The Best Events in Raleigh in August 2026: Festivals, Concerts, & Top fun

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You know we’ve now arrived at the time when Raleigh experiences only three temperatures: hot, hotter, and hottest. Yep, summer in Raleigh can be intense, but we personally love it.

Aerial view of a road leading into the downtown skyline of the city of Raleigh.
Downtown Raleigh

You might be trading in the hiking boots and bike helmets for ice cold ales in an air-conditioned Raleigh brewery. I kinda get it, but I’m still a crazy person that goes hiking looking like I just walked through a sprinkler and feel pretty darn good about myself!

There are still plenty of things to do in Raleigh, so don’t hide away! We have a Raleigh Summer Bucket List with lots of ideas to enjoy the rest of summer, and best places to go for a swim in Raleigh. And we have this guide on the best places to paddleboard in Raleigh.

Don’t forget evenings are the perfect time to get out. The intense heat disappears (kinda) a nice breeze could be blowing, and the summer skies are just beautiful. We recommend the Durham Bulls baseball or an outdoor concert at any one of our incredible outdoor venues.

Two ladies having dinner & drinks at a Durham Bulls baseball game.
Fun times at a recent Durham Bulls game!

It’s back to school month so good luck to all our families and a big Braveheart rallying “freeeeedom” cry to our parents. You can read more about navigating Wake County schools and here are all our tips from years of homeschooling. 

For this post, let’s dive into what’s happening in Raleigh in this month of August. We can’t include everything and some events we don’t know about so please leave your ideas in the comments below for those reading this post! We also have weekly Raleigh events post where we share more of the smaller local events as well as the top festivals and events you see here.

Table Of Contents
  1. Week 1: Aug 1 – 9, 2026
  2. Week 2: Aug 10 – 16, 2026
  3. Week 3: Aug 17 – 23, 2026
  4. Night Nation Run, Aug 22, 2026
  5. Week 4: Aug 24 – 31, 2026
  6. Visiting Raleigh for an Event?

Week 1: Aug 1 – 9, 2026

Beer, Bourbon And BBQ Festival, July 31 – Aug 1, 2026

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ fest
Image by BeerandBourbon.com
  • Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
  • Time: Fri 6pm-10pm; Sat 12pm-6pm (VIP), 2pm-6pm (general)
  • Cost: $55 – $79
  • Tickets 

Unbuckle those belts for two days of Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! Your admission buys you a souvenir sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.

Apart from the overindulging you can shop for merch, play giant Jenga and cornhole, and dance to rock, blues, and bluegrass music. All held within one of our favorite venues in Wake County, Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

Bands, Bites, & Boats, Aug 7, 2026

people gathering by lake to listen to music
Bands, bites, Boats Bond Park

On the first Friday of every month, Bond Park Boathouse hosts musicians, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals. What a great sunset experience to kick off the weekend. We love the line up for this month!

  • Band: Adam Pitts
  • Bites: Not Just A Fry Guy | Craft Public House
  • Brews: Fortnight Brewing Company

First Friday, Aug 7, 2026

people playing bingo in commerce alley
Bingo in Commerce Alley
  • Where: Downtown Raleigh (various locations)
  • Website:

Looking for events in Raleigh this weekend? First Friday is a great way to get to know the culture of downtown Raleigh. 

It is celebrated on the first Friday of each month at locations throughout downtown. Art galleries and studios are open late with rotating exhibits and artist talks. First Friday is FREE and open to all.

We have a guide to enjoying the First Friday with list of currently monthly events here.

Sporting Events & Concerts this week

Week 2: Aug 10 – 16, 2026

Live After Five, Aug 13, 2026

  • Where: Moore Square
  • Time: 5-8pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

Downtown Raleigh’s monthly summer block party is back. This month its Harvey Street Local Downtown Raleigh breweries and food trucks will provide beer, wine, signature drinks and food. There’ll be vendors, including vintage gear!

The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans, Aug 14, 2026

  • Where: Lincoln Theatre
  • Time: 6pm & 8pm
  • Cost: $33 – $66
  • Tickets

The Jazz Room is a journey back in time to the birthplace of this iconic genre! Located in a street-style bar that recreates 1920s New Orleans, this live jazz show promises a night of soul, passion, and rhythm. Grab yourself a cocktail from the bar, and watch talented musicians light up the stage. Enjoy a selection of the finest ‘hot jazz’ tunes, a unique blend of ragtime, brass, and blues, plus moments of spontaneous improvisation—a hallmark of true jazz.

