August Events Around the Triangle
By Kyle Marie McMahon
Outdoor Story Time
August 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15; 10:15–11:15 a.m.
Chapel Hill Public Library
100 Library Drive, Chapel Hill
Enjoy 30 minutes of longer stories, songs and other early literacy activities that prepare preschoolers and kindergartners to read.
https://chapelhillpl.librarycalendar.com/event/summer-story-time-placeholder-12807
Fridays on the Front Porch
Fridays through October 25, 5–8 p.m.
The Carolina Inn
211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill
Start off your weekend with one of Chapel Hill’s favorite gatherings. Sip on crafted cocktails and North Carolina beers, enjoy live music and nibble on cuisine from a weekly food truck lineup.
https://www.destinationhotels.com/carolina-inn/chapel-hill-event-calendar/fridays-on-the-porch
Sir Walter Miller
August 2, 6 p.m.
Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
Watch some of the finest athletes compete in an outdoor 1-mile race. Food trucks available. Free admission.
https://sirwaltermiler.com/2024-info/
Durham Mini Comic Con
August 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Durham Armory
212 Foster Street, Durham
Take the family for comics, collectibles, local comic artists, cosplay and more. Tickets are $5 per person; free for ages 8 and younger with a paying adult.
https://nccomicon.com/summer-minicon/
Family Movie Night
August 3; movie begins at 8:30 p.m.
E. Carroll Joyner Park
701 Harris Road, Wake Forest
Spread a blanket and enjoy a “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” under the stars. Admission is free.
https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events/family-movie-nights-joyner-park
Theatre Raleigh in Concert: “Julie Benko—Standby, Me”
August 3, 7:30 p.m.
Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
6638 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh
Joined by her husband Jason Yeager on piano, Julie reflects on the journey leading to her meteoric rise, sharing songs and behind-the-scenes stories of her days understudying in “Les Misérables,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Spring Awakening,” and more. Purchase tickets online.
Pirate Parrrty!
August 4, 2–4 p.m.
Quail Ridge Books
4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh
Ayoy, young mateys! Wear a pirate costume and take part in a shindig featuring stories, crafts, treats and raucous sea shanties with North Carolina authors Darren Farrell and Ashley Belote. Recommended for children ages 5-8. Space is limited and registration is required for each child. $5 per child.
“Corteo”
August 8–11
PNC Arena
1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh
A nostalgic clown looks back on his life dedicated to revelry and merry-making. Cirque de Soleil transports audiences to a gravity-defying world filled with lively music and fanciful costumes. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/corteo
Summer at the Springs
August 9, 6–9 p.m.
Holly Springs Cultural Center
300 W. Ballentine Street, Holly Springs
Spread a blanket on the lawn and enjoy live music from Kings of the Highway. Food trucks and a wine and beer market round out the event.
“Earth and Sky: A Great Gathering For All Beings”
August 9–September 29
The Forest Theatre
123 S. Boundary Street, Chapel Hill
Paperhand Puppet Intervention presents its 24 th annual pageant showcasing fantastical creatures and animals of all shapes and sizes. Family-friendly performances are held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. with a 6:20 p.m. preshow, and also on Labor Day. See the schedule for matinees. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.paperhandpuppet.org
Plant-Based Cooking Class: Classic French
August 10, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Briar Chapel, Chapel Hill
Watch as Karen Pullen of Everyday Plant-Based Cooking School prepares French onion soup, potatoes Dauphinoise, green lentil and bitter greens salad, French mustard seitan and cherry claflouti. Be hands-on or just observe. Bring an appetite and an interest in plant-based cooking. A confirmation letter will include directions to the event location. Register online.
S’Morrisville
August 10, 4–7 p.m.
Morrisville Community Park
1520 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville
Take part in National S’mores Day, when the town of Morrisville changes its name and become “S’Morrisville” in honor of the enjoy the delicious snacks made famous at campfires everywhere. The first 800 attendees will receive a ticket for a free s'mores treat from a local food vendor at the event. After that, additional s'mores treats will be available for purchase.
“The Rocket Man Show”
August 10, 8 p.m.
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian Street, Durham
Rus Anderson painstakingly recreates a 1970’s Elton John concert with gorgeous, colorful and flamboyant costumes worn by The Rocket Man—including his iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from 1984. Purchase tickets online.
Booking Signing: Frances Mayes “A Great Marriage”
August 13, 7–8 p.m.
Quail Ridge Books
4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh
Beloved author Frances Mayes creates a rich tapestry of characters from an unforgettable family, exploring the grand mystery ride of marriage, and what really makes for a “great” one. Tickets, which are $30, include a signed copy of “A Great Marriage,” guaranteed entry to the event and a seat in the reserved section. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.quailridgebooks.com/event/francesmayes24
“The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA”
August 14, 7:30 p.m.
