This weekend in Johnston County, NC

Stop by the Caldwell County Farmers Market at the Fairgrounds.

Cardboard boats race along a timed course that starts at the boat ramp and finishes at the bridge. Each boat must carry two people and be made of cardboard. Event rules are available on the town’s special events page. A rain plan is set, and if river levels are too high the race will take place at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatic Center.

Bulldog Harley-Davidson in Smithfield hosts a Sturgis-style celebration featuring live music by Cowboy Kid Rock Tribute, food from Sneadboys on Wheels and Gents' Bounty BBQ, vendors, and misting stations to keep cool. Attendees can wear their favorite Harley gear and enjoy a lively gathering with great music, great food, and friendly faces.

The Triangle Wedding Show is back at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, offering a chance to meet dozens of wedding vendors across categories like planners, photographers, caterers, and venues. Guests can stop by the Jim Graham building to sample bites, gather wedding day inspiration, and connect with vendors to help build their dream team. Admission is free to $35.

Paints & Pints is an in-person, laid-back paint-and-sip experience where you can relax, drink a pint, and follow along with a guided group painting. Tickets include all materials, two hours of instruction, and one drink ticket. You’ll also take home your own 11x14 canvas panel.

Join Jigsaw Dating for an in-person speed dating event at a local coffee shop where you can meet single people ages 25 to 40. The night runs on a speed dating format with short rounds to chat and get to know different people, plus conversation card prompts to help break the ice. A host will check you in on arrival and guide the event, and gender balance is guaranteed. Check-in closes 15 minutes after the event start time, and tickets are non-refundable.

Children five and older can explore woodworking in a welcoming class led by instructors with professional contracting backgrounds. Over the course of ninety minutes, participants learn foundational hand tool skills, practice safe tool use, and complete a wood project to take home. All equipment and materials are provided, and each child receives a snack and a drink. Parents may assist if they choose. Instruction is currently offered in English only. The cost is $60 per child, with discounts available for siblings. To reserve a spot, email Oldecabinconstruction@gmail.com. There are 16 openings left.

Skate night returns as the indoor gym at the Clayton Community Center transforms into a roller rink. Glide across the basketball court to music from a live DJ in a family friendly setting. 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 provided. Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate safety gear. Participants 15 years of age and younger must have a parent or guardian present for the entire event. Only roller skates and roller blades are permitted, not scooters, skateboards, or bicycles.

Tantra Speed Date is a guided, PG-rated matchmaking experience designed to help singles connect beyond small talk. After check-in and an icebreaker game, the event shifts into a ceremony and facilitated dating stations where you meet multiple people in a mindful, structured setting. The night includes doors open and check-in timing, followed by door close once the main portion begins.

Enjoy a high-energy tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty with The Travelin’ Band. Expect classic roots rock and swamp rock favorites performed with nostalgic, period-inspired styling, plus a crowd-friendly vibe built for sing-alongs and audience participation.

Stephen Wilson Jr. is coming to the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh for a country and Americana style show, with The Lone Bellow also on the lineup. The concert starts at 7:00 PM.

Local performers bring live music to the bar area at Cleveland Draft House, creating an upbeat setting for a relaxed night out. Weekly food and drink specials add to the experience, making it easy to settle in with friends while the music plays. Arriving early can help with seating.

Enjoy a free outdoor screening of the animated classic Watership Down at Main Street Community Garden. The movie will be shown under the stars, and you are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the event runs through the evening with local vendor exploring, dinner or drinks nearby, and prize giveaways throughout the night.

Catch Bronco live for a big night of Mexican music, featuring cumbia, norteño, and grupera styles. The show is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

Come out for BRYAN’S SNEAKER SHOWCASE, a fun, family-friendly event where you can buy, sell, and trade sneakers. There will be live performances, games to play, food available, and chances to shop for clothes. Parking is free, and doors open at 11:50 AM.

Celebrate the launch of a fresh set with a prerelease that offers the earliest chance to see what it brings to the game. Each participant receives a Prerelease Pack, constructs a 40 card deck in Sealed format, and then plays in a relaxed, friendly setting. It is a welcoming way to discover the set together and enjoy casual games.

Enjoy live local entertainment on the patio at Cleveland Draft House. Settle into a relaxed outdoor setting with friends, and take advantage of food and drink specials throughout the event.

Step into the Marvel Multiverse for a tabletop roleplaying session built around Spider-Man heroes. You’ll play as characters from the Spider-Verse, guided by professional narrators through a timed “Timestream Adventure” where you’ll face off against The Collector and try to escape his gallery. Tickets include a 30-minute introduction, pre-made characters, and all the game materials you need like dice and tokens. Doors open at 1:30 PM, and the full session runs about 4 hours for ages 18+.

Join Jason Adamo for North Carolina Songwriters in the Round featuring eight local North Carolina artists. The doors open at 5:00 PM, with the show starting at 6:00 PM. Ticket prices range from $17.50 up to $130.25, including an available VIP 4 table option.