Category Archives: Raleigh

Farmers Markets around Raleigh for Kids

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“Kids these days don’t even know that milk comes from a cow!” Therefore, we take them to a farmers market, where they can meet the people who grow their food, and see all the natural and healthy products from the pastures that surround our city.
At least, that’s the idea. If you want to combine that good old ideal world with a realistic family outing around Raleigh, you find something that suits you in this list I put together based on what would be most interesting for a family visit.

The biggest: State Farmers Market

Let’s start with “The Farmers Market”, the real one, the big one, the official one. The one where real farmers show up with their trucks, and where high end chefs buy the food they will serve that night. (Yep, I’m not kidding. And in addition to bulk buyers like restaurants, farmers also sell to wholesalers here.)

Probably the best day to visit is a weekday morning – so next time there is a teacher workday, consider a visit to the farmers market in the morning. (They are open 7 days a week, year-round.) However, this could also backfire, because some of the farmer’s booths are not open on slow days. If you go on the weekend instead, it will be bustling, but everything will be open (for sure on Saturday, when it’s busiest. Sunday also “depends”.

There is no coincidence that I’m writing this in late August. As the days get chillier, the fresh produce suffers less from the heat (no A/C), and this makes the visit more pleasant, and a wide variety of foods are available – Peaches are still available, early apples are coming, tomatoes, watermelons, peppers… you will not be disappointed.

Building 1 (photo credit “NC State Farmers Market” by Chuck Allen, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Recommended tour when visiting with kids:

First stop: “Farmers Building 1”. Park around Building 1, where the farmers are; if you go to the end near “Super Sod”, there is often still parking nearby. Leave the stroller in the cart, especially on a busy day. Everything is nearby, and all the fresh produce is in that building. Let the kids lead – let them explore what they know, ask what they don’t. Buy them that funny ugly potato. And those juicy bright red tomatoes. Somewhere along the way, there may be a stall selling baked goods or other treats.

Depending on how many bushels you bought and how far the kids can walk, you head now over to second stop: “The Market Shoppes (building 2)”: Yes, it has A/C, yes it has coffee and ice cream. No, not everything is local and artisanal. (But a lot actually is – talk to the vendors, find out about their story.) Most of them are small family businesses with a passion for what they do. From meat to honey to candy to coffee, I’m sure there is something that you like.

Third stop: “Logan’s”. Yes, it’s ok to drive over to Logans, especially with kids. Or you tag-team, and while one walks with the kids, the other gets the car. Logan is a dream for anybody with a yard, a garden, or a small balcony, they sell everything from small seeds to fully grown trees.

North Carolina State Farmers Market details:
Address: 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Getting there: even though Walnut Creek greenway and Dix Park are right there, loading up the minivan is the right choice here. Park to the right and behind building 1 (between 1&2).
Dates: open every day year round
Hours: M-F 5a-7p, Sun 8a-5p
Website: State Farmers Market – Raleigh | NC Agriculture
Tips: Go Sunday or Friday, go before 10am, bring good shoes (but no stroller), consider an empty cooler with an ice pack if you live farther away

The smallest: Raleigh City Farm

The “big Farmers Market” is authentic, but it is also massive. For a more idyllic, and truly field-to-table experience, walk or bike over to Raleigh City Farm. Everything they sell is grown right there, on site, on a small city block that 15 years ago became a farm. Here, you can see tomatoes and squash on the plant, and then head over to the farmstand and buy them. Also herbs, salad and more. While you can go to the farmers market with a grocery and expect to find anything that is in season, here you show up and look for inspiration, and make dinner from what they sell. The Farmstand is open Wednesdays from 4-6, from April-October.

Raleigh City Farm Market Stand details:
Address: 800 N Blount St., Raleigh NC
Getting there: Walk or bike, this is in downtown.
Dates: Wednesdays, April – October (confirm on website)
Hours: 4p-7p
Website: Farm Stand at Raleigh City Farm
Tips: Be flexible on what to get, and pick up one of their recipes.

