1. Head into Raleigh for Out! Raleigh Pride, a free event celebrating the LGBT community with live entertainment, local vendors and artists, food trucks, a kids’ zone, a beer garden, and more! Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fayetteville Street, Raleigh. outraleigh.com
2. It may be in Durham, but the Festival for the Eno is something no one in the Triangle should miss! One of the premier arts and folk festivals in the Southeast, attendees enjoy vendors, live music, food trucks, a craft show, and beer tents. Plus, it’s right on the river! All proceeds benefit the water and lands of the Eno River Basin. Saturday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. West Point on the Eno, Durham City Park. enofest.org
3. Theatre in the Park presents Raleigh by Ira David Wood III this summer. Take a trip back in time during this stage biography of Sir Walter Raleigh, as he meets his fate with wit and aplomb. June 8–10 and 15–17, 7:30 p.m., June 11 and 18, 3 p.m. 107 Pullen Road, Raleigh. theatreinthepark.com
4. Attend a four-day festival of fandom at GalaxyCon Raleigh with celebrities, artists, writers, cosplayers, entertainers, and fans like you! July 27–30. $35 and up. Raleigh Convention Center. galaxycon.com
GalaxyCon Raleigh
5. Travel the world without leaving town at Raleigh’s International Food Festival! This event celebrates Raleigh’s diversity, art, culture, traditions, and history with over 30 food and dessert trucks from around the globe, plus an outdoor dance party! Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Downtown Raleigh.
Raleigh’s International Food Festival. Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
6. Pimento cheese lovers, rejoice! The Pimento Cheese Festival is once again coming to Cary. Enjoy live music, local breweries, pimento cheese samples, and test your skills in the pimento cheese sculpting contest! Saturday, June 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Cary Park. townofcary.org
Pimento Cheese Festival
7. Proud to be an American? Attend one of the area’s many 4th of July celebrations, whether it be the annual Raleigh 4th of July fireworks display, the Apex Olde Fashioned Fourth of July, or the Town of Cary July 4th celebration at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
4th of July at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Photo by Jonathan Fredin
8. Shop local this summer! Join Fenton and Triangle Pop-Up for their Makers Market series, popping up on the second Saturday of every month with a new selection of local artists and live music in Fenton Square. Browse the vendors and find a new favorite handmade item! fentonnc.com
9. Do the kids want to cool down, but you don’t feel like driving to the beach or Jordan Lake? Take them to a nearby splash pad! The Jack Smith Park Sprayground is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (weather dependent) and offers seven water features designed for ages 12 and under. The Waverly Place Splash Pad is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both are free for residents and nonresidents!
Sprayground
10. Your favorite comedians return this summer to Raleigh Improv. Have a laugh with their full lineup all season long, including television and fi lm actor Shawn Wayans and actor/comedian Kevin Farley. Thursdays through Sundays in June and July. improv.com/raleigh
Kevin Farley. Shutterstock
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