#wake-forest-comic-con — Public Fediverse posts

Major Triangle Events To End August 2026 – Festivals, Food, Art and Family Fun

August 2026 brings a packed calendar of major events to Raleigh and the Triangle. Highlights include the CaribMask Caribbean Parade and Festival, Packapalooza, Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo and the return of the Kirby Derby at Dorothea Dix Park.

Most of these community celebrations offer free admission, giving residents and visitors affordable ways to experience local music, food, art, culture and family entertainment.

Here are the major Triangle events to add to your August calendar.

CaribMask Caribbean Parade and Festival

Celebrate Caribbean culture in downtown Raleigh with a colorful parade, live entertainment, food and local vendors.

The parade begins at Salisbury and Davie streets before traveling to the festival village at City Plaza.

• Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Location: City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Caribbean parade, music, entertainment and vendors

Mud Day at Walnut Creek Wetland Center

Children are encouraged to get messy during Mud Day at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center. The outdoor celebration features activities centered around one very playful ingredient: mud.

Families can expect a mud pit, mud slide, storytelling, live music and other nature-inspired activities.

• Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Location: Walnut Creek Wetland Center, 950 Peterson Street, Raleigh
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Mud pit, mud slide, music and storytelling

Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty, and consider bringing a towel and a change of clothing.

North Hills Kids: Kidchella

Kidchella transforms Midtown Park into a child-friendly festival featuring music, arts and interactive activities.

The morning event includes craft stations and hands-on entertainment designed for young children and their families.

• Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
• Time: 9:30–11 a.m.
• Location: Midtown Park at North Hills, 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street, Raleigh
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Music, crafts and interactive children’s activities

Third Friday Durham

Third Friday Durham invites visitors to explore downtown galleries, studios, shops and cultural spaces during an evening celebration of local art.

Many participating venues host free receptions, exhibitions, performances and other creative activities. Hours may vary by business.

• Date: Friday, August 21, 2026
• General time: 6–9 p.m.
• Location: Various locations throughout downtown Durham
• Cost: Most activities are free
• Highlights: Art receptions, live music, exhibits and local businesses

Wake Forest Comic-Con

Comic book, anime and pop-culture fans can browse vendors and meet other collectors during Wake Forest Comic-Con.

The free event features comics, toys, anime merchandise, collectibles and related items.

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Location: Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 North White Street, Wake Forest
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Comics, anime, toys, collectibles and vendors

Bright Leaf Harvest Day at Duke Homestead

Bright Leaf Harvest Day gives visitors an opportunity to learn about North Carolina’s agricultural and tobacco history.

Historic interpreters will demonstrate harvesting and tobacco looping techniques. Visitors may also have opportunities to participate in select activities.

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Location: Duke Homestead, 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Agricultural history, harvesting demonstrations and hands-on activities

Packapalooza

NC State University’s annual Packapalooza celebration returns to Hillsborough Street with live music, activities, food and Wolfpack spirit.

The street festival includes nine activity zones and multiple performance stages. The event concludes near NC State’s Memorial Belltower.

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Time: 2–10 p.m.
• Location: Hillsborough Street from Brooks Avenue to the roundabout near the Memorial Belltower, Raleigh
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Live music, activity zones, vendors and NC State traditions

Kirby Derby at Dix Park

The creative and delightfully unusual Kirby Derby returns to Harvey Hill at Dorothea Dix Park.

Participants and spectators can enjoy costumes, a parade, pinebox car competition and the signature soapbox derby race.

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Time: 3–8 p.m.
• Location: Harvey Hill at Dorothea Dix Park, Cranmer Drive, Raleigh
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Parade, costumes, pinebox cars and soapbox racing

Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival

One of Cary’s signature annual celebrations returns for two days at the Town Hall Campus.

Lazy Daze features more than 300 artists, live entertainment, children’s activities and numerous food and beverage vendors.

• Dates: Saturday and Sunday, August 22–23, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. each day
• Location: Cary Town Hall Campus, 316 North Academy Street, Cary
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: More than 300 artists, music, food and family activities

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo

Downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street will welcome more than 50 mobile kitchens during the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo.

