Events in Garner today

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.

MacNair's Country Acres in Raleigh offers a summer horseback riding camp for ages 6 to 14. Camp weeks align with the Wake County Schools Traditional Calendar summer break. Families can choose full-day or half-day sessions, with a half day recommended for ages 6 and 7. Campers are grouped by riding ability and ride once each day. No prior experience is required. Instruction focuses on essential horse care, including grooming, tacking, and post-ride routines, along with beginner riding skills. Lessons take place in the ring and on the trail. When not riding, campers can swim in an on-site pool with a certified lifeguard, build additional horsemanship skills, and enjoy crafts and games.

At the North Carolina Museum of Art, families can enjoy a nature-focused story time that blends reading with playful exploration. The experience begins with a shared story, followed by interactive, hands-on activities that highlight natural themes, and may include a visit to other areas of the museum campus. Meet near the Welcome Center to get started. This free program encourages dressing for the weather and being prepared for a walk. Most walks are stroller friendly. Designed for children ages 7 and younger, and welcoming to all.

APA Pool League Night with Cleveland Draft House Fuquay features American Poolplayers Association action for teams and individuals. Build a team of six to eight players, or arrive solo and get matched with others. The focus is friendly competition, good company, and plenty of fun around the tables.

A free World Tavern Poker event in Clayton welcomes both new and experienced players. Participants can earn points toward Tavern, Regional, and National Championships, with more than $100,000 in prizes awarded each year. Food and drinks are available during play. Registration is available online or on site, so walk-ins are welcome.

Orchid expert and author Bill Thoms shares insights from more than 45 years working with Bulbophyllums, a diverse group of orchids with over 2,000 species. Alongside his wife, Doris Dukes, he has earned more than 50 cultural awards for these plants, and the American Orchid Society has recently established an annual award that bears his name. Expect a lively talk that mixes humor with practical guidance for growers at any level. The author will have books available for purchase. Admission is free and open to the public.

Linda Craft Team, REALTORS presents a free, family-friendly screening of The Wild Robot at Triangle Cinemas at Six Forks in Raleigh. There are four showings during the week, providing multiple chances to attend. Admission is free, no tickets are required, and all ages are welcome. Concessions will be available. This screening is part of a summer series of complimentary family movies in Raleigh.

Seniors can take part in a lunchtime Bingo session with Blue Cross NC at the Raleigh Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center. Enjoy Bingo, a complimentary meal, and opportunities to win prizes. Since capacity is limited, advance registration is encouraged. For assistance, call 1-888-275-7513, extension 1.

Parkside Restaurant hosts a weekly live trivia night that is free to play. Teams compete to answer questions, and prizes go to the top performers. Players can sign up ahead of time to receive three free clues before the game.

Matisyahu brings a career of constant reinvention to the stage, fusing reggae, hip hop, alternative rock, and inventive pop while keeping the creative flame alive. His recent EP Hold The Fire, led by the single Fireproof, draws on fire imagery connected to his Old Testament faith, a source that has shaped his spiritual and artistic path since his 2004 debut and the breakthrough of King Without a Crown in 2005. Raised just outside New York City, he first followed jam bands like Phish and the Grateful Dead, then found in Bob Marley and reggae a link back to the same scriptures that inform his Jewish heritage. Early releases, including the gold-certified Live at Stubb’s, captured that blend of sound and belief. Highlights from his catalog include the chart-making King Without a Crown, the Grammy-nominated and Billboard No. 1 album Youth, and the gold-certified antiwar single One Day, which has surpassed 150 million Spotify streams. His performances have long been high energy and increasingly improvisational, and his music continues to find connections between eras and genres. The new songs reflect on fame and creative success while staying rooted in community and tradition.

Families are welcome to bring children of all ages to the Haven Shoppe for a free storytime that features a new theme each week. Refreshments such as coffee, tea, juice boxes, lemonades, and ice cream are available for purchase. After the stories wrap up, little ones can enjoy the playground or visit the goats.

Guided by artist Cathy Martin, this interactive painting workshop begins with time-honored fundamentals, then invites playful rule-bending to expand your creative voice. Through demonstrations, Cathy shares imaginative ways to approach the subject you prefer, whether a portrait, a landscape, or something uniquely your own. Participants explore rich, vibrant color and develop confident, expressive brushwork while staying grounded in strong foundations. With a supportive, encouraging teaching style, Cathy helps artists experiment, grow, and bring fresh energy to the canvas.

Triangle Women’s Network introduces a new monthly gathering in Clayton at Boba Beans Bistro that focuses on meaningful relationships across both professional and personal life. The atmosphere emphasizes being genuine, working together rather than competing, and making first-timers feel at ease. The meetup begins with a relaxed check-in, name tags, and a chance to grab something to eat while striking up conversations. It then shifts to brief introductions, giving attendees an opportunity to share about their work or industry, family, passions, areas where support is needed, or anything that helps others get to know them. Attendance is flexible, so staying for the entire session is not required. The event welcomes both business owners and those who are not, creating a place where everyone can connect and belong.

