Kids Events Calendar
63 upcoming family-friendly events in Raleigh. Story times, festivals, workshops, and more.
Looking for a live musical experience perfect for elementary-age kids? The "Education Concert" by the North Carolina Symphony at Meymandi Concert Hall in Wendell, NC brings engaging, one-hour performances tailored for grades 3,5. Young audiences will explore the instruments, enjoy beautiful music, and develop an appreciation for live orchestral performance,all at just $5 per person.
via North Carolina Symphony Family Concerts
Looking for a musical adventure designed just for your elementary-aged kids? Education Concerts for grades 3,5 is coming to Meymandi Concert Hall in Wendell, NC, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with a one-hour performance exploring 'What Makes Music, Music?' through diverse genres. At just $5 per person, this is an affordable way to introduce your child to live music and different musical styles.
via North Carolina Symphony Family Concerts
Join us for a special edition of NCMA After Hours as we celebrate the opening of the exhibition Knowing the West. Spend the evening exploring the exhibition, enjoying music, and taking part in hands-on creative experiences inspired by the stories and artists featured in the show. Join artist Peter Marin for guided tours of the exhibition at 8 and 9 pm that offer insights into the works on view. Experience a live screen-printing activation by Matthew Tauch and take home a limited-edition print while supplies last. Take part in hands-on art activities and enjoy live music by Joseph Decosimo throughout the evening. NCMA Café in West Building is open with an exhibition-inspired menu available for reservation. A separate paid whiskey-tasting experience designed for the event happens in East Building. This After Hours offers a vibrant way to welcome Knowing the West and connect with art, community, and creativity. Image credit: Artist once known (Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]), Saddle Blanket (detail), circa 1885, wool, glass beads, Chinese coins, 40 × 48 in. (sight), National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1983.06.12
via Museum of Art - Raleigh
Join us on a 50-minute tour of the People’s Collection. These tours are great during a first-time visit, after lunch at NCMA Café, or if you’re curious about the 5,000+ years of art and culture exhibited at the Museum. Tours vary and are subject to docent availability. NCMA docents may explore several galleries, focus on specific artists, or delve into the fundamentals and elements of art. All ages are welcome! To participate, meet your docent in West Building at the public tour sign.
via Museum of Art - Raleigh
Looking for FREE family fun this spring? The Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival at Bond Park in Cary, NC on Thursday, April 30, 2026, offers free admission with 170 local artists, live music, food vendors, and hands-on children's activities. Best of all, the festival celebrates Earth Day with outdoor activities that inspire creativity and environmental awareness.
via The Cary Magazine Events
This opening conversation focuses on Knowing the West, the first major traveling exhibition to embrace and examine how people see the American West. Please join us as curators Jami C. Powell and Larissa Randall discuss the show’s development and themes and share stories about the range of artwork on display. About the speakers Jami C. Powell (Osage), PhD, is the associate director of curatorial affairs and curator of Indigenous art at the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College, where she also serves as a senior lecturer in the Native American and Indigenous Studies Department. Larissa Randall is the curatorial associate for American art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR. In her role Randall cares for the 19th and 20th century art collection and organizes exhibitions. She prioritizes interdisciplinary curatorial projects that better situate art museums as spaces for dialogue and social justice. Her research interests are primarily US visual art, print culture, and image circulation, with an emphasis on works on paper and book arts. Image: Dorothy Brett, Desert Indian, 1932/1937, oil on canvas, 40 × 40 in., Tia Collection; Photo: James Hart Photography
via Museum of Art - Raleigh
Members receive access to the exhibition a day before it opens to the public. Enjoy the show without the crowds and take advantage of the member discount in the Exhibition Store. Image: Dorothy Brett, Desert Indian, 1932/1937, oil on canvas, 40 × 40 in., Tia Collection; Photo: James Hart Photography
via Museum of Art - Raleigh
Ready to introduce your family to the magic of live theater? The Hobbit at Raleigh Little Theatre brings J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved adventure to life, following the reluctant hero Bilbo Baggins as he embarks on an epic quest far from his comfortable home. This enchanting production is perfect for children ages 8 and up who love fantasy stories and theatrical spectacle.
