- Courtney Sutton
- May 22
- 4 min read
Looking for meaningful ways to spend the long weekend with your crew—without the stress of planning? We’ve rounded up our favorite family-friendly Memorial Day events happening across the Triangle to help you make the most of the sunshine, the extra day off, and those little moments that matter most. Whether you're in the mood for food trucks, outdoor movies, farm animals, nature play, or local shopping under the stars—this weekend has something for every kind of local family.
Let’s jump into the fun!
Friday, May 23
Moana 2 Movie night at Downtown Cary Park | 4 PM
📍 301 Academy Street, Cary
Calling all Voyagers and Wayfinders! Check out the new Downtown Cary Park and enjoy a screening of Moana 2, right on the lawn.
Front Porch Fridays at Haven Farm
📍 282521 Buffaloe Rd., Knightdale | 6 - 9 pm
Kick off your weekend with live music, dancing, games, and delicious bites at Haven’s Front Porch Fridays! Sip wine or beer, indulge in sweet treats, and shop for unique gifts while the kids enjoy the playground and meet our friendly goats. The fun starts every Friday evening—register in advance to help us make it extra special!
Beats & Eats: Country & BBQ Festival
📍 John Chavis Memorial Park & Community Center, Raleigh | 6 - 9 pm
Attention foodies and movie lovers alike..Join us for our first night of a series of evenings featuring curated pairings of music genres and delicious cuisines. Dance the night away while savoring yummy bites!
Saturday, May 24
Nature Creators at Prairie Ridge Ecosystem
📍 1671 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh | | 10:30 - 11:30 am
Let your little ones unleash their imagination! Drop by the Prairie Ridge Nature PlaySpace between 10:30–11:30am for hands-on fun with building, art-making, and messy outdoor play—perfect for kids ages 7 and under. Each week features new materials and fresh inspiration. Free and open to all; just come dressed for the weather and ready to create!
Taste of Soul NC
📍 Durham Central Park | 3 - 8 pm
Grab the family and head to Durham Central Park for a day of food, shopping, music, and play! Enjoy top food trucks, local vendors, free axe throwing, kid games, a bounce house, and live entertainment, all under the shaded pavilion. Bring chairs or a blanket and settle in. Free parking nearby on side streets and Foster St.
Saturday Sunsets on the Farm
📍1870 Farm, 1224 Old Lystra Rd. Chapel Hill, NC | 5 - 8 PM
Spend a magical Saturday evening on the farm! Enjoy live music, tasty food and drinks, and NC State’s famous Howling Cow ice cream, plus access to the animal village, games, and picnic spots. $30 per vehicle covers the whole crew. Proceeds support The Kids Farm Foundation's scholarships and animal rescues. Come relax, explore, and feed some furry friends!
Big Top Circus Band
📍Downtown Cary Park Great Lawn Pavillion | 7 - 8:30 pm
Experience the magic of the circus through music, in a beautiful outdoor park setting. Free and open to the public, this event is suitable for all ages.
Night Market @ North Hills
📍Midtown Park, North HIlls, Raleigh | 4 - 9 pm
Head to Midtown Park this Sunday from 4–9 PM for an evening of local shopping, tasty bites, and family-friendly fun! Browse 30+ local vendors, enjoy food truck favorites, and sip on craft drinks from Williamson Mead & Brewing. With free entry and a festive vibe, it’s the perfect way to end your weekend. Shop small, stroll under the stars, and soak up the magic of the Night Market!
Sunday, May 25
Family Adventure: Howling Cow Ice Cream | 2 pm
Sunshine, sweet treats, and mom friends—what more could you ask for? Join us for an afternoon of outdoor fun, laughter, and connection with fellow HER Circle members. Not a member yet? Hop on the waitlist and be the first to know when doors reopen to this vibrant, supportive community of women. Join the waitlist.
Repticon Raleigh
📍Exposition Center, NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh | 10 am - 4 PM
Explore a wide array of reptiles and exotic animals, with opportunities for hands-on encounters and educational seminars. Cost: $7–$20; children 4 and under are free
Pudge the Frog’s Birthday Party at Walnut Creek Wetland Center
📍 950 Peterson Street, Raleigh | 1:30 - 3 pm
Hop over to Walnut Creek Wetland Center this Sunday, May 25 from 1:30–3:00 PM to celebrate a very special amphibian—Pudge the Cope's Grey Tree Frog! Kids ages 5–8 (and their families!) are invited to enjoy frog-themed crafts, animal encounters, nature lessons, and a fun outdoor storytime. Learn how to be a friend to frogs while partying with one of the Wetland Center’s favorite animal ambassadors. Free and festive—just bring your curiosity and love for nature!
Memorial Day, Monday, May 25
Apex Memorial Day Ceremony
📍 Downtown Service Memorial, Apex | 9:30 AM
Honor and remember U.S. military personnel who lost their lives while serving.
Cary Memorial Day Remembrance
📍 Veterans Freedom Park, Cary | 2:30 pm
Features remarks from Cary Town Council, a guest speaker, patriotic music, and complimentary refreshments.
Knightdale Memorial Day Ceremony
📍 Knightdale Veterans Memorial, Knightdale | 11 am
A community gathering to pay tribute to fallen service members.
Orange County Veterans Memorial Day Service
📍 Veterans Memorial Site, Chapel Hill | 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Annual service honoring the sacrifices of America’s servicemen and women.
Make Every Weekend a Local Adventure
From Cary to Chapel Hill, there's always something happening just around the corner—and Little Locals NC is here to make sure you never miss a memory-making moment.
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