This weekend in Raleigh, NC

Appalachian State Mountaineers face the NC State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium in a college football matchup grounded in in-state pride. These programs share deep regional connections and have been competitive in recent seasons, setting up a lively contest. Differences in playing style add extra intrigue for fans across the state.

The farmers market at North Hills in Raleigh highlights 100 percent Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork raised in North Carolina. It offers a convenient way to stock up for weekend cookouts, game day menus, or simply to have something special on hand.

This monthly breakfast brings together the Little British Car community for relaxed conversation and camaraderie over a meal. Attendees hear updates on events and other happenings, and there are drawings for prizes. Registration is not needed. The gathering is at the Golden Corral, with the private meeting room expected to be available to the right after paying at the front so the group can sit together.

Agri Supply in Garner hosts a friendly farm swap that brings together farmers and homesteaders from across North Carolina. Set outdoors in the store’s parking lot, the event spotlights local growers and small business owners. Expect a variety of animals available for trade or purchase, including chickens, roosters, turkeys, quail, sheep, pigs, goats, and hatching eggs, with all animals kept healthy and securely enclosed. Dogs and cats are not permitted for sale. Alongside the animal swap, local producers offer fresh plants, seasonal crops, fruit, and homemade items such as eggs, sourdough, and canned goods. Several food trucks provide a range of meal options, and parking in the lot is free. Vendor participation is free as well, with selection and confirmation managed by the Garner store team, and the team will reach out if additional participation dates open. Plans may shift due to weather, so scheduling is subject to change.

Hosted at New Hope Collaborative, this free community program explores the caregiving side of multiple sclerosis. Health experts, people living with MS, and caregivers will share firsthand experiences and practical support, with an emphasis on turning awareness into meaningful action. Registration is required. Volunteers are also being sought to support this event and future efforts.

This kid-friendly farm club invites children ages 5 and up to experience everyday farm life while building friendships with others who love animals, nature, kindness, and being outdoors. Participants help feed and care for farm animals, spend time gardening, pitch in with farm chores, create art, and enjoy unstructured play. Sessions are led by Farmer Jules with occasional special guests. The fee is $15 per session, with a discount for multiple children and need-based scholarships available. To avoid processing fees, select the “Cash or Scholarship” ticket and pay at drop-off. The location is convenient to Raleigh, near Knightdale and I-540. Planet Peace Farm is an all-volunteer community organization focused on helping youth reduce stress, find inner peace, and develop confidence and compassion through meaningful farm experiences, and it also offers horsemanship and gardening lessons, meditation and mindfulness, family and homeschooling farm visits, outdoor yoga, one-on-one youth mentoring and internships, birthday parties, and picnic space.

A Saturday series of pickleball matchups brings Raleigh neighbors together to stay active, enjoy friendly competition, and have fun. It welcomes newcomers as well as longtime players. Attendees should bring a paddle, their best serve, and a spirit of community for lively games 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.

A confidential group therapy gathering created for caregivers who support loved ones. The session focuses on open conversation, emotional encouragement, and practical coping strategies, with refreshments and door prizes in a private, judgment-free environment. To protect everyone’s privacy, NDA forms will be completed before the group begins. Attendance is free.

Struggling to build a palette around a favorite feature fabric or finishing a quilt top that feels off? This interactive, hands-on workshop with Jenn G.B. focuses on choosing colors with confidence for quilting projects. Using the Zollie Palette Scout card deck, participants practice reading fabric and turning those insights into dependable color choices. The session shares practical techniques for pairing supportive hues with a standout print and for shaping palettes that feel balanced and cohesive.

Gather with fellow players for a Commander event where entering an event code unlocks random prizes. Some gatherings are hosted at Gamers Geekery & Tavern.

Explore the Garner History Museum to delve into the community’s past. Exhibits share the stories of the people who built Garner and the moments that shaped its identity. Browse the displays and uncover something new about the town’s heritage.

This event raises emergency funds for grandparents raising grandchildren through the Emergency Blessing BAGS initiative. The afternoon includes food, games, raffles, and spirited gospel performances. It features Kim Person, a five-time Stellar Awards nominee, along with more entertainment.

G.E.A.R. Inc. presents the N.C. Renaissance Fundraiser Gala, A Night of Prestige and Creativity, at the Grand Marquise Ballroom. This red carpet evening raises awareness about generational incarceration and its effects on children while supporting the mission to get one, teach one, save one. G.E.A.R. Inc. advocates for children of incarcerated parents and their custodial caregivers, working to foster social, emotional, and academic stability that encourages full potential and helps prevent future incarceration. Each ticket includes a buffet meal and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Ticket quantities are limited. Early bird pricing is available for a limited time, with general admission including two alcoholic drink tickets and one individual photo. Early bird VIP offers added perks, and a table package for ten provides four alcoholic drink tickets per person, an individual photo for each guest, a group table photo for each person, and a G.E.A.R. bag with swag. Guests are encouraged to wear 1920s or 1930s attire in honor of the Harlem Renaissance. All proceeds benefit children of incarcerated parents through G.E.A.R. Inc.