Admission is free, but visitors pay individually for food and drinks. With dozens of participating trucks, guests can explore a wide selection of cuisines, desserts and specialty dishes.

• Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
• Time: Noon–6 p.m.
• Location: Fayetteville Street, downtown Raleigh
• Cost: Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase
• Highlights: More than 50 food trucks

Arrive early for shorter lines and the broadest menu selection.

Hillsborough Last Fridays

Downtown Hillsborough celebrates the final Friday of August with live music, visual art, poetry and community activities.

Visitors can explore participating businesses, galleries and public spaces throughout the historic downtown district.

• Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
• Time: 6–9 p.m.
• Location: Various locations in downtown Hillsborough
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Live music, art, poetry and an art walk

Come Out and Play Sculpture Show

More than 50 artists will display serious, whimsical and imaginative outdoor sculptures during the Come Out and Play Sculpture Show at JimGin Farm.

Opening weekend takes place August 29 and 30, with the exhibition continuing every Saturday through September 26. The event also includes live music and complimentary food.

• Opening dates: Saturday and Sunday, August 29–30, 2026
• Extended schedule: Every Saturday through September 26, 2026
• Time: Noon until dark
• Location: JimGin Farm, 150 Wild Horse Run, Pittsboro
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Outdoor sculpture, more than 50 artists, live music and food

Plan Your August in the Triangle

August’s major event calendar offers something for nearly every interest. Families can enjoy Mud Day and Kidchella, art lovers can visit Lazy Daze or the Come Out and Play Sculpture Show, and food fans can explore the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo.

Several large events take place on August 22, including Packapalooza, Kirby Derby, Wake Forest Comic-Con, Bright Leaf Harvest Day and the opening day of Lazy Daze. Visitors should consider travel time, parking and event hours when planning to attend more than one.

Schedules and participation details may change. Confirm information with the event organizer before leaving home.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything Raleigh and the Triangle, including festivals, concerts, family activities and weekend event guides.

Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin

Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.

Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.

Compiled by Bryan Tomlinson for DoRaleigh.com.

Major Triangle Events To End August 2026 – Festivals, Food, Art and Family Fun

August 2026 brings a packed calendar of major events to Raleigh and the Triangle. Highlights include the CaribMask Caribbean Parade and Festival, Packapalooza, Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo and the return of the Kirby Derby at Dorothea Dix Park.

Most of these community celebrations offer free admission, giving residents and visitors affordable ways to experience local music, food, art, culture and family entertainment.

Here are the major Triangle events to add to your August calendar.

CaribMask Caribbean Parade and Festival

Celebrate Caribbean culture in downtown Raleigh with a colorful parade, live entertainment, food and local vendors.

The parade begins at Salisbury and Davie streets before traveling to the festival village at City Plaza.

• Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Location: City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Caribbean parade, music, entertainment and vendors

Mud Day at Walnut Creek Wetland Center

Children are encouraged to get messy during Mud Day at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center. The outdoor celebration features activities centered around one very playful ingredient: mud.

Families can expect a mud pit, mud slide, storytelling, live music and other nature-inspired activities.

• Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Location: Walnut Creek Wetland Center, 950 Peterson Street, Raleigh
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Mud pit, mud slide, music and storytelling

Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty, and consider bringing a towel and a change of clothing.

North Hills Kids: Kidchella

Kidchella transforms Midtown Park into a child-friendly festival featuring music, arts and interactive activities.

The morning event includes craft stations and hands-on entertainment designed for young children and their families.

• Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
• Time: 9:30–11 a.m.
• Location: Midtown Park at North Hills, 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street, Raleigh
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Music, crafts and interactive children’s activities

Third Friday Durham

Third Friday Durham invites visitors to explore downtown galleries, studios, shops and cultural spaces during an evening celebration of local art.

Many participating venues host free receptions, exhibitions, performances and other creative activities. Hours may vary by business.

• Date: Friday, August 21, 2026
• General time: 6–9 p.m.
• Location: Various locations throughout downtown Durham
• Cost: Most activities are free
• Highlights: Art receptions, live music, exhibits and local businesses

Wake Forest Comic-Con

Comic book, anime and pop-culture fans can browse vendors and meet other collectors during Wake Forest Comic-Con.

