This weekend in Garner, NC

Grasshopper Farms NC hosts its first live music event of the summer featuring Shelby Rae Marshall. Bring a chair and relax on the farm. Admission is free and the atmosphere is family friendly. Food options include a food truck with grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and an ice cream shop. There is free access to the play area, splash park, and goats. Enjoy a laid back day of music and community on the farm.

Saturday mornings in Raleigh bring flavorful options at the North Hills Farmers Market. Shoppers can find 100% Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork, raised in North Carolina, ideal for weekend cookouts, game day spreads, or everyday meals.

Agri Supply hosts a lively monthly farmers market that showcases around 50 small local businesses. Browse one-of-a-kind creations from artisans, such as soaps, toys, taxidermy pieces, handmade crafts, jewelry, mugs, and crochet items. Nearby farm vendors offer seasonal produce and house-made staples including eggs, breads, vegetables, and more. Several food trucks round out the experience with a range of meal options. The market is set up outdoors in the Agri Supply parking area, and parking is free for attendees. Because activities take place outside, scheduling may shift with the weather. Vendors are welcome to participate at no cost. To be considered, contact the Agri Supply Garner store and speak with event coordinator Ryan Brown, then wait for confirmation of your spot. If additional dates become available, the team reaches out directly to offer opportunities, and the store can answer any questions.

Repticon Raleigh brings a two-day reptile and exotic animal expo to the NC State Fairgrounds - Exposition Center. Experience live species from across the globe, purchase pets and supplies directly from knowledgeable vendors, and learn more about reptiles and other exotic animals.

Now in its second year, the Triangle Native American Society brings the Triangle Native American Film Festival to the Rialto Theatre, celebrating Indigenous storytelling led by Native actors and directors. The lineup includes playful animated shorts, PBS-presented documentaries, and feature-length films that span from romance to high tension. VIP tickets are available and include heavy hors d'oeuvres featuring Indigenous cuisine from Atkowa Catering.

Discover a pop-up marketplace at Raleigh Iron Works that showcases the work of local artisans. Browse locally made art and goods from creators in the community.

Celebrate the upcoming 2026/2027 school year at a community back to school bash and cookout. Parents, students, and teachers can pick up supplies and information to get ready for a successful year. Enjoy music along with food from the grill, snow cones, and drinks. Admission is free with registration. The gathering also introduces attendees to Strong Tower Christian Fellowship, which emphasizes peace, love, safety, and the freedom to worship.

American Legion Post 116 presents the 4th Annual Bring Your Own Pool Party for members. Bring a small pool or float, with kiddie pools especially welcome, and dress it up for a shot at the Best Decorated Pool prize. A community potluck is part of the fun, so plan to contribute a dish to share. Expect lively music, cold drinks, and plenty of laughs, rain or shine. Remember to pack chairs, towels, and sunscreen. Whether lounging, floating, or aiming for the most creative setup, it offers a laid-back day with the Legion family.

Plan your celebration with ease at the Triangle Wedding Show, where a wide range of trusted wedding professionals gather under one roof at the NC State Fairgrounds - Expo Building. Meet photographers, florists, venues, caterers, and more, compare options, and discover fresh ideas to shape your day. Ticket options include a VIP Experience for $40 that provides early entry, one admission, a complimentary drink, and two free wedding bands. General admission is free for the first 1,500 tickets, after which online tickets are $15.

Enjoy a laid back gathering featuring Perdomo Cigars. Expect cigars along with deals, and remember to bring a chair so you can settle in and relax.

Learn the essentials of cake decorating in a hands-on workshop presented by Cooking with Annesty. Participants 16 and older will stack and level layers, apply a crumb coat, achieve a smooth buttercream finish, build piping skills, and complete a two-layer, six-inch cake to take home. The fee is $50 per person and includes pre-baked layers, use of decorating tools, step-by-step instruction, refreshments, and a beginner decorating kit. Space is limited.

