This weekend in Cary, NC

Appalachian State travels to face NC State at Carter-Finley Stadium, bringing together two in-state programs with strong regional ties and recent competitive form. Contrasting styles and in-state pride set the stage for an engaging matchup for college football fans.

Fire up your appetite with a tribute to everything hot off the grill. In true North Carolina farmers market fashion, this gathering highlights barbecue with tastings, educational content, and more. Explore flavors, pick up tips, and celebrate the spirit of BBQ culture.

Celebrate homegrown talent Yung Ginger, spotlighting performances in Morrisville and the lyrical prowess that has drawn local buzz. The program features opportunities to meet the artist, take part in a Q&A, collect autographs, and enjoy tastings. Presented as North Carolina’s next rap sensation, this gathering highlights both the music and the personality behind it. In a playful nod to his namesake, Yung Ginger is described as keeping the fragrance without the astringency, making him a clever culinary companion whether dishes are cooked, marinated, or raw. WWFM x YG collaboration merchandise is on the horizon, and the newsletter will share the first updates.

Explore the North Hills Farmers Market with 100% Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork raised in North Carolina. Stock up for weekend cookouts, game day eats, or simply to have something special on hand.

A monthly breakfast at Golden Corral in Raleigh brings together Little British Car enthusiasts for conversation and community. Participants can bring their Little British Cars, catch up with fellow owners, hear updates on upcoming activities, and take part in prize drawings. Registration is not required. A private meeting room is expected to be open, so after paying at the front, go to the right to find the group and sit together there.

A weekly market at Hub RTP brings together the South Durham farming community and local artisans. Its mission is to connect the community with high quality locally grown food while advancing farmland preservation and care for the local environment through sustainable agricultural practices. Visitors can meet the farmers who grow the fruits and vegetables they buy and explore distinctive creations from local artisans. Whether seeking fresh ingredients or aiming to support local businesses and sustainable farming, there is something for everyone. For weekly vendor details and special happenings, check the market’s calendar on its website.

Lore Con 2026 arrives at the Durham Convention Center in Durham, NC for two days dedicated to storytellers, creators, and community. Expect panel discussions, a marketplace of vendors and artists, gaming, cosplay, and more. Billed as a long awaited convention for the Southeast, it offers fans a place to connect over all things lore. Tickets are available.

Learn what to plant now for the fall season at the Morrisville Education Garden. The class begins with a half hour of instruction, then moves into guided, hands-on practice. Participants will transplant pac and bok choi, and some classes may also feature giveaways or small take-home projects. All ages are welcome, and children under 13 must attend with an adult who has registered.

Hosted at New Hope Collaborative, this free event explores the caregiving experience and life with multiple sclerosis. Experts, people living with MS, and caregivers will share personal stories and offer practical support, with an emphasis on turning awareness into action. Registration is required. The organizers are also seeking volunteers to help with this event and future initiatives.

A weekly pickleball tournament held on Saturdays brings Raleigh neighbors together to meet new people and stay active. All skill levels are welcome, from newcomers to seasoned players, with friendly competition and plenty of fun. Bring a paddle, your best serve, and a spirit of community for time on the court.

At Raleigh Iron Works in Raleigh, NC, the Raleigh Book Fair welcomes attendees with free entry. Open to all, the event includes a tent or table offering book-themed giveaways and a lineup of five psychological thrillers.

William & Mary faces Duke in an early-season football matchup at Wallace Wade Stadium. Contrasting approaches on both sides could lead to big momentum shifts and opportunities for individual stars to shine. The stage is set for a competitive game with plenty of storylines unfolding on the field.

Struggling to build a color story around a favorite hero fabric or wishing a finished quilt top had more harmony? This interactive, hands-on workshop with Jenn G.B. centers on reading fabric and assembling confident palettes with help from the Zollie Palette Scout card deck. Through practical exercises, participants explore how to identify supporting hues and curate combinations that work together, gaining clear strategies to choose colors with confidence.

This welcoming group therapy session supports people who care for loved ones, offering heartfelt conversation, emotional support, and practical coping strategies. It takes place in a private, judgment-free setting with refreshments and the chance to win door prizes. To protect everyone’s privacy, participants will sign a nondisclosure agreement before the group begins, creating a safe and confidential environment. Attendance is free and centers the mental health needs of caregivers.

Play Commander at Gamers Geekery & Tavern. Enter the event code to receive random prizes while you play.

