1. Pack the street at NC State’s 2024 Packapalooza! The all-day block party and street festival packs in the fun and festivities, as 85,000 attendees in 2023 can attest. Capping off Wolfpack Welcome Week, and kicking off the 2024–2025 school year, the tradition includes live music, entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more than 300 vendor booths. So come on out and show your Wolfpack pride. Friday, August 24, 2–10 p.m. Hillsborough Street, Raleigh. packapalooza.ncsu.edu
2. Bark Bash is all about your best friend. So get set to get off leash in Downtown Cary Park, with popsicles and photos and interactive activities — and, of course, adventures with new furry friends. Humans are welcome, but pups are prime at this drop-in event honoring canine pawsomeness. Sunday, August 11, 3–4 p.m.
Photograph by Jonathan Fredin
3. It’s a feast for the senses at the Cary Night Market, with local artisans offering an assortment of diverse and delectable items. This free market features music and entertainment and an array of specialty goods for purchase from area artists … all under the evening sky. Friday, August 16, 5–9 p.m. Downtown Cary Park. thenightmarketcompany.com
4. The Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is a juried craft show that brings together almost 300 artists from across the country. With demonstrations from professional craftspeople, a kids’ world and play zone, and interactive art activities, crafts and culture meet community and celebration at this longstanding summer arts event.Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cary Town Hall Campus. carync.gov/lazydaze
Photograph by Jonathan Fredin
5. For the 15th year running, come out for one blast of a block party! The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is a celebration of African American art, music, education, entertainment, and community. A vibrant African Marketplace, Family Village, and live music will all merge with fine foods and shared fun on the streets of Downtown Raleigh. Saturday, August 31, and Sunday, September 1. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 400 Block Fayetteville Street, Raleigh. aacfestival.org
- The Art of Pickling
- Restaurant Profile: Herons
- School’s In!
- The Food Guy
- Worth the Drive: Nightingale Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
- Abundant Brunch Flavors Await
- Small Business Spotlight: Boba Baba Café
- Nonprofit Spotlight: Howdy Homemade Ice Cream
- Erica Chats: The Triangle Ice Cream Tour
- Worth the Drive: The Hackney
- Liquid Assets: Chicken Yard Pilsner
- Garden Adventurer: Grow a Joe
- Liquid Assets: That CP Espresso
- On Trend: Fondue
- Things to Do: August 2024