At Salty Turtle Beer Co: Raleigh, Mysti Mayhem presents a mix of covers and original songs in a soulful, blues-influenced style. A North Carolina vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter with more than 20 years of stage experience, she trained professionally with Bo Diddley.

Sums Divide returns to Shady's for another night of live music favorites. The performance takes place at a historic venue in Garner, North Carolina.

Lincoln Theatre hosts JGBCB at Kings in Raleigh for an after party following Gov't Mule and Ziggy Marley. The music continues with JGBCB after the main concert wraps.

City Soul Cafe returns with an open mic night devoted to poetry, music, laughter, and creativity at terminal8bar_lounge. Grand Champs hosts while DJ Supreme keeps the music flowing, shaping a welcoming atmosphere where the community gathers to speak, connect, and feel. Expect surprise moments as fresh voices take the stage. Kickback Q's provides the food and Chusby Whusby brings the desserts, rounding out an experience defined by artistry, camaraderie, and signature City Soul energy.

USA Cheer brings its College Recruiting Combine to North Carolina, creating an opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills in front of college Cheer and STUNT coaches. Hosted at North Carolina State University, the event offers two separate sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, so attendees can select the option that works best. Space is limited and sessions may fill quickly.

A welcoming hiking group usually meets in Umstead Park, with frequency that shifts based on the season, weather, and the availability of a hike leader. Starting points and routes change from outing to outing and are shared through a WhatsApp group, and a typical trek covers about four miles. Participants choose a comfortable pace, and some opt to turn back early. To take part, send a WhatsApp message to John Zeiger at 919/522-4212 or contact Susan Nicholas. The group is coordinated by John Zeiger at johnz@outdoorz.net, and members may also post their own hikes.

Pokémon League play offers a relaxed, community-focused session for battling, trading, and connecting with other fans. Led by Pokémon Professor Kristine Freeman, who serves as both TCG judge and tournament organizer, the league prioritizes the trading card game while also welcoming the video games and Pokémon Go. League games may use Legacy format, allowing cards from any set, and the focus is on having fun over strict deck limitations. Proxies, World Championship cards, and non-English cards are permitted when both players understand their effects. Newcomers to the TCG can get one-on-one guidance from Kristine, along with resources to continue practicing at home. Younger participants or those less interested in gameplay can enjoy coloring and activity pages that earn stickers. On tournament days, sessions take place at East Coast Gaming.

Watch the Washington Commanders take on the Seattle Seahawks during Week 3 with the Triangle Commanders Fan Club at Kraftys pizza pub. The game audio will be on throughout the venue, and seating is set aside for Washington fans. Wear Washington gear to receive 10 percent off food. Specials include $13 buckets featuring Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Bud Light, $4 Royal Flush shots, $5 Bloody Marys and mimosas, and $1 wings.

At United Skates of America Raleigh, a lively SpongeBob themed skate brings cheerful energy and plenty of rink action for kids, families, and fans of all ages. Roll with the theme on the floor or cheer from the sidelines, and enjoy cartoon worthy excitement throughout the session. 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 spectator admission is $4. A waiver is required for all guests entering the facility, and adults must include the names of all children they are bringing on their waiver.

Put your skills to the test at a free weekly air hockey tournament at Super Rad Retro Lounge. All experience levels are welcome, from first timers to seasoned players, with friendly competition, bragging rights, and plenty of good times. Newcomers can get help learning the basics so they can take part, and the air hockey community is welcoming.

This in-person seminar supports families with dogs as their babies move into the mobility phase and continue through the toddler years. The presentation explains how to arrange the home and help the family dog adapt during these changes, with strategies that extend well beyond early childhood. It examines everyday scenarios that can endanger young children and place pets at risk of losing their homes, and shows how a thoughtful plan can prevent many of these issues. Topics include understanding canine communication, considering space and movement within the home, recognizing developmental stages in young children, and observing how each dog responds to a surge of new sights, sounds, and activities. The aim is to reduce miscommunication and conflict that could escalate to growling or biting and to foster a safe, positive bond between child and dog. Attendees receive practical tips they can use right away when setting up their homes for success. The class is designed for families with babies preparing for mobility, families with toddlers, caregivers who manage dogs and children together, and anyone seeking a clearer grasp of the challenges that arise with dogs and babies from about 3 months to 3 years. Babies grow and dogs age, so plans should be adjusted at every stage. This session is for people only, and dogs should remain at home. Family Paws has supported families with dogs since 2002.

