Please note, that event details are subject to change. We recommend you verify all information by visiting the official websites or contacting the event organizers directly.
50 Great Things to Do Around Wake County This Weekend
♦️Area Concerts♦️
Friday, June 12, 2026
• Madrique
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Cannonball Music Hall, Raleigh
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Description: Live hip-hop and rap performance by Madrique in an intimate concert setting.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Hardy
Time: Evening (check venue for final gate and show times)
Location: Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Cost: Ticket prices vary by seating section
Description: Multi-platinum country star Hardy brings his 2026 tour to Raleigh with special guests.
• Drive-By Truckers
Time: Evening
Location: The Ritz
Cost: Ticketed event
Description: Legendary Southern rock band known for powerful live performances and storytelling-driven music.
Sunday, June 14, 2026
• Hank, Pattie & The Current
Time: Evening
Location: Rialto Theatre
Cost: Ticketed event
Description: Americana, folk, and roots music from a talented regional ensemble.
Raleigh Summer Concert Series
At Fred Fletcher Park
4.7•Park•Open
Website•Directions•(919) 996-4363
Location: 820 Clay Street, Raleigh
Time: Sundays, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Description: Outdoor family-friendly concert series presented by Raleigh Parks featuring local and regional performers.
♦️Wake County Festivals♦️
Friday, June 12, 2026
• Friday Night on White
Date: June 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Wake Forest
Cost: Free
Description: One of Wake County's most popular summer street festivals featuring live music, food vendors, local businesses, beer vendors, and a block-party atmosphere along White Street.
• Soccer Square Fan Fest
Date: June 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Location: Moore Square
Cost: Free
Description: A World Cup-themed festival featuring giant outdoor match screenings, food trucks, lawn games, soccer activities, DJs, and fan experiences.
• America 250 Art Exhibit Artist Reception
Date: June 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
Cost: Free
Description: Community arts celebration featuring local artists, exhibits, refreshments, and a reception honoring selected works commemorating America's 250th anniversary.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Pride in the Park
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park
Cost: Free
Description: Cary's annual Pride celebration featuring live entertainment, vendors, food, themed activities, a Pride Night Market, and a silent disco.
• Knightdale African American Festival
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Knightdale Station Park
Cost: Free
Description: Celebration of African American culture with live music, food trucks, local artisans, cultural exhibits, and family activities.
• Soccer Square Fan Fest
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Moore Square
Cost: Free
Description: World Cup watch parties, interactive soccer zones, food trucks, games, and community entertainment throughout the day.
• Seeds of Freedom: Juneteenth at Oak View
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: Various times
Location: Historic Oak View County Park
Cost: Free
Description: Educational Juneteenth program featuring historical interpretation, storytelling, and exhibits about emancipation and African American history in Wake County.
Sunday, June 14, 2026
• NC Hops Festival
Date: June 14, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Midtown Park at North Hills
Cost: $51.75
Description: Craft beer festival featuring breweries from across North Carolina, food vendors, live music, and beer tastings.
• Soccer Square Fan Fest
Date: June 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Moore Square
Cost: Free
Description: Final day of Raleigh's World Cup opening-weekend festival with match screenings, fan activities, food vendors, and entertainment.
♦️More Going On In The Area♦️
Friday, June 12, 2026
• Villain Arts Raleigh Tattoo Festival
Location: NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
Time: Various times throughout the day
Cost: Admission required (ticket prices vary)
Description: National tattoo convention featuring artists, live tattooing, vendors, entertainment, and competitions.
• World Cup Fan Festival
Location: Moore Square, Raleigh
Time: Afternoon and evening
Cost: Free
Description: World Cup watch parties, games, fan activities, food vendors, and live entertainment.
• Madrique Concert
Location: Raleigh
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: Ticketed event
Description: Live hip-hop and rap performance.
• Outdoor Movie Night
Location: Dix Park, Raleigh
Time: Evening
Cost: Free
Description: Family-friendly movie under the stars with food trucks and community activities.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Pride in the Park
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary
Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Description: Pride celebration featuring live music, entertainment, food vendors, a night market, and family-friendly activities.
• Knightdale African-American Festival
Location: Knightdale Station Park
Time: Afternoon and evening
Cost: Free
Description: Cultural festival featuring live music, spoken word, food vendors, artisans, and community performances.
• NCMA Loves Anime Bazaar
Location: North Carolina Museum of Art
Time: Daytime
Cost: Free to attend; some activities may require tickets
Description: Anime-themed marketplace featuring vendors, food, music, cosplay, and a screening of Summer Wars.
• Hardy – Country! Country! Tour
Location: Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Time: Evening
Cost: Ticketed event
Description: Major country music concert featuring Hardy and special guests.