The realest: Agri Supply of Garner Farmers Market

If the big Farmers Market is “Farm to Table”, then the Agri Supply of Garner’s Farmers Market is “Backyard-to-table”. A small farm at the Farmers Market is still somewhere from 10 to 100 acres or more in size. But if your neighbor has a flock of chicken in the backyard, they will sell those eggs at the Agri Supply in Garner. (And quite possibly the chicken as well.) According to Agri Supply, they host around 50 local businesses in their large parking lot, selling everything from produce to baked goods to meat, dairy, home made crafts and home sewn oven mitts – you name it. And speaking of Agri Supply, make sure to step inside the store and look around. “If you need it on a farm, you can buy it here.” From tractor tires to plumbing supplies to seeds to poultry feed, they have it at Agri Supply.

The store is open every day. The farmer’s market takes place about once a month, the website says on the second Saturday, but I also saw one listed for Sat, 8/29 (see below). Check their Facebook page to make sure.

The dates seems to be roughly 2nd and 4th Saturdays with a twist:
Second Saturdays: Farmer’s Market: From their Facebook page: “… about 50 small local businesses … artisans will feature HANDMADE products … farmers will have their FRESH produce and HOMEMADE goods like eggs, bread, vegetables and more … several food trucks …”
Fourth? Saturday: Farm Swap: From their Facebook page: “… a variety of animals will be available for swap or sale, including chickens, roosters, sheep, turkeys, … [also] FRESH produce like plants, crops, fruits and HOMEMADE goods like eggs, sourdough, canning …”

Did I pique your interest? Again check the events section of their Facebook page for dates – it looks like both the Farmers Market and the Farm Swap are worth a visit: I actually found about this when I went to the store one Saturday, and I can’t even tell if that was a Market or a Swap.

Agri Supply of Garner Farmers’ Market / Farm Swap details:
Address: 409 US Hwy 70 E, Garner NC (½mi after passing the Benson Rd bridge, on the left)
Getting there: It’s closer than it sounds, just about 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh
Dates: usually on the 2nd Saturday, but check their facebook group below 
Hours: typically 9a-1p or 9a-3p
Website: Agri Supply of Garner, also check their facebook group with market dates
Tips: Next time you need to go to a home improvement store, go the extra mile and come here (on the right Saturday)

Two that I want to check out next, and more

While researching for this article, I came across two promising looking markets, but I cannot vouch for them with first-hand experience. One is the Wake Forest Farmers Market, year-round on Saturdays, with an eclectic looking mishmash of offerings. Then on Sundays, alternating between Raleigh (2nd and 4th Sat) and Durham (1st and 3rd Sat) is the Black Farmers Market. The Raleigh location is on Rock Quarry Road, and they list about 3 dozen vendors on their list.

Wake Forest Farmers Market overview:
Address: 235 S Taylor St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Getting there: a good ½ hour drive from downtown Raleigh, less from North Raleigh
Dates: “every Saturday year round rain or shine” (their words)
Hours: 8a-12p (Apr-Oct), 9a-12p (Nov-Mar)
Website: Wake Forest Farmers Market and Wake Forest Farmers Market on Facebook (better up to date)
Note: I have not yet visited this one

Black Farmers Market overview:
Address: 2718 Rock Quarry Rd Raleigh, NC 27601
Getting there: 10 minutes from downtown, take Rock Quarry to just past SE Raleigh High
Dates: 2nd & 4th Sundays (1st and 3rd Sundays in Durham)
Hours: 1p-4p
Website: https://blackfarmersmkt.org/the-market/

Small Town Farmers Markets

Beyond that, it appears that Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs as well as Cary and Morrisville all have their local markets, but verify times and dates if you are planning to go. There is a good overview by Wake County.

