August is here: Don’t let the summer slip away without having some fun to remember. We’ve got 15 major August events in Raleigh — keep reading for everything from weekend festivals to live performances.
You know RALtoday’s your top source for events — check out our events calendar for everything happening in the 919 in August + beyond.
Festivals
Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | Friday, Aug. 2-Saturday, Aug. 3 | $45-$149 | Your ticket includes a commemorative glass that gets you all the beer and bourbon samples you could ask for. Plus, sample various smoked meats and biscuits — what’s more Southern than this?
Geek and Grub Night Market: Anime Edition, Fred Fletcher Park | Saturday, Aug. 10 | Free to attend | Shop local geek-y vendors and enjoy themed beverages inspired by your favorite anime.
Caribmask Carnival, Fayetteville Street | Saturday, Aug. 17 | Free to attend | This lively Caribbean fest inspired by Carnival includes a parade, international food vendors, and more.
Packapalooza, Hillsborough Street | Saturday, Aug. 24 | Free to attend | Bring your whole Wolfpack out for this annual festival celebrating NC State — kick off the school year Wolfpack style with live performances and a bustling street festival.
Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, downtown Cary | Saturday, Aug. 24-Sunday, Aug. 25 | Free to attend | This crafty festival has celebrated creativity since 1977 — attend to meet nearly 300 artists working in various media.
African American Cultural Festival, Fayetteville Street | Saturday, Aug. 31-Sunday, Sept. 1 | Free to attend | In addition to an eclectic lineup of live R&B, jazz, hip hop, and gospel, shop handmade wares + traditional crafts.
Arts + music
Five Points Short Film Festival, The Rialto | Thursday, Aug. 8-Friday, Aug. 9 | $15-$25 | Watch locally made short films and hear from their creators.
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo, PNC Arena | Thursday, Aug. 8-Sunday, Aug. 11 | $65-$130 | Enjoy a night of whimsy and acrobatic feats at this family-friendly show.
Maren Morris, The Ritz | Saturday, Aug. 10 | $60-$90 | Watch the country-turned-pop musician rock Raleigh.
Chicago and Earth Wind and Fire, Coastal Credit Union Music Park | Monday, Aug. 12 | $65-$200+ | These iconic bands are teaming up for an unforgettable night of ‘70s + ‘80s jams.
Jazz in the Square, Moore Square | Thursday, Aug. 15, Aug. 22, + Aug. 29. | Free | Jam to local jazz musicians and try a variety of food trucks + bevs.
“By the Way, Meet Vera Stark,” Theatre in the Park | Thursday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 25 | $20-$25 | This screwball-inspired comedy follows an African American maid’s rise to stardom against her white starlet boss.
Kirby Derby, Dorothea Dix Park | Free | The quirky soapbox derby is back, and this year, the theme is “games we play” inspired by the Olympics. Sign up as a racer or just enjoy the vibes (and potential crashes).
Old Crow Medicine Show, Koka Booth Amphitheatre | Saturday, Aug. 17 | $45-$100+ | You know this band from none other than “Wagon Wheel.” Sing it with us and the band: “If I die in Raleigh, at least I will die free.”
“Something Rotten!,” Raleigh Little Theatre | Friday, Aug. 23-Sunday, Sept. 15 | $25-$35 | See this musical comedy set in the 1590s following two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of The Bard himself.
Raleigh Durham Fashion Week, Carspace Raleigh | Sunday, Aug. 25 | $20-$40 | A variety of garments from local designers will grace the runway at this unique car gallery.
Childish Gambino, PNC Arena | Friday, Aug. 30 | $115-$200+ | This rapper will perform his final album live — don’t miss it.
Sports
Night Nation Run, Koka Booth Amphitheatre | Saturday, Aug. 24 | $70 | In addition to a fun run, this event features a miniature music festival, light shows, DJs, bubble zones, and much more.
NC State football home opener against Western Carolina, Carter-Finley Stadium | $30-$50+ | Back the Pack at its first game of the 2024 season.