• Carín León
Location: Lenovo Center
Time: Evening
Cost: Ticketed event
Description: International Latin music star performs as part of his world tour.
• Dear Evan Hansen
Location: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Time: Multiple performances
Cost: Ticketed event
Description: Award-winning Broadway musical exploring connection, belonging, and mental health.
• The Market at Raleigh Iron Works
Location: Raleigh Iron Works
Time: Morning through afternoon
Cost: Free
Description: Local makers market featuring artisans, food vendors, shopping, and live music.
Sunday, June 14, 2026
• NC Hops Festival
Location: Midtown Park at North Hills
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cost: Approximately $50+
Description: North Carolina craft beer festival featuring breweries, food trucks, live music, and tasting opportunities.
• World Cup Fan Festival
Location: Moore Square, Raleigh
Time: Daytime
Cost: Free
Description: Final day of World Cup festivities with match screenings, soccer activities, entertainment, and food vendors.
• Hank, Pattie & The Current
Location: The Rialto Theatre
Time: Evening
Cost: Ticketed event
Description: Americana and roots music performance by a popular regional group.
• Dear Evan Hansen
Location: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Time: Multiple performances
Cost: Ticketed event
Description: Final weekend performances of the acclaimed Broadway musical.
• Escape Room Adventure
Location: Whole Brain Escape
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cost: Varies by room
Description: Interactive escape room experiences ideal for families, friends, and groups.
♦️Free Movies Under the Stars♦️
Here is a compiled list of known 2026 outdoor summer movie events in Wake County, NC, based on current available information (as of mid-May 2026).
Many towns host these as free or low-cost family-friendly series (often with pre-show activities, food trucks/vendors, and bring-your-own chairs/blankets). Schedules can change due to weather, so always verify directly via town websites or calendars. Not every town has a full summer outdoor series announced yet, or they may have indoor/library options instead.
Wake Forest
E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest
Dates/Times: Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. (pre-show activities ~7:30 p.m.)
June 13, 2026: Zootopia 2
July 18, 2026: Mufasa: The Lion King
August 1, 2026: Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Town calendar/listing: Wake Forest Family Movie Nights
Cary (Downtown Cary Park)
Downtown Cary Park Great Lawn, Cary
Multiple dates throughout 2026 (some extend into spring/fall; summer-relevant ones noted). Movies on the lawn; check for pre-show fun.
June 5: Back to the Future
July 3: Independence Day
July 17: Finding Nemo
August 7: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
August 15: How to Train Your Dragon (Summer BreakOUT!)
Town/calendar listing: Downtown Cary Park Movie Night Series
Apex
Nature Park Amphitheatre, 2600 Evans Road, Apex (part of Rhythm & Reels series with live music beforehand)
Concerts ~7:00 p.m., movies at dusk.
June 13, 2026: "Freakier Friday"
August 8, 2026: "The Bad Guys 2"
August 22, 2026: "Mario Galaxy"
Town calendar/listing: Apex Rhythm & Reels
Raleigh (Moore Square)
Moore Square, downtown Raleigh (First Friday Market & Movie Night series, often with vendors, food trucks, and music)
First Friday of each month (May–November), market ~5 p.m., movie ~7:15 p.m. or dusk. Specific summer movie titles vary (partnership with NCMA and others).
Town/calendar listing: Check Raleigh Parks events or Get2KnowRaleigh for the latest.
Garner
Garner Recreation Center (multipurpose field)
Friday Family Flicks series (free outdoor movies with activities).
Examples include June 12, 2026: Smurfs (more dates announced via town pages).
Town listing: Search GarnerNC.gov events or Garner Parks & Rec Facebook for full 2026 Friday Family Flicks schedule.
Other Wake County Towns
Knightdale: Movie in the Park at Knightdale Station Park (e.g., May 1 example; check for summer dates). Knightdale events.
Morrisville: Movies in the Park at Morrisville Community Park (family-friendly at dark). Morrisville events.
Rolesville: Movies at the Middle (e.g., August/September dates at Rolesville Middle School field). Rolesville Parks.
Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Zebulon, Wendell: Limited or no major outdoor summer series prominently listed yet. Check individual town calendars (e.g., Holly Springs Cultural Center or parks pages) or the comprehensive Triangle on the Cheap outdoor movies page for updates.
Tips:
Bring blankets/chairs, bug spray, and snacks. Many are free; some have concessions.