Lastly, if you search the web for Raleigh farmers market, you’ll find several listings on commercial websites that are simply wrong. Moore Square Farmers Market no longer runs, and its successor Dream Farmers Market neither. I also couldn’t find any current information on a “North Raleigh Farmers Market”, even though several sources list one. This shows: make sure websites you check are up to date, and verify schedules before you go. One tip is to check not just the website, but also the Facebook / Instagram account of the markets; if they haven’t posted in 71 weeks, chances are the market no longer exists.

When you go, remember it’s about a positive experience for the kids, and connecting them to the origin of their food, and the joy of fresh, local products. If you find some ingredients for next week’s meals, all the better. Oh yeah, and that line about kids not knowing milk comes from a cow? That song (John Denver, Daddy what’s a Train) is from the last century anyway.

Have fun!

What fruits and vegetables are in season?

Your wonderful Department of Agriculture’s What’s in Season chart has got you covered.

The Beach Is Right Here: Raleigh’s Lake Spots for the late summer

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It’s the end of August, you are coming back from the beach, from Florida, the Caribbean, or wherever you may have been. Speaking of the beach: You can catch a nice sunset while sitting on a sandy shore right here, close to Raleigh: While not as pristine as the Maldives and less trendy than Ibiza, Falls Lake and Jordan Lake are a quick ½-hour-ish drive away, for a relaxing Saturday afternoon or even a quick dash after work / school.

We have six options for lake beaches near Raleigh: Jordan lake has three beaches open for swimming, and so does Falls Lake. You prefer a short hike instead of a splash? I’m planning to write about both Lake Johnson and Shelley Lake, which have nice hiking trails that are mostly in the shade and have lake access (not for swimming though).

Jordan Lake: Seaforth (nicest view) – Ebenezer Church (smaller) – Parkers Creek (largest)

Falls Lake: Beaverdam (no motorboats) – Sandling Beach (largest) – Rolling View (also nice)

Hours and Fees

Note: The NC State Parks website is nice and full of information, but it can be hard to navigate, and it is difficult to determine when and where swimming is permitted. For example, it may say “during summer season” (but not the exact dates), and more importantly, all parks are one big website, so it’s easy to look at a specific park in Raleigh, click on an activity, and suddenly see the opening hours of a Charlotte location – so pay close attention. They also often jsut recommend calling, so do that, and hope they have the time to answer the phone.

Swimming in Jordan Lake

“Jordan Lake State Recreation Area (2)” by Gerry Dincher, CC BY-SA 2.0

First, a warning to level your expectation: Jordan Lake is neither a blue lagoon, nor a crystal clear mountain lake. The water is brown with sediment and sometimes infested with algae – but the kids won’t mind. Also, the water is not “dirty”, it just contains a lot of suspended clay that gives it the brownish color. You do have to take the algae seriously though – and they will issue advisories if the algaes are bad. Be especially careful if you have a dog, they can get really sick from the toxins. (Also, they are not allowed on most beach areas.) If you’re still reading, Jordan Lake is right for you. There are three locations where day visitors can swim, 

Note that most campgrounds don’t allow day visitors for swimming, and swimming near boat ramps is forbidden for obvious reasons. If you go, call ahead and be flexible; note that the three Jordan Lake sites are all close together, if Seaforth is too busy or closed, head over to Ebenezer Church Rd.

The following information should be correct as of summer 2026; Vista Point may be open for day use swimming (website is not clear), and White Oak theoretically too, but is often closed for private groups. These three areas are the best bet for day use.