Explore the Garner History Museum and learn about the people who helped build the community along with the stories that have shaped Garner. Visitors can discover new facets of local history and connect with the town’s heritage.

Now in its fourth year, this charity volleyball tournament returns to Jaycee Park in Raleigh with a blend of community spirit and friendly competition. Twenty teams will face off in a 5-on-5 format, and jerseys are provided for every team. The event also features a live DJ, giveaways, and photo and video coverage that will be shared on Instagram.

Skate Night returns with the Clayton Community Center gym transformed into an indoor roller rink, complete with a live DJ and a family-friendly vibe. Glide across the basketball court to favorite tunes and bring your own roller skates or roller blades. Pre-registration is required. Residents pay $6 and non-residents pay $9. Light snacks and refreshments are included. Comfortable clothing and appropriate safety gear are encouraged. Skaters 15 and younger must have a parent or guardian on-site for the entire event. Only roller skates and roller blades are permitted, and scooters, skateboards, and bicycles are not allowed.

Enjoy a lighthearted evening of bingo in the company of friendly goats. Expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of laughs, excitement, and lots of bingo fun.

Trivuj – Triangle Music Project presents Komolapur Express for an evening of Bangla band music in the Triangle, blending nostalgia, high energy, and a celebratory atmosphere. The lineup features vocalist Anila Chowdhury, known for songs such as Ek Paye Nupur 2 and Gaibona, alongside Gourav Golpo, a Bangla music performer from the DMV area. With a full live band, the artists revisit beloved songs on stage in Raleigh, NC.

Cosmic Charlie returns to Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh for its annual Days Between performance honoring Jerry Garcia’s life and music. Founded in Athens, Georgia in 1999, the band delivers a high energy take on the Grateful Dead’s catalog, favoring feel and spontaneity over imitation. They build from the Dead’s spirit and style, striking a balance between tradition and fresh ideas so the music is created in the moment. The show typically unfolds without a setlist, any song can appear, and audience requests are welcomed. David Gans of the Grateful Dead Hour has praised their approach for keeping the musical conversation alive in their own voices.

Jamie Lissow performs a stand-up comedy show at Raleigh Improv in Raleigh, N.C., offering a lighthearted evening filled with jokes and laughter.

Catch Travelin' Band, a tribute group dedicated to Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty, bringing classic roots rock and swamp rock favorites to life with an energetic, nostalgic performance. Expect faithful renditions of well-known hits with period-inspired stage styling and a crowd-focused atmosphere that’s made for sing-alongs and audience participation.

An evening of live local entertainment fills the bar area at Cleveland Draft House, with food and drink specials to round out the experience. It offers a relaxed setting for music lovers and groups of friends looking for a night out, whether the highlight is the performance or simply the atmosphere.

Catch stand-up comedian Rene Vaca at Raleigh Improv. Doors open at 8:45 PM, with the show starting at 9:00 PM. This is a 21+ event with general admission seating on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s a two-item minimum purchase requirement in the showroom. Photography and recording aren’t permitted during performances, and all sales are final.

Enjoy a community hike with the Umstead Hiking Group, which typically heads out on Friday and Sunday mornings. Routes and meeting points change and are shared in a WhatsApp group. Most outings cover about four miles in under two hours, and those who prefer a slower pace sometimes turn back early. Frequency can shift with the season, weather, and hike leader availability. To get connected, send a WhatsApp message to John Zeiger at 919/522-4212 or to Susan Nicholas. The coordinator is John Zeiger at johnz@outdoorz.net.

An old school comic book show and sale brings together comic book dealers and fans. Running since 1987, it is billed as the second longest running show in North Carolina. Admission is free. The dealer lineup includes Heroes Aren't Hard to Find with Shelton Drum, Rick Fortenberry, David Shankle, Gene Carpenter, David Burns and Arex Crooke, Banks Robinson, Jerry Lahm, Jason Carpenter, Chris Rigo, Josh Almond, Karl Terrana, Charlie Sides, G3eks, Captial Comics, Drew Holland, Smasher Comics, Bryan Barros, Derrick Isgett, James Kressner, TJ Helms, James O'Briant, Andy Parker, Peter Terracciano, and Lyn Anderson.

