More info. and tickets

🎤 8/14 – PJ Morton
📍Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | Tickets

🎺 8/14 – Los Tucanes de Tijuana
📍Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | Tickets

🎸 8/14 – Shoot To Thrill: All Female Tribute to AC/DC
📍The Ritz | Tickets

🎶 8/15 – Simple Plan
📍Red Hat Amphitheater | Tickets

🎸 8/15 – Bop To The Top
📍The Ritz | Tickets

🎤 8/15 – John Violinist Live!
📍Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | Tickets

🎸 8/15 – Toxic / Forever This Way / Parallel Lives
📍Lincoln Theatre | More info. and tickets

🎶 8/16 – Bull City Trio
📍 Pullen Park | More info.