Jordan Lake – Seaforth

Address: Seaforth Beach Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312

Distance: about 35 min from downtown Raleigh

Amenities: roped off swim area, sandy beach, nice playground near beach, beach volleyball, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and grills, some shade near beac/playground

Hours: Nov-Feb: 8a-6p, Mar/Apr: 8a-8p, May-August: 8a-9p Sept/Oct: 8a-8p

Cost: $10 per car  (all week from Memorial to Labor Day and weekends in Apr/May/Sept; free entrance on all other days)

Website: Jordan Lake – Seaforth access (see NC Parks website note above)

Jordan Lake – Ebenezer Church

Address: 920 Beaver Creek Rd, Apex, NC 27502

Distance: about 35 min from downtown Raleigh

Amenities: roped off swim area, sandy beach, playground, restrooms

Hours: Nov-Feb: 8a-6p, Mar/Apr: 8a-8p, May-August: 8a-9p Sept/Oct: 8a-8p

Cost: $10 per car  (all week from Memorial to Labor Day and weekends in Apr/May/Sept; free entrance on all other days)

Website: Jordan Lake – Ebenezer Church (see NC Parks website note above)

Jordan Lake – Parkers Creek

Address: Parkers Creek Beach Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Distance: about 35 min from downtown Raleigh

Amenities: roped off swim area, sandy beach, playground, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and grills

Hours: Nov-Feb: Closed Mar/Apr: 8a-8p, May-August: 8a-9p Sept/Oct: 8a-8p

Cost: $10 per car  (all week from Memorial to Labor Day and weekends in Apr/May/Sept; free entrance on all other days)

Website: Jordan Lake – Parkers Creek (see NC Parks website note above)

Swimming in Falls Lake

“Falls Lake” by VirtKitty, CC BY-SA 2.0

Falls Lake, like Jordan Lake, has to deal with development pressure on its shores, and is no clear mountain lake. But nothing beats swimming in a lake, and I know that since I grew up on a lake. There are three areas that allow swimming, and when you go, call ahead and be flexible; note that the three Falls Lake sites are also close together, if Beaverdam is too busy or closed, head over to Sandling Beach.

The following information should be correct as of summer 2026. 

Falls Lake – Beaverdam

Beaverdam is a nice area for hiking, mountain biking and boating (no motor boats), and also has a nice swim beach. There are restrooms, but I’m not sure if there are changing facilities and showers. While the boat ramp is right next to the beach, there are no motorboats allowed on this section of the lake.

Address: 14600 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Note that this address is both the entrance to Beaverdam (to the East) and Sandling Beach (to the West)

Distance: about 30 min from downtown Raleigh, 20 min from Wake Forest

Amenities: roped off swim area, sandy beach, grassy area with some shade, small playground, restrooms, picnic tables/shelters (but not all close to the beach)

Hours: Nov-Feb: 8a-6p, Mar/Apr: 8a-8p, May-August: 8a-9p Sept/Oct: 8a-8p

Cost: $10 per car  (all week from Memorial to Labor Day and weekends in Apr/May/Sept; free entrance on all other days)

Website: Falls Lake – Beaverdam access  (see NC Parks website note above)

Falls Lake – Sandling Beach

Sandling Beach has no boat ramp, but it is not the part of the lake that has motorboats; however, not too many come down this sidearm. Sandling Beach has a small playground and showers, with picnic tables close to the beach and further away.

Address: 14600 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Note that this address is both the entrance to Beaverdam (to the East) and Sandling Beach (to the West)

Distance: about 30 min from downtown Raleigh, 20 min from Wake Forest

Amenities: roped off swim area, sandy beach, some grass, plenty of shade (trees), small playground, restrooms, showers, picnic tables.

Hours: Nov-Feb: 8a-6p, Mar/Apr: 8a-8p, May-August: 8a-9p Sept/Oct: 8a-8p

Cost: $10 per car  (all week from Memorial to Labor Day and weekends in Apr/May/Sept; free entrance on all other days)

Website: Falls Lake – Sandling Beach (see NC Parks website note above)

Falls Lake – Rolling View

Rollingview is on the opposite shore, and while Sandling Beach and Beaverdam get full sun exposure well into the evening, Rollingview provides welcome shade on hot afternoons as soon as the sun goes down just a little bit.

