♦️Free Kids Movies in Wake County♦️

Wake County, NC, offers several opportunities for free morning movies that are perfect for kids and families. Here's a list of venues hosting these events:​

🎥 Free Children's Movies at Holly Springs Cultural Center

• Location: 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC

• Schedule: Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.

• Upcoming Films:

  • Hotel Transylvania 2 – October 1

  • Monsters University – October 8

  • Frankenweenie – October 15

  • The Addams Family (2019) – October 22

  • Casper – October 29

• Details: Free admission; no registration required.

• More Info: Holly Springs

Movies at the Middle (Rolesville)

• Location: Rolesville Middle School Football Field, 4700 Burlington Mills Rd, Rolesville, NC

• Schedule: Select nights through October 6, 2025; gates open 30 minutes prior to sunset

• Details: Free outdoor movie showings with concessions available.

• Upcoming Films:

  • The Lion King (2019)

  • Toy Story 4

  • Frozen II

• More Info: 5 West Mag

Tips for Attending:

• Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially for popular movies.

• Bring snacks or check if concessions are available at the venue.

• Check the venue's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on movie titles and schedules.

♦️Free Movie Nights in Wake♦️

♦️Apex♦️

Event Details:

• Rhythm & Reels: Held at the Apex Nature Park Amphitheatre, these events feature live music starting at 7:00 PM, followed by a movie screening at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic dinners. No pets or alcohol are allowed. ​

• Free Wednesday Night Movies: Hosted at the Halle Cultural Arts Center, these movies are geared towards teens and adults. Screenings begin at 7:30 PM, with no previews. Reservations are not required.

♦️Cary♦️

Event Details:

• Location: All movies are shown on the Great Lawn at Downtown Cary Park.​

• Admission: Free and open to the public.​

• Amenities: Food trucks will be on-site, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase at Market 317.​

• Seating: Bring cushions, blankets, and chairs to watch the movie in comfort on the Great Lawn.​

• Pre-Screening Activities: Come early to enjoy themed pre-screening activities before each movie. ​

♦️Garner♦️

Event Details:

• Admission: Free and open to the public.

• Pre-show Activities: Begin one hour before the movie start time.

• What to Bring: Lawn chairs, blankets, and cushions for comfortable seating.

• Concessions: Available for purchase on-site.

• Rain Policy: In case of rain, the event will be held at the same time on the following day.​

♦️Holly Springs♦️

Event Details:

• Admission: Free and open to the public.

• Seating: First-come, first-served.

• Concessions: Complimentary popcorn is often provided.

♦️Knightdale♦️

Event Details:

• Knightdale Station Park – Movie in the Park:

  • Hosted by Knightdale Parks and Recreation.

  • Features food trucks, family activities, and a movie under the stars.​

• Haven Farm – First Friday Market & Movie Night:

  • Presented by Pop-Up Carolinas.

  • Includes a vendor market, live music, food trucks, and an outdoor movie.

  • Events run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with movies starting at dusk.​

♦️Rolesville♦️

Event Details:

• Admission: Free and open to the public.

• Start Time: Movies begin at sunset.

• What to Bring: Blankets or chairs for comfortable seating.

• Concessions: Available on-site (cash only).

• Parking: Available at Rolesville Middle School.

• Inclement Weather: In case of bad weather, updates will be provided via the Town of Rolesville's official channels.​

♦️Family, Art & Cultural Festivals♦️🎉 

September 2025

• Carolina Indie Fest

  • 📅 Dates & Times: Fri, Sept 26, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sat, Sept 27, 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM

  • 📍 Location: Hugger Mugger, 229 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Free

  • 🎉 Details: Two-day festival featuring 10 bands, arts & crafts vendors, and food trucks. (triangleonthecheap.com)

• BBQ & Bands Festival

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sat, Sept 27, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Rolesville Community Park at Redford Place

  • 💰 Cost: Free

  • 🎉 Details: Family-friendly festival with live music, BBQ vendors, and fun activities for all ages.

October 2025

• Raleigh Wide Open Bluegrass Festival

  • 📅 Dates & Times: Fri–Sat, Oct 3–4, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Downtown Raleigh

  • 💰 Cost: Free

  • 🎉 Details: Bluegrass, Americana, gospel, folk, and R&B performances plus an art market and food vendors. (raleighwideopen.com)

• Wake Forest Community Celebration of the Arts

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sat, Oct 11, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: 405 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Free

  • 🎉 Details: Family-friendly festival with live performances, art displays, and hands-on activities. (fun4raleighkids.com)

• Wake Forest Pride Fest

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sat, Oct 11, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Downtown Wake Forest, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Free

  • 🎉 Details: Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with vendors, live music, food, and family-friendly activities. (wakeforestnc.gov)

• Rock n Brew at Lafayette Village

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sat, Oct 18, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: 8450 Honeycutt Rd., Raleigh, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Free

  • 🎉 Details: Live music, craft beer, and food vendors for families and adults.

• Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church Fall Festival

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sat, Oct 18, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: 3328 Forestville Rd., Raleigh, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Free with registration

  • 🎉 Details: Community event with games, food, and activities for all ages.

• Harvest Festival at Duke Gardens

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sun, Oct 19, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: 420 Anderson St., Durham, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Free admission; parking fees apply

  • 🎉 Details: Autumn celebration with music, demonstrations, and family activities.

• NC State Fair

  • 📅 Dates & Times: Thu–Sun, Oct 16–26; daily hours vary

  • 📍 Location: NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Adults 13–64: $10 online/$13 gate; Youth 6–12: $5/$7; Children <5: Free; Seniors 65+: $5

  • 🎉 Details: Traditional state fair with rides, games, agricultural exhibits, food vendors, and live entertainment. (ncstatefair.org)

• North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

  • 📅 Dates & Times: October 2025, exact dates TBD, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Ticketed event

  • 🎉 Details: Walk-through display of thousands of illuminated lanterns, cultural performances, and interactive exhibits. (southernliving.com)

November 2025

• Fall FunFest

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sat, Nov 1, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Redford Place Park, Rolesville, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Free

  • 🎉 Details: Family-friendly fall activities, games, vendors, and music.

• Veteran Art Show

  • 📅 Date & Time: Thu, Nov 20

  • 📍 Location: Joel Fund’s Operation ART Online Gallery, Durham, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Free

  • 🎉 Details: Art show highlighting work by veterans. (unitedarts.org)

• Art Bash 2025

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sat, Nov 15, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Raleigh, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Ticketed event

  • 🎉 Details: Celebrating North Carolina’s art scene with gallery exhibitions, live art, and gourmet bites. (artspacenc.org)

• Once On This Island (Theatre Raleigh)

  • 📅 Dates & Times: Thu, Nov 13 – Sun, Nov 24; showtimes vary

  • 📍 Location: Theatre Raleigh, Raleigh, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Ticketed event

  • 🎉 Details: Musical story of love and culture. (unitedarts.org)

December 2025

• Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sat, Dec 6, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Free

  • 🎉 Details: Artisan market featuring local handmade gifts, crafts, and family activities. (artswakeforest.org)

• Rotary Christmas Parade (Apex)

  • 📅 Date & Time: Sat, Dec 6, 5:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Downtown Apex, NC

  • 💰 Cost: Free

  • 🎉 Details: Nighttime parade with festive floats and community participation. (apexnc.org)

♦️Library & Educational Programs♦️🎉

September 2025

📖 Read Local Program Series

• Date & Time: Various dates in September

• Location: Various WCPL branches

• Cost: Free

• Description: Celebrate the power of stories with author readings, workshops, and community discussions. Facebook

👩‍🎤 Georgann Eubanks – Meet the Author

• Date & Time: September 28, 2025

• Location: West Regional Library, Cary

• Cost: Free

• Description: Join author Georgann Eubanks for a discussion and signing of her latest work. Facebook

📚 Audrey Perrott – Children's Author Reading

• Date & Time: September 28, 2025

• Location: West Regional Library, Cary

• Cost: Free

• Description: Children's author Audrey Perrott reads from her latest book, followed by a Q&A session. Facebook

October 2025

🎨 Family Story Time

• Date & Time: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

• Location: Various WCPL branches

• Cost: Free

• Description: Interactive sessions featuring books, music, rhymes, and movement to nurture pre-reading skills for young children.

🎉 Public Library Pop-Up

• Date & Time: October 3, 2025, 10:30 AM

• Location: Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh

• Cost: Free

• Description: Join WCPL for a family-focused pop-up at the House of Many Porches Market. Enjoy story time, sign up for a library card, and check out materials. dorotheadixpark.org

📚 Read Local Program Series

• Date & Time: Various dates in October

• Location: Various WCPL branches

• Cost: Free

• Description: Celebrate the power of stories with author readings, workshops, and community discussions. Facebook

November 2025

📖 Read Local Program Series

• Date & Time: Various dates in November

• Location: Various WCPL branches

• Cost: Free

• Description: Celebrate the power of stories with author readings, workshops, and community discussions. Facebook

December 2025

📚 Read Local Program Series

• Date & Time: Various dates in December

• Location: Various WCPL branches

• Cost: Free

• Description: Celebrate the power of stories with author readings, workshops, and community discussions. Facebook

🎉 Best of 2025 and What's to Come!