Friday Night on White, Aug 14, 2026

CaribMask, Caribbean Carnival, August 15, 2026

woman in carib mask costume parade raleigh
Credit: CaribMask

Caribmask is a day to celebrate the Afro-Caribbean culture in Raleigh. It began after COVID19 when social distancing measures enforced the use of masks.

CaribMask is known for the carnival, which features samba dancers in elaborate and highly decorative costumes, as well as troupes/bands who drum to the tunes of their native lands. The festival celebrates communities from 15 countries, and there are also food vendors on hand to cook up cultural delicacies.

After the parade, head to the main stage to see performances from great artists and DJs. Performers include Mica Teja, LEadpipe & Saddis, Motto African King & Friends and more.

The Soul Picnic 2025, August 15, 2026

  • Where: Haven Farm – Knightdale, NC
  • Time: 3pm – 10pm
  • Cost: $33.85+
  • Website: 

Vibrant outdoor festival featuring live music, top DJs, exciting live entertainment, delicious food, and unique merchandise vendors. Whether you’re dancing to the beat, exploring local flavors, or shopping with one-of-a-kind creators, The Soul Picnic is where culture comes alive and community comes together.

‘All Things Groovy’ Hippie Fest, August 16, 2026

  • Where: Moore Square
  • When: 11am – 4pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

A groovy summer festival returns to Raleigh. Expect vintage vibes, tasty eats, frozen treats, tie dye, live music, and the coolest small businesses to shop from.

Sporting Events & Concerts this week

Week 3: Aug 17 – 23, 2026

Kidchella, Aug 18, 2026

man with eagle doing bird show in front of crwds
  • Where: Midtown Park North Hills
  • Time: 9:30am -11am
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

Every third Tuesday of the summer months is seasonal kids’ series of fun-filled events that allow children to come together to learn, exercise, and socialize in an outdoor environment.

Young guests and their parents are invited to attend free programs highlighting local children’s attractions, activity classes, and kid-friendly performances in Midtown Park.

Kirby Derby, Aug 22, 2026

hello kitty car coming down hill for kirby derby
Kirby Derby

The Kirby Derby is one of our favorite quirky local events in Raleigh. To me, this event is what Raleigh community is all about – neighbors coming together to have fun as friends.

We will never forget this experience we had back in 2009 when a friend told us we had to come experience the Kirby Derby party in a small neighborhood near Pullen Park. It was wild.

It’s now grown so big it will be held in Dorothea Dix Park. Come along to see all manner of hand built, gravity-powered cars disguised as everything from sharks to cake slices barrel downhill to the tune of cheering neighbors, all racing for the Kirby Cup.

This year’s theme is Tourist Traps, Roadside Attractions & Wrong Turns. This will be a fun one and speaks to my traveler’s heart! Join with your own goKart or come in costume and enjoy the watching the crazy! Read our full guide to the Kirby Derby in Raleigh and watch the video below from last year.

Night Nation Run, Aug 22, 2026

  • Where: Koka Booth Amphitheater
  • When: 5:30pm
  • Cost: $44.99+
  • Tickets

The Night Nation Run is the World’s 1st Running Music Festival an ultimate blend of a Music Festival and a Fun Run. Experience a music filled course with Live DJs, Light Shows, Bubble Zones, Neon and Black Lights. Cross the finish line into an Epic Main Stage After Party featuring Top Headliner DJs.

Summer Celebration, August 22, 2026

  • Where: Artspace, City Market
  • When:
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

Join Artspace and partners for Summer Celebration featuring a youth art exhibition, hands-on art making activities and demonstrations. Plus, beat the heat with free snow cones and popcorn while supplies last!

Packapalooza, August 22, 2026

University students lining the street on campus at a festival
Packapalooza at NC State on Hillsborough St

Packapalooza is all about welcoming NC State University students back for the new college year with an all-day block party and street festival.

