Willow Springs Family Fun Day
Aug. 3, 3–9 P.M.
Carrollock Farms, 6818 Kennebec Road, Willow Spring
Wedding and event venue Carrollock Farms hosts a festival for all ages with live music, bounce houses, craft vendors, food trucks, and plenty of community spirit. Invite family and friends to take in the picturesque setting of this former tobacco sharecropper farm.
Candle-Making Workshops
Aug. 3, 17 & Sept. 14, 28 at 1 P.M.
Fuquay Works, 201 E. Academy Street, Fuquay-Varina
For beginners or experienced candle crafters, Lit Moments Candle Company hosts workshops at Fuquay Works detailing the basics of candle making. Classes include demonstrations and hands-on experiences, including creating your own scented candles using natural wax. Materials and equipment provided.
Contributed by Lit Moments
Explore Fantasy Lake Adventure Park
Daily in August, Weekends only in September, Hours vary
3601 Quarry Road, Wake Forest
A special trip to the 65-acre Fantasy Lake Adventure Park includes an inflatable water park, kayaking, paddle boarding, cliff jumping, a sand beach, lawn games, and scuba diving (for certified divers). Waterfront cabanas, beach chairs, umbrellas, and picnic shelters can be reserved in advance.
Contributed by Fantasy Lake Adventure Park
Kick-off to Kindergarten
Aug. 17, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh
Prepare for kindergarten the Marbles way — with play and memory making. The event is free for rising kindergartners and their families, but registration is required. Get school-ready with crafts and creative play, photo opportunities, and educational resources.
Contributed by Marbles Kids Museum
“Come Fly With Me” Big Band Show
Aug. 22, 7:30–9:30 P.M.
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
Celebrate the world’s most iconic destinations in the style of big band jazz music. Celebrated songs made famous by Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald will be brought to life by the Neuse River Big Band. Picture big-city streets during “New York, New York” and feel the allure of Paris in “April in Paris.”
Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival
Aug. 24 & 25, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Downtown Cary
Cary’s biggest summer tradition brings together almost 300 artists from across the country in a juried craft show and festival. With demonstrations from professional craftspeople, a kids’ world and play zone, and interactive art activities, crafts and culture meet community and celebration.
African American Cultural Festival
Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 11 A.M. to 8 P.M.
400 Block Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
For the 15th year running, come out for one blast of a block party! The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is a celebration of African American art, music, education, entertainment, and community. A vibrant African Marketplace, Family Village, and live music will all merge with fine foods and shared fun on the streets of Downtown Raleigh. aacfestival.org
Fuquay-Varina International Cultural Festival
Sept. 21, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center
In partnership with the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, the Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina presents the fourth annual International Cultural Festival, full of opportunities to embrace diversity among our neighbors with live performances, great food offerings, hands-on activities for kids and adults, and representation from five major ethic groups.
Enjoy a Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Sept. 27, 7:30 P.M.
Holly Springs Cultural Center
Landslide – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac pays homage to one of the most popular bands in music history, taking fans on an electric journey through Fleetwood Mac’s catalog of music. Band members exhibit genuine love and respect for Fleetwood Mac’s original work and spare no effort to create an authentic concert tribute experience.
Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
Canine-Con
Sept. 21, 8 A.M. to Noon
Sugg Farm Park
Leash up for a day in the park at Holly Springs’ furriest festival. Dog-themed activities, professional demonstrations, pet-centric businesses, and dog (and human) food vendors.
Inaugural Goat Fest
Sept. 21, Noon to 4 P.M.
Fainting Goat Brewing Company, Fuquay-Varina
Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary hosts a day of farm fun and fundraising to provide a safe, welcoming space for their resident goats and future visitors. Check out the Goat Kissing Booth, silent auction, raffle, live music by The Kudzu Ramblers, face painting, food trucks, and more. Read more about the Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary — and their viral TikTok star — on page 50.
Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
Celebrate Fuquay-Varina
Oct. 5, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
N. Main Street, Downtown Fuquay
The vibrant downtown district in historic Fuquay comes alive every year with live music, kids’ activities, local vendors, a beer garden, and a BMX bike show. Don’t miss the Stick Boy Bread Co. sticky bun eating contest at the Main Street Tent at noon. Festival parking is available at Centennial Square, Falcon Park, and the Fuquay-Varina Community Center.