This event offers an afternoon of good food, games, raffles, and show stopping gospel entertainment, all to raise emergency funds for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Emergency Blessing BAGS. The lineup features five-time Stellar nominee Kim Person, along with much more.

Mortali-Tea is a Pagan-focused Death Cafe organized by Via Textricis and held at Panera Bread. Based on the Death Cafe model that began in the UK in 2011 to create a safe space for conversations about death, this gathering offers open, wide-ranging discussion of end-of-life topics through a Pagan lens. The movement has grown to nearly 19,000 gatherings in 91 countries, and this local version was created to serve needs not fully met by other area groups. RSVP by emailing viatextricis@gmail.com.

Celebrate summer car cruises in a spacious, shaded lot where music sets a relaxed vibe. A 50/50 option adds to the fun, and there is a chicken restaurant just across the street for convenient refreshments.

Sufi Roots & Rhythms turns Boxyard RTP into a journey through groove-centered Sufi and Hindustani traditions alongside the resonant tones of the Senegalese kora, spotlighting artists based in North Carolina. The program features the Diali Cissokho Trio. The trio unites three globally recognized musicians whose collaboration draws on deep cultural foundations and West African rhythms and instruments to bridge cultures. Their shared commitment to music’s ability to connect people shapes an experience that feels both grounded and expansive. Diali Cissokho, a Senegalese kora virtuoso and percussionist, descends from a long Manding griot lineage, stewards of history and storytelling. Will Ridenour, a Greensboro-based kora player and percussionist, embraced West African music after a formative encounter with traditional dance. Atiba Rorie, a percussionist and founder of the multi-genre group Africa Unplugged, has trained with masters including Bradley, Simmons, Babatunde Olatunji, and Chief Bey. Together they offer a cross-cultural performance that uses the universal language of music to foster connection and inspiration. Attendance implies consent to be photographed or recorded, and Boxyard RTP may use photos, video, or audio featuring attendees in any medium for any purpose.

Mysti Mayhem brings a soulful, blues-tinged set to Salty Turtle Beer Co: Raleigh. The North Carolina singer, songwriter, and guitarist has more than 20 years of stage experience and received professional training from Bo Diddley. The performance features a blend of original songs and covers delivered with soulful vocals and blues-influenced guitar.

Deep 6 performs at Tap Station with a Pearl Jam tribute and a set of grunge hits from Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, Silverchair, Candlebox, Screaming Trees, Mudhoney, and Bush. The announcement invites attendees to lean into the era’s style with flannel, well worn sweaters, and Doc Martens for a true grunge atmosphere.

Make time for hands-on creativity in a shared space for arts and crafts, then head to the outdoor patio to watch local fire artists in a lively fire spinning jam. Admission is free.

Enjoy a free concert. Arrive early to relax with a drink, have dinner, and then stay for the music.

Word Jazz brings Actors Improv’s blend of unscripted theater and music back to Sharp Nine. Drawing on Ken Nordine’s landmark 1957 album, the performance unfolds through scenes sparked by improvised monologues and the live sound of a five-piece band, with on-the-spot songs woven into the mix and audience suggestions setting everything in motion. The quintet features Ricky Bloomfield on reeds, Rob Ladd on drums, Robbie Link on bass, Glenn Mehrbach on piano, and Scott Sawyer on guitar. Actors Improv, recognized as the South’s longest-running improv company, anchors the collaboration.

Presented by Lincoln Theatre, Kings in Raleigh, NC hosts JGBCB for an after party connected to Gov't Mule and Ziggy Marley.

City Soul Cafe brings a night of poetry, music, laughter, creativity, and community to terminal8bar_lounge. Grand Champs hosts while DJ Supreme sets the soundtrack, with savory plates from Kickback Q’s and desserts by Chusby Whusby. The mic is ready for voices that move the room, and early arrival is encouraged to settle in for the full experience. Expect a warm crowd, a lively flow, and the distinctive City Soul vibe throughout.

This prenatal yoga class is designed for expectant participants. An experienced instructor offers thoughtful guidance and fosters a supportive environment to move safely and connect body and mind during pregnancy. It takes place on the first and third Sunday mornings of each month. Attend a single session or choose a package.

USA Cheer hosts a College Recruiting Combine in North Carolina at North Carolina State University. Athletes have the opportunity to showcase skills for college cheer and STUNT coaches in a recruiting environment. Two sessions are offered, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and space is limited since sessions often reach capacity.

