Family events in Wake County, NC

Front Porch Friday with Haven Farm brings a weekly gathering filled with entertainment and community. Expect a changing mix of live performers and musicians, food trucks, hands-on workshops, and themes that shift from week to week. Magic the Gathering campaigns are part of the regular schedule. Adults can browse floral offerings from Haven Herb and order a drink at the bar, while children can enjoy the playground and visit the goats. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Zombies, witches, and other things that go bump in the night await along the Haunted Trail at Sugg Farm, serving up plenty of thrills for those ready to be scared. Tickets are required and will be available to purchase online starting in September or at the Holly Springs Cultural Center box office. As available, tickets may also be purchased at the event.

At Moore Square Downtown in Raleigh, a relaxed one mile walk honors Jackson and his uncle Nicholas while supporting the Autism Society of North Carolina. The atmosphere is easygoing and social, with time to talk and connect along the route. The team, Jackson’s Angels, celebrates Jackson’s ongoing cognitive development milestones and acknowledges the varied experiences of families affected by autism, with roughly ten North Carolina families receiving a new diagnosis each day. Proceeds from the Triangle Run Walk for Autism help fund local programs of the Autism Society of North Carolina that serve more than 95,000 families statewide. Optional personalized team shirts may be available to order through the organizer.

Agri Supply hosts a bustling monthly farmers market that showcases about 50 small local businesses. Explore booths from makers offering handcrafted soaps, toys, taxidermy pieces, crafts, jewelry, mugs, and crochet items. Local growers bring fresh produce and homemade goods including eggs, bread, vegetables, and more. A selection of food trucks serves a range of cuisines. The market is set up outdoors in the Agri Supply parking lot, and parking is free. Interested in selling your goods? Vendor participation is free. Reach out to the Agri Supply Garner store and ask for event coordinator Ryan Brown, then wait for confirmation of selection. If additional participation dates open, the team will get in touch, and questions can be directed to Agri Supply. Plans may shift with the weather.

The newly renovated location in Garner, NC is marking a grand re-opening and unveiling an expanded hardware section. For a single day, all regularly priced merchandise is 15% off, with complimentary food available while supplies last and activities for families. The celebration includes demos by 3M, Apollo, DEWALT, Midwest Fastener, Richmond, Rust-Oleum, and Valspar, plus giveaways valued in the thousands from TowRight, UWS, Fimco, and Yeti, along with state fair tickets.

During a live presentation of his dinosaur fossil collection, Paleontologist Diggery accidentally triggers the DinoSauroScope 3000, sending the audience on a time traveling adventure for face to face encounters with living dinosaurs. The show blends oversized interactive puppets, music, magic, and lifelike replica dino bones for a high energy experience packed with thrills. The story follows Diggery on a prehistoric quest where the crowd plays a role in saving the human race. Two performances are available. Tickets start at $15 for adults and $10 for ages 12 and under. All children ages 2 and up require a ticket, including any child who will require their own seat. Prices adjust based on demand and availability, and buying early is the best way to secure the lowest available price.

Glenwood Place hosts a car show celebrating classic, rare, and exotic vehicles. The event is family and pet friendly, and all cars are welcome. A limited number of reserved spaces are set aside for classics and other rare models, with ample additional parking for everyone else in adjacent lots a few hundred feet from the main area. Multiple dining choices are available on site, along with restrooms. Restaurants include Ladyfingers, Napa, Village Juice Kitchen, Monya Ramen, Iron Oaks, and Sojourn. Expect easy entry and exit as you explore the displays and grab a bite with the family.

A community Fall Fest takes place at New Restoration Outreach Christian Center. “Paid in Full” shirts are available to order. The ministry expresses gratitude for the support it has received, and all are welcome to attend.

Keith’s Store hosts a combined pop-up market and cat and dog adoption event presented by Paws for Life NC. Meet animals seeking forever homes while browsing the Familiar Festival Pop-Up Market, which showcases local vendors offering handcrafted items, gifts, artwork, and more. Vendor donations from the market will benefit Whisker Junction’s TNVR program, helping trap, neuter, vaccinate, and return community cats. Spend a friendly day supporting local makers and animal rescue, with plenty of opportunities to shop, adopt, and make a difference.