Trade in plain black for something festive and make a witches hat that reflects your style. In this class, you will create a fully lined hat using two coordinating fabrics and two types of stabilizer. The pattern provides templates for adult and child sizes, so you can make one for yourself and a matching hat for a special kid in your life. Add the final flourish with embellishments you choose, like flowers, ribbons, or anything else you imagine.

Explore the Raleigh edition of the Black Farmers Market, a family friendly, community supported marketplace that runs weekly and welcomes the public. Browse goods from Black-owned farmers, food producers, and small businesses across the Triangle. Angelica Wellness Shop, a Raleigh herbal tea brand, will offer wellness focused beverages for shoppers, including herbal tea blends in tea bags and sachets, premium bottled spring water, and canned sweet tea, with an unsweetened canned option planned. Suitable for a family visit, a casual stop, or a weekend outing, this rotating market highlights local vendors and fresh finds.

Enjoy a beginner friendly yoga session at Unleashed Store for Cats & Dogs in North Raleigh, where rescue puppies wander the room for cuddles, naps, and playful distractions. Tickets are $35, and all proceeds support Blazin' Trails Bottle Babies, helping rescue puppies receive the care they need to grow strong. Bring a yoga mat, water, and comfortable clothing, and keep a camera ready for sweet moments. Tickets often sell out quickly.

A historian leads a guided tour through downtown Raleigh, visiting several nationally recognized historic sites that trace the city’s journey from a modest rural settlement to the center of state politics. Along the way, hear about the roles that hotels, plantations, skyscrapers, and mansions played in shaping Raleigh’s past.

Explore traditional shape-note singing with selections from The Sacred Harp (2025) and The Shenandoah Harmony. New participants are welcome, and loaner books are available. The session takes place in the Visitor Center at Mordecai Historic Park. Accessibility information is available.

Explore Raleigh’s eerie side on a three-hour guided e-bike tour that blends ghost lore, mystery, and local history. New this season, AI-powered digital video presents select stories in the first person from historical figures, adding an immersive dimension to the ride. The journey begins at the North Carolina Museum of Art with a safety briefing and a short orientation ride so everyone gets comfortable on the bikes. A ghost story tied to the museum sets the tone before the group follows the NC Greenway’s "Art to Heart" trail. Stops include Meredith College, known for its haunted reputation, and Dorothea Dix Park for accounts connected to the former mental hospital and nearby cemeteries. Additional stops along the way highlight more spooky tales and local history, then the route loops by NC State and returns to the museum via the Greenway. Suitable for all fitness levels, with e-bikes providing the power so pedaling is optional. Tours generally proceed in light rain or shine. After booking, participants receive an email or text with full details, including the exact meeting time. Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours in advance, and alternate arrangements are provided if weather becomes inclement.

As the weather cools, the patio at Saints & Scholars in Raleigh offers a comfortable spot to unwind. Enjoy lunch with live music and ease into a relaxed Sunday Funday on the patio.

Mark and Tristan present a father and son act that mixes music, comedy, and lively back and forth with the audience. Part piano showdown, part request-driven party, and part quick-witted fun, the show is built on spontaneity with no preset setlist. Tristan showcases standout piano technique, while Mark delivers powerful vocals, guitar, harmonica, and sharp humor. The performance stretches across genres and generations, touching everything from classic rock to pop favorites, with surprise picks sparked by the crowd. Expect an upbeat, high-energy experience where the moment shapes the music and the vibe stays light, playful, and dance friendly.

Explore the legacy of the African American community in Raleigh on a historian-led tour centered on the 19th and early 20th centuries. Hear about educators, engineers, military officers, medical scientists, political leaders, and many more whose accomplishments helped define local history.

Settle into a calming Yin Yoga session guided by local instructor Blaze Gorden. This class welcomes newcomers and experienced practitioners alike, focusing on gentle, unhurried transitions and mobility work for a soothing practice. Please bring a mat. If you like, stop by the shoppe for an infused drink or Haven Herb flower beforehand to complement the experience.

Finley Day Camp is marking four decades with a celebration that honors the people and memories that shaped it. Friends connected to FDC from 1986 to today are invited to reconnect and share stories. With so many years behind it, contact lists may be out of date, so spreading the word to fellow FDC friends is helpful. For details and ways to contribute your memories, including if you are not able to attend in person, email Jordan.Black@YMCATriangle.org.

Explore the darker side of Raleigh on a true crime tour that recounts real cases from the city's past. Hear about one of North Carolina's most notorious serial killers, the violent dealings of a Russian oligarch, and a local figure often compared to Jack the Ripper, along with additional true accounts from the darker chapters of the Oak City's history.

Rise Against performs live in concert at Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, North Carolina.