Elevated Energy Healing hosts a free weekly gathering where a guest speaker shares their background and offers complimentary workshops or presentations. Designed for seekers, healers, and anyone who is spiritually curious, it creates a welcoming space to listen, learn, and connect. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions, an open mind, and a willingness to receive. The lineup features Mary-Carmen Wiser of Create Space Mindfully on ketamine and mindfulness, Lori Tyman exploring fascia, Bindi Kumar guiding a spirit guide journey on a shamanic path, Daphne Towell on the art of reading the bones, and Marcie Dean with LovEvolve Music.

Bring your extra pop its, spinners, cubes, and squishies to trade with other fidget fans and discover new favorites. Whether you are a casual collector or a dedicated fidget enthusiast, there is always a new trade waiting. Spin it, pop it, squish it, trade it at Learning Express.

Explore the Garner History Museum and dive into the town’s past. Learn about the residents and contributors who helped build the community, along with the stories and milestones that shaped its identity. Enjoy a relaxed visit and come away with new insights into Garner’s heritage.

Learn the QPR method, which stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, a set of three practical steps anyone can use to help save a life from suicide. This training covers how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, how to ask direct questions, how to encourage someone to seek help, and how to connect them with support. It is designed for people in many roles, including parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, doctors, ministers, coworkers, and firefighters. The session takes place at the Southern Regional Center in Room 182. RSVP is required, and advance sign-up reserves a spot. If the session is full, you will be contacted, placed on a waiting list, and notified first about upcoming sessions.

Multi-instrumentalists The Philharmonik and Wyatt Waddell bring The Five Piece Special to Kings. The Philharmonik is a producer, engineer, and artist whose work spans production, rap, and vocals, delivering a sound with urgency, depth, and an intent to inspire. Wyatt Waddell, a Chicago-based singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, is recognized for intricate melodies, an energetic stage presence, and a vocal range that stretches from soulful grit to clear, melodic brightness, echoing influences from Mavis Staples to Paul McCartney. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day of.

At Cleveland Draft House, players face off in a single stage, double elimination air hockey tournament. Entry is two coins per player for each match, and prizes go to the top two finishers. Everyone is welcome, from seasoned competitors to casual players. Sponsored by NCAHP in partnership with CDH Fuquay-Varina, it offers lively arcade action in a friendly setting.

A homeschool field trip at the Fuquay location offers a friendly setting to connect with others. Participants will have the chance to dive deeper into the sport of ninja.

Women business owners gather for a monthly luncheon featuring guest speakers who aim to edify, equip, and inspire. Organized by the Garner League of Women, a community built on the belief that women thrive together, it focuses on mutual support and getting to know each other’s businesses to build stronger connections. The group is not seat specific and meets for networking on the second Thursday of each month. This luncheon takes place at Alexander Mediterranean.

The Downtown Clayton Concert Series, presented by Nancy Jo's Homemade, features All My Rowdy Friends with opening act Nicholas Vernon. This nationally touring Hank Jr. tribute brings an outlaw country variety show to Town Square in downtown Clayton. Alongside the live music, attendees can find dinner from local restaurants or food trucks, browse nearby shops, and enjoy drink options. Family friendly extras include a complimentary bounce house for kids and a photo booth for all ages. Support comes from Presenting Sponsor Nancy Jo's Homemade, Official Beer Provider Deep River Brewing Company, Supporting Sponsors Universal Chevrolet, Old Mill Group Real Estate, C & C Auto Glass, and Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, Downtown Enthusiast Sponsors HTR: Hometown Realty and The Dog Wash, and Friends of Downtown Spinning Mill Loft.

Crooked Hammock Brewery hosts a music bingo night led by Bingo Geeks, with the soundtrack provided by the hosts. The event features three themed rounds, and each round awards a prize to its winner. Hammocks and drinks create a relaxed backdrop as players mark their cards, sing along to favorite songs, and enjoy lighthearted competition and shared memories.

This RD10 Power Partners BNI meeting centers on preparing for a leadership transition for the new year. The typical ten minute presentation is not on the agenda for this session. A new leadership team will be in place next week.

Music Bingo takes over Cleveland Draft House in Clayton with Brock Entertainment leading the fun. This refreshed version is billed as bigger and better, with lots of prizes along with food and drink specials. It blends familiar songs with a friendly bingo challenge for a lively start to the weekend.

Musicians and artists gather at Saints and Scholars Pub for an open jam focused on collaboration and connection. It is a place to trade ideas, meet potential bandmates, line up substitutes when a lineup needs a change, or find people to jam with. Signups happen in person only, with no advance registration, and participants are encouraged to stay and support fellow performers. The stage is ready with a full setup so you can plug in and play. Available gear includes a house sound system with lighting, a drum kit, a Roland keyboard, two guitar amps and one bass amp, effects pedals, vocal monitors, and six microphones positioned at each station. A tablet loaded with the Ultimate Guitar Chord app provides scrolling lyrics and internet access, and there is a holder for personal devices. Performances are filmed from two camera angles and shared to a Facebook page and group with performer tags, and a professional photographer documents the night. Bring yourself and whatever you play, such as a guitar, bass, or pedalboard. The environment is well organized, drama free, judgment free, family friendly, and open to all ages and skill levels. Whether performing or listening, it is a welcoming space to make music and build community.

Catch stand-up comic Frankie “TRIXX” Agyemang at Raleigh Improv for a night of sharp, boundary-pushing comedy. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the show begins at 7:00 PM. Seating is general admission and first-come, first-served. This is a 21+ event, and there are rules around cell phone use and recording during performances.