• Date & Time: December 10, 2025

• Location: West Regional Library, Cary

• Cost: Free

• Description: Join WCPL for a year-in-review celebration and a look ahead at upcoming programs and events. Eventbrite

📙 November 2025

• Fall in Love with Words: Open Mic Night!

  • Date & Time: Wednesday, November 6, 2025, 6:30 PM

  • Location: Wake Forest Community Library, 400 East Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587

  • Description: An open mic night for local writers to share their creativity. Participants have up to five minutes to showcase their work.

  • Link: wakeforestgazette.comwakeforestgazette.com+1

• Social Media for Non-Profits

  • Date & Time: Wednesday, November 13, 2025, 6:30 PM

  • Location: Wake Forest Community Library, 400 East Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587

  • Description: A session presented by Wake Tech Small Business Center on the best ways to promote non-profits or religious institutions through social media.

  • Link: wakeforestgazette.comwakeforestgazette.com

• Tuesday Night Teen Takeover!

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, November 19, 2025, 6:30 PM

  • Location: Wake Forest Community Library, 400 East Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587

  • Description: An event for teens in grades 6–12 to gather and learn how to use skill toys to have fun and develop focus.

  • Link: wakeforestgazette.comwakeforestgazette.com

• Wake Forest Library Stitchers

  • Date & Time: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of November 2025, 12:00–3:00 PM

  • Location: Wake Forest Community Library, 400 East Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587

  • Description: A group for stitchers to bring their latest projects and connect with fellow makers who share a passion for all things handmade.

  • Link: wakeforestgazette.comwakeforestgazette.com

📗 December 2025

• Best of 2025 and What's to Come!

  • Date & Time: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 10:30–11:30 AM

  • Location: West Regional Library, 4000 Louis Stephens Drive, Cary, NC 27519

  • Description: A monthly librarian-led book discussion. Reflect on the books read this year and discuss upcoming titles for the next year.

  • Link: EventbriteEventbrite

♦️Live Theater♦️

♦️Live Country Music♦️

October 2025

🎤 Jon Pardi – Honkytonk Hollywood Tour

• Date & Time: October 10, 2025, 7:00 PM

• Location: Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, Raleigh, NC

• Cost: Ticket prices vary; available on Ticketmaster

• Description: Join Jon Pardi for a night of high-energy country music at one of Raleigh's premier outdoor venues.

🎶 Sam Barber – North America Tour

• Date & Time: November 1, 2025, 7:00 PM

• Location: The Ritz, Raleigh, NC

• Cost: $149; tickets available on Concerts50

• Description: Experience Sam Barber's unique blend of country and Americana in an intimate setting.

🎸 Chatham Rabbits

• Date & Time: November 21, 2025

• Location: The Wake Forest Listening Room, Wake Forest, NC

• Cost: Tickets available on Shazam

• Description: Enjoy an evening with Chatham Rabbits, known for their heartfelt folk and country tunes.

🎤 Hank & My Honky Tonk Heroes: 100 Years of Hank Williams

• Date & Time: November 20, 2025

• Location: United Arts, Raleigh, NC

• Cost: Tickets available on United Arts

• Description: Celebrate the legacy of Hank Williams with a tribute performance featuring award-winning artist Jason Petty.

December 2025

🎶 John Howie, Jr. & the Rosewood Bluff with Kelsey Rae Copeland

• Date & Time: December 4, 2025, Doors open at 6:45 PM, Show at 7:30 PM

• Location: The Wake Forest Listening Room, Wake Forest, NC

• Cost: $39.55; tickets available on Wake Forest Listening Room

• Description: Experience a night of authentic country music with John Howie, Jr. and Kelsey Rae Copeland.

🎉 Additional Country Music Festivals in North Carolina

While not in Wake County, these festivals are within a reasonable drive and feature notable country artists:

Field & Stream Music Fest

• Dates: October 3–5, 2025

• Location: Winnsboro, SC (approximately 1 hour south of Charlotte)

• Headliners: Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Riley Green, ZZ Top, Bailey Zimmerman

• Description: A three-day festival celebrating country music with over 40 artists, organized by Southern Entertainment. Axios

📍 Venue Highlights in Wake County

• Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek: Raleigh's premier outdoor venue for large-scale concerts.

• The Ritz: An intimate venue in Raleigh hosting a variety of live performances.

• The Wake Forest Listening Room: A cozy venue in Wake Forest offering acoustic and folk-inspired country music.