Address: 4201 Baptist Road, Durham, NC 27703

Distance: about 40 min from downtown Raleigh, 30 min from Wake Forest

Amenities: roped off swim area, sandy beach, some shade from trees, playground right on the shore, restrooms, showers, picnic tables.

Hours: Oct-Mar: closed, Apr: 8a-8p, May-August: 8a-9p Sept: 8a-8p

Cost: $10 per car per day (all week from Memorial to Labor Day and weekends in Apr/May/Sept; free entrance on all other days)

Website: Falls Lake – Rolling View (see NC Parks website note above)

Before you head out

While I have extensively kayaked on both lakes, I’ve only been to Beaverdam, Sandling Beach and Parker’s Creek myself, all other information is from the online research. I also tried to determine which is the most crowded, but there is contradictory information; from what I can tell, Ebenezer Church and Sandling Beach are likely the most crowded, but it varies and is also a very subjective impression. And if someone tells you “this place is crowded”, take it with a grain of salt, it always compares what you compare it to.

Parker’s Creek and Rolling View are closed in the winter, all others are open year round. (However, it does not say anywhere if swimming is allowed in the off-season. I’ll have to find out.)

New Playgrounds in Raleigh

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Hint: There’s more than Gipson Plaza.

Are you tired of going to the same old playground in the same old neighborhood of Raleigh? Good news: There are several new playgrounds in Raleigh that are worth checking out. Have you already been to Gipson Plaza in Dix Park? That is still the flagship, and worth a visit. The others below are options when Gipson is getting old or is too crowded. That said, let’s start with the flagship anyway:

Gipson Plaza

I’m sure you have visited Gipson Plaza since it opened last summer. What, you haven’t? Well, then it is just about time that you finally do – and the crowds have also died down a bit by now. Gipson Plaza is by far the best playground in Raleigh, in the Triangle, possibly even in the state, if not the entire Southeast.

And here is why I think that: Back in 2021, on a family roadtrip, we visited the Gathering Place in Tulsa, OK. “If only every child in America could have such a playground.” Fast forward four years: when I first visited Gipson Plaza, something felt eerily familiar. And sure enough, both the overall plan and the custom playground equipment are from the same companies as those in Tulsa. So yes, the next comparable playground (that I know) to Gipson Plaza is a thousand miles away. (The links to the two companies give you a good impression of this beautiful space.)

Address: 715 Biggs Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603 (if you arrive by car, follow signs to parking, or plan using the map at Dix Park – Gipson Plaza)

Hours (Dix Park): technically, sunrise-sunset (but not strict)
Hours (Gipson Play Plaza): 8a-9p (water features start at 10a)
Surface: rubber surface, stone, wood
Shade: some, but limited if crowded
Age Range: 0-15 (my opinion 🙂)
Website: Gipson Play Plaza in Dix Park 

Even newer: Caraleigh playground

If you’ve pushed a stroller on Walnut Creek greenway, you’ve probably found Eliza Pool park as a welcome spot for a break. Just two blocks up is the brand new playground called Caraleigh park. It’s small, it’s cute, it’s good for younger kids (officially 2-12). From downtown, it’s a nice 30-40 minute walk on Rocky Branch greenway, turning this new playground into a nice destination – that’s what I did when I checked this place out today. You can also very conveniently take the bus: The 21 runs on a loop, stops right in front of the park, and comes every 15 minutes. (See my upcoming article on “Taking the Bus” or check out the 21 Line on GoRaleigh.org.)

Address: 110 Maywood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603
Hours: dawn-dusk (like all Raleigh parks)
Surface: rubber surface, grass, and a small area with wood chips
Amenities: play structure, sensory activities, nest swing, benches, picnic tables, basketball
Shade: some over the play structure, plus more from surrounding trees
Age Range: 2-12y (officially, plus basketball court)
Website: Caraleigh Park

Not that new, but still in good shape: Optimist playground

Another little gem that is worth a short trip is Optimist playground, located by the community center and pool with the same name. Pro tip: park on the tennis court side, and add a very short (300ft) walk through the forest that will allow for some exciting exploring in nature.