Regular hikes set out from Umstead Park with a community group that coordinates its outings through a WhatsApp chat. Routes and meeting points change from one outing to the next, and the schedule can shift with the season, weather, and the availability of a hike leader. Most walks cover about four miles, and the pace is flexible so anyone who prefers a shorter trek can turn back early. Participants may also propose and lead additional hikes. For details or access to the WhatsApp group, send a message to John Zeiger at 919/522-4212 or contact Susan Nicholas. Coordinator: John Zeiger, johnz@outdoorz.net.

Experience an outdoor yoga session set among the vines at Zinc House Winery & Brewery. Sharon MacGregor, founder of Serenity Farm Yoga Sanctuary and the 26-acre Serenity Farm retreat center, leads Flow & Grow, a beginner friendly class that links breath with movement, with a slightly brisker tempo, optional gentle chaturangas, and variations for every level. The winery’s 87-acre property, with vineyards, walking trails, rooftop decks, and striking event spaces, provides a calming backdrop to pause and reset. After class, post-practice options include browsing Tip-Z Boutique, enjoying gourmet coffee or a bite from a food truck, sipping something bubbly or another refreshing drink, playing a round of cornhole, and taking in vineyard views with new or longtime friends. Please bring a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and water. An eye cover is optional, and a cushion for the knees such as a towel is encouraged. This class takes place outdoors.

The Durham Armory sets the scene for a Cottagecore take on the Durham Geek and Grub Market, a free, woodland-themed marketplace with more than 40 whimsical geeky vendors, food trucks, special guests, and storybook-inspired activities surrounded by mushroom motifs, meadow vibes, and cozy cottage aesthetics. Guests can start at the main entrance check-in, where kids receive a complimentary treat and details for a no-cost scavenger hunt. Track down eight cottagecore Gambits, then stop by the HQ desk to claim a prize. The indoor Geek Tavern serves non-alcoholic themed mocktails and other beverages. No tickets are required. The event is fully accessible. Street parking is plentiful with weekend free options, and nearby garages offer paid parking. Only service dogs are allowed. A vendor list and map will be posted online ten days in advance, and a detailed schedule will follow soon.

Pokémon TCG League Play at East Coast Gaming creates a friendly setting for playing, trading, and meeting other fans. The league is led by Kristine Freeman, the resident Pokémon Professor, who also serves as TCG judge and tournament organizer. Participation spans the trading card game, the video game, and Pokémon Go, with the strongest support centered on the TCG. Games allow the Legacy format, so cards from any set are welcome, and the focus stays on having fun. Proxies, World Championship cards, and foreign-language cards are permitted when both players understand what the cards do. New players can learn the trading card game with guidance from Kristine, who can explain the fundamentals and share practice resources for home use. Younger attendees and anyone less drawn to gameplay can enjoy coloring and activity pages and earn stickers.

Trade the basic black for something festive during a hands-on class that walks you through sewing a quilted witch hat. Create a fully lined design using two coordinating fabrics and two stabilizers, then personalize it to suit your style. The included pattern provides templates for adult and child sizes, so you can make one for yourself and a matching mini for a youngster. Add the finishing touches with any embellishments you like... flowers, ribbons, or other trims to complete the look.

Test your reflexes at a no-cost weekly air hockey tournament at Super Rad Retro Lounge. All experience levels are welcome, from first-timers to seasoned players, and the focus is on friendly matches, bragging rights, and having fun. Newcomers can learn the basics on site with encouragement from a welcoming air hockey community.

Dive into a nautical-themed skate session inspired by SpongeBob, packed with upbeat energy and continuous rink fun for kids, families, and fans of all ages. Skaters can soak up the silly, lighthearted vibe on the floor, while spectators enjoy the playful, cartoon-inspired atmosphere from the sidelines. Admission is $13 online or $15 at the door. Regular skate rental is $6, rollerblade rental is $7, and Skatemate rental is $6. Non-skating spectators are $4. All guests must complete a waiver to enter, and adults need to list the names of any children in their party on that waiver.