Presented by the MAKRS Society, this market and concert series brings live music and more than 50 local vendors to Midtown Park in North Hills. Each installment features a fresh lineup of bands, a variety of food trucks, and beer and wine. Browse unique finds, enjoy the performances, and share food and drinks with friends and family at the Raleigh Underground Market.

Celebrate the essential work of bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators at a third annual summer market at Atlantic Gardening. The Plants and Pollinators theme brings together more than 20 local makers and artists offering pollinator-inspired creations. Explore a wide selection of plants, flowers, and gardening supplies, and enjoy locally made honey, jams, baked goods, and other sweets. Food and drinks are available at the Atlantic Garden Bar, with charcuterie, shaved ice, and popsicles on hand. Look What Grows leads educational workshops on pollinators and preservation. Food trucks and activities for kids will be announced. Admission is free and open to all ages.

Skate into a playful, Stitch-themed session that brings a tropical twist to the rink with upbeat music and a welcoming vibe for skaters of every age. Make it a hangout with friends or a family outing, and enjoy plenty of laughs, movement, and memorable moments. Expect bright colors, big character, and continuous skating fun that fans of Stitch will appreciate. 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 pay $4. Every guest must complete a waiver, and adults should list the names of any children they are bringing on their waiver.

Sunday Patio Parties at Cleveland Draft House turn the patio into a cozy spot for live local entertainment and an easygoing afternoon. Settle in with friends, enjoy the music, and make the most of weekly food and drink specials. Plan to arrive a bit early to find a comfortable seat, then relax and soak up the friendly patio atmosphere.

Swing into the Marvel Multiverse RPG for an in-person tabletop adventure inspired by the Spider-Man universe. You’ll play as a member of the Spider-Man family and work with a Narrator to learn the system, choose from pre-generated characters, and then jump into a one-shot adventure as you try to escape The Collector. The ticket includes a 30-minute introduction, plus supplies like tokens and dice, with sessions lasting about 4 hours. Doors open at 1:30 PM.

Spend a cozy, creative afternoon at the farm with the goats while Martha leads a hands-on mini scrapbook workshop. Participants put together a small book meant for preserving favorite memories, photos, quotes, and little life moments. Martha provides guidance throughout so everyone can personalize pages and enjoy a relaxed crafting experience.

Settle into a relaxing elevated Yin Yoga class led by local instructor Blaze Gorden. This gentle practice welcomes beginners and focuses on slow, mindful transitions and mobility-enhancing poses. Everyone is welcome. Please bring a mat. For an added boost, the shoppe offers infused drinks and Haven Herb flower to enjoy before class.

Prabhu Deva leads a high-energy live dance concert at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, joined by Lauren Gottlieb, Sonali Bhaduria, Harini Nilakantan, Saanve Megghana, Alexander Noel, and Natasha Sherpa. More than 150 performers unite for a celebration of dance from across India, with guest appearances by celebrities and bold, large-scale choreography. The production delivers surging energy, passion, and standout talent for a memorable evening in Raleigh. Early bird and group discounts are available using codes PDNC10 and PDGT15.

Jason Adamo curates a North Carolina songwriters-in-the-round showcase spotlighting eight artists: Daniel Anderson, Marye Amanda McDaniel, Jared Place, Dennis Kennedy, Brodie Cormack, Hunter Grant, Mysti Mayhem, and Nick Autry. Advance tickets are $14.50, day-of tickets are $20.00, and a VIP table for four is available for $120.00.

Sundays bring a Love Island watch party at The Dirty V, with episodes on the TVs, a full bar, and playful food and drink specials that channel villa vibes. Arrive hungry and round up friends for burgers, fries, and cocktails while reacting to every recoupling and all the drama with unapologetically loud commentary. Every Sunday features food specials, a full bar, and plenty of Love Island excitement.