There’s a cool thing here for toddlers that I haven’t seen anywhere else: It’s a tandem swing, where parents sit and face their toddlers. For older and more adventurous kids, there is a big nest swing

For older kids (or athletic stroller pushers), this playground can also be reached from the greenway (Mine Creek greenway / Shelley Lake).

Address: 5900 Whittier Dr., Raleigh, NC 27609
Hours: dawn-dusk (like all Raleigh parks)
Surface: rubber surface, forest
Shade: almost none over the play structure, but surrounded by high trees
Age Range: 2-5, 5-12
Website: Optimist Park Playground

And if it’s hot: Chavis playground with splashpad

I was disappointed when they closed Chavis pool, and it took half a childhood until the new playground and splashpad reopened. But it was worth the wait, the playground is pretty cool, and the splashpad is refreshing during the summer months. Your kids will also spot the carousel – it runs from 11-6 (Sun 2-6), and costs $2 per ride.

Address: 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27601
Hours (Park): dawn-dusk (like all Raleigh parks)
Hours (Splash Pad): 9a-9p every day
Surface: concrete (splash pad), rubberized and grass (playground)
Shade: none of the splashpad, very limited on the playground
Age Range: 2-5, 5-12y
Website: Chavis Park Splash Pad

And if you need more: the playground finder

The City of Raleigh has a park and playground finder that can be a bit finicky to use, but overall is a nice tool to have.

LEGO® KidsFest 2014

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After a two-year hiatus, Lego® KidsFest is returning to Raleigh, and will fill the convention center with joy, laugther and millions of lego bricks. This touring show has visited Raleigh once before, in 2012 when my son was still firmly in the Duplo age (see image below).

legofest2012He is now approaching Small Lego age, and it is time to return to this cool event. No doubt about it; in the end this is a Lego promotion, but it is a lot of fun to attend, and while there are Lego sets for sale, there is no pressure to actually do so. (Your kids may have a different opinion, though.)

From memory, this is what stood out: First, the large Creation Nation is a giant outline of the US, which will be filled by small Lego creations from attendees. (I had fun with that myself while my little helper took a nap. Won’t happen this time.) The monochromatic builds (entire areas with just white or orange or whatever Legos) were also pretty cool. Then there are full-size models of Spiderman and the likes. A Lego-Pinewood Derby. And also various areas for the different Lego product lines like Lego City or Lego Technic.

Note that when you buy tickets, it is for a specific half-day: Saturday/Sunday, morning or evening. After the morning session, the exhibition closes briefly to be ready for the afternoon crowd again. All sessions are the same, and they usually do sell out.

Details and tickets (not cheap at $20/child and $22/adult) are available on the Raleigh KidsFest website. Note: This is still 10 weeks away, but it will sell out, at least some of the sessions.20101205-0790LKFHC10_creatiCreation Nation: Florida seen in a Lego world. (Photo Courtesy of LEGO® KidsFest.)

Tour de Toys 2013

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If you’re brave enough to take on the cold weather and threatening rain, join the Tour de Toys bike “race” this Saturday morning. The race is family-friendly and in past years, kids in trailer, trailer-bikes and on their own bikes have participated. There is a 12-mi course for the ambitious and a shorter 6-mile ride for the leisurely minded. Two free beers (not for the kids) are included; your entry into the race is not a monetary fee, but a donation of a new toy worth $15 or more.

The race starts at 10am at Natty Greene’s, curves through downtown and ends again at Natty Greene’s for a post-race party.

It will be very cold with possible rain – dress accordingly. We’re planning to go with kids and all if the weather is not too crazy. See you there?

Tour de Toys, Saturday 10am, Natty Greene’s. Sign-up today online or tomorrow (if there are any spots left) in person.

