School is back, and Little Rey is making it extra sweet! š Treat the kiddos to free soft-serve cones all month long at their Raleigh Iron Works location. Parents can join in tooāsip a margarita, snack on tasty bites, and celebrate the start of the school year together. Itās a win for kids and adults alike!
š Little Rey ā 1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Ste 102
šø FREE soft-serve cones for kids | Food & drinks available for purchase
š All of August
Wrap up your summer with creativity, music, and fun at the 49th annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival! Just a short hop from Raleigh to Cary, this two-day celebration features over 250 talented artists, live entertainment on four stages, and 25+ food vendors. Kids will love Kid Daze, where they can enjoy hands-on crafts, games, and the Kid Collectors Market, picking up pint-sized pieces made by local artists. With artisan demos, interactive activities, and fun around every corner, itās a must-visit family event to end the season on a high note!
š Cary Town Hall Campus, Downtown Cary
šø FREE Admission
š Saturday + Sunday, Aug. 23ā24 Ā· 9 a.m. ā 5 p.m.
Even for a Pirate fan, this is a Wolfpack tradition worth joining! Celebrate the start of a new school year with NC Stateās signature all-day block party. Families can enjoy live musicāincluding a headline performance by Saved by the 90sāplus kid-friendly activities, 300+ vendors, and a grand finale of fireworks at the Belltower. With over 85,000 attendees each year, this is one Raleigh tradition you wonāt want to miss!
š Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
šø FREE Admission
š Saturday, Aug. 23 Ā· 2 ā 10 p.m.
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for both kids and parentsāmake the transition a smooth one with this free, fun-filled event! Kids can practice the lunch line, ride a WCPSS school bus, enjoy interactive storytime, and explore a typical school day with music, PE, and more.
š Marbles Kids Museum ā 201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh
šø FREE (Registration required)
š Saturday, Aug. 23 Ā· 9 a.m. ā 5 p.m.
Bring the magic of fairytales to life on Saturday, Aug. 23. Kids will love meeting their favorite princesses for a day full of stories, songs, dances, crafts, games, and more. Plus, enjoy 10 enchanting performances and a special meet and greet where little ones can snap photos, give hugs, and collect autographs from every character. Donāt forget to dress them up in their favorite royal attire!
š Raleigh Convention Center ā 500 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh
šø $34.97 Admission required (babies 12 months and under free)
š Saturday, Aug. 23 Ā· 10 a.m. ā 6 p.m.
ā° Session Times: 10:00 a.m. Ā· 12:00 p.m. Ā· 2:30 p.m. Ā· 4:30 p.m.
Ready to shop, sip, laugh, and maybe geek out a little? This weekend in Raleigh is serving up all the summer energyāfrom sidewalk sales in two of my favorite shopping districts, to beer-fueled book fairs, to a massive toy and comic expo that has something for every generation (looking at you, PokĆ©mon parents š). Whether you’re clearing your calendar or your trunkāor bothāweāve rounded up five canāt-miss happenings.
Without further ado, hereās your Friday Fiveā¦
One of Downtown Raleighās favorite cocktail bars just got even cooler. William & Company has officially opened its brand-new back patioāa sunny, tucked-away spot perfect for sipping something strong, snacking on one of their legendary house tamales, or catching a DJ set under the stars.
Havenāt been yet? Nowās your chance! In celebration of National Tequila Day (Thursday, July 24), weāre giving away a $25 gift card to Willco so you can try the new space on us.
š Enter by Thursday, July 31, for your chance to win!
Known for his laid-back style, quick wit, and hilarious takes on everyday life, Nate Bargatze is bringing his āBig Dumb Eyes World Tourā to Raleigh on Friday, July 18. Whether heās riffing on family life, awkward moments, or growing up in the South, his clean humor and perfect deadpan delivery make him a favorite for comedy fans of all ages.
An evening with Nate isnāt just funnyāitās refreshingly wholesome. Come for the laughs, stay for the good vibes.
š 1400 Edwards Mill Road
šļø Tickets available now via Ticketmaster | 7 p.m.
