Things to Do in Raleigh, Cary, and Surrounding – August 2026 Events
How is summer almost over? It feels like it just started - yet August is already here. With so many exciting happenings across the Triangle, this month is going to fly by. We’ve hand‑picked some of our favorite local events we thought you’d love too!
Week of August 3rd - August 9th
images from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
Where: Fred Fletcher Park
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Wind down your evening with a relaxing outdoor yoga session designed to help improve sleep, reduce stress, and leave you feeling refreshed.
When: Thursday, August 6, 2026, 6:00 PM–11:59 PM
Where: 444 S. Blount Street, Raleigh
Cost: Varies by tattoo selection
Description: Browse exclusive flash tattoo designs a local artist during this one-night-only pop-up event featuring walk-in tattoos and a fun community atmosphere.
Safe Haven for Cats $10 Adoption Event
When: Friday, August 7, 2026, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Where: SAFE Haven for Cats
Cost: $10 adoption fee
Description: Meet adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes during this special adoption event with reduced adoption fees.
When: Friday, August 7, 2026, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Where: Bond Park Boathouse, Cary
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Enjoy live music, local food vendors, and scenic paddle boat rentals for a relaxing summer evening by the lake.
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Where: Atlantic Gardening, Raleigh
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Shop local plant vendors, learn about pollinator-friendly gardening, and browse unique garden-inspired goods perfect for plant lovers.
Week of August 10th - August 16th
images from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Thursday, August 13, 2026, 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Where: Moore Square, Raleigh
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Enjoy live music in the heart of downtown Raleigh during this outdoor concert series featuring local performers.
When: Friday, August 14, 2026, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Where: Downtown Wake Forest
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Spend your Friday night enjoying live music, food trucks, and a lively downtown atmosphere in Wake Forest.
When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Where: Sports & Social, Raleigh
Cost: Price varies
Description: Enjoy a festival filled with tacos, margaritas, music, and fun as local vendors come together for the ultimate summer celebration.
12th Annual CaribMask Carnival
When: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 12:00 PM–8:00 PM
Where: Downtown Raleigh
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Celebrate Caribbean culture with colorful costumes, music, dancing, and a vibrant community celebration.
When: Sunday, August 16, 2026, 11:00 AM–Monday, August 17, 2026, 4:00 PM
Where: 200 South Blount Street, Raleigh
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Step back into the groovy era with vintage finds, handmade goods, live entertainment, and a fun hippie-inspired festival experience.
Week of August 17th - August 23rd
images from Thriving in Raleigh
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 9:00 AM–Sunday, August 23, 2026, 5:00 PM
Where: Cary Town Hall Campus, Cary
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Cary’s largest arts festival featuring over 300 artists, live music, food, and children’s activities
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 2:00 PM–10:00 PM
Where: Hillsborough Street
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Celebrate the return to campus with NC State’s largest street festival featuring live music, vendors, food, activities, and fun for all ages.
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 2:00 PM–Sunday, August 23, 2026, 8:00 PM
Where: 201 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary
Cost: Free to attend
Description: Enjoy a weekend full of local food vendors, drinks, entertainment, and delicious bites from some of the area’s best food trucks and restaurants.
Week of August 24th - August 31st
left image from Canva Gallery | right image from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
Where: 327 South Academy Street, Cary
Cost: $10+
Description: Create your own custom candles during this hands-on workshop perfect for a fun night out, date night, or creative experience with friends.
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 12:30 PM–Sunday, August 30, 2026, 6:00 PM
Where: 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh
Cost: $10
Description: Shop vintage treasures, handmade goods, collectibles, and unique finds from local vendors at this popular vintage market.
When: Sunday, August 30, 2026, 5:30 PM–6:45 PM
Where: 219 South East Street, Raleigh
Cost:
Description: Relax and recharge with a calming sound bath experience designed to help you unwind through meditation, sound, and relaxation.
Happy August!
And that’s a wrap for August! While we’ll miss the long days of summer, North Carolina’s fall season is our absolute favorite. Get ready - our fall events content is coming soon! 🍂
For even more events to explore in Raleigh this August, be sure to check out our full events calendar!
Is there something we’ve missed? Please let us know here!
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