♦️Live Blue Grass Music ♦️

September 2025

🎻 PineCone Open Bluegrass Jam

• Date & Time: September 22, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Location: Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC

• Cost: Free

• Description: An informal jam session welcoming musicians of all skill levels to join in and play bluegrass music together. unitedarts.org

🎻 PineCone Open Bluegrass Jam

• Date & Time: September 25, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Location: Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC

• Cost: Free

• Description: Another opportunity for bluegrass enthusiasts to gather and jam in a relaxed, community setting. unitedarts.org

October 2025

🎶 Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival

• Dates & Times:

  • October 2, 2025: Kickoff Celebration at The Corner at NC State's Centennial Campus, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • October 3, 2025: Main Festival on Fayetteville St., 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

  • October 4, 2025: Main Festival on Fayetteville St., 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Raleigh, NC

• Cost: Free

• Description: A new bluegrass and Americana festival presented by PineCone, featuring multiple stages of live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Raleigh Wide Open 2025+1

🎻 PineCone Open Bluegrass Jam

• Date & Time: October 27, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Location: Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC

• Cost: Free

• Description: Monthly jam session welcoming bluegrass musicians of all levels to participate in a community music experience. unitedarts.org

November 2025

🎶 East Nash Grass with AJ Lee & Blue Summit

• Date & Time: November 9, 2025, Doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM

• Location: The Ramkat, 170 W 9th St, Winston-Salem, NC

• Cost: Ticket prices vary; available on The Ramkat

• Description: A night of bluegrass music featuring East Nash Grass and special guest AJ Lee & Blue Summit. Visit Winston Salem

December 2025

🎶 Béla Fleck and the Flecktones

• Date & Time: December 19, 2025, 8:00 PM

• Location: Carolina Theatre, 309 W Morgan St, Durham, NC

• Cost: Ticket prices vary; available on Carolina Theatre

• Description: A performance by the legendary bluegrass fusion band, blending elements of jazz, classical, and bluegrass music. JamBase

🎶 Yarn with The Dune Dogs

• Date & Time: December 19, 2025, Doors at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM

• Location: Lincoln Theatre, 126 E Cabarrus St, Raleigh, NC

• Cost: Ticket prices vary; available on Lincoln Theatre

• Description: An evening of Americana and bluegrass music with Yarn and special guests The Dune Dogs. JamBase

♦️ Regular Bluegrass Venues Wake CO♦️

These venues regularly feature bluegrass music:

• Lorraine's Coffee House & Music – Garner, NC (Weekly bluegrass performances)

• The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop – Raleigh, NC (Frequent bluegrass shows)

• Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC (Occasional bluegrass concerts)

• Tin Roof – Raleigh, NC (Casual live music including bluegrass)

• Red Hat Amphitheater – Raleigh, NC (Hosts bluegrass festivals and major acts)

• Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC (Large bluegrass concerts)

• Koka Booth Amphitheatre – Cary, NC (Seasonal outdoor bluegrass events)

• Transfer Co. Food Hall – Raleigh, NC (PineCone Bluegrass Jam – Fourth Monday of each month)

♦️Where To Go Dancing♦️

This chart provides a selection of dance venues in the Wake County area, offering a variety of dance styles, from line dancing to general club dancing. Please check the venues' official websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on specific event dates and times.

♦️Restaurants & Bars W/ Live Music♦️

♦️Family Days Out ♦️

♦️Home-RV-Festivals-Shows♦️

♦️Comedy Clubs♦️

♦️Night Clubs♦️

♦️Local Piano Bars♦️

Please note that operating hours and event schedules may vary. It's recommended to contact the venues directly or visit their official websites for the most current information.

♦️Local Karaoke and Game Nights♦️

Notes:

• Event dates and times are subject to change. It's recommended to check the respective venues' websites or contact them directly for the most current information.​

• Some venues may have age restrictions or cover charges. Please verify before attending.

♦️Local Farmers Markets♦️

♦️Summer Concerts & Music Series♦️

📍Festivals & Cultural Celebrations📍

📍Family Storytime Series 📍

These weekly sessions are designed for young children and families, featuring stories, songs, and interactive activities to foster early literacy and a love for reading.

For more detailed information and to stay updated on additional events, consider visiting the Wake County Government Events Calendar.

📍Pop-Up Library Events 📍

These mobile library sessions bring books and activities to various community locations, making library resources more accessible to families.

For more detailed information and to stay updated on additional events, consider visiting the Wake County Government Events Calendar.

📍Workshops & Programs 📍

These sessions offer hands-on learning experiences for children and families, focusing on various educational topics.

For more detailed information and to stay updated on additional events, consider visiting the Wake County Government Events Calendar.

♦️Places of Historical Interest to Visit♦️