♦️Comedy Clubs♦️
Comedy Club | Address | Operating Days | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
Goodnights Comedy Club | 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh, NC 27605 | Tuesday–Thursday | 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
Friday–Saturday | 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM | ||
Raleigh Improv | 1224 Parkside Main St., Cary, NC 27519 | Thursday | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Friday | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | ||
Saturday | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | ||
Sunday | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | ||
Comedy Worx | 3801 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27607 | Thursday | 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
Friday | 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM | ||
Saturday | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM | ||
Neptunes Parlour | 14 W Martin St., Raleigh, NC 27601 | Sunday–Tuesday | 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
Wednesday–Saturday | 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
♦️Night Clubs♦️
Nightclub Name | Location | Date | Time | Tickets |
|---|
The Ritz | 2820 Industrial Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609 | Various dates | Varies | Available on the venue's official website |
Lincoln Theatre | 126 E Cabarrus St, Raleigh, NC 27601 | Various dates | Varies | Available on the venue's official website |
The Pour House Music Hall | 224 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601 | Various dates | Varies | Available on the venue's official website |
The Green Light | 108 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601 | Various dates | Varies | Available on the venue's official website |
The Architect Bar & Social House | 108 1/2 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601 | Various dates | Varies | Available on the venue's official website |
The Maywood | 658 Maywood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603 | Various dates | Varies | Available on the venue's official website |
♦️Local Piano Bars♦️
Venue Name | Address | Operating Hours | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
PLUS Dueling Piano Bar | 510 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 10, Raleigh, NC 27603 | Friday and Saturday: 6:30 PM – 2:00 AM | Phone: 252-289-7399 |
Broadsides & Brews | 223 S White Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587 | Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Phone: Not listed |
The Piano Room | 106 W Horton Street, Suite 2, Zebulon, NC 27597 | Operating hours not specified; events vary | Phone: 984-242-6753 |
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♦️
Business Name | Karaoke Night | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
The Night Rider | Sunday Night Karaoke | Sundays, 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM | 416 W. South St., Raleigh, NC 27601 |
Zenith | Karaoke Night | Thursdays, 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM | 226 Fayetteville St., Raleigh, NC 27601 |
The Parkway Tavern | Karaoke Night | Wednesdays, 8:30 PM – 12:00 AM | 1301 NW Maynard Rd., Cary, NC 27513 |
Back Then Bar and Grill | Karaoke Night | Wednesdays, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 107 Edinburgh South Dr., Cary, NC 27518 |
Mackey's Pub | Saturday Night Karaoke | Saturdays, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | 2101 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC 27587 |
Carolina Ale House | Karaoke Night | Wednesdays, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 11835 Retail Dr., Wake Forest, NC 27587 |
The Corner Tavern and Grill | Karaoke Night | Sundays, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 1301 NW Maynard Rd., Cary, NC 27513 |
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♦️
Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
State Farmers Market | 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603 | Daily | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Moore Square Market | Moore Square, Raleigh, NC 27601 | Sundays, May 14th – October 22nd | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Midtown Farmers Market | 4321 Lassiter Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 | Saturdays | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Wake Forest Farmers Market | 235 S Taylor St, Wake Forest, NC 27587 | Saturdays (October – March) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Holly Springs Farmers Market | Main St, Holly Springs, NC 27540 | Saturdays | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Apex Farmers Market | 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502 | Saturdays | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Cary Downtown Farmers Market | 1101 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511 | Saturdays | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Durham Farmers Market | 501 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701 | Saturdays | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Downtown Rolesville Farmers Market | 414 S Main St, Rolesville, NC 27571 | Saturdays, March – October | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
Downtown Garner Farmers Market | 4255 NC Hwy 42 W, Garner, NC 27529 | Saturdays, April – October | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
♦️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♦️
Event Name | Location | Date | Time | Cost | Details |
|---|
North Carolina Museum of History | Raleigh, NC | Ongoing | Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free | Explore exhibits on North Carolina's history, including artifacts and interactive displays. |
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences | Raleigh, NC | Ongoing | Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free | Discover exhibits on natural history, including dinosaur fossils and live animals. |
Wake Forest HistoricalMuseum | Wake Forest, NC | Ongoing | Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free | Explore exhibits on the history of Wake Forest, including its founding and development. |
Historic Oak View County Park | Raleigh, NC | Ongoing | Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free | Visit a historic farmstead and learn about 19th-century farm life in Wake County. |
Historic Yates Mill County Park | Raleigh, NC | Ongoing | Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free | Tour a restored 18th-century gristmill and learn about milling history. |
Historic Stagville State Historic Site | Durham, NC | Ongoing | Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free | Explore the history of slavery and the African American experience in North Carolina. |
Historic Oak View County Park | Raleigh, NC | Ongoing | Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free | Visit a historic farmstead and learn about 19th-century farm life in Wake County. |
Historic Yates Mill County Park | Raleigh, NC | Ongoing | Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free | Tour a restored 18th-century gristmill and learn about milling history. |
Historic Stagville State Historic Site | Durham, NC | Ongoing | Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free | Explore the history of slavery and the African American experience in North Carolina. |
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