Tap Yard Raleigh in Raleigh hosts the 19th annual NC Local Music benefit in support of InterAct of Wake County, an organization working to end domestic and sexual violence and to help survivors and their families rebuild safer lives. Enjoy live performances by LaureNicole, Grace Lucia, Scarlett Tantrum, and Vibration Theory, along with raffle prizes and a silent auction that boost fundraising. Kitoko Bites will serve award-winning vegan and gluten-free donuts, and Alphanie Artistry will offer face painting, temporary tattoos, and art. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the show.

Triangle Barkitecture brings a free, public celebration of pet-focused design to Downtown Cary Park. Local architects, designers, and creatives craft custom structures ranging from modern dog houses to imaginative cat lounges. These one of a kind pieces are showcased and then offered in a live silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting Hope Animal Rescue, Connie's Kittens, Paws For Life NC, and German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions. The event features rescue groups with adoptable pets, pet vendors, activities and giveaways, the Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest, photo opportunities and interactive experiences, and the Stuff the Trunk pet supply drive. Every dollar raised supports local foster and rescue organizations working to place pets in loving homes.

Celebrate Ashley Sanchez’s return to the U.S. Women’s National Team with a spirited gathering at R&D Brewing. Courage Country supporters will rally together to cheer on the team and share the excitement with fellow fans. Arriving early is encouraged, with a complimentary drink for the first 25 attendees, an appearance by Roary, face painting, and plenty of giveaways and prizes, plus a few extra surprises. Guests are encouraged to bring friends and wear red, white and blue to show their support. An RSVP helps secure a spot.

Discover Garner’s rich history, from the community builders to the stories that shaped the town. Drop in to explore and leave with a new insight about Garner.

Pokémon fans come together at East Coast Gaming in Cary for a relaxed League Play session guided by resident Pokémon Professor Kristine Freeman, who serves as the TCG judge and event organizer. The gathering spans about three hours and is designed for players looking to trade, battle, and connect with a local community. The focus is on the trading card game, with the video game and Pokémon Go also welcome. House rules emphasize fun and flexibility. Legacy format is allowed, so cards from any set are fine. Proxies, World Championship cards, and foreign-language cards are permitted as long as both players understand what the cards do. New players can get a friendly introduction to the TCG from Kristine, including basic instruction and take-home resources for practice. For younger attendees or anyone less interested in gameplay, there are coloring and activity pages with stickers as rewards.

A Trolls themed roller skating party brings bright colors, upbeat music, and kid friendly energy. The skate is open to all ages and takes place in a playful, Trolls themed setting that keeps things lively. Admission is $13 online or $14 at the door. Skate rental is $6, rollerblade rental is $7, and Skatemate rental is $6. Non skating spectators are $4. All guests are required to complete a waiver, and adults must include the names of all children on their waiver.

Explore the Black Farmers Market, a family-friendly, community-supported marketplace open to the public every weekend. This rotating weekly market highlights Black-owned farmers, food makers, and small businesses from across the Triangle, making it a fit for a weekend outing, a family visit, or a quick stop to support local community vendors. Angelica Wellness Shop, a Raleigh-based herbal tea brand, plans to offer wellness-focused beverages for visitors to enjoy while they browse, including herbal tea blends in hot tea bags and sachets, premium bottled spring water, and canned sweet tea, with canned unsweet tea coming soon. The market rotates between Raleigh and Durham, inviting visitors to explore local vendors and leave with something refreshing for their weekend.

Explore Raleigh’s African American history on a historian-led tour. Hear about the educators, engineers, political leaders, medical scientists, military officers, and others who helped shape the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This guided experience shares the community’s achievements and legacy in Raleigh.

This family friendly comedy night features local stand-up performers sharing personal stories, unique perspectives on everyday life, and quirky observations. Afterward, the stage resets for Live Bad Jokes, a playful challenge where one comedian delivers jokes to the others, aiming to make someone laugh so they can switch places and avoid receiving points. The live version incorporates a bit of water, so there is a splash zone during this segment.