The free event features comics, toys, anime merchandise, collectibles and related items.

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Location: Flaherty Park Community Center, 1226 North White Street, Wake Forest
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Comics, anime, toys, collectibles and vendors

Bright Leaf Harvest Day at Duke Homestead

Bright Leaf Harvest Day gives visitors an opportunity to learn about North Carolina’s agricultural and tobacco history.

Historic interpreters will demonstrate harvesting and tobacco looping techniques. Visitors may also have opportunities to participate in select activities.

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Location: Duke Homestead, 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Agricultural history, harvesting demonstrations and hands-on activities

Packapalooza

NC State University’s annual Packapalooza celebration returns to Hillsborough Street with live music, activities, food and Wolfpack spirit.

The street festival includes nine activity zones and multiple performance stages. The event concludes near NC State’s Memorial Belltower.

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Time: 2–10 p.m.
• Location: Hillsborough Street from Brooks Avenue to the roundabout near the Memorial Belltower, Raleigh
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Live music, activity zones, vendors and NC State traditions

Kirby Derby at Dix Park

The creative and delightfully unusual Kirby Derby returns to Harvey Hill at Dorothea Dix Park.

Participants and spectators can enjoy costumes, a parade, pinebox car competition and the signature soapbox derby race.

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Time: 3–8 p.m.
• Location: Harvey Hill at Dorothea Dix Park, Cranmer Drive, Raleigh
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Parade, costumes, pinebox cars and soapbox racing

Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival

One of Cary’s signature annual celebrations returns for two days at the Town Hall Campus.

Lazy Daze features more than 300 artists, live entertainment, children’s activities and numerous food and beverage vendors.

• Dates: Saturday and Sunday, August 22–23, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. each day
• Location: Cary Town Hall Campus, 316 North Academy Street, Cary
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: More than 300 artists, music, food and family activities

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo

Downtown Raleigh’s Fayetteville Street will welcome more than 50 mobile kitchens during the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo.

Admission is free, but visitors pay individually for food and drinks. With dozens of participating trucks, guests can explore a wide selection of cuisines, desserts and specialty dishes.

• Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
• Time: Noon–6 p.m.
• Location: Fayetteville Street, downtown Raleigh
• Cost: Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase
• Highlights: More than 50 food trucks

Arrive early for shorter lines and the broadest menu selection.

Hillsborough Last Fridays

Downtown Hillsborough celebrates the final Friday of August with live music, visual art, poetry and community activities.

Visitors can explore participating businesses, galleries and public spaces throughout the historic downtown district.

• Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
• Time: 6–9 p.m.
• Location: Various locations in downtown Hillsborough
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Live music, art, poetry and an art walk

Come Out and Play Sculpture Show

More than 50 artists will display serious, whimsical and imaginative outdoor sculptures during the Come Out and Play Sculpture Show at JimGin Farm.

Opening weekend takes place August 29 and 30, with the exhibition continuing every Saturday through September 26. The event also includes live music and complimentary food.

• Opening dates: Saturday and Sunday, August 29–30, 2026
• Extended schedule: Every Saturday through September 26, 2026
• Time: Noon until dark
• Location: JimGin Farm, 150 Wild Horse Run, Pittsboro
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Outdoor sculpture, more than 50 artists, live music and food

Plan Your August in the Triangle

August’s major event calendar offers something for nearly every interest. Families can enjoy Mud Day and Kidchella, art lovers can visit Lazy Daze or the Come Out and Play Sculpture Show, and food fans can explore the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo.

Several large events take place on August 22, including Packapalooza, Kirby Derby, Wake Forest Comic-Con, Bright Leaf Harvest Day and the opening day of Lazy Daze. Visitors should consider travel time, parking and event hours when planning to attend more than one.

Schedules and participation details may change. Confirm information with the event organizer before leaving home.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything Raleigh and the Triangle, including festivals, concerts, family activities and weekend event guides.

Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin

Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.

Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.

Compiled by Bryan Tomlinson for DoRaleigh.com.