via Raleigh Little Theatre
James and the Giant Peach (1996). Directed by Henry Selick, 1 hr. 19 min., adventure/animation/family/fantasy, PG Enjoy this classic film about an orphan who lives with his two cruel aunts, befriends anthropomorphic bugs who live inside a giant peach, and embarks on a journey to New York City. Come at 6 pm for premovie activities including bug watching and felt peach making! Image: Courtesy of Swank Motion Pictures and Walt Disney Pictures
via Museum of Art - Raleigh
Join us to spend time sketching with other teens in the galleries. Bring a pencil and your sketchbook and follow prompts or find your favorite sketching spot with a friend. All levels of experience are welcome. For ages 13–18. Photo: Angela Lombardi
via Museum of Art - Raleigh
Find new favorites alongside old friends on this playful tour. Tour is 30 minutes long and best for kids ages 5–11 with their adult companions. Photo: Courtney Klemens
via Museum of Art - Raleigh
Art on the Dot is the NCMA’s newest tour offering! Beginning in August 2025, we encourage you to join a docent in the galleries for a bite-sized tour experience. Starting at 11 am on Saturdays and Sundays, a docent invites you to engage with about three works of art for 30 minutes. Each weekend morning, a docent conducts three rounds of these 30-minute tours. You can expect a 15-minute break between each round. We hope you enjoy one, two, or all three rounds and come back another day to see what the next docent includes.
via Museum of Art - Raleigh
Join us on a 50-minute tour of the People’s Collection. These tours are great during a first-time visit, after lunch at NCMA Café, or if you’re curious about the 5,000+ years of art and culture exhibited at the Museum. Tours vary and are subject to docent availability. NCMA docents may explore several galleries, focus on specific artists, or delve into the fundamentals and elements of art. All ages are welcome! To participate, meet your docent in West Building at the public tour sign.
via Museum of Art - Raleigh
Want to catch an unforgettable night of music and entertainment in Raleigh? Divas! 2026 at Sutton Theatre is marking its 20th and final year with a spectacular celebration of talent and showmanship. This high-energy music event is perfect for families looking for an exciting evening out together,don't miss this milestone performance!
via Raleigh Little Theatre
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs: First Round (*If Necessary)
via PNC Arena - Events
Fuquay-Varina's outdoor concert series is back! FM2FV Concert Series featuring Heads Up Penny at Centennial Square Public Parking (107 E Academy St, Fuquay-Varina) is the perfect family evening out on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Kids of all ages (0-17) will enjoy live music under the stars, and you'll love the community vibes.
via Google Events
Ready to discover local flavors while enjoying the outdoors? The Greenway Food Vendor Program brings a rotating selection of food trucks and vendors to Lake Johnson Park in Crabtree Valley, NC, making it easy for families to grab a meal during your park visit. With diverse options available, there's something to satisfy every taste,perfect for a casual Thursday evening out with the kids.
via Lake Johnson Park Nature Programs
Is your family into comics, cosplay, and creative art? Oak City Mini Con at Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh/Crabtree Valley, 3912 Arrow Dr, is a one-day celebration packed with comic vendors, talented artists, panels, and costume contests for fans of all ages. Whether your kids want to dress up, shop for collectibles, or meet creators, this event brings the community together for geeky fun.
via Google Events
Perfect for young artists ages 5-8, Junior Creative Artists at The Art Lab for Kids, 1002 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC, introduces your budding Picasso to a world of artistic techniques. From painting and collage to printmaking and 3D sculpture, this Wednesday, June 3 class builds foundational skills while keeping the experience playful, exploratory, and joyful.
via Google Events
NC State Wolfpack football game @ Vanderbilt
via NC State Football (ESPN)
Duke Blue Devils football game vs Stanford
via Duke Football (ESPN)
NC State Wolfpack football game vs App State
via NC State Football (ESPN)
Duke Blue Devils football game vs William & Mary
via Duke Football (ESPN)
Duke Blue Devils football game vs Clemson
via Duke Football (ESPN)
NC State Wolfpack football game @ Florida State
via NC State Football (ESPN)
Showing 63 events in and around Raleigh