Umbrella required – Hands optional (Photo by Franck Vervial, licensed un der CC BY-NC-ND)

American Indian Heritage Celebration

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The NC Museum of History honors the American Natives of North Carolina with the annual celebration of American Indian Heritage. Did you know for example that Miss NC 2013 is an American Native? That NC has the largest Indian population of any state in the East? Or that there are eight recognized tribes in our state? Learn these and more facts, and have some direct encounters with the music, dances and cooking – if you’re lucky you might even run into Miss North Carolina Johna Edmonds. The event is taking place in the NC Museum of History and on the Bicentennial Plaza right outside the museum, and lasts from 11am to 4pm. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN9bCBWw2cc]

Christmas Parade

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Correct, it is not even Thanksgiving yet, but we’re having the Christmas Parade. On its traditional route down Hillsborough and then Fayetteville Street, the Christmas Parade can be relied upon to warm hearts and freeze toes.

Some people arrive early and brave the cold and drizzly weather, while other come later and only admire the tallest balloons floating over the heads of people standing in front of them.

The parade is from 10:00-12:00, and is taking place for the 69th time. (And if you don’t like rain – the parade is also broadcast live on WRAL.)

Hansel and Gretel by RaleighACT Children’s Theater

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The classic fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel will be performed by the RaleighACT children’s theater TONIGHT at 7p and tomorrow at 10:30am. RaleighACT is a “small but growing” theater for children, with different classes for different age groups. (4-6, 6-11, 9-13.) Hansel and Gretel will be performed by the 6-11 year olds.

I think I wrote in a previous post that such events bring back fond memories of my involvement with children’s theater in a previous life, and hope that perhaps my little ones will catch the theater bug one day. (And for now, I enjoy being a spectator.)

If you’re thinking about sending your kids to theater classes, this play can give you insight into what to expect, and you kids the chance to see whether they might enjoy standing on stage.

Hansel und Gretel by RaleighACT Fri 11/15 at 7pm, Sat 11/16 at 10:30am. $10 at the door or $6 by calling ahead (919-605-9946). Performance take place at Journey Church on 3500 Spring Forest Road (Raleigh).

Thanks to R. who sent me the information about this and who’s kids are in the play, I’m always glad to get leads for interesting events!

RaleighACT

Image from the 2012 program, (c) RaleighACT

International Festival of Raleigh (Fri-Sun)

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I think nobody needs convincing that Raleigh is more mulitcultural than ever, but if you wondered just how many immigrant communities there are, come out to the International Festival at the Convention Center this weekend. From El Salvadorian dance to Lebanese food and Vietnamese cooking demos, you will find something from all the places you’ve always wanted to visit but never got to go.

http://www.internationalfestival.org

Bluegrass and Barbecue

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I’m sure you’ve heard by now that Raleigh has snagged the Annual Bluegrass Convention and surrounding hootenannies from Nashville. If Bluegrass and Barbecue is not your world, it might be best to stay home for the weekend or go to the beach. (For better alternatives, see below.)

Assuming that you’re looking for some free entertainment with kids, here are the options: There are actually two kids’ areas, one next to the convention center facing the Marriott (Salisbury St.) and the other further up on Martin St. Near the main stage on City Plaza, there is a dedicated hula hoop space.

Want band recommendations? (see schedule for details):

Big Fat Gap (Fri 3p), Kruger Brothers (Fri 6:15p), Lou Reid and Carolina (8:15p) on Friday; then the Church Sisters (Sat 4pm), Vickie Vaughn Band (Sat 5:15) and Chatham County Line (9:30p) on Saturday.

And what about the barbecue?

The NC Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship is co-located with the festival. Pigs will go on the grill on Friday at 9pm, and will be ready on Saturday for lunch. Barbecue will be for sale after the judging is over.

bluegrass

Young Audience by Hindrik S, licenced under CC BY-NC-SA