Hosted by Rolesville Baptist Church, this day camp is designed for children in kindergarten through fifth grade and centers on the theme of courage in a safe, encouraging setting. Enrollment is limited to 32 participants, and advance sign up is required. Each child should bring a packed lunch. Donations are appreciated but not required. For questions or to join the waitlist, contact Brittany Montgomery at britt@rolesvillebaptist.org.

A family-friendly story time centered on nature takes place at the North Carolina Museum of Art. It begins with a shared story, then continues with hands-on, interactive activities that explore natural themes, and may include short walks to other areas of the museum campus. Gather near the Welcome Center. Admission is free. Dress for the weather and be ready to walk, and most routes are stroller friendly. The program is geared toward children 7 and under, and all are welcome.

Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, this farm visit blends open-ended play, learning, and close-up animal encounters. Children can explore farm toys and the playground, then listen to a story about animals before meeting creatures like bunnies, a horse, goats, and others. Take your time in the barn, enjoy a relaxing craft activity, and pause for snack time or a picnic outdoors. Snacks and beverages are available for a quick refresh. Tickets are required for both children and adults, and bundle deals are limited and may sell out. Closed-toe shoes are required, and arrival should be no earlier than 15 minutes before the start. Strollers are welcome, and sanitizing wheels after the visit is recommended. If plans change, provide at least 24 hours notice to request a refund minus ticketing and credit card fees, transfer to another date, or receive a voucher for a future visit.

Young horse enthusiasts can deepen their equine knowledge without riding. Sessions explore anatomy, common diseases, barn etiquette, saddle fitting, nutrition, and other key aspects of horsemanship. Geared toward ages 6 to 16, this free club also provides a friendly setting for kids to connect with fellow horse lovers and build new friendships.

Take a docent-led look at the Ivey-Ellington House, with a short guided experience that moves through the interior and highlights exterior features in the Downtown Cary Historic District. Along the way, hear about its Gothic Revival cottage architecture, learn about past residents, and see how preservation efforts have safeguarded the building, including a piece of history uncovered during restoration. Recognized as a Local Historic Landmark and rare for its style in Wake County, the house reflects how architectural ideas and housing reforms spread from urban centers to rural communities through widely shared pattern books. The program is free to attend and offered on a drop-in basis with no tickets or appointments required.

Delve into Garner’s past at the museum, highlighting the people who built the community and the stories that shaped its identity. Take a moment to look around and uncover something new about Garner.

Fairy Leslie will be at Debby’s Hallmark Shop in Raleigh with Fairy Hair Flare, offering sparkle sessions that add a touch of magic. Enjoy a cheerful experience in a shop known for gifts, ornaments, and cards. For questions or assistance, please contact Fairy Hair Flare rather than the Hallmark store.

Step into Hollywood's golden age with a brisk, one-hour stage version of the beloved movie musical. Packed with quick-witted comedy, lively dialogue, and a sparkling slate of classic tunes, Singin' in the Rain SR is designed to be easy to enjoy for a wide range of audiences, including intergenerational and wellness-centered programs. The story follows silent-film icons Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, whose on-screen romance masks off-screen complications as the industry pivots to sound. Lina's unmistakable voice jeopardizes her future in the talkies, until a gifted young performer lends the vocals that could shape reputations and change careers. Expect feel-good melodies, old Hollywood charm, and a splash of showbiz romance in a compact, uplifting production.

Harper Hour brings an upbeat evening to Harper Park with something for everyone. Spend time with friends and family while savoring bites from local food trucks, diving into friendly yard game competition, moving to live music, and enjoying refreshing drinks from Oak City Brewing.

Downtown Fuquay-Varina welcomes the Follow Me to Fuquay-Varina concert series with live music, local beer, food trucks, and a kid’s zone in Centennial Square. Bring family and friends, pack chairs, and lace up your dancing shoes for a relaxed night out. Please note that coolers are not permitted. Street and lot parking are available Downtown. Accessible parking will be available in the Fidelity Bank parking lot for vehicles displaying a disability placard or license plate, with spaces offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and drop off is also allowed in this lot. East Academy Street will be closed between Main Street and South Fuquay Avenue during the event.