The Black Farmers Market in Raleigh brings together Black-owned farms, food makers, and small businesses from across the Triangle for a welcoming, all-ages shopping experience that is open to the public each weekend. Angelica Wellness Shop, a Raleigh herbal tea company, will be on site serving wellness-minded drinks as visitors browse local vendors. Offerings include herbal tea blends in tea bags and sachets, premium bottled spring water, and canned sweet tea, with an unsweetened canned option coming soon. Whether the plan is to pick up fresh food, discover neighborhood goods, or enjoy a relaxed weekend outing, this rotating market alternates between Raleigh and Durham.

An in-person seminar built around the Dogs & Toddlers program shares practical ways to prepare your home and support your dog as a baby starts moving and enters the toddler years. Learn how to prevent common situations that can put young children at risk or lead family dogs to lose their homes by creating a solid plan from the start. The presentation covers reading canine communication, managing space in the home, considering child development from 3 months to 3 years, and noticing how an individual dog responds to the rush of new sights and sounds during this stage. Attendees leave with tips they can use right away to set up for success. This session is designed for families with babies nearing mobility, families with toddlers, and caregivers who supervise dogs and children, as well as anyone seeking a clearer understanding of the unique challenges of life with dogs and little ones. Family Paws has supported families with dogs since 2002. People only, please leave dogs at home. Babies grow and dogs age... adjust at every stage.

Unroll your mat for a beginner-friendly yoga class where rescue puppies roam for cuddles, naps, and playful distractions. Taking place at Unleashed Store for Cats & Dogs in North Raleigh, this session welcomes all levels. Tickets are $35, and all proceeds support Blazin' Trails Bottle Babies and the care their puppies need to grow strong. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to check in and set up your space. Bring a yoga mat, water, comfortable clothing, and a camera-ready smile. Tickets tend to sell out quickly.

The Noble Queen Summit provides a welcoming space for women of color to reflect on and refine self care practices through speakers with an enterprising focus, interactive sessions, and connections to local resources. Tickets include access to a self care panel, entertainment, networking opportunities, lunch, giveaways, and retail therapy. A strict dress code is in place, with magenta pink and white cocktail attire required. For sponsorship opportunities, email info@shopnoblecompanion.com.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Stage Fright (1950, 110 minutes) screens at The Carolina Theatre of Durham as part of the Alfred Hitchcock Film Series. Set in London’s theater world, the story follows aspiring actress Eve Gill, who poses as a maid to the glamorous Charlotte Inwood after Charlotte’s husband is killed and Jonathan, her lover, is suspected. As disguises multiply and loyalties shift, appearances deceive and the line between performance and truth turns dangerous. Marlene Dietrich, Jane Wyman, and Richard Todd headline, with Dietrich featured in musical numbers. Admission is $12 per person.

A free beginner trial of Systema takes place at Triangle Aikido. This Russian martial art offers a holistic approach for mind, body, and spirit, combining martial arts with elements of yoga, massage, and meditation in a practical format. Instruction emphasizes intuitive self protection and natural responses while building strength, flexibility, and a more relaxed relationship with stress. The core of the practice is efficient, free movement supported by solid structure and low tension. Through a progressive approach, participants develop awareness, adaptability, and composure so they can remain centered and responsive in challenging or unpredictable situations. Training varies from session to session, and everyone works at a comfortable pace with attention to movement quality, efficiency, and understanding. Classes often open with breathing, movement, and conditioning drills rooted in Russian martial arts to release mental and physical tension and build resilience. Work then progresses into rolling, falling, groundwork, and movement drills organized around central themes. NC Systema is an officially recognized Systema Vasiliev school, and instructors are certified annually by the headquarters in Toronto. Questions can be directed to taylor@ncsystema.com.

Travel through downtown Raleigh to discover the city’s past at a selection of nationally designated historic sites. Follow its evolution from a rural hamlet to the political center of the state while exploring the history of hotels, plantations, skyscrapers, and mansions. This experience highlights the places and eras that shaped Raleigh’s growth.

Take part in a welcoming session of shape-note singing featuring songs from The Sacred Harp (2025) and The Shenandoah Harmony. Beginners are welcome, and loaner books are available. The singing takes place in the Visitor Center at Mordecai Historic Park.