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
2 E. South Street, Raleigh
One of pop music’s greatest groups is honored in this tribute concert, which features their iconic songs “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” and “Dancing Queen.” Purchase tickets online.
https://www.martinmariettacenter.com/events/concert-tribute-abba
Pasta Making Class: Pasta Cuts and Ravioli
August 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Il Laboratorio by Melina & Fresh Pasta
3101 Guess Road, Durham
Learn how to make pasta from Carmella, the owner of Melina's Fresh Pasta. Classes are hands-on and end with a pasta tasting. Tickets are $70 and can be purchased online.
Summer BreakOUT! Back to School Celebration
August 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
327 S. Academy Street, Cary
Kick-start the school year with interactive activities and fun crafts at Downtown Cary Park.
https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_summer-breakout
Demo Daze
August 23, 4–9 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
327 S. Academy Street, Cary
See a vibrant showcase featuring demo stations in prelude to the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival August 24-25. Immerse yourself in a fusion of artistry, inspiration and anticipation at this dynamic event.
https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/w_demo-daze
“One Vision of Queen”
August 23, 8 p.m.
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian Street, Durham
Enjoy a tribute show featuring the music of Queen, one of the greatest rock bands of all time, that also celebrates its legendary lead singer and pianist Freddy Mercury. Purchase tickets online.
“Something Rotten”
August 23–September 15
Raleigh Little Theatre
301 Pogue Street, Raleigh
Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical but soon realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. Purchase tickets online.
https://raleighlittletheatre.org/shows/something-rotten/
Night Nation Run
August 24; gates open at 5:30 p.m.
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary
Experience a music-filled running course with light shows, bubble zones, and neon and black lights. Cross the finish line into a Main Stage After Party. Event proceeds benefit Stand Up To Cancer. Ages 8 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. Register online.
Packapalooza
August 24, 2–10 p.m.
Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
Packapalooza is North Carolina State University’s all-day block party and street festival capping off Wolfpack Welcome Week at the start of the academic year. Celebrate in NCSU style with family-friendly activities, food, music and entertainment.
https://packapalooza.ncsu.edu/
“Avatar” The Last Airbender in Concert”
August 25, 6:30 p.m.
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian Street, Durham
This captivating experience blends a live orchestral performance of the iconic series soundtrack with an immersive two-hour recap of the animated show’s three seasons on a full-size cinema screen. Purchase tickets online.
Lazy Daze Art & Crafts Festival
August 24–25
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Town Hall Campus
316 N. Academy Street, Cary
The 48th annual Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival features more than 250 exceptional artists from across the country. Enjoy live entertainment on four stages, savor delicious offerings from 25+ food vendors, and relax in a beer garden and the Lazy Lounge. Kids will enjoy Kid Daze with fun activities throughout including a new Kid Collectors Market.
“24K Magic: The Ultimate Bruno Mars Experience”
August 25, 7:30 p.m.
Meymandi Concert Hall
2 E. South Street, Raleigh
Evan Saucedo taking the stage as Bruno Mars. Fellow band members Julian Davis, Pedro Talarico, Tommy Gruber and Danny Alfaro help take the show to new heights with the accuracy in the band’s performance and flashy fashions. Purchase tickets online.
Book Signing: Penn and Kim Holderness “ADHD is Awesome”
August 28, 7–8 p.m.
Quail Ridge Books
4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh
Raleighites Penn and Kim Holderness, creators of “Holderness Family Laughs” on YouTube and winners of the 33rd season of “The Amazing Race,” read from their new book, “ADHD is Awesome,” an engaging and uplifting antidote to traditional ADHD books. Penn and Kim will sign copies of their book and take photos after the program. Tickets, which are $30, include guaranteed entry to the event, a seat in the reserved section and a signed copy of the book. Purchase tickets online.
https://www.quailridgebooks.com/event/pennkimholderness24
Treasures of the Earth Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
August 30–September 2
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
4825 Trinity Road, Raleigh
Shop for estate, classic, handcrafted and fashion jewelry made from a variety of metals, as well as a vast array of crystals, minerals and fossils. Visit the website for hours.
https://www.treasuresoftheearth.com/
African American Cultural Festival
August 31–September 1
Downtown Raleigh
Take part in a unique celebration of African American culture as expressed through art, music, food and community. All ages can explore creative offerings of some of North Carolina’s most talented local, regional and national artists. Enjoy kids activities, a marketplace and musical performances on the Main Stage.