They will have everything it takes to celebrate in NC State style, including great music, activities throughout the day, and fun entertainment for the whole family. This year’s festival will feature an eclectic mix of live music and performances across multiple stages, along with a grand finale of fireworks at the Belltower main stage

Read more in our guide to the Packapalooza festival on Hillsborough St.

Night of Poe, Aug 22 & 23, 2026

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  • Where:  Lincoln Theatre
  • Time: Multiple times
  • Cost: $55+
  • Tickets

 A Night of Poe is a hauntingly immersive evening where Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous tales come alive through immersive theater, live music, theatrical storytelling, and expertly crafted cocktails. Enjoy a curated tasting menu of 4 complimentary deliciously themed cocktails paired perfectly for the night.

Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Aug 22-23, 2026

People enjoying a local festival with tents surrounded by trees
Lazy Days in Cary
  • Where:  Cary Town Hall Campus, Downtown Cary
  • Time: 9am -5pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Website: TownOfCary.org

I like the Town of Cary’s annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. Now in its 50th year, this Cary festival is held across two days and features more than 250 artists from 16 states. There are also multiple stages of live local music, a beer garden and food trucks. Kids will love Kid Daze, with fun activities throughout, including the fan-favorite Kid Collectors Market, where they can purchase pint-sized pieces created by our Lazy Daze artists. Read more: A weekend Getaway in Downtown Cary.

Cary Street Food Festival, Aug 22 & 23, 2026

  • Where: Fenton
  • When: 12pm-2pm (VIP Only), 2pm-8pm (Gen Adm, VIP)
  • Cost: $10+
  • Website

This indoor & outdoor weekend celebration will feature the Cary area’s best food trucks and restaurants, with ALL food items priced at $5 or less! Enjoy live entertainment, general vendors, axe throwing, an indoor/outdoor pavilion, mechanical bull riding, a free giant chocolate fountain (VIP exclusive), eating challenges, family-friendly activities, a vendor market, cooking demonstrations, and more!

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo, Aug 23, 2026

A group of people walking on a city street
Image by Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo
  • Where: Fayetteville St
  • Time: 12pm- 6pm
  • Cost: Free

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo Series presented by Shop Local Raleigh! From savory flavors to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving and cuisine curiosity from gourmet burgers, delicious tacos, and decadent desserts.

Sporting Events & Concerts this week

Week 4: Aug 24 – 31, 2026

Free Friday at Mordecai Historic Park, Aug 28, 2026

Lady in red dress sitting on bench with historic home behind her
Mordecai House
  • Where: Mordecai Historic Park
  • Time: 10am – 3pm
  • Website

Usually in August, Mordecai Historic Park offers a free tour throughout the day on a special Friday!

Tours include the Mordecai House, Andrew Johnson’s birthplace, St. Mark’s Chapel, & the Allen Kitchen. Tours begin on the hour & half hour and are limited to 20 people per tour. Free tours are only offered twice a year, so don’t miss it! No registration needed. Just turn up but go early!

We did this last year and loved it! Read more about the Mordecai Historic Park tour.

The International Festival 2026, Aug 29 – 30, 2026

  • Where: Theatre Raleigh
  • When: Sat. 11am-9pm; Sun., 11am-4pm
  • Cost: $30.59+
  • Website

Celebrate global culture, cuisine, music, and dance at The International Festival at Theater Raleigh. Ehis immersive event brings together international performances, global cuisine, wine, beer, and cultural experiences in an elegant and lively atmosphere.

Sporting Events & Concerts this week

RALEIGH VENUE GUIDES:

Visiting Raleigh for an Event?

aerial view of 10th and terrace rooftop with raleigh skyline in background
10th and Terrace

If you’re visit Raleigh from out of town for any weekly events, here are our recommendations for accommodation in downtown Raleigh.

If you are visiting from out of town and have a few extra days, here are some itinerary guides to help you plan out your days exploring Raleigh:

Let us know in the comments any events in Raleigh you’re attending this month? What have we missed?

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“Your weekly newsletter is a lifesaver for me. Yesterday we didn’t know what to do, I just check your list of events for the weekend, and we ended up in Cary at the Carolina Circus Festival. We had a great time so thanks a lot for all your good work 😊 we really appreciate you” Subscriber

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