Explore Raleigh’s ghosts, mysteries, and history on a three-hour guided e-bike tour that blends scenic greenway paths with eerie folklore. The experience begins at the NC Museum of Art with a brief safety overview and short practice rides, then follows the Art to Heart stretch of the NC Greenway. Stops include Meredith College, noted for its haunted reputation, and Dorothea Dix Park, where stories touch on the former mental hospital and nearby cemeteries. Additional pauses along the route highlight ghost tales and local history before the ride passes NC State and returns to the museum. New for this season, AI-powered digital video presents stories from the viewpoint of the historical figures themselves for an immersive feel. E-bikes handle the effort, so no pedaling is required, and the outing suits all fitness levels. Participants receive details after booking. Tours typically proceed in light rain or shine, cancellations require 72 hours’ notice, and alternate arrangements are provided in inclement weather.

This inclusive woodworking class welcomes people who have not always seen themselves represented in the craft, including those who identify as women, nonbinary, LGBTQIA+, and individuals who are neurodiverse or physically differently abled. Led by instructors with nontraditional backgrounds, the session introduces core techniques, explores adaptive methods, and builds confidence with tools in the shop and beyond. All experience levels are welcome, and the series can be taken more than once since each class features a different project. For this session, participants will create an entryway organizer. The cost is $75 and advance registration through the organizer’s website is required. Wear closed-toe shoes and avoid loose clothing or jewelry. All tools, materials, and safety gear are provided. Cancellations are fully refundable up to seven days before the class, and registrations can be transferred within the same timeframe. There are no refunds or transfers within seven days of the class.

Cooler temperatures make the patio at Saints & Scholars in Raleigh an inviting spot. Lunch and live music come together to create a lively Sunday atmosphere.

Enjoy a relaxed Paint Nite at Hi-Wire Brewing Durham, where a professional artist guides you through an 11x14 inch canvas while you explore proven techniques and make the artwork your own. It fits a date night, a meetup with friends, a celebration, or some well-earned self care. The bar offers 20 taps along with draft cocktails, well drinks, mocktails, and other nonalcoholic choices. There is no kitchen on site, so outside food is welcome and takeout is a great option. Food and beverages are not included in the painting price. The session lasts two hours and begins right on time, so arriving about 15 minutes early helps you settle in and place drink orders. All painting supplies are provided. Advance registration is required, and the event may be canceled if minimum bookings are not met 48 hours beforehand. Early bird pricing is sometimes available in advance.

Mark and Tristan bring their unique father and son act to Salty Turtle Beer Raleigh with a lively blend of music, comedy, and audience interaction. The show combines dueling pianos and request-driven songs with sharp humor, all improvised with no setlist. Tristan shines on piano, while Mark delivers strong vocals, guitar, and harmonica. The performance moves across genres, from classic rock to pop favorites, with surprises sparked by audience requests, creating a fresh, high-energy experience with broad appeal across ages. Expect plenty of laughs, dance-ready moments, and a carefree vibe.

This historian-led tour in Raleigh explores the city’s African American history during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It highlights the contributions of educators, engineers, political leaders, medical scientists, military officers, and more, offering insight into how their achievements shaped the community.

Explore the darker side of Raleigh on the Raleigh True Crime Tour, featuring real accounts of crime and intrigue from the Oak City. Stories include one of North Carolina’s most terrifying serial killers, a violently ruthless Russian oligarch, and a local figure likened to Jack the Ripper, along with additional episodes that illuminate Raleigh’s shadowed history.

Rise Against performs live in concert at Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, NC. The event features the band on stage at the amphitheater.

A weekly Sunday salsa social that has been running since 2009 and is now in its 18th year. The evening opens with a basic salsa lesson, then continues with social dancing until close. The music mix leans heavily toward salsa, nearly as much bachata, and a few selections of cha cha, kizomba, merengue, and cumbia. Admission is 10 dollars, with an 8 dollar rate for active military and students who show ID. Guests 17 and under enter free with an accompanying adult, or 5 dollars if attending on their own. Many DJs can accept Venmo and credit cards, though bringing cash is recommended since card payments may include a small additional fee. The DJ rotation typically follows the Sunday of the month and is subject to change, with Jack Wolf, also known as DJ Abuelo Salsero, on the first Sunday, Michael Delucia, also known as DJ Salsa Mike, on the second, DJ Pedro Paz on the third, and Eliuth Cruz Lopez, also known as DJ Monte Alban, on the fourth, while fifth Sundays rotate among these four. For those new to Triangle Dance Studio, the building has no sign and appears as a two story cream colored house next to Research Triangle Dental with a prominent sign. For questions, contact Jack Wolf at jackhwolf49@gmail.com or 919-245-8393 for the landline or 743-208-5497 for the mobile.