Say ‘see ya!’ to summer with these 8 events in Raleigh & beyond
Summertime is wrapping up soon, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Check out these eight events in Raleigh to take your kids to before summer ends.
The greater Raleigh area is hosting several affordable (or free!) family-friendly events over the next few weeks. Packing up the kids and heading to one of these gatherings makes for the perfect end-of-summer celebration. And while we’ll likely experience some good weather beyond the confines of the season, it’s still nice to pencil in one last hurrah before the school year starts again.
From The Soul Picnic in Cary to a free Wednesday Morning Movie in Apex, these events in Raleigh—and just outside of it—have a little something for everyone. Whether your kids like to keep things mellow or prefer to burn through all their energy in one afternoon, you’ll find an event that suits your beloved brood.
1. The Soul Picnic, Cary – August 16
The Soul Picnic takes place August 16 at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. The event starts at 5 p.m., and tickets average around $50 per person. Children under two years of age are admitted to the lawn area for free, though all children require a ticket if you’re planning to sit at one of the reserved tables. More information on that can be found here.
This year’s event is billed as “a celebration of food, fun, and culture,” and features food and merchandise vendors, live entertainment, live music, DJs, and more. The outdoor festival is a great place to gather and let loose for an evening filled with dancing, laughter, and shopping.
2. Apex Nature Park Amphitheater Movie Night – August 16
Apex’s Nature Park Amphitheater is hosting a screening of “A Minecraft Movie” starring Jack Black on August 16. The movie night is free to attend and starts around 8:30 p.m. that Saturday. You’re encouraged to bring a blanket, pack some snacks, and invite the whole family along for a fun night of movie watching and stargazing. Pets are not allowed, and you’re not permitted to bring alcohol with you either. Please note that the event will be cancelled if there’s inclement weather.
Click here to learn more. “A Minecraft Movie” is rated PG and has an approximate run time of one hour and 40 minutes.
3. Downtown Raleigh Kids Bricks & Minifigs Treasure Hunt – August 17
Looking for some unique family fun in Raleigh? Look no further than the Bricks & Minifigs Treasure Hunt. The event starts at 2 p.m. and lasts about an hour. Tickets are available for purchase here and are around $20 each. Children under the age of three are allowed to participate in the scavenger hunt for free with the purchase of one adult ticket.
You’ll meet at the Bricks & Minifigs located at 206 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh prior to 2 p.m. to receive your treasure map. The hunt takes place rain or shine and requires about a mile’s worth of walking. The puzzles located along the route are designed for children 12 years of age and under with some help from parents (so brush up on your skills now!). As a family, you’ll be able to follow each clue, crack the codes, and make your way toward the grand prize treasure chest.
Regardless of how you and your kids do on the puzzles, though, every ticketed individual (both adults and kids) will get a free LEGO minifig at the end of the event.
4. Free Wednesday Morning Movie, Apex – August 20
The Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex hosts free movie screenings on Wednesday mornings and evenings. The next scheduled Wednesday Morning Movie is on August 20—doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the movie will begin at 10 a.m., so be sure to get there early to secure the best seat.
Bring your own blankets and refreshments and settle in for around two hours of free entertainment with your kids. Additional details can be found here. Please call 919-249-1120 one week prior to the screening to learn what movie will be shown that day.
5. Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo – August 24, September 13
The Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo is scheduled to take place on August 24 and September 13. Technically speaking, the first day of fall isn’t until September 22, so we’re including both dates here. Beginning at 12 p.m., the Rodeo is free to attend, though you’ll need to pay for the various food items you buy from each truck you visit.
Over 50 locally owned vendors will be operating at the Rodeo, and the event’s website states that savory and sweet options will be available for purchase. In addition to an abundance of food, there will be a DJ booth, face painting, a golf simulator, and a Carolina Hurricanes Slapshot Booth. Information on which food trucks will be present, where to park, and more can be found here.
6. Demo Daze 2025, Cary – August 22
The next two events—Demo Daze 2025 and the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival—go hand-in-hand. You can attend one or both, depending on your preference and what your family’s schedule allows. Demo Daze 2025 is scheduled for August 22 at Downtown Cary Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is free to attend.
Throughout the evening, numerous demo stations will be set up to showcase a diverse range of artistic work. As the event website states, you’ll have the chance to “watch featured artists in action, ask questions, and maybe even try your hand” at the various crafts. There’s also an interactive art zone designed specifically for kids that will be hosted by Darren Farrell, a children’s book illustrator and author. A complete breakdown of demonstrations and additional details is listed here.
7. Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, Cary – August 23-24
For two days following Demo Daze, Cary will host the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival downtown. Festivities run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and are set to highlight 250 artists from across the US. There will also be over 25 food vendors, a Lazy Lounge, a beer garden, four stages for live entertainment, a Kid Collectors Market, and more. Phew, I’m getting tired (but excited!) just thinking about all of that.
Interactive art activities led by professional artists are scheduled throughout the weekend as well. Click here for everything you need to know about the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival to ensure you’re making the most of your time at this end-of-summer celebration.
8. Dive-In Movie, Wake Forest – August 23
Finally, for those who are looking for something refreshing and low-key, there’s a Dive-In Movie scheduled for August 23 at the Holding Park Aquatic Center located at 133 W Owen Ave in Wake Forest. The event begins around 8 p.m. Admission costs $7 per person, and you’re encouraged to register in advance here, as space is limited to 100 people.
At the Dive-In Movie, guests will be able to watch from the pool deck or the pool itself. You and your family are permitted to swim during the movie, but special features like the slide will not be accessible. Bringing a blanket or a chair with you is a good idea to ensure you have a comfortable place to sit if the deck chairs are occupied by the time you arrive. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.
Popcorn, chips, soda, water, and popsicles are available for purchase at concession stands located around the Aquatic Center. Alcohol is not permitted. “Luca” will be screening on August 23. The movie is rated PG and has an approximate run time of one hour and 35 minutes